“This year’s awards program in Louisville is packed with exciting events around the city,” said Tarsus Media and TSNN President Rachel Wimberly.

She added, “The theme of transformation will be omnipresent in all activities, but especially in a very information education program with speakers talking about how to transform an event by utilizing data effectively, through influencer marketing and by creating truly engaging experiences. Our keynote, futurist Nat Irvin, will take transformation to another level looking into his crystal ball and focusing on trends that could impact our industry in the future!”

The 2018 TSNN Awards celebrates the top 50 fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage in the United States, as well as “Best of Show” winners, “Best of Tech Innovation” award winner, Show Manager of the Year award winners and the Industry Icon Award winner, going this year to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Megan Tanel.

The first session, scheduled Aug. 11 at the Kentucky International CC after an opening night party at the newly opened Old Forester Distillery, will highlight the overall idea of transformation with famed horse jockey Pat Day and horse trainer Tom Van Berg in discussion with commentator Nancy Ury-Holthus.

There are more than 44,000 registered foals that are born annually and only 20 of these have a shot at age 3 to race in the Kentucky Derby. 

The odds of a Justify coming along and winning the Triple Crown are even more rare, being only the 13th in history to do so.

Attendees will learn from Thoroughbred racing experts what transformations take place from birth to starting gate to make this dream a reality.