Topic: A Sip of Knowledge with Randy Prasse, President of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Hosts: Liz Rhoades, Lew Bryson, & Martin Duffy

What You'll Learn: Join a trio of drink industry veterans in weekly conversation on whiskey, spirits, distilling, marketing, and the current state of the drink industry. This week, Randy Prasse, president of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, joins the group.

Prasse has invested over 30 years of his career in festival production, destination marketing, and economic development— both as a volunteer and as a paid executive.

His ‘career’ began as a volunteer for is hometown founder’s day festival; and continued by managing some of Milwaukee’s most beloved summer events, Bastille Days and Jazz in the Park— and then, the Wisconsin State Fair— Wisconsin’s largest annual event and one of the top 10 state fairs in the United States.

Next, Prasse immersed himself in historic Gettysburg, where he was involved with the internationally- acclaimed 150th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg and the development of numerous successful events, including starting the Gettysburg Brew Fest.

More recently, Prasse was a key member of the leadership team of Churchill Downs Racetrack, producing the annual Kentucky Derby—one of the top 10 sporting events in the world.

Prasse joined the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) as its President & Chief Operating Officer in February of 2020 – just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. He directed the revisioning of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival – now in its 30th year.

The KBF is enjoying record distillery participation (35), record industry sponsorship support, and the complete sell out of all general admission tickets, VIP packages, and premium education and dining events.

He has been involved with the festival industry through the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) for 20+ years, serving as a member of the President’s Council and board member of its Foundation.

Prasse resides in Louisville and is passionate about sports cars, antique toys, craft beer, and learning the history, traditions and all things bourbon.

Liz Rhoades, founder of Spirit Safe Consulting, former research scientist for DIAGEO, distilling consultant, spirits writer for The Whiskey Wash & presenter.

Lew Bryson, former managing editor for Whisky Advocate Magazine for 20 years, whiskey author, beer/whiskey writer and presenter.

Martin Duffy, former DIAGEO Master of Whisky for the Midwest, DIAGEO Reserve Brand Ambassador for The Republic of Ireland, North American Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal.