Just like the city of Louisville, Ky., is undergoing a massive transformation with new and renovated hotels, an expanded and spiffed up Kentucky International Convention Center and a bevy of new distilleries, restaurants and other entertainment attractions, the 2018 TSNN Awards, on tap Aug. 10-12, is mirroring the transformation theme in all facets of its event.

“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. 

The next session will be led by Level 5/The Expo Group’s Michael McCauley, who will discuss the need for transformation in the live event industry, across all areas of focus: experiential marketing, special events and of course, tradeshows. 

Next up will be Carrie Lannon, who will focus on how attendees should also focus on transforming their own personal brands.

An optimal personal brand is continually attracting – people, opportunities, business and accolades – but it must be activated. Lannon demonstrates how a personal brand can be mobilized using all available communication channels.

Jason Falls will take on the hot topic of influencer marketing. Today’s media landscape is more competitive than ever. Brands are finding it more and more difficult to break through the noise and stand out as signal. The strategy du jour today is influencer marketing — drive word-of-mouth through third parties who already stand out against the noise.

But how can events brands leverage the murky waters where the definitions, costs and measures of success are not clearly defined? 

The last session of the morning will tackle something top of mind for all show organizers – data.

Bear Analytics’ Joe Colangelo and National Association of Homebuilders’ Denise Miller will start off by talking how they worked together on data to improve NAHB’s annual show.

Next, the discussion will open up to the room where attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their own data pain points and find out how they can create an effective program within their own organizations.

After lunch, the education program concludes with keynote Nat Irvin, University of Louisville - Assistant Dean of Thought Leadership and Civic Engagement.

Irvin will discuss “When the Spirit of Transformation Moves – You Need To Move Too!”

Attendees will be treated to an interactive multimedia experience exploring “What Happens When The Spirit of Transformation begins to change Everything—including how we live, work, think, believe, manage and lead in a world that is very different from the one we live in today?”

Every industry and every organization will have to transform itself in the next few years. When the spirit of innovation and transformation offers you a chance to recreate the future, what will you do with your opportunity? Irvin asks.

For the full 2018 TSNN Awards schedule, please visit HERE.