September 18, 2024 • 10 mins
David Beck, the President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, previews the next two weekend at the Higland Festival Grounds with Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life and what the festivals might look like in the future...
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Always great to speak with. David Beck, who is CEO
of Kentucky Venues, that is Kentucky's Expo Center and the
downtown Kentucky International Convention Center. Mister Beck, welcome back, Thank you, Terry.
Great to see you today. This is a week and
next week where you have kind of a large party
on the Kentucky Expo property. As I recall, isn't it
(00:23):
called the Highland Festival Grounds where we host Bourbon and Beyond. Yes, Yes,
and Louder than Life coming next week. So the party,
We're all set up for the party. It starts tomorrow, right,
it starts tomorrow. We're good to go.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
They've been having it there since twenty nineteen and pretty exciting.
Probably about three hundred and seventy seventy five thousand people
will come through our property for two weekends for Bourbon
Beyond and Louder than Life. Then will have some advents
in between the two on the property as well. So
let's busy.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yeah, I've heard there's like a pregame sort of party
they're going to be having. The mayor was talking about that.
Sounds like a lot of fun. It's branched out all
over the community and so you mentioned those numbers, three
hundred and seventy five. Would that be up in records?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It would be yeah. I think last year is around
three thirty, probably close to twenty five to thirty different
countries represented, every state and our nation's represented there, so
it pulls people all the country in for the festivals.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
I couldn't help but notice one of the prominent artists
in Bourbon and beyond has your last name Beck. Please
tell me that your nephew, your cousin, cousin, Yeah, my cousin. Yeah,
he's not been sending the royalty checks like you should.
I got to talk. I'll talk tomorrow night, a little
bit of about We'll see how that goes well. You
would have an opportunity to say hi, wouldn't you. I'd
(01:47):
like to. Yeah, that would make sense. You're always wearing
your name badge. Get the joke right away. One thing,
Tyler Childers is having an amazing life too these last
couple of years. That's a good guest. So this is
Danny Wimmer that puts all this together, Danny Wimer, Danny Hayes.
It's a great group. They do a wonderful job. They
love our community.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
They've been willing to invest their time and resources to
help grow tourism and all in our community. These concerts
are great from entertainment standpoint, but also says a lot
about Louisvere, Kentucky. I think it helps us attract business,
It helps us to retain employees, help us recruit employees.
It causes people to think about Louisville, gets us on
the radar. It's good for our community in the Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Saturday Night sold out, but I was on the website
just a minute ago it says there are passes and
hotel packages still available, at least they're offering on the
website Bourbon and Beyond dot com. So for people who
are thinking, oh, I want to go because it's Zach Bryan,
it's Dave Matthews sting a good replacement for Neil Young.
(02:50):
I got that. I say that out loud, and lots
of my Morning Jack and our local heroes are there
as well. It's just going to be a great run
of four days and it's a big time for us.
So for people planning to get there, I mean, give
me a sense of how it works. You guys have Obviously,
all the gates are open, there's access from every direction.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
It's just like everything when you have that many people
at one place, Traffic's always there. But just come early, relax,
have some patience, and enjoy it. And there's plenty to
do on the facility, a lot of food and beverage.
We have plenty of parking. A lot of people use
ride share. It's more convenient to get in out of
the gates. Has come in that way, particularly if they've
(03:35):
enjoyed some beverages. I think that's probably a good thing
to think about. And in fact, I think last year
you played golf with some of these folks, you entertained
them in Louleville.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
I did, Yes, it was fun. I enjoyed that immensely.
So ride share is the best access. That's the easiest
way to do that. And then that way you get
in out you don't have to worry about all kinds
of things, of course. And so does that access come
in through the gate there.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yes, they will come through the ride share on Gate one,
which is closed to the public for traffic. You have
to go through the other gates like off Critten and
all pressed and to come in to get to our facility.
So Gate one is more that's closed and that's where
rideshare will be dropping people off and picking pickle up
that area.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
So what do you hear from the Whimmer people about
the health of Bourbon and Beyond and Louder than Life,
Because there are some there is some fluctuation in other
festivals around America, but it feels like this one is
still incredibly strong.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
I think that we've all been impressed with the lineup
and that goes along with they start working. They're working
now for next year. They already start doing that, and
they they know the market and they plan it well.
It's an experience, and I think we're all being impressed
with the number of tickets sold already this year. It's
(04:51):
pretty exciting to see that the growth in it. So yes,
the rest of fluctuation and festivals around the country, but
this seems to have the stay in power. But we
don't want to take it for granted. We want to
be the best host for Danny Wimmer and his team,
and while they're in Louisville, we want to do what
we can to make it a good experience for them.
We want them to continue to be utilizing our community
to host one of their major festivals.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
We call it the Highland Festival Ground that portion of
the property there are well, there have been announcements about
other expansion that's going on there. Does this change anything
for the footprint of where Bourbon and Beyond and Louder
than Life?
Speaker 2 (05:26):
You're right, we celebrate during the Stage Fair a celebration
of our vision for enhancing the Kentucky Exposition Center. Thankful
for the Kentucky General Simon all that they did to
make that available for us to do that. But it
means today the architects and planning with our board members
and all moving forward, Yes, that will be changes, but
we'll still be able to facilitate and take care of
(05:46):
these festivals. I'd like to see that area continue to
be focused on a festival area, not just for these concerts,
but year round. We have other type musical events, outdoor events,
and so building the infrastructure to employ that long term.
I think that's the best interest of our property as
well as our community to have that kind of venue available.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Do we have enough dirt? You and I have to
discuss dirt before. How these crews come in and they
put in dirt for specific shows and Freedom Hall and
then haul it all out. So for as far as
the festival grounds and all the other things. Because of expansion,
we're going to get more dirt, dirt.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Or whether it be more dirt. We've got dirt that
we keep as you know for rodeos, for tractor pulls
and horse shows. Everybody has their own different dirt that
we use, and pretty exciting to see where all that
is stored. But you know, we have one point two
million square feet of indoor climate controlled property and that's
unique in our region. In addition to that, we have
about three hundred and sixty acres to also utilize, and
(06:42):
there's times when we are out of space. Now going
through a renovation that will take some space, and then
there's a laid down area for all the construction, so
we'll have some areas that are fenced off. But we're
working hard with the architects and planners and our staff
team is to make sure we keep our clients informed
of the changes so we can accommodate them. We'll do
about three hundred and seventy shows a year between our
(07:04):
two properties. It's about two hundred at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
So people are moving in moving out every week, and
we want to take care of those existing clients. Even
during the construction period.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
You have one point two million indoor space at Kentucky
ex World. But it's getting bigger. Is it only be
a bit bigger?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
We see the initial phase one about another three hundred
thousand square feet, but that's climate controlled and all the
properties connected indoor. That's unique, as for example, when we
have Tucker here in July with the sporting events, It's
hard to find that kind of space in this region
where you put that many basketball goals under one roof,
So it's very unique. A lot of us take it
(07:42):
for granted, A lot of us here probably don't realize
what a jewel that facility is. And with the investment
being made to enhance that property, to update it, it's
going to continue to be a major driver for tourism
and business opportunity and growth in Louisville and Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Saturday's sold out at Bourbon and Beyond, which means obviously
there's a lot of traffic coming. University of Louisville's got
a football game next door three thirty in the afternoon
on Saturday. What does that mean for people who have
been parking at the Expo Center to walk over to
the football stadium. That's going to be a limit towards
the tail gaining on the north of our property.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Be some limitations there. VLS great partners and they're great
partners with Danny Wimmer and our facility. Unfortunately, the calendar
sometimes conflicts and that's part of what we're dealing with
this weekend. But we'll make it work. We'll make it work.
About fifty thousand people be there on Saturday, yeah, for
the concert, and.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Another fifty over That's a lot of people in that
little area it is.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
It's a concert right area. Be a challenge to let
your cell phones work with that many people in the community, indeed,
and it's also just good to remind the football fans
to be aware that it could be a little more
challenging getting just in the whole area.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
So plan accordingly. You know, glob will wins again this Saturday.
Let's keep it going. We'll see how that goes. Okay,
State Fair, give me the wrap up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
All it was great. It was a wonderful State Fair.
Weather makes a big difference. We probably broke some records
across the board. We had representatives from every county in
Kentucky again in attendance and that's important to me and
our staff, and we want to make sure it's Kentucky
State Fair. So it was successful. We please with it.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Good deal. And so twenty twenty five looks like it's
shaping up. Obviously, you're booking a lot of things as
we are. Our conventions are gathering, still growing again. I
mean we're far past the pandemic. Oh yes, but some
habits changed.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
We broke the record last year seven point two million
people nine hundred and thirty thousand to Kick and about
six point three million people at KUC so we broke
all records. Our team last year operate three hundred and
sixty three out of three hundred and sixty five days.
And I've teased them that we're going to break records
give this year because this year's leap here. We got
one more day's right, so let's find a client. Let's
(09:58):
fill that date for the benefit of everybody. Good point there,
David Beck. Great talking to you. Good to see him
a friend.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Please pass along our hellos to your friend Beck the musician. Yeah,
and we'll see you out there. I hope to see
you start. I'm looking forward to it, really. Yeah, I
will be there yelling with everybody else.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
You're always good to see my friend.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
David back from Kentucky Venues. Bourbon and Beyond begins tomorrow,
runs through Sunday, and then you get louder in life,
just not long thereafter, coming up soon enough and you
can go to Bourbononbeyond dot com. Get more info on
that show, coming right back on news radio. Wait forty
whas
Always great to speak with. David Beck, who is CEO
of Kentucky Venues, that is Kentucky's Expo Center and the
downtown Kentucky International Convention Center. Mister Beck, welcome back, Thank you, Terry.
Great to see you today. This is a week and
next week where you have kind of a large party
on the Kentucky Expo property. As I recall, isn't it
(00:23):
called the Highland Festival Grounds where we host Bourbon and Beyond. Yes, Yes,
and Louder than Life coming next week. So the party,
We're all set up for the party. It starts tomorrow, right,
it starts tomorrow. We're good to go.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
They've been having it there since twenty nineteen and pretty exciting.
Probably about three hundred and seventy seventy five thousand people
will come through our property for two weekends for Bourbon
Beyond and Louder than Life. Then will have some advents
in between the two on the property as well. So
let's busy.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yeah, I've heard there's like a pregame sort of party
they're going to be having. The mayor was talking about that.
Sounds like a lot of fun. It's branched out all
over the community and so you mentioned those numbers, three
hundred and seventy five. Would that be up in records?
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It would be yeah. I think last year is around
three thirty, probably close to twenty five to thirty different
countries represented, every state and our nation's represented there, so
it pulls people all the country in for the festivals.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
I couldn't help but notice one of the prominent artists
in Bourbon and beyond has your last name Beck. Please
tell me that your nephew, your cousin, cousin, Yeah, my cousin. Yeah,
he's not been sending the royalty checks like you should.
I got to talk. I'll talk tomorrow night, a little
bit of about We'll see how that goes well. You
would have an opportunity to say hi, wouldn't you. I'd
(01:47):
like to. Yeah, that would make sense. You're always wearing
your name badge. Get the joke right away. One thing,
Tyler Childers is having an amazing life too these last
couple of years. That's a good guest. So this is
Danny Wimmer that puts all this together, Danny Wimer, Danny Hayes.
It's a great group. They do a wonderful job. They
love our community.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
They've been willing to invest their time and resources to
help grow tourism and all in our community. These concerts
are great from entertainment standpoint, but also says a lot
about Louisvere, Kentucky. I think it helps us attract business,
It helps us to retain employees, help us recruit employees.
It causes people to think about Louisville, gets us on
the radar. It's good for our community in the Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Saturday Night sold out, but I was on the website
just a minute ago it says there are passes and
hotel packages still available, at least they're offering on the
website Bourbon and Beyond dot com. So for people who
are thinking, oh, I want to go because it's Zach Bryan,
it's Dave Matthews sting a good replacement for Neil Young.
(02:50):
I got that. I say that out loud, and lots
of my Morning Jack and our local heroes are there
as well. It's just going to be a great run
of four days and it's a big time for us.
So for people planning to get there, I mean, give
me a sense of how it works. You guys have Obviously,
all the gates are open, there's access from every direction.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
It's just like everything when you have that many people
at one place, Traffic's always there. But just come early, relax,
have some patience, and enjoy it. And there's plenty to
do on the facility, a lot of food and beverage.
We have plenty of parking. A lot of people use
ride share. It's more convenient to get in out of
the gates. Has come in that way, particularly if they've
(03:35):
enjoyed some beverages. I think that's probably a good thing
to think about. And in fact, I think last year
you played golf with some of these folks, you entertained
them in Louleville.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
I did, Yes, it was fun. I enjoyed that immensely.
So ride share is the best access. That's the easiest
way to do that. And then that way you get
in out you don't have to worry about all kinds
of things, of course. And so does that access come
in through the gate there.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Yes, they will come through the ride share on Gate one,
which is closed to the public for traffic. You have
to go through the other gates like off Critten and
all pressed and to come in to get to our facility.
So Gate one is more that's closed and that's where
rideshare will be dropping people off and picking pickle up
that area.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
So what do you hear from the Whimmer people about
the health of Bourbon and Beyond and Louder than Life,
Because there are some there is some fluctuation in other
festivals around America, but it feels like this one is
still incredibly strong.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
I think that we've all been impressed with the lineup
and that goes along with they start working. They're working
now for next year. They already start doing that, and
they they know the market and they plan it well.
It's an experience, and I think we're all being impressed
with the number of tickets sold already this year. It's
(04:51):
pretty exciting to see that the growth in it. So yes,
the rest of fluctuation and festivals around the country, but
this seems to have the stay in power. But we
don't want to take it for granted. We want to
be the best host for Danny Wimmer and his team,
and while they're in Louisville, we want to do what
we can to make it a good experience for them.
We want them to continue to be utilizing our community
to host one of their major festivals.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
We call it the Highland Festival Ground that portion of
the property there are well, there have been announcements about
other expansion that's going on there. Does this change anything
for the footprint of where Bourbon and Beyond and Louder
than Life?
Speaker 2 (05:26):
You're right, we celebrate during the Stage Fair a celebration
of our vision for enhancing the Kentucky Exposition Center. Thankful
for the Kentucky General Simon all that they did to
make that available for us to do that. But it
means today the architects and planning with our board members
and all moving forward, Yes, that will be changes, but
we'll still be able to facilitate and take care of
(05:46):
these festivals. I'd like to see that area continue to
be focused on a festival area, not just for these concerts,
but year round. We have other type musical events, outdoor events,
and so building the infrastructure to employ that long term.
I think that's the best interest of our property as
well as our community to have that kind of venue available.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Do we have enough dirt? You and I have to
discuss dirt before. How these crews come in and they
put in dirt for specific shows and Freedom Hall and
then haul it all out. So for as far as
the festival grounds and all the other things. Because of expansion,
we're going to get more dirt, dirt.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Or whether it be more dirt. We've got dirt that
we keep as you know for rodeos, for tractor pulls
and horse shows. Everybody has their own different dirt that
we use, and pretty exciting to see where all that
is stored. But you know, we have one point two
million square feet of indoor climate controlled property and that's
unique in our region. In addition to that, we have
about three hundred and sixty acres to also utilize, and
(06:42):
there's times when we are out of space. Now going
through a renovation that will take some space, and then
there's a laid down area for all the construction, so
we'll have some areas that are fenced off. But we're
working hard with the architects and planners and our staff
team is to make sure we keep our clients informed
of the changes so we can accommodate them. We'll do
about three hundred and seventy shows a year between our
(07:04):
two properties. It's about two hundred at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
So people are moving in moving out every week, and
we want to take care of those existing clients. Even
during the construction period.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
You have one point two million indoor space at Kentucky
ex World. But it's getting bigger. Is it only be
a bit bigger?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
We see the initial phase one about another three hundred
thousand square feet, but that's climate controlled and all the
properties connected indoor. That's unique, as for example, when we
have Tucker here in July with the sporting events, It's
hard to find that kind of space in this region
where you put that many basketball goals under one roof,
So it's very unique. A lot of us take it
(07:42):
for granted, A lot of us here probably don't realize
what a jewel that facility is. And with the investment
being made to enhance that property, to update it, it's
going to continue to be a major driver for tourism
and business opportunity and growth in Louisville and Commonwealth.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Saturday's sold out at Bourbon and Beyond, which means obviously
there's a lot of traffic coming. University of Louisville's got
a football game next door three thirty in the afternoon
on Saturday. What does that mean for people who have
been parking at the Expo Center to walk over to
the football stadium. That's going to be a limit towards
the tail gaining on the north of our property.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Be some limitations there. VLS great partners and they're great
partners with Danny Wimmer and our facility. Unfortunately, the calendar
sometimes conflicts and that's part of what we're dealing with
this weekend. But we'll make it work. We'll make it work.
About fifty thousand people be there on Saturday, yeah, for
the concert, and.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Another fifty over That's a lot of people in that
little area it is.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
It's a concert right area. Be a challenge to let
your cell phones work with that many people in the community, indeed,
and it's also just good to remind the football fans
to be aware that it could be a little more
challenging getting just in the whole area.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
So plan accordingly. You know, glob will wins again this Saturday.
Let's keep it going. We'll see how that goes. Okay,
State Fair, give me the wrap up.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
All it was great. It was a wonderful State Fair.
Weather makes a big difference. We probably broke some records
across the board. We had representatives from every county in
Kentucky again in attendance and that's important to me and
our staff, and we want to make sure it's Kentucky
State Fair. So it was successful. We please with it.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Good deal. And so twenty twenty five looks like it's
shaping up. Obviously, you're booking a lot of things as
we are. Our conventions are gathering, still growing again. I
mean we're far past the pandemic. Oh yes, but some
habits changed.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
We broke the record last year seven point two million
people nine hundred and thirty thousand to Kick and about
six point three million people at KUC so we broke
all records. Our team last year operate three hundred and
sixty three out of three hundred and sixty five days.
And I've teased them that we're going to break records
give this year because this year's leap here. We got
one more day's right, so let's find a client. Let's
(09:58):
fill that date for the benefit of everybody. Good point there,
David Beck. Great talking to you. Good to see him
a friend.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Please pass along our hellos to your friend Beck the musician. Yeah,
and we'll see you out there. I hope to see
you start. I'm looking forward to it, really. Yeah, I
will be there yelling with everybody else.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
You're always good to see my friend.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
David back from Kentucky Venues. Bourbon and Beyond begins tomorrow,
runs through Sunday, and then you get louder in life,
just not long thereafter, coming up soon enough and you
can go to Bourbononbeyond dot com. Get more info on
that show, coming right back on news radio. Wait forty
whas
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