Unlock Your Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunity

<b>Business</b> Bourbon & Cigars

October 14 - 16, 2025

Louisville, Kentucky

Why Sponsor Business Bourbon & Cigars?

Forge Valuable Connections, Fast

Don’t just showcase your brand; make a lasting impression on discerning decision-makers and industry leaders. Business Bourbon & Cigars is not your typical event; it’s a hub for actionable strategies and high-impact relationships. As a sponsor, you gain quick and meaningful access to a carefully curated audience eager to engage with value-aligned products and services. This isn’t just networking; it’s connecting with purpose, building relationships that matter and driving your business forward.

Unprecedented ROI

Tired of lukewarm leads and superficial interactions? At Business Bourbon & Cigars, handshakes carry more weight than contracts. Your brand doesn’t just gain visibility; it earns advocacy from thought leaders dedicated to mutual growth. Here, every interaction is an opportunity to foster genuine partnerships and unlock new business opportunities. Experience a return on investment that goes beyond the numbers, where the true value lies in the deep, enduring connections you make.

Exclusive Access to Industry Insights

Gain insider access to the latest industry trends and insights shared by top executives and innovators. As a sponsor, you are positioned at the forefront of these conversations, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve and strategically align your brand with emerging market needs.

Elevate Your Brand Presence

Sponsoring Business Bourbon & Cigars elevates your brand to new heights, positioning it alongside the industry’s elite. Benefit from premium brand exposure through event marketing, promotional materials, and on-site visibility. This unique setting ensures your brand is remembered long after the event concludes, creating lasting impressions with key decision-makers.

A Memorable Experience

Beyond business, Business Bourbon & Cigars offers an unparalleled experience that blends luxury with professional growth. From exclusive bourbon tastings to premium cigars, the event provides a relaxed yet sophisticated environment where meaningful connections are made. Sponsors are not just participants but integral to crafting an unforgettable experience that attendees will cherish and talk about.

Key Benefits Tailored for Our Exclusive Sponsor Partners

Unlock Unique Advantages Designed to Elevate Your Brand and Drive Impactful Connections

MASTERMIND SESSIONS

Gain unparalleled visibility for you and your brand by integrating into transformative, high-level business discussions that set the industry standard.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Secure a coveted slot in our expert panels, establishing you as an authoritative voice in front of an audience that values genuine expertise.

FUN EXCURSIONS

Secure quality face time with key decision-makers through exclusive excursions designed to etch you and your brand into attendees’ minds.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Immerse yourself in the real hub of Business Bourbon & Cigars: one-on-one connections with vetted industry leaders, tailored for impactful and enduring relationships.

DINING EXPERIENCES

Your brand elegantly integrated into our breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences, setting the stage for meaningful conversations over exquisite meals and fine bourbon.

What Past Attendees Say

Which aspects of the event delivered the most value:

97%
Mastermind Sessions
94%
Networking Opportunities

Would you recommend this event to business leaders:

100%
Yes

How valuable was your experience at the leadership retreat:

98%
Exceeded Expectations
93%
Built Strategic Connections that Will Impact Their Business

This is the best conference I've ever been to. Where do the leaders go to grow themselves? That's right here!

April Simmons

This is by far THE BEST business conference.

Ed Roberts

Business Bourbon & Cigars is unlike anything I've participated in - take some of the brightest and most successful leaders masterminding today's biggest challenges, add fun excursions and an overall sense of camaraderie, and you end up with one amazing event! Now if we can just add white wine somewhere in the title, I'm in for life.

Laurie Halter

The best, brain storming, forward thinking, relationship building event!

Arnold Gacita

This event was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Scott Joseph & Sandy Cerami!! Thank you both for everything you do for our industry!! 👊

Brian Kramer

Throughout my 30 plus years in business, I have never been to a conference like yours. It was amazing and so uplifting. I met some of the most amazing professionals in the business. Great job!

Chuck Kramer

If your intention is to go somewhere and make a significant impact on your business… this is it!. I've been in business for forty years and I've never seen an event with this much engagement and fun.

David Spisak

Hands down the BEST Mastermind event that I ever attended. This is a MUST ATTEND event for anyone wanting to become a better leader!

Michael Porro

An event like no other and a privilege to be apart of the Best Business Conference! Letting all walls down to learn, innovate, and bring it home to better our teams! We appreciate all the work you and your team put into making Business Bourbon and Cigars one of a kind for us! See you in September!!!

Natasha Fay Cox

The people in this room are probably as high caliber as I've seen at a conference.

Patrick Abad

The real work afterwards is when you take those people in your mastermind group and then make them lifelong 'speed dials' that help you through your challenges after you leave the conference. I can attest to meeting new friends and colleagues after this event that I have for life!

Squire Pettis

All in.....great event and not to be missed!

Tully Williams

This was a group of elite business leaders doing mastermind sessions with only one focus - how to innovate the customer experience to positively amaze the consumer. I watched Sandy P Cerami and Scott Joseph lead all of us in incredible discussion that brought out the creativity of everyone in the room. So grateful to have participated and most of all to have learned from a group of great people. And, yes the environment was incredible, the bourbon over the top and everyone said the cigars were great too!

David O’Brien

If there is a word to describe how I feel about being here, it would be INSPIRATION!

Hugh Palmer

Agenda & Schedule

Tuesday 10.14.25

Arrival, Check-In, and Welcome Reception

  1. 3:00 pm
    Check-In at Hotel Distil
  2. 5:45 pm
    First Pour: A welcome toast for new event attendees
  3. 6:30 pm
    Welcome Reception: An Evening of Connection and Culinary Delights

Wednesday 10.15.25

Leadership Retreat

  1. 7:00 am
    Morning Connections: Networking Breakfast Buffet
  2. 7:45 am
    Opening Conversations
  3. 8:00 am
    Unlocking Exponential Growth: Leveraging AI, Automation, and Storytelling
  4. 9:00 am
    Mastermind 1: Harnessing the Power of AI and Automation to Scale
  5. 11:15 am
    Break
  6. 11:30 am
    Panel Discussion: Identify and Solve Your Challenges with AI and Automation to Drive Smarter Growth
  7. 12:15 pm
    Enhanced Networking Lunch 90-Minutes
  8. 1:45 pm
    Smart Scaling Panel Discussion: Proven Strategies for Sustainable Business Expansion
  9. 2:50 pm
    Giving Hope Charity Auction
  10. 4:00 pm
    Break
  11. 4:30 pm
    Exclusive Sinatra Dinner at Mallard Hall - Unforgettable Night of Dining, Networking, and Unique Experiences

Thursday 10.16.25

Leadership Retreat

  1. 7:30 am
    Morning Connections: Networking Breakfast Buffet
  2. 8:15 am
    Beyond the Ultimate: A Culmination & Horizon
  3. 8:30 am
    Mastermind 2: Driving Client-Centric Growth for Lasting Competitive Advantage
  4. 10:45 am
    Break
  5. 11:00 am
    Panel Discussion: Solve Your Client-Centric Challenges and Drive Sustainable Growth
  6. 11:45 am
    Enhanced Networking Lunch 90-Minutes
  7. 1:15 pm
    Innovation Lab: Crafting Bold Solutions for Business Growth
  8. 2:30 pm
    Break
  9. 3:00 pm
    Bulleit Distillery Experience: A Journey Through Craft and Tradition
  10. 6:30 pm
    An Evening at The Last Refuge: A Culinary Journey with Exceptional Flavors

Sponsor Partnership Levels

What’s Included Silver Gold Diamond
$6,997 $14,997 $24,997
Number of reps (additional seats can be purchased for $1,499 – 50% off) 1 2 3
Advertisement in Program Guide
Email blast to 20,000+ Business Leaders
Exclusive Social Media Posts
Logo on Website with Hyperlink to Your Website
Provide Swag for Complimentary Gift Bags
Event representative(s) who attend the event receive full access to the Me Plus Ultra membership for 6-months 1 2 3
Full attendee contact information
Key Takeaways Workbook
Company Booth (Max Size 47″x81″)
Sit on Panel Discussions 1 2
Live Interview streamed to LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube
Brand Signage for Breakfast, Lunch and/or Excursion
Brand Signage at Dinner w/Signature Cocktail and Toast
Welcome Reception Signage w/Signature Cocktail Toast

Sponsor Now

Hosts & Moderators

  • Scott Joseph
    Scott Joseph
    Founder of Me Plus Ultra
  • Sandy Cerami
    Sandy Cerami
    Chief Solutionist and Leadership Consultant
  • Kasey Kohtala
    Kasey Kohtala
    Managing Partner of Me Plus Ultra
  • David Spisak
    David Spisak
    Founder & CEO of Disruptive Growth Solutions

Key Sessions

Unlocking Exponential Growth: Leveraging AI, Automation, and Storytelling

Master the Art of Scaling Your Business Without the Stress - The Future of Productivity is Here

What if you could scale your business effortlessly, increase your brand visibility, and boost your team’s productivity, all without the stress of doing more?

This high-energy, interactive workshop with Ethan King, a globally recognized leader in AI, automation, and business growth, will show you how to 10x your results with cutting-edge strategies.

In this session, you’ll learn how to seamlessly integrate AI and automation into your daily operations, enabling you to do more with less. Ethan will share proven techniques for:

  • Crafting content your audience craves without burnout.

  • Being everywhere on social media with minimal effort, even if you’re a small team.

  • Mastering story selling to convert audiences into loyal customers.

  • Creating the illusion of a large PR/media team on any budget.

  • Effortless video content production that resonates and drives engagement.

  • How to leverage AI for image creation, and automate your processes for higher output with super tools.

This workshop is designed for visionary entrepreneurs and business leaders who are ready to embrace the future of technology to fuel their growth.

Whether you’re looking to double your business, improve efficiency, or enhance your brand visibility, this session will equip you with actionable insights that you can implement immediately.

Ethan King’s approach to business innovation is not only about tools; it’s about the mindset that propels you to the next level.

Join us to explore the future of business and harness AI and automation to work smarter, not harder, and take your company to unprecedented heights.

Led By: Ethan King

Harnessing the Power of AI and Automation to Scale

Identify and Solve Your Challenges with AI and Automation to Drive Smarter Growth

In this session, you’ll focus on identifying the specific challenges keeping you from effectively leveraging AI and automation to scale your business. Rather than just hearing about tools and concepts, you’ll work through real issues your business faces in automating processes and integrating AI. Using the SMACCC process, you’ll pinpoint what’s standing in the way of using AI and automation to drive growth and efficiency, and develop a clear, actionable plan to solve those problems.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of what’s holding you back from adopting AI and automation.

  • A prioritized action plan with steps to integrate AI tools and processes that will help you scale intelligently.

  • Concrete steps to automate time-consuming tasks, allowing you to free up resources for higher-impact activities.

This session is about practical solutions, you’ll focus on your business’s unique needs, run them through the SMACCC framework, and leave with a customized plan to make AI and automation work for you.

Led By: John Traver

Mastermind Insights & Client-Centric Leadership

Elevating Strategic Growth and Innovation

David Spisak, a luminary in the business community, steps in to amplify and expand on the insights derived from each mastermind session at the Business Bourbon & Cigars leadership retreat. With his unparalleled experience and a keen eye for innovation, David will share his opinions, suggestions, and advice, adding depth and practicality to the breakthrough ideas generated in the mastermind groups.

David’s journey in the business world is nothing short of inspiring. He is the Founder and former President/CEO of ReverseRisk, a revolutionary web-based analytics program designed to optimize dealership operations. Launched in 2008 and later sold to Reynolds and Reynolds in 2016, ReverseRisk reflects David’s foresight in leveraging technology for operational excellence.

His 27 years of hands-on experience in retail automotive management include transforming single-point stores and large groups into highly profitable ventures. Notably, under his leadership, Smythe European, a Mercedes-Benz dealership, recorded an astounding $23.7 million in net profit in a single year—a national record. His accomplishments extend beyond profitability, achieving industry benchmarks like an exceptionally low 3% employee turnover, #1 ranking in fixed operations gross profit, and top-tier performance in used cars and F&I.

David’s tenure at AutoNation further solidifies his expertise, where he managed a colossal $2.3 billion, 35-store region with over 3,500 associates. His leadership prowess led this region to become the highest performing market in the country, earning AutoNation’s top honor.

In his session following the mastermind breakout groups, David will draw upon his extensive front-line experience and interactions with diverse dealership groups. He will provide actionable insights on current business dynamics, effective strategies for future readiness, and principles for achieving sustainable success in any economic climate.

Attendees will benefit immensely from David’s wealth of knowledge, gaining a unique perspective on practical applications of mastermind session outcomes. His ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies makes him an invaluable asset to the retreat, ensuring every participant leaves with enriched understanding and tools for transformative leadership.

Led By: David Spisak

Smart Scaling: Proven Strategies for Sustainable Business Expansion

Master the Key Tactics to Drive Growth, Diversify Revenue, and Expand Market Reach

Scaling a business is about growing smart, not just fast. In this panel discussion, you’ll gain practical insights into how to expand your business strategically and sustainably.

I’ll be moderating a conversation with Claudio Gambin, John Garcia, John Traver, and Brady Schmidt, each of whom has successfully navigated the challenges of scaling. Together, we’ll focus on:

  • Identifying High-Impact Opportunities: Learn how to spot new markets and growth opportunities that can be quickly leveraged for expansion.

  • Diversifying Revenue Streams: Discover simple, actionable ways to create additional income channels that complement your existing business model.

  • Financial Strategy for Sustainable Growth: Understand how to manage cash flow and secure the right funding to fuel smart expansion while maintaining profitability.

In this fast-paced session, you’ll leave with 3 clear actions you can implement immediately to scale your business without compromising its core values.

Led By: Scott Joseph

Driving Client-Centric Growth for Lasting Competitive Advantage

Solve Your Client-Centric Challenges and Drive Sustainable Growth

In today’s competitive market, businesses that thrive are the ones that put their clients first. But if your current strategies aren’t fully client-centric, you’re leaving significant growth on the table. This session will help you uncover the real barriers that are keeping you from building stronger, more meaningful relationships with your clients.

You’ll dive into the core challenges affecting your ability to grow sustainably and use the SMACCC framework to create a plan that drives change. This is not about abstract theory, it’s about identifying what’s holding you back and taking immediate, actionable steps to fix it.

By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of the key challenges preventing you from achieving client-centric growth.
  • Measurable goals to track your success in becoming more customer-focused.
  • A step-by-step action plan that will transform how you serve and connect with your clients, ensuring long-term success and loyalty.

This session is for high-level entrepreneurs and business leaders who are serious about scaling their business through stronger, more loyal client relationships.

You’ll leave with the tools to turn client-centric strategies into a true competitive advantage, driving growth in a way that’s sustainable, scalable, and aligned with your core values.

Led By: Arnold Gacita

Innovation Lab: Crafting Bold Solutions for Business Growth

Collaborate, Create, and Solve Real-World Business Challenges

This is no ordinary mastermind session. Innovation Lab is where creativity meets strategy. You and your table will work as the executive team of a single company, tackling real-world business challenges and generating bold solutions that drive growth.

Here’s how it works: You’ll choose one of three key business challenges, and each group will take on the role of the leadership team, with a table leader facilitating the discussion. This is all about creative thinking, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries… no idea is too big, and no suggestion is too far out.

Your table will explore the challenge from every angle, thinking beyond the status quo. Whether it’s identifying new revenue streams, exploring market opportunities, or navigating complex business problems, this session is your chance to come together with a group of high-level leaders, ready to collaborate and innovate.

The power of this session lies in its flexibility and actionable outcomes. You’ll not only generate ideas but create solutions that you can take back to your business. Expect to leave with a set of innovative, high-impact ideas that have the potential to transform your business.

Why attend?

  • Real-world impact: You’ll work on challenges that are directly relevant to business growth, putting theory into practice.

  • Collaborative genius: Surrounded by top-tier entrepreneurs, this session offers unparalleled access to innovative minds and collective intelligence.

  • Actionable results: This isn’t just an idea-sharing session, it’s about creating actionable solutions that you can start implementing immediately.

In this session, you won’t just talk about innovation, you’ll experience it firsthand. This is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible, surrounded by visionary leaders who aren’t afraid to think differently and solve problems creatively.

Led By: Scott Joseph

Networking Opportunities

First Pour

A Welcome Toast for New Event Attendees

Welcome to your first Business Bourbon & Cigars Leadership Retreat! We understand that stepping into an event like this can feel like a big step, but you’re not alone. This session is all about helping you feel at home from the very beginning and setting you up for a successful retreat experience.

You’ll have the chance to meet your fellow first-time attendees, learn about the structure of the event, and get an overview of what’s ahead. This is your opportunity to connect with people who, like you, are committed to growth, innovation, and building lasting relationships with other high-level entrepreneurs.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear sense of how to navigate the retreat, what to expect from the mastermind sessions, and how to make the most out of every interaction. You’ll leave feeling prepared and excited to dive into the rest of the retreat, knowing that you’re joining a group of like-minded leaders who are here to support and collaborate.

This session will ensure that you don’t just get started—you’ll hit the ground running, ready to contribute, connect, and get the most out of your Business Bourbon & Cigars experience. Welcome aboard!

Led By: Kasey Kohtala

Welcome Reception

Kick Off the Business Bourbon & Cigars Retreat with Meaningful Connections and Great Conversations

The Welcome Reception is your first chance to relax, unwind, and start forming valuable connections with your fellow entrepreneurs. We’ve designed this evening to foster an open, relaxed atmosphere where you can get to know the other high-level business leaders attending the retreat.

Enjoy light food, drinks, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your drive for success. This is your opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and start building the relationships that will define your time here at the retreat. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or meeting new faces, you’ll leave this session ready to dive into the deeper discussions and masterminds ahead.

As we kick off the retreat, this reception sets the tone for the next few days where innovation, growth, and collaboration are at the forefront. Take this time to settle in, enjoy yourself, and start forming the connections that will help you make the most of the Business Bourbon & Cigars experience.

This informal, yet impactful gathering is where your retreat journey begins, and we can’t wait to see the partnerships and ideas that will be sparked over a drink or two.

Led By: Sandy Cerami

Morning Connections: Networking Breakfast Buffets

Kickstart Your Day with Conversations and a Hearty Breakfast

Kickstart each day at the Business Bourbon & Cigars leadership retreat with our Networking Breakfast Buffets. These morning gatherings, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, offer more than just a sumptuous selection of breakfast favorites. They provide a unique opportunity to connect and engage with fellow leaders and entrepreneurs in a relaxed, informal setting.

As you savor a variety of delectable breakfast options, you’ll have the chance to spark conversations, exchange ideas, and build relationships that could shape the future of your business. These breakfasts are designed to fuel both your body and your professional network, setting the tone for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth.

Enhanced Networking Lunches

Maximize Your Mid-Day

Embrace the extended lunch break at our Networking Lunches, thoughtfully designed to cater to your multi-faceted retreat experience. With an additional half hour, you have the freedom to indulge in longer conversations, explore new business avenues with fellow attendees, catch up on critical communications, or even host a virtual check-in with your team or prospective clients. This is your time to recharge, connect, and multitask in the company of peers, all while enjoying a selection of exquisite cuisine.

These lunches aren’t just a pause, they’re a valuable extension of your Business Bourbon & Cigars experience, enabling you to balance nourishment with productivity.

Auction of Hope: A Future Rewritten

Bidding for a Better Tomorrow: Transforming Lives Through Hope and Healing

Join us at Business Bourbon & Cigars 10 for the “Auction of Hope: A Future Rewritten,” an inspiring event where your generosity can help change lives forever. This charity auction is not just about bidding, it’s about providing hope and building a future for survivors of human trafficking.

Our Cause:
The Giving Hope initiative focuses on creating life-changing opportunities for those affected by human trafficking. Through a partnership with A21, we are working to establish Hope Homes in Athens, Greece, where survivors can find safety, stability, and a path to independence. With your support, we aim to expand A21’s mission of restoring freedom by providing secure housing and comprehensive care to those who need it most.

Our Mission:
We are focused on breaking the cycle of trauma by offering safe, short- and long-term housing for survivors of human trafficking in Athens. The short-term housing program offers immediate relief for survivors, ensuring that they have a place to stabilize after rescue. Our long-term program offers up to a year of support, including housing, financial assistance, and access to life-changing resources such as medical care and legal assistance.

Your participation in the “Auction of Hope” will directly support the creation of these homes, enabling survivors to start their journey of healing and independence. Every bid contributes to building safe spaces and giving individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Why It Matters:
With over 465 victims of human trafficking identified in Athens alone in 2024, the need for dedicated aftercare facilities has never been more urgent. Giving survivors the safety, support, and resources they need can change their futures forever. The auction items you’ll bid on directly contribute to making this vision a reality… turning hope into homes and giving these survivors a chance to thrive.

How You Can Help:
The “Auction of Hope” is not just a fundraiser, it’s a movement. By participating, you’re not just bidding on unique items; you’re building dreams. Your support will fund the construction, renovation, and operational costs of Hope Homes in Athens, ensuring survivors are not only kept safe but empowered to restore their lives and achieve their potential.

Together, let’s rewrite the future… one bid at a time.

Exclusive Sinatra Dinner at Mallard Hall

An Unforgettable Night of Dining, Networking, and Unique Experiences

We are thrilled to announce that our October 2025 Business Bourbon & Cigars Leadership Retreat will feature an exclusive excursion to the stunning Mallard Hall. This extraordinary venue is the perfect setting to conclude our first day of insightful mastermind sessions and dynamic panel discussions.

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Mallard Hall offers an idyllic escape with its beautifully restored architecture and picturesque surroundings. As the evening sets in, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, network, and forge meaningful connections with fellow high achievers and visionaries.

Our evening begins with an introduction to a unique bourbon experience in Mallard Hall’s private speakeasy. Here, you’ll enjoy rare bourbon tastings, guided by expert connoisseurs, offering you a taste of Kentucky’s finest spirits. For those who want to relax and enjoy premium cigars in an intimate and atmospheric setting, premium cigars will be available. Mallard Hall is perfect for casual networking and conversation.

Dinner will be served where you’ll savor a gourmet menu designed to delight your palate. This meal provides another opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.

Mallard Hall’s blend of historic charm and modern luxury creates the perfect ambiance for deepening relationships and sparking new ideas. Whether you are reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this evening promises to be a highlight of our retreat, offering both relaxation and inspiration.

Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your retreat experience. If you’re already registered, get ready for an evening of sophistication and camaraderie. If you haven’t signed up yet, let this be the reason you do. Join us at Mallard Hall and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Bulleit Distillery Experience: A Journey Through Craft and Tradition

Explore the Heritage of Bulleit Bourbon with a Guided Tour and Tasting

Join us for an unforgettable excursion to the Bulleit Distillery, where the art of crafting exceptional bourbon meets rich history and tradition. This exclusive experience will take you behind the scenes of one of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries, where you’ll learn about the craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage that make Bulleit Bourbon unique.

During the tour, you’ll be guided through the production process, from the grains to the barrel, and gain insight into the passion and precision behind every bottle. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a tasting session, sampling some of Bulleit’s finest bourbons and discovering the perfect notes that have made them a staple in bourbon culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, this excursion promises to be an educational and sensory experience that will deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship of one of Kentucky’s finest distilleries.

Highlights Include:

  • A guided tour through the Bulleit Distillery, uncovering the secrets of bourbon making.

  • An exclusive tasting session featuring Bulleit’s exceptional bourbon collection.

  • A chance to learn about the heritage and innovations that set Bulleit apart.

This is more than just a distillery visit, it’s a deep dive into the spirit of Kentucky, offering a true taste of the bourbon culture that has made this region legendary.

An Evening at The Last Refuge: A Culinary Journey with Exceptional Flavors

Savor the Perfect Blend of Gourmet Appetizers, Dinner, and Signature Cocktails

Indulge in a memorable evening at The Last Refuge, where exceptional food and drinks come together in a welcoming, upscale atmosphere. Located in the heart of Louisville, this renowned venue offers a unique dining experience that blends classic sophistication with a modern touch.

You’ll begin the evening with gourmet appetizers, expertly crafted to delight your taste buds, followed by a beautifully curated dinner that showcases the finest local ingredients and culinary innovation. As the night unfolds, sip on expertly crafted cocktails in an inviting, intimate setting that embodies the spirit of luxury and comfort.

Whether you’re reconnecting with peers or simply enjoying the evening’s ambiance, this excursion offers the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation, making it an ideal way to unwind and network.

Highlights Include:

  • Signature appetizers to kick off the evening with a burst of flavor.

  • A delicious dinner featuring locally inspired dishes paired perfectly with hand-crafted cocktails.

  • A sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere designed for great conversation and relaxation.

This is more than just a dinner, it’s an opportunity to savor every moment with exceptional company, exceptional food, and drinks, all while experiencing the charm and elegance of The Last Refuge.

Frequently Asked Questions for Potential Sponsor Partners

  • Will there be time during the event to communicate with my office team or clients back home?
    Yes, we understand the importance of staying connected with your team or clients while you're away. Our schedule includes 90-minute networking lunches, giving you time to handle calls, emails, or even Zoom meetings. We also have scheduled breaks throughout the day for quick communication. However, during mastermind sessions, it's essential to remain fully engaged and present. Your participation is crucial not just for your own growth but for the success of the entire group, as the mastermind process relies on everyone’s input.
  • What is Business Bourbon & Cigars?
    Business Bourbon & Cigars is the flagship event of Me Plus Ultra. It’s an exclusive event, bringing together visionaries, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs for transformative discussions, strategic masterminding, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
  • When and where is the event?
    The event will be held from Tuesday, October 14th through Thursday, October 16th, 2025, at the Hotel Distil in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Who attends this event?
    This event is an assembly of hand-selected industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who are not just content with the status quo but are keen on defining what comes next.
  • How are sponsors selected?
    Sponsor Partners are carefully selected and invited to ensure alignment with the event's premium standard and Me Plus Ultra's ethos.
  • What sponsorship levels are available?
    We offer three distinct sponsorship levels: Diamond, Gold, and Silver.
  • What does each sponsorship level include?
    Details vary by level and are provided above.
  • Are sponsorships exclusive?
    Yes, sponsorship opportunities are limited, and there are no competing sponsors within each industry.
  • What type of visibility can I expect as a sponsor?
    Sponsors receive unparalleled exposure through various mediums such as event signage, panel participation, and dedicated sessions, depending on the sponsorship level.
  • Is there an application process?
    There is no application process. Sponsor Partners are invite-only and/or referred in by Me Plus Ultra members, emphasizing exclusivity and commitment to quality.
  • What is the cost of sponsorship?
    Specific pricing details are shared above.
  • What is the payment schedule?
    Full payment is required upon registration and can be made via credit card or by check within 10 days of registration.
  • Is my sponsorship tax-deductible?
    Please consult your tax advisor for specifics related to your situation.
  • What is the cancellation policy?
    Due to the exclusive nature of this event, sponsorships are non-refundable.
  • Will I get a list of attendees?
    Yes, all levels are provided a list of attendees to maximize your networking efforts.
  • Can I bring additional team members?
    Silver Sponsors include just one company representative, while Gold Sponsors include 2, and Diamond include 3. Additional seats can be purchased for $1,499 (50% off).
  • Are there opportunities for product placements?
    You are welcome to provide any sales collateral that we will place in each attendee’s complimentary swag bag. Most Sponsor Partners provide this over and above their swag gift.
  • Will there be speaking opportunities?
    Business Bourbon & Cigars doesn't follow the standard speaking format. However, sponsors have the unique opportunity to engage with attendees through rotating mastermind breakout sessions. In addition, based on your sponsorship level, you may also be featured in panel discussions. These settings allow you to intimately interact with attendees, effectively showcasing your authority, expertise, and credibility.
  • Will there be post-event visibility for sponsors?
    Sponsors receive post-event recognition through various channels, including social media and the Me Plus Ultra blog.
  • Will there be a post-event report?
    Following the event, sponsors will receive a data-rich report that delves into key performance indicators like impact, reach, and ROI. Additionally, we'll share consolidated summaries from each breakout session to offer valuable insights.
  • How do I become a sponsor for the next leadership retreat?
    Due to the high demand and limited spots, priority is given to this year's sponsors for future events.
About the Venue

Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection

Hotel Distil raises a glass to Louisville’s bourbon past by bringing refinement and luxury to the famed Whiskey Row. At Hotel Distil, you will step into a modern space through a historic façade, where gracious service and modern amenities flow like the bourbon once barreled on our historic site.

If you have not reserved your room yet click here and book it now!

Together, We Achieve More!