Join us on January 7th, 2026, for an evening designed exclusively for Expo staff, VIPs, and vendors. From 7:00–10:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza Louisville (830 Phillips Ln), we’ll gather for a relaxed dinner where good food, great conversations, and bee-minded fellowship set the tone for the days ahead. It’s a warm, low-pressure chance to connect with the people who help make the Expo happen.

Enjoy a buffet-style dinner featuring a fresh house salad, marinated grilled chicken breast, Old Bay cod, sautéed green beans, roasted red potatoes, honey ginger carrots, and assorted rolls. Dessert includes double chocolate cake and classic New York cheesecake. Coffee, tea, and water are included, and a cash bar will be available for additional drink purchases.

Tickets are $70. Refunds are available with a $25 fee until December 26th, 2025. No refunds will be issued after that date.

Come ready to eat, unwind, and enjoy an evening among friends in the hive.

Kick off your Expo experience with a warm, welcoming evening of great food and even better company. Join us on January 8th, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Louisville (830 Phillips Ln) from 7:00–10:00 PM for a relaxed BBQ gathering with Expo staff, VIPs, and fellow bee enthusiasts. It’s the perfect place to swap stories, talk bees, and enjoy a comfortable night before the big weekend begins.

Our buffet-style Southern spread features a crisp wedge salad, BBQ brisket, slow-roasted pulled pork, molasses baked beans, creamy coleslaw, slider buns, Southern-style green beans, and your choice of double chocolate cake or lemon twist cake for dessert. Coffee, tea, and water are included, and a cash bar will be available for additional drink purchases.

Only 300 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $70, and guests staying at the Crowne Plaza will receive a $10 refund at the door.

Refunds are available with a $25 fee until December 26th, 2025. No refunds will be issued after that date.

Come hungry—and ready for friendly conversation.