The annual Bourbon Women SIPosium takes place August 14–17, 2025 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY, welcoming nearly 500 women from across the U.S. for an unforgettable four-day celebration of spirits, sisterhood, and soul. Tickets are selling fast, and ticket sales will close on July 31st, 2025.
What started with a bold idea from industry trailblazer Peggy Noe Stevens over a decade ago has evolved into a national brand and movement, uniting whiskey lovers, spirits professionals, and curious consumers alike in a space that centers on education and empowerment. With 70+ speakers, 22 off-site events, and more than 50 top-shelf sponsors, SIPosium is not just a conference, it’s a spirited movement and a prime example of what women bring to the spirits industry as consumers – purchasing power and fun.
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
Founded in 2011 by Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Women is the first and only female-focused, consumer-based organization in the spirits industry. With a desire to bolster women’s profiles and perceptions as spirits consumers, a passionate group of Kentucky women launched a powerful community redefining the role of women in whiskey. For decades, Peggy saw firsthand how women were overlooked and underestimated as consumers. Bourbon Women flipped the script and put women at the center of the glass, and the story. Today, it reaches thousands of members in 16 active branches across the U.S., including Kentucky, Chicago, Tennessee, Texas, Washington D.C., and New York City. With a mission focused on connection, inclusion, empowerment, celebration, networking, and recognition, the organization ensures every whiskey enthusiast feels seen, supported, and inspired. This powerful ethos comes to life every year at SIPosium.
“SIPosium is not just about the whiskey, it’s about bringing mothers and daughters, long-distance friends, industry tastemakers – all from different backgrounds, age groups, and locations – in one room to savor time together,” said Peggy Noe Stevens, Bourbon Women Founder and Chair Emeritus. “No one is busier than women, and it really says something that they’re willing to take a long weekend to connect over a shared interest. We’re honored to be that inviting place to do so.”
WHERE EDUCATION MEETS ENTHUSIASM
At SIPosium 2025, education and enthusiasm flow as freely as bourbon. This four-day experience is packed with expertly curated programming that blends deep whiskey knowledge, hands-on learning, and joyful camaraderie. SIPosium offers something for every kind of whiskey lover, from casual sipper to seasoned connoisseur. Here’s a taste of what attendees can expect throughout the weekend:
• Thursday, August 14: The conference kicks off with exclusive VIP excursions to James B. Beam Distilling Co. and Vendome Copper & Brass Works. After a spirited welcome session presented by New Riff (for the Bourbon Women Foundation), the evening comes alive with a welcome Mix and Mingle at the Last Refuge, featuring Heaven’s Door.
• Friday, August 15: A full day of enrichment begins featuring a keynote presentation from Dana Zauch, Luckett and Farley Architects with remarks from Bourbon Women Chair, Carol Otto, rotating workshops, and sensory labs exploring everything from finishing techniques and preserving America’s spirits. That evening, the excitement spills into the community with The Spirit of Women Experience hosted by Maker’s Mark, featuring a private viewing of Chihuly’s “Spirit of the Maker” installation, as well as a sneak peek of the Spirit of Women docuseries.
• Saturday, August 16: The momentum builds with interactive workshops, breakout panels, lively excursions, and celebrity dinners. Attendees can then dive into one of the conference’s most anticipated events: Bar-a-Rama, sampling a multitude of distillery and culinary offerings.
• Sunday, August 17: The weekend closes with a farewell brunch, presented by Sagamore Spirits, offering a final chance to connect and raise one last glass and community toast.
MORE THAN THE WHISKEY
At its core, Bourbon Women is more than a network of bourbon enthusiasts; A separate foundation was created to be a catalyst for meaningful change, dedicated to advancing new talent and creating inclusive professional opportunities in an industry that has historically lacked representation. Beyond organizing SIPosium, the foundation fosters community, knowledge, and professional growth year-round for women and underrepresented voices in the spirits industry. One of the most impactful efforts driving this mission is the SIP Scholarship Program, supported by the Bourbon Women Foundation and funded through generous donations from individuals and organizations who believe in the power of women in spirits’ careers. This year, the SIP Scholarship Program had 80 applicants with 21 accepted into the program.
The scholarship provides lodging and access to SIPosium for those seeking to enter or advance in the spirits industry through networking and mentorship opportunities reaching industry leaders and community members with a three-year Bourbon Women membership. The program is intentionally flexible, meeting scholars where they are. For some, the greatest need is financial assistance, and for others it’s guidance and mentorship. Applicants select the support that best suits their needs, allowing a wide range of women to fully access and benefit from what SIPosium has to offer. Those interested can contribute to the Bourbon Women Foundation here.