Sales Kickoff Meeting in Louisville

Louisville SKO 2025: Accelerate

Building on last year’s momentum of Elevation, this year’s Sales Kickoff (SKO) embraced the theme of Acceleration—driving forward with energy, purpose, and a commitment to success. Every element of the event reinforced the idea of full-speed growth, ensuring attendees were engaged, informed, and motivated to take on the year ahead.

The SKO kicked off with an immersive Welcome Dinner, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Attendees explored the Bourbon Trail, sampling Louisville’s signature flavors, and got into the Derby spirit at the “Hatitudes” booth, where they designed custom Derby hats to wear at the final evening celebration.

The Starting Gate: A Night of Innovation and Engagement:
A standout moment of the event was Night 2’s interactive product demo experience, themed “The Starting Gate.” Guests entered through an actual horse starting gate, flanked by lifelike racehorse replicas, setting the stage for an engaging and immersive evening. Inside, they discovered 20 hands-on product demo stations, centered around a gorgeous, oversized grazing table designed to foster interaction and conversation. Mini Hot Browns and other local favorites were served, reinforcing the Louisville charm while keeping attendees fueled for the experience.

To encourage engagement, a QR code-based gamification challenge allowed attendees to scan codes, complete product-related challenges, and earn entries into an exciting prize drawing. A live leaderboard built anticipation throughout the event, culminating in a high-energy wheel spin finale on the big screen, where winners were revealed.

Unforgettable Experiences and Thoughtful Touches:
Beyond the structured sessions, attendees experienced inspiring keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and even a surprise puppy break on Day 2, giving them a chance to relax and recharge with some furry friends. Throughout the entire event, a professional videography team captured the energy, interactions, and excitement, editing a highlights video complete with on-site interviews. This powerful recap was shown on the final morning, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the experience.

The Grand Finale: A Spectacular Derby-Themed Awards Gala:
The event reached its peak on the final night with an elegant Derby-themed gala, where attendees arrived in their Derby-best outfits, complete with custom hats and race-day fashion. Every detail was designed to transport guests into the heart of Churchill Downs, from the gorgeous red rose centerpieces to a stunning backdrop recreation of the iconic Twin Spires. Award winners had the chance to take their photos in front of this signature display, making for a memorable and celebratory experience.

Entertainment was woven throughout the evening, featuring:
-The official bugler of the Kentucky Derby for over 35 years, adding an authentic touch to the night.
-Lively performances by The Honey Taps, a dynamic tap dance group that brought vintage charm and energy to the stage.
-A Make-Your-Own Old-Fashioned Bar, allowing attendees to craft the perfect classic cocktail.
-A Magic Mirror Digital Photo Booth, capturing fun, interactive snapshots of the night.
-Exclusive access to the Kentucky Derby Museum, where interactive exhibits brought the legendary race to life.

A Great Gatsby-Inspired After-Party
As the night progressed, the celebration continued with a Great Gatsby-inspired after-party, featuring:
-A decadent dessert bar in a Roaring Twenties setting.
-A DJ spinning high-energy hits, keeping the party alive.
-A group Charleston dance lesson, where attendees could embrace the Gatsby-era fun and step onto the dance floor in style.

Accelerating into the Future:
By the end of the SKO, one message was clear: this team isn’t just moving forward—they’re accelerating into a future of innovation, growth, and success. From the inspiring sessions to the immersive experiences and high-energy celebrations, this event set the tone for an incredible year ahead.