OPENING RECEPTION
Join us at the opening reception for a lively evening of celebration, networking, and fun. The reception is open to all badged attendees to connect over drinks, food, live entertainment, and activities.
See a full list of the events for the evening below.
Location
South Lobby
Date / Hours
Thursday, March 30
6PM
Admission
Admission is free to all badged MATS attendees and exhibitors.
Visit our Sponsor’s to acquire Tickets for Free Drinks and Activities
Reception Activities
Live Music by JD Shelburne
One of the hardest-working singers in the business. JD Shelburne will kick off the evening with live music.
Shelburne has logged over 2,500 performances to date, opening for acts such as ZZ Top, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, and many other national acts. JD has appeared on CMT and performed “My Old Kentucky Home” at the Kentucky Derby, and is excited to perform at the MATS 2023 Celebration!
Bourbon Tasting
Guests at the MATS opening reception will be transported to the heart of Kentucky with a bourbon tasting immersive experience. Sip and savor the smooth, rich flavors of Rabbit Hole and Old Forester distilleries’ finest bourbons.
Activity Tickets are required for a FREE bourbon tasting and will be available from the event sponsors – OOIDA Booth #11128 and Triumph Booth #69132 during show hours on Thursday.
Bourbon Bottle Dipping
Dive into the world of Evan Williams and dip your own bottle in wax, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Activity Tickets are required for a FREE bottle dipping and will be available from the event sponsors – OOIDA Booth #11128 and Triumph Booth #69132 during show hours on Thursday.
Craft Beer Tasting
Kentucky might be known for bourbon, but Louisville has a booming brewery scene. Explore Louisville’s local beer scene with tastings from five of Louisville’s most recognizable breweries. The Louisville Ale Trail will guide MATS attendees through a tasting from Monnik, Hometown, Against The Grain, and Hi-Wire breweries.
Activity Tickets are required for a FREE craft beer tasting and will be available from the event sponsors – OOIDA Booth #11128 and Triumph Booth #69132 during show hours on Thursday.
2023 Wall of Fame Induction
We invite all trucking professionals to join us at the opening reception to congratulate those that are being inducted into the 2023 MATS Wall of Fame. Be a part of this memorable event and celebrate the achievements of your peers and those who have made a significant impact on the trucking industry.
Complimentary Beer
Raise a glass and cheers to a night of celebration! Our event reception is proudly supported by our generous sponsors, providing you with a complimentary beer to enjoy. Cheers to a night of great company, good drinks, and the best industry in the USA!
Drink Tickets are required for a FREE domestic beer and will be available from the event sponsors – OOIDA Booth #11128 and Triumph Booth #69132 during show hours on Thursday.
GIVING BACK
As we come together to celebrate this great industry, we are reminded of all of the support we’ve received from our exhibitors, attendees, and industry partners.. With this in mind, we would like to offer our support to those in our industry that are in need by giving to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. We encourage all in attendance to offer a donation as well.
Donate to the Silent Auction to Benefit St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
If you would like to make a donation to the silent auction being held during the opening night celebration, please submit the form below and we will follow up soon to discuss. Purchased Items, Products, or Vouchers for Service all make great donations that we can auction off to those in attendance. Those donating to the silent auction will be recognized by name during the event. If you have any questions, please contact us at 502.702.2000
Silent Auction Donation
Sponsor Bar
We will have two bars with Coors Light
