Kentucky Derby Museum Honored With Multiple Awards For 2023 Tourism, Marketing Campaigns

Kentucky Derby Museum is honored to accept several awards from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and the Public Relations Society of America Bluegrass Chapter for its 2023 campaigns highlighting milestones in Derby History.

In an effort to support the Museum's lofty attendance goals, the Team focused on two creative concepts to drive intrigue for visitors and educate a global audience about the Kentucky Derby. The Museum kicked off its Secretariat campaign in January 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Big Red's historic Triple Crown sweep. Then in June after Derby 149, the team launched its initial Derby 150 campaign by taking the replica Derby trophy back to where it all began – the Epsom Derby in England.

“The Museum is honored to be an active supporter of Kentucky's robust tourism and travel industries by doing what we do best – sharing the joy of Derby every day,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. “Thanks to an incredibly creative and passionate team, their work helped the Museum crush our attendance goals with more than a quarter of a million guests in 2023. We're very thankful to KTIA and PRSA for recognizing their massive efforts.”

At the PRSA Bluegrass Chapter Landmark of Excellence Awards Ceremony on October 12, the Museum accepted the following:

• Excellence in Public Service Communications for Kentucky Derby Museum's Kickoff to Derby 150
• Excellence in Consumer Relations for the campaign, Secretariat: America's Horse
• Excellence in Specialty Items for Secretariat's 50th Anniversary Bourbon Box Set
• Excellence in Social Media Campaigns for Secretariat: A Social Sensation

At the KTIA Traverse Awards Ceremony on November 10, the Museum accepted the following:

• A Gold-level award and an Award of Distinction for Secetariat's 50th Anniversary Bourbon Box Set
• A Gold level award for the campaign, Reliving the Legend: 50 Years of Secretariat
• A Gold-level award for Kentucky Derby Museum's trip to the Epsom Derby

“Kentucky Derby Museum is grateful to be recognized during such a momentous year in Derby history,” said Katie Fussenegger, Kentucky Derby Museum Executive Vice President. “We're excited to keep moving full steam ahead to Derby 150 in 2024 and the Museum's 40th anniversary in 2025!”

This upcoming year will be incredibly special, as Louisville and the state of Kentucky will celebrate 150 years of Derby history, memories, and traditions. The Museum is working on several major projects surrounding the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, including a free community-wide celebration on December 6, three new exhibits, exclusive bourbon offerings, Derby-themed events, and much more.

The Museum would like to thank KTIA and PRSA for the honors and congratulate the many other award recipients for their outstanding work!