The Distillers Summit is an invitational business and networking event for those in the bourbon industry. It was conceived by Steve Akley (owner of the ABV Network) and Royce Neeley (owner of Neeley Family Distillery) as a way to gain further education about bourbon, network with people in the industry and collaborate with attendees on projects. Additionally, a spirits competition called the Key West Whiskey Awards was launched in 2022.

In 2023, an invitational whiskey awards event was added to recognize outstanding whiskey-making in the U.S. craft distilling industry. The Key West Distillers Summit is the perfect mix of business, meeting people in the bourbon industry, seeing old friends and having some fun in the sun in Key West during the heart of winter.

This event is truly about curating your own experience. There are plenty of events and activities with an open invitation for attendees but it’s up to you what you want to get involved in. There is no cost to attend, but you are responsible for all of your travel related expenses (meals, airfare, hotels, etc.). The events do have individual costs, but you aren’t required to attend any of them so you do truly curate your own experience and fun in Key West.

Our hosting hotel is the Fairfield Inn (3852 N. Roosevelt, Key West, FL).

We hope to see you there in January, and every January thereafter kickin’ back in Key West!