Companion Program

Why come as a Companion to an AME Conference

Monday, October 19

Meet and greet!

Please join us for breakfast, and a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones!  We'll have a presentation from the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau, and learn about everything the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area has to offer.

Tuesday, October 20

After meeting for breakfast, door prizes and other fun, we'll start our day.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

We'll begin with a tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  Located just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated slave from free states, the museum tells the dramatic story of the enslaved crossing over that river on the journey to freedom, assisted by men and women of all backgrounds who hated slavery and had created a secret network of escape routes that came to be called "the Underground Railroad."  Compliments of AME.

Sightseeing Cruise/lunch on Destiny Yacht

The motor yacht Destiny offers the most unique river experience in the area. A spacious top deck offers a 360 degree unobstructed view, perfect for enjoying the downtown skyline and scenic Ohio River.  The Fall colors should be at their peak!  We will enjoy a delicious picnic buffet lunch, complete with Cincinnati's famous Graeter's ice cream, a treat not to be missed.  A tour guide will accompany us and point out all the highlights as we cruise. $35 will secure your spot.

Fashion show/shopping at Fabulous-Furs

Meet Donna Salyer, founder of Fabulous-Furs (all faux!) and hear her inspiring and fun story.  Some of our very own companions will present a fashion show, and we'll all have an opportunity to do some shopping. Compliments of AME.

Wednesday, October 21

Breakfast today will prepare us for a Kentucky road trip!

Tour Woodford Reserve Distillery

Kentucky is bourbon country, and there is no better place to experience that than Woodford Reserve Distillery, the home of America's finest bourbon. We'll have a guided tour of the distillation process, visit the only surviving stone aging warehouse in the country, and enjoy the beautiful setting of the distillery, which is a national historic landmark.

Lunch will be prepared for us at the distillery by noted southern chef Ouita Michel.  Ouita is committed to the idea that richness and quality are found in traditional foods.  She searches for ways to reinterpret dishes from Kentucky and around the world and is devoted to supporting local farmers.  Prepare to be delighted!  $20 for this event.

Races at Keeneland

A favorite of the companions the last time our conference was held in Covington, we'll be returning for an afternoon of thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland, one of the preeminent race tracks in the world and a national historic landmark, all on a beautiful 921-acre complex that includes the race course, sales pavilion, and more than 46 barns that can house more than 1,600 horses. Come prepared to place a wager or two! Compliments of AME.

Thursday, October 22

Join us for our final breakfast together, and prepare for one last day of fun.

Arts Program

We'll begin with a visit to the studios of two internationally known artists, who will share insights into their creative process.   Next, we'll visit the Cincinnati Art Galleries, one of the largest art auction houses in the country, and receive a behind-the=scenes tour of the art auction process. In addition, their world-renowned pottery expert, Riley Humler, (who appears regularly on "Antiques Roadshow") will share a brief presentation.  Finally, we'll tour the masterworks art restoration studio, see an actual restoration work taking place and find the hidden clues to good and bad restoration. Compliments of AME.

Spa

After having been on the go for the week - it's time to relax!  We're going to have our very own spa at the hotel.  We'll have a variety of spa services offered in a setting complete with soft music, soothing scents and shimmering candlelight. Lunch will be provided as we unwind.  What a way to wrap up the week! Yours to enjoy for $30.

Keynote Speaker Marilyn Carlson Nelson

At the end of the day, we will hear Marlyn Carlson Nelson speak.  She has been named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes magazine has regularly selected her as one of "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women."