Join the Meeting Professionals International Kentucky Bluegrass chapter at Newport Aquarium's Riverside Room with a spectacular river view of the Cincinnati skyline, the perfect backdrop for this special event.
We'll learn from Iris Simpson Bush, Director of Community Engagement, Pig Works, about what it takes to produce one of America's most iconic road races, the Flying Pig Marathon.
Under her leadership, the Flying Pig Marathon has grown into one of America's largest and most celebrated running festivals. In 2024, USA Today named the Flying Pig Marathon as the #1 Marathon in America. Since 1999, the Flying Pig Marathon has raised over $20 million for hundreds of charities.
The Flying Pig Marathon has grown into one of the premier running events in the United States, attracting participants from across the country and beyond. Its unique charm, community spirit, and scenic courses continue to make it a favorite among runners of all ages and abilities. The three-day event is one of the ten largest running festivals in the U.S., making it one of the most significant annual drivers for the Greater Cincinnati economy, with an economic impact of approximately $22 million annually.
Learner Objectives:
Understand Event Planning Strategies
· Gain insight into the strategic planning skills needed to produce a large-scale, iconic road race like the Flying Pig Marathon.
Importance of Community Engagement
· Learn how community engagement and support are critical in growing a successful running festival.
Key Factors for Event Growth and Success
· Identify critical elements that contribute to the growth and success of a major event, including marketing, volunteer management, and partnerships.
Economic Impact
· Understand the economic impact of large-scale events on local economies.
Agenda (start and end times final, remainder of agenda is subject to change):
10:30am Registration, Check-In & Networking
11:00am Opening Remarks
11:15pm Lunch and Educational Programming
12:50pm Closing Remarks
1:00pm Newport Aquarium Tour
1:30pm Event Concludes
Anticipated Clock Hours (pending accreditation approval) = One (1)
Location Address:
The Riverside Room & Terrace
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way
Newport, KY 41071
https://www.newportaquarium.com/Plan-Your-Visit/Directions
Parking is available in the Newport on the Levee parking garage, as well as surface lots. Click here for parking prices and information.
Newport on the Levee (The Levee) on the south bank of the Ohio River is home to the Newport Aquarium. The Levee is a walkable, family-friendly entertainment hub boasting plentiful skyline views making the perfect backdrop for photo-worthy memories.
Speaker Bio:
Iris Simpson Bush, Director of Community Engagement, Pig Works
As a Cincinnati native, Iris Simpson Bush has always had a special place in her heart for her home town and has made giving back to her community a priority.
She has been with the Flying Pig Marathon since its inception in a number of capacities, from board member to executive director. Along the way she has helped lead the “Pig” from a novelty themed marathon to a weekend sports festival that now is the 15th largest in the country and is a major economic driver for the community, adding an estimated $12 million to the local economy each Flying Pig weekend.
At the same time, Iris has made sure the Marathon gives back to the community, helping charities and non-profits raise more than a million dollars each year. And she has worked to give women and girls the chance to participate in a race of their own, founding the Queen Bee Half Marathon and 4-Mile event in the fall with an emphasis on female runners and female-centric non-profits, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.
As the Flying Pig weekend has grown from one event to several running weekends throughout the year, including the Bockfest 5K, FCC3 to support the FC Cincinnati Foundation, and Queen Bee weekend, Iris led the creation of a new group, Pig Works, to serve as the umbrella organization for these events. Iris served as the President and CEO of Pig Works until moving in June 2024 to the position of Director of Community Engagement for Pig Works.
She has represented Cincinnati on the national stage as a former President of the Board of Running USA. She was named Race Director of the Year by Road Race Management in 2017 and in 2018 she was named to the Running USA Hall of Champions, a prestigious group of industry leading honorees who have served the sport with distinction. In July 2024 Iris and the Flying Pig was recognized on the Ohio Statehouse floor for the honor of being named the Readers’ Choice #1 Marathon in the country by USA Today.
Locally, the YWCA Greater Cincinnati named her a Career Woman of Achievement in 2020 and she was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio in 2013.
Whether locally or nationally, Iris Simpson Bush is an unapologetic cheerleader for her home town of Cincinnati and continues to work hard for her community.
About Our Event Sponsor:
Delighting families since 1999, Newport Aquarium welcomes families and groups to discover the wonder of an underwater world.
Host an event your guests will never forget at Newport Aquarium! With unique spaces and the ability to accommodate 15 – 1,500 guests, there is something for any event you can imagine. The Newport Aquarium event specialists help you realize your vision and plan the perfect meeting, event or celebration. Add special touches like a customized dive show or animal encounter to make it a truly memorable experience your guests will talk about for years!
Newport Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which sets the rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, wildlife conservation, research, education, staffing and safety.
