ACG Kentucky Deal of the Year | May 12, 2026
Schedule
Tue May 12 2026 at 11:20 am to 01:02 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Baird Conference Center | Louisville, KY
About this Event
THE EVENT
ACG Kentucky honors Neace Ventures for deals driving Louisville growth. In 2025, Neace expanded its transportation portfolio by acquiring Journey Warehousing and Logistics from entrepreneur Lydia Henshaw. At the ACG event, you'll hear about the transaction, the company’s growth strategy and Neace’s involvement in Louisville ventures.
SCHEDULE
- Arrival / Name Tags (Note: You will be required to check in with ground floor security to gain admittance to the event area on the 29th Floor.)
- Meet the Executives | Networking
- Lunch Buffet
- ACG Announcements and Introductions
- Regional M&A Deals Overview
- Deal of the Year Awards, Speaker Presentation and Q&A
- Program End
Registration by May 10
- ACG Kentucky members and sponsors (attendance is no cost, provided through membership/sponsorship). Register at .
- Non-Members of ACG/Guests ($65 - includes Eventbrite fee)
For questions about attending the event, contact Terry McWilliams at 502.509.6768 or email [email protected]
Honoree: John Neace
CEO, Neace Ventures
Hear the name John Neace, and one phrase immediately comes to mind: “successful entrepreneur.”
John founded Neace Lukens, an insurance concern that exceeded $100 million in revenues before a successful private equity exit. His career is sprinkled with key investment, ownership or operational roles at companies including Talon Logistics, GC International, Falls City Beer, Old 502 Winery, AllTerrain Paving & Construction, Four Gate Whiskey, Bothy Trading, Hectare’s, Ashley Furniture and several Parlour Pizza + Pints locations.
Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the Louisville City Football Club and has contributed to the growth of Louisville professional sports franchises. He pursues real estate projects on both sides of the river, and serves on several local corporate boards and nonprofit organizations.
He attended Northern Kentucky University and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Xavier University.
Agenda
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:45 AM
Check-in, name tags and networking
🕑: 11:45 PM - 12:00 PM
Lunch buffet
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Announcements
🕑: 12:10 PM
Regional M&A Recap
Host: Chris Johnson, Baird Business Owner Solutions Director
🕑: 12:20 PM
ACG KY Deal of the Year Award
Host: John Thurman, ACG President
🕑: 12:25 PM
Neace Ventures Presentation
Host: John Neace, CEO
Info: In 2025, Neace expanded its transportation/logistics portfolio by acquiring Journey Warehousing and Logistics from entrepreneur Lydia Henshaw. Neace discusses the transaction, the company’s growth strategy and many other examples of its multi-faceted involvement in Louisville.
Untitled agenda
🕑: 11:25 AM - 11:50 AM
Check-in, name tags and networking
🕑: 11:50 AM
Lunch
Introductions and announcements
Presentation, Q&A, Close
Where is it happening?
Baird Conference Center, 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 65.00



















