SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (December 9, 2025) — ShelbyKY Tourism and the Shelbyville Conference Center proudly announce that President & CEO Janette Marson has earned two of the most prestigious designations in the meetings and events industry: Event Service Professional Certification (ESPC) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).
These dual credentials are awarded by the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) and represent a high level of expertise, leadership, and dedication to advancing excellence within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Marson’s achievement places her among an elite group of professionals recognized nationwide for their commitment to elevating event standards and enhancing visitor experiences.
“Earning these certifications is not only a professional milestone but also a reflection of my passion for creating meaningful, memorable experiences for visitors and event attendees,” said Marson. “I’m proud to bring this expanded knowledge back to Shelby County to continue positioning our community as a premier destination for meetings, events, and authentic Kentucky experiences.”
The Event Service Professional Certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance in event operations, and client relations. The Certified Meeting Professional designation is regarded as the gold standard in the meetings industry and signifies comprehensive expertise in planning, managing, and executing high-quality events.
Under Marson’s leadership, ShelbyKY Tourism and the Shelbyville Conference Center have become central to promoting and hosting events that drive both economic impact and community engagement in Shelby County, Kentucky as well as across the Bluegrass region.
With decades of experience in destination management, hospitality, and event leadership, Marson is widely recognized as a seasoned tourism professional in Kentucky, dedicated to showcasing the state’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and welcoming spirit. Her continued commitment to excellence strengthens Shelby County’s role as a leading destination for both visitors and meeting professionals alike.
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About ShelbyKY — ShelbyKY (Shelbyville, Simpsonville and Shelby County) is Your Bourbon Destination®. Home to two distilleries — Bulleit Distillery and Jeptha Creed Distillery — ShelbyKY offers an array of bourbon-centric lodging, shopping, and dining. ShelbyKY is perfectly positioned for easy access to Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. Pair dining at classic favorites like Claudia Sanders Restaurant and local staple Bell House Restaurant with Kentucky’s only designer outlet mall, and there’s much to see, do, and taste in ShelbyKY. Home to 90-plus Saddlebred horse farms, ShelbyKY offers a rare peek into the world of the Saddlebred show horse and is known as the Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World. Outdoor adventures await those who enjoy fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and golf. We invite you to follow @visit_shelbyky on Instagram and @visitshelbyky on Facebook and learn more about ShelbyKY at www.visitshelbyky.com.
Media contact: Debra Locker – debra@debralockergroup.com or (859) 536-0282
