Fast Track to Success

The NASPL Professional Development Seminar in Louisville was a hit, with record attendance, hot topics and unparalleled networking opportunities.

  By Insights Online

Published August 19, 2025

The weather was hot in Kentucky at the end of July, but the educational opportunities at the annual NASPL Professional Development Seminar were even hotter! A record number of attendees (580) were treated to a variety of sessions, from topics of wide interest to more specialized discussions, and even a few closed-door meetings covering more sensitive subjects. Two particularly popular keynote speakers spent considerable time after their presentations signing autographs and talking horses (Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.) and cooking (chef and TV personality Damaris Phillips). The third keynote speaker, Executive Coach Lisa Zangari, addressed how curiosity and collaboration can fuel innovation and fresh thinking – always important to any organization’s growth.

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 Videos of all three keynote presentations are available on the NASPL Matrix, along with other general sessions during the week – including a discussion of the successful partnership between the Kentucky Lottery and the Kentucky Distiller’s Association, a look at Powerball’s work with the NFL to create a new national game, and the ceremonies honoring the 2025 winners of the prestigious Powers Award and Ott Brown NASPL Scholarship. Powerpoint presentations provided in many of the individual session tracks are also available on the Matrix.

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PDS is unique in the lottery industry, as it brings together employees at all levels in a small-group, hands-on format. Workshops (in the areas of audit, finance, information technology, legal, marketing, product management, public relations, research, sales and security) allow for candid discussions and information sharing, providing tangible ideas for participants to take home to their own lotteries.

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In addition to the productive educational program, PDS regularly features plenty of opportunities for networking, including receptions and breaks, a Vendor Meet & Greet, and an annual offsite event. This year, the event was held at the Kentucky Derby Museum, which honors the “greatest two minutes in sports.” There’s no doubt that a good time was had by all!

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Enjoy our photo gallery of some of the PDS highlights this year, and be sure to check out the presentations available on the NASPL Matrix. Next year, the event goes to Seattle, July 26 to 30, and we hope to see many of you there!