Locquered as a gateway to the South, Louisville blends modern conference spaces with vibrant cultural charm. Its “core” downtown community is just 7 miles from Louisville Mohammed Ali International Airport (SDF), and within 60% of the U.S. driving range, the city’s bourbon heritage, regional cuisine and famous attractions make it a unique destination for gatherings and events.
“The momentum in Louisville has been growing because we already know we are such a convenient and authentic destination,” said Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism.
For large meetings and meetings, planners will find two venues for your choice: the LEED Silver certified Kentucky International Convention Center, which underwent a $207 million expansion in 2018, offering 200,000 square feet of continuous meeting space in downtown centers. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Expo Center, the sixth largest convention center in the United States, is just minutes away from SDF.
The Metropolitan Area has nearly 200 hotels and over 23,000 rooms, including 7,000 city centres, from boutique hotels to big-name brands. Communities such as the CBD, Nulu, Old Louisville and the Highlands provide a variety of environments for events. Louisville Tourism provides program support, including advice on team building activities and donation experience.
Bourbon bottom
Louisville has long been a Wall Street whiskey with Bourbon (Louisville) nicknamed Whiskey. Today, the city (often known as Bourbon City) offers over 12 brewery experiences, as well as bourbon-themed trails, shopping and accommodation.
Groups can explore downtown distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, embark on a cooking and cocktail tour of the city’s Bourbon Trail, and even take part in a bourbon on Thoroughbred Farm. Louisville is also known for two classic cocktails: the old-fashioned (invented at the Pendenness Club in the late 1800s) and the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, Mint Julep. Visitors can attend bartending classes at Angel’s Envy Distillery, the Frazier History Museum and Liquor Lab, or take the guided Mint Julep Tour, an iconic Louisville experience.
“Considering that bourbon is the only homeland spirit in the United States, Louisville offers visitors a unique experience, especially the revitalization of Whiskey Street and the surrounding areas.” “While cities like Nashville and New Orleans are known for their music and festivals, Louisville stands out for its bourbon heritage, just like Napa is known for its wine.”
Indulge in real eating
Louisville is a hub for New South cuisine, with over 2,000 restaurants including 130 downtowns. The city’s cooking scene was shaped by award-winning chefs such as James Beard’s best: Southeast finalist Edward Lee (610 Magnolia, Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse) and rising talent Noam Blitzer (Meesh Meesh).
“Incorporating new Southern cuisine into the event menu allows for a taste of Louisville’s culinary heritage while highlighting the city’s creativity and innovative “spirit”,” Battle said. “With bourbon and local flavors, the meal can be a memorable part of the experience.”
Louisville’s food world blends Southern traditions with Kentucky’s agricultural resources. Many regional dishes reflect the culinary history of the Ohio Valley, shaped by generations of farmers and chefs.
Louisville’s signature dishes include Benedictine (cream cucumber sauce), Burgoo (slow stewed beef stew), Modjeskas (caramel marshmallow), hot brown (warm, open sandwich), and bourbon Wiscons (bourbon-style chocolate). Groups can explore these flavors through Louisville Food Tour or hands-on experience, such as at Millie’s or Bourbon Barrel Foods cooking classes, known for their bourbon barrel smoke-flavored spices and barrel soy sauce.
Visit American attractions
Louisville, which accounts for 30% of Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, offers a unique American experience of a variety of cultural landmarks.
Key landmarks include Churchill Downs, which marks its 150th anniversary and undergoes a $950 million renovation; the Kentucky Derby Museum, celebrating its 40th year; the Louisville Slager Museum and Factory; and the Muhammad Ali Center, which is now 20 years old. “The warm hospitality spirit in Louisville can help people dig deep into everything the city has to offer, including our southern hospitality, walking, affordability and iconic attractions.”
In addition to attractions throughout the year, Louisville hosts various events that can enhance visits or match meetings. Famous upcoming events include:
- April: The Kentucky Derby Festival hosts parades, volleyball championships, food festivals, neighborhood parties, marathons, hot air balloon competitions, and more. April 26, at the Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs The Great Gatsby. Other Gatsby-themed events will also be held at Seelbach Hilton and other locations throughout the city.
- possible: The 151st Kentucky Derby was held on May 3 in Churchill Downs, with live horse racing continuing throughout the month.
- June: From June 1 to 4, Louisville will host PCMA Educon in downtown Omni Louisville and Louisville Marriott, with an estimated 1,000 attendees.
- September: Two exciting music events were held at the Highland Music Festival venue at the Kentucky Exhibition Center. First is Bourbon & Beyond, which runs September 11-14, and it combines bourbon, food and live music. The following week, from September 18 to 21, the waves that surpassed high-energy rock and metal performances will be back.
- October: The second part of the booking bourbon and the attribution (date tbd). Considered the first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival in the United States and touted as the Queer Bourbon Week in Kentucky, it will host events in multiple Kentucky cities and various venues throughout Louisville.
“The authentic and iconic visitor experience complements the incredibly unique attractions that Louisville has been proud of for years,” Bart said.
Learn more and start planning at gotolouisville.com/meet.
This article, along with Louisville Tourism, launched a three-part series of Skift conferences, explores how the city’s rich heritage shapes memorable events. Please stay tuned for the second issue in May and the third issue in June.
This content is from Louisville Tourism and Skift branded content studio Skiftx.
