Looking at the headlines, it’s obvious: Louisville’s future is a meeting destination in the United States. The new hotel development in the country’s downtown (including the proposed 1,000-room convention hotel) and the plan upgrade of Muhammad Ali Ali International Airport to $400 million is one of the city’s latest investments in infrastructure.
But the event planners aren’t attracted to Louisville for what’s about to happen – they’re choosing it for what already exists.
As the birthplace of bourbon, the city offers attendees an American heritage that travels with modern hospitality. Recognized as the US destination this year Today’s groupLouisville won the award-winning Southern Charm and earned a good track record of seamless event execution. The city also brings purpose to the forefront, with a long-term commitment to the impact of the community bringing each plan to a deeper meaning.
“Sustainability is embedded in our city’s values,” said Zack Davis, vice president of tourism destination services at Louisville. “We see opportunities for sustainability really impact the quality of life at destinations beyond the direct financial impact.”
Always Become Greener: Louisville Doubles Sustainability
Louisville has a LEED COITS SIRVTICARICY and has been awarded LEED certification in 2021, including Omni Louisville, Aloft Main Street, AC Hotel and Cambria Hotel Downtown – Louisville has become the leading eco-view meeting destination.
But the city leaders didn’t stop there. In the second half of 2023, Muhammad Ali International Airport launched the largest geothermal system of any airport in the United States, with 648 vertical wells (500 feet deep each), and the well set together reduces the airport’s carbon footprint by 80%.
Sustainable Practice of Bourbon Business
The city’s iconic bourbon industry is embracing sustainability, too. Over the past decade, Louisville distiller Angel’s jealousy has worked with the Arbor Day Foundation to help replenish more than 311,000 white oaks, while Maker’s Mark became the world’s first distillery to produce reborn certified bourbon, a homage to regenerative agricultural practices.
Expand green space and smart technology
At the same time, green infrastructure is expanding throughout the city. New parks and public places are helping to reduce city heating while creating an open-air experience for attendees. Another walkable gathering location is added to the newly opened public spaces in the Medical and Education District, while the 22-acre waterfront park features Playport, a unique blend of entertainment and learning that is perfect for attendees traveling with their family.
“We also see smart transportation solutions and the continued greening of our tourism and hospitality infrastructure,” Davis said. “Over the next five to ten years, we expect more collaboration between the public and private sectors to reduce emissions, save resources and create inclusive opportunities related to sustainability.”
Redefine the sustainable success of Louisville
In Louisville, sustainability is not an isolated initiative – it is a citywide strategy that takes into account environmental, social and economic impacts in an equal way. For local tourism, success is not only about minimizing waste—it is about the greatest value of the entire community, including residents who may never attend a convention or event.
“Destinations have to consider sustainability from an environmental perspective, but also social and economic,” Davis said. “Louisville has not shy away from the past and our areas of opportunity. We embrace the steps required for our history and lasting change.”
In terms of social sustainability, Louisville tourism focuses on bridging gaps in health, education and community services, aiming to enhance residents while creating a more inclusive visitor experience. Economically, the organization has achieved long-term growth by increasing wages and expanding career pathways for 70,000 people in the city’s tourism and hospitality industry.
“We want to address all aspects of sustainability with equal efforts and intentions,” Davis said. “Some areas may naturally be our destination. Other areas will require deeper strategies and long-term commitments. We are ready for both.”
Leave lasting effects
At the heart of Louisville’s sustainability strategy is “Leave a legacy in Louisville”, a program designed to help events create meaningful impacts that go far beyond economic indicators.
“The plan was born out of a desire to help the incident, and it was not just a financial impact,” Davis said.
Through a select catalog of more than 50 reviewed nonprofits, event organizers can align their programming with community-driven reasons. Louisville grew up as an outstanding person, growing at least 1,000 trees each year to improve air quality and build healthier communities in 21 underserved communities. The organization also supports community gardens to combat food insecurity. Visiting groups can participate by planting trees, maintaining greenhouses, or working side by side with residents in the garden space.
Another opportunity is to dare to care, a food visit nonprofit that allocated more than 20 million meals last year, including more than 6 million children. Attendees can bring fresh and healthy options directly into the community by sorting food at the organization’s main warehouse or helping customers in the mobile market.
These hands-on experiences not only provide volunteers with time—they give attendees the opportunity to build a genuine connection with the city and its people.
“These experiences not only provide team building opportunities, they help visitors connect more deeply with our culture and values, making their time in Louisville really memorable,” Davis said.
Learn more and start planning gotolouisville.com/meet.
This article is the final part of a three-part series from Skift Conference and Louisville Tours, which explores how the city’s rich heritage and forward-looking values create memorable event experiences. How to discover Louisville Bourbon culture, vibrant cooking scenes and unique attractions Improvement meeting – Why the city continues to gain national recognition for its unique southern charm.
This content is from Louisville Travel and Skift’s branded content studio, TransferX.
