Positioned as the gateway to the South, Louisville offers a rich blend of modern meeting spaces and vibrant cultural charm. Its “core” downtown neighborhood is just seven miles from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and within driving distance of 60 percent of the U.S., the city’s bourbon heritage, regional cuisine, and renowned attractions make it a unique destination for gatherings and events.
“Louisville’s momentum has been on the rise as word has gotten out that we are such a convenient and authentic destination,” said Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism.
For large-scale conferences and meetings, planners will find two venues to choose from: The LEED Silver Certified Kentucky International Convention Center, which underwent a $207 million expansion in 2018, offers 200,000 square feet of contiguous meeting space in the heart of downtown. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Exposition Center, the sixth-largest convention center in the U.S., is located just minutes from SDF.
The metro area has nearly 200 hotels and more than 23,000 rooms, including 7,000 downtown, with options ranging from boutique hotels to big-name brands. Neighborhoods such as the Central Business District, NuLu, Old Louisville, and the Highlands provide a variety of settings for events. Louisville Tourism offers planning support, including recommendations for team-building activities and give-back experiences.
Bottoms Up in Bourbon City
Nicknamed the Wall Street of Whiskey during the pre-Prohibition era, Louisville has long been associated with bourbon. Today, the city — often referred to as Bourbon City — offers more than 12 distillery experiences, along with bourbon-themed trails, shopping, and accommodations.
Groups can explore downtown distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, embark on the Urban Bourbon Trail’s culinary and cocktail journey, or even take part in a bourbon tasting on a thoroughbred horse farm. Louisville is also famous for two classic cocktails: the Old Fashioned (invented in the late 1800s at the Pendennis Club) and the Mint Julep, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Visitors can participate in mixology classes at Angel’s Envy Distillery, the Frazier History Museum, and Liquor Lab, or take a guided Mint Julep Tour, a signature Louisville experience.
“Considering bourbon is America’s only native spirit, Louisville provides a unique experience for visitors, especially with the revitalization of Whiskey Row and the surrounding areas,” said Battle. “While cities like Nashville and New Orleans are known for their music and festivals, Louisville stands out for its bourbon heritage, much like Napa is known for its wine.”
Indulge in Authentic Eats
Louisville is a hub for New Southern cuisine, with more than 2,000 restaurants, including 130 downtown. The city’s culinary scene is shaped by award-winning chefs such as James Beard Best Chef: Southeast finalists Edward Lee (610 Magnolia, Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse) and rising talent Noam Blitzer (Meesh Meesh).
“Incorporating New Southern cuisine into an event menu provides a taste of Louisville’s culinary heritage while highlighting the city’s creativity and innovative ‘spirit,’” said Battle. “With bourbon-infused dishes and local flavors, meals can become a memorable part of the experience.”
Louisville’s food scene blends Southern traditions with international influences, drawing from Kentucky’s agricultural resources. Many regional dishes reflect the Ohio River Valley’s culinary history, shaped by generations of farmers and chefs.
Signature Louisville dishes include benedictine (a creamy cucumber spread), burgoo (a slow-cooked stew), modjeskas (caramel-dipped marshmallows), the hot brown (a warm, open-faced sandwich), and bourbon balls (bourbon-infused chocolates). Groups can explore these flavors through a Louisville Food Tour or hands-on experiences like a cooking class at Cooking at Millie’s or Bourbon Barrel Foods, known for its bourbon-barrel-smoked spices and barrel-aged soy sauce.
Visit Americana Attractions
Louisville accounts for 30 percent of Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, offering a unique Americana experience with a range of cultural landmarks.
Key landmarks include Churchill Downs, which is marking its 150th anniversary with a $950 million renovation; the Kentucky Derby Museum, celebrating its 40th year; the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory; and the Muhammad Ali Center, now in its 20th year. “Louisville’s hospitality spirit helps people dig deeper into everything the city offers, including our southern hospitality, walkability, affordability, and iconic attractions.”
In addition to year-round attractions, Louisville hosts a variety of events that can enhance a visit or coincide with a meeting. Notable upcoming events include:
April: The Kentucky Derby Festival features a parade, volleyball tournament, food festival, block party, marathon, hot air balloon race, and more. On April 26, bookmark the Gatsby-themed opening night of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby. Other Gatsby-themed events will also be held at The Seelbach Hilton and other locations throughout the city.
May: The 151st Kentucky Derby takes place on May 3 at Churchill Downs, and live horse racing continues throughout the month.
June: From June 1 to 4, Louisville will host PCMA edUcon at the Omni Louisville and Louisville Marriott Downtown, with an expected 1,000 attendees.
September: Two exciting music-infused events are in store at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. First up is Bourbon & Beyond, running September 11–14, which combines bourbon, food, and live music. The following week, from September 18-21, Louder Than Life is back with its roster of high-energy rock and metal performances.
October: The second installment of Bourbon & Belonging is scheduled (dates TBD). Recognized as the first LGBTQ+ inclusive bourbon festival in the U.S. and touted as Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, events will take place across multiple Kentucky cities and various venues throughout Louisville.
“Authentic and iconic visitor experiences complement the incredible, unique attractions that Louisville has taken pride in for years,” said Battle.
Learn more and start planning at GoToLouisville.com/Meet.
This article kicks off Skift Meetings’ three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city’s rich heritage shapes unforgettable events. Stay tuned for the second installment in May and the third installment in June.
This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.
