• October 14, Karen Williams, Jennifer Barnett, Doris Sims and Deb Burda from KEC hosted the ICUEE show staff for dinner.

• October 15-16, Yvonne Board will conduct a site visit for the National Baptist Congress President R. B. Holmes.  They will visit to review both KICC and KEC.  Elaine Bryant, chief of staff and Dr. George Waddles, director of NBC Logistics will attend and meet with the local host committee chaired by Dr. A. Russell Awkard.

• October 15, Karen Williams, Jennifer Barnett, Doris Sims and Angi Van Berg entertained six staff members from Cole Publishing who are in town for ICUEE.  Cole Publishing will hold its annual February show, The International Pumper and Cleaner Environmental Expo, at KEC in February 2008 and 2009.  The show will generate over 17,000 room nights and over $8 million in economic impact annually. 

• October 16, Mark Barnes and Casey Allen will meet with SKILLS USA in Washington, D.C. to go over Louisville’s bid book before the board meets in December when Louisville presents its bid for the group's 2015-2020 conferences.

• October 16, Karen Williams attended the breakfast at KEC for ICUEE.

• October 17, Yvonne Board will meet with Paul Medler with Sovereign Grace Ministries who is in Louisville to review Louisville Gardens as an alternative to the Convention Center for the Memorial Day Weekend Ministry for 2009-2012.

• October 17, Angi Van Berg will attend the Southern Forest Products Association's Expo Advisory Board Meeting in New Orleans.  Louisville will be considered for its 2011 Annual Expo which would generate 4,300 room nights and an estimated economic impact over $4 million.

MeetingNews Exclusive Research

• MeetingNews magazine surveyed 400 meeting planners and asked, “how often do you avoid destinations during times of year when weather may interrupt your meeting?” Results showed that nearly 60% of meeting planners usually try to steer clear of specific destinations at times of year when they are likely to encounter bad weather. Click here to view the full article.

Groups working with services this week:

• International Construction Utility Equipment Expo (ICUEE) is meeting at KEC. 15,000 attendees are expected, generating an economic impact of $10 million.  The Bureau will provide an onsite city concierge and registration help.

• Team Leadership Convention is meeting at KEC.  17,000 attendees are expected, generating an economic impact of $2.6 million.

• TARC and the Louisville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau have formed a partnership to promote a one-day pass for tourists and convention attendees that will encourage use of TARC’s trolleys and buses. Called the “Day Tripper,” the passes will go on sale at the Louisville Visitors Center at 4th and Jefferson and at Union Station, 1000 W. Broadway, beginning Tuesday, October 30. The pass will sell for $3 and allow unlimited trips during any one-day period. Click here for more information.

• The 4th Annual Battle of the Best is coming to Papa John’s Brown & Williamson Club on Thursday, October 25. Culinary creations and presentations begin at 5 p.m. Witness three of Louisville’s top chefs compete to be the best! See some of Kentuckiana’s best caterers showcase elaborate displays and delectable food--and you be the judge! This year will highlight Brown-Forman’s Finlandia Vodka where a variety of martinis will be prepared and you will be the judge on those as well! It is truly an exciting culinary (and competitive) experience! Tickets are available online at www.kbcmpi.com or call (502) 456-1851. Proceeds provide scholarships for Sullivan University’s hospitality students.
  
  
• The ROSE Awards nominations are posted online and open for public viewing & voting. All nominees will be recognized but one shining star in each category will receive the Bureau’s prestigious ROSE award presented by Mayor Jerry Abramson.  To vote for an outstanding hospitality representative or register to attend, click here. The public votingprocess begins on Tuesday, September 25 and closes on October 25 at 11:59 p.m. Nominees will be honored and winners will be announced at the Bureau’s annual luncheon and ROSE Awards on Tuesday, November 7.
  
  
• The next class for the Louisville Hospitality Ambassador LHA Designation is scheduled on Wednesday, October 31 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Locust Grove on Blankenbaker Lane. Cost of the program for a member company is $79 per participant and $129 for a non-member company. Space is limited, so register today! Contact Sherri Brindle at sbrindle@gotolouisville.com or (502) 379-6109. Click here for more information.

• Fleur De Licious is the perfect opportunity to enjoy exceptional dishes prepared by Downtown Louisville's hottest eateries. Simply attend the participating restaurant of your choice and select from a special Fleur De Licious 3-course prix-fix menu for either $25 or $35 per person. (beverages, tax and gratuity are not included.) Visit the Fleur De Licious website for participating restaurants.
  
  
• Seven Ironman events will appear on the Versus network this fall including the inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville. Check local listings for the exact times, 2007 Versus schedule of Ironman events includes Ford Ironman Louisville on November 18 and 21.
  
  
• October 16, Nancy Stephen and Stacey Yates will attend the Kentucky Tourism Council Traverse Awards in Owensboro, Kentucky.
  
  
• October 19-23, Nancy Stephen will attend the Public Relations Society of America Annual Conference in Philadelphia.