Louisville Tourism Events
Louisville Tourism is proud to host a collection of signature events that bring together hospitality professionals, community partners, and local businesses to celebrate, connect, and strengthen our city’s visitor economy. Explore our annual lineup below and discover opportunities to engage, learn, and grow with us.
Annual Hospitality Tradeshow
Step into an energetic evening designed to connect the public with Louisville’s vibrant hospitality community. Featuring 50+ exhibitors and attracting 500+ attendees, this tradeshow highlights innovative products, services, and experiences shaping our destination. It’s a can’t‑miss opportunity for networking, discovery, and community engagement.
Annual Gala & ROSE Awards
Often called the “Oscar Night of Louisville hospitality,” the ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards spotlight the tourism professionals who make a lasting impact on our visitors. More than 700+ industry partners gather for this red‑carpet celebration featuring a hosted reception, live entertainment, and an unforgettable after‑party. Learn more at LouisvilleROSEAwards.com.
Destination Marketing Forum
Held each summer, the Destination Marketing Forum delivers Louisville’s annual State of the Industry update. Join community leaders, partners, and tourism professionals as we share insights, highlight achievements, and look ahead to future growth. This forum offers a dynamic space to collaborate, celebrate, and understand how tourism continues to move Louisville forward.
Golf Classic
Co‑Hosted by the Louisville Hotel Association & Louisville Tourism
Every October, partners gather at Glen Oaks Country Club for a fun and philanthropic day on the course. The event includes 11:00 AM registration, box lunches, a scramble, and post‑tournament appetizers and awards. Proceeds support workforce development initiatives and critical community services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Louisville Tourism Unlocked
Get an insider’s look at Louisville Tourism’s mission and impact. These ongoing informal, interactive sessions allow partners to connect with senior leadership, learn about destination initiatives, and explore how tourism drives economic growth. Attendees gain fresh insights and discover meaningful ways to engage through our Destination Engagement Opportunities.
Coffee with Cleo & Cocktails with Cleo
Join Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism, along with senior leadership and special guests, for intimate conversations designed to spark ideas and strengthen relationships. Whether over coffee or cocktails, these low‑key gatherings provide direct access to key decision‑makers and a deeper understanding of the strategic vision guiding Louisville’s tourism landscape.
Hospitality Business Showcase
During these bi‑monthly sessions, Louisville Tourism team members pause their day to learn about partner products, services, and audiences. With just 10 presentation spots per session, participating businesses receive personalized attention that helps us better promote their offerings to visitors, meeting planners, and travel professionals. This event is free and open to active Louisville Tourism subscribers and hotel partners in good standing.
Attraction Network Meetings
Designed specifically for Louisville attractions and hotel sales leaders, these invitation‑only, bi‑monthly meetings share updates from Louisville Tourism’s Leisure Sales, Visitor Experience, Marketing, and Destination Services teams. Attendees gain insights on visitor trends, feeder markets, conventions, festivals, and motorcoach travel to better align their organizations with tourism initiatives.
City Information Meetings
Held monthly at rotating restaurants and attractions, these sessions educate frontline hospitality professionals, including concierges, hotel staff, and tourism ambassadors, about local venues and experiences. Open to Louisville Tourism subscribers & 78 Social members, these meetings help ensure our frontline teams have the knowledge they need to provide world‑class service to visitors.