Cleo Battle Honored with Prestigious Industry Leader Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 12, 2026)– Louisville Tourism proudly announces that President and CEO Cleo Battle has been named the 2026 recipient of Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) esteemed Industry Leader Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the global meetings and tourism industry.

The award was presented during MPI’s World Education Congress, where Battle was celebrated for his decades-long career, commitment to servant leadership and transformative impact on destination marketing.

MPI selected Battle in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the hospitality and meetings industry. As President and CEO of Louisville Tourism, Battle has helped lead meaningful industry evolution—expanding the focus beyond visitor numbers to broader economic and community impact—while championing greater representation and opportunity for diverse professionals and businesses. His long-standing service to MPI, including his role as Chair of the International Board of Directors, further reflects his deep influence and dedication to strengthening the global meetings industry.

Battle’s journey into tourism began unexpectedly. A former collegiate hurdler at the University of Colorado, his aspirations of Olympic competition were cut short by injury. Meeting with a college counselor ultimately led him to pursue hotel and restaurant management—a relatively unknown field at the time—launching a career that would span more than three decades.

Starting as a bellman at an Embassy Suites, Battle quickly rose through the ranks of leading hospitality brands, including Holiday Inn and Sheraton, before transitioning into destination marketing. He spent 17 years with the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau before joining Louisville Tourism in 2013 as Executive Vice President. He was named President and CEO in 2021.

Battle has played a pivotal role in shaping Louisville’s identity as a must-visit destination, particularly through the growth of its urban bourbon experience. Since starting at Louisville Tourism, the number of downtown bourbon attractions has grown dramatically, positioning the city as a walkable and immersive destination for visitors and meeting attendees alike.

“Tourism is about more than heads in beds—it’s about creating meaningful economic and community impact,” said Battle. “I’m honored to be part of an industry that brings people together and creates opportunity for so many.”

A passionate advocate for workforce development and inclusion, Battle has championed initiatives to build a more diverse and sustainable tourism pipeline. He helped spearhead the creation of the University of Louisville’s first-ever hospitality management program and supports ongoing efforts to connect local students to careers in the industry.

His industry leadership extends nationally and globally through his longtime involvement with MPI, where he has been a member for more than two decades and previously served as Chair of the International Board of Directors. Battle is widely recognized for his commitment to mentorship, collaboration and advancing the next generation of leaders.

"I love this industry and MPI has been my association home," he says. "I believe we should all raise our hands and give back to an industry that has given so much to us. Leadership roles are your opportunity to leave a legacy for the industry and set the table for the next generation."

Battle credits his success to the support of his colleagues, family and the Louisville Tourism team.

“This recognition truly belongs to the incredible team at Louisville Tourism and the many mentors, peers and partners who have supported me along the way,” he said. “Together, we continue to move our city and our industry forward.”