Louisville may be best known for hosting the world’s most iconic horse race — the Kentucky Derby — but the city has also cemented itself as a premier place for business events. In 2024, Meeting Professionals International chose Louisville to host its World Education Congress, and this summer, the Professional Convention Management Association will bring its annual edUcon program to the scenic banks of the Ohio River.

With two cutting-edge convention centers, 23,000 hotel rooms, 2,500 restaurants, and a conveniently located airport just 10 minutes from downtown, it’s easy to see why major meetings and conferences are gravitating toward the Bourbon City. But Louisville’s appeal goes beyond just the numbers.

“Louisville offers something truly special,” said Doug Bennett, executive vice president of Louisville Tourism. “Authentic southern hospitality, infused with a progressive, inclusive spirit, is what sets us apart.”

A Collaborative Core

What makes planners fall in love with Louisville? It all begins with the people they collaborate with, who help bring their events to life.

“At the heart of Louisville’s hospitality success is a strategic investment in people, partnerships, and place,” said Bennett. “Our team is committed to building strong relationships with local businesses, venues, and service providers to create seamless, collaborative experiences.”

These connections open the door to unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression — whether it’s the iconic Churchill Downs bugler kicking off an opening ceremony or a lively bluegrass band setting the tone for a happy hour reception.

Louisville Tourism’s Destination Services Team has built a reputation for going above and beyond — and the industry has taken notice. In 2024, the team earned the ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award and was recognized by MeetingsToday as one of the Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South. But Louisville’s reputation as a top-tier city extends well beyond the region, with respondents in Groups Today survey ranking Louisville as the 2024 U.S. Destination of the Year. 

“Awards are wonderful recognition,” said Bennett. “But they reflect something deeper: a city that genuinely cares about how it makes people feel.”

That commitment to hospitality and inclusion resonates with every visitor. Louisville has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for 10 consecutive years — a testament to its ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community. And in fall 2024, the city celebrated that spirit of inclusivity by launching Bourbon & Belonging, the world’s first LGBTQ+ bourbon festival.

Seamless Planning Steeped in Southern Charm

In Louisville, southern charm goes beyond a warm welcome — it means taking the stress out of planning. For meeting professionals, that charm translates into seamless logistics and thoughtful support throughout every stage of the event.

As Bennett explained, job titles alone don’t capture the full scope of what the Destination Services Team brings to the table. 

“Our team is made up of connectors, collaborators, and problem-solvers,” he said. “From the initial RFP to the final thank-you note, they operate as an extension of your planning team. They coordinate closely with the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, hotels, venues, transportation providers, and even city officials to ensure every detail runs smoothly.”

Beyond logistics, the team also enhances educational programming by linking planners with Louisville’s vibrant network of academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It’s a city where intellectual and business capital are just as accessible as the hospitality — and where every event is set up for success.

A Celebration All Year Long

When the education sessions end, Louisville keeps the energy high with celebrations rooted in its rich bourbon culture.

“Louisville knows how to celebrate,” said Bennett. “And we do it in ways you won’t find anywhere else.”

Take the Kentucky Derby, for example. Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports, the race is just the grand finale of a month-long celebration. The lead-up includes a marathon, a steamboat race, a festive parade, and — of course — a bourbon festival. But the fun doesn’t stop there.

Louisville’s neighborhoods play a big part in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The LouGrass Music Series brings free bluegrass performances to off-the-beaten-path venues in areas like St. Matthews and the Highlands. For something completely unexpected, there’s Bock Fest in NuLu, a beer festival that features goat races, and the World Championship of Dainty in Germantown — a quirky competition reserved for participants 45 and older.

“These aren’t just events,” Bennett said. “They’re immersive, only-in-Louisville experiences that help people connect with our city in fun, meaningful, and unforgettable ways.”

Industry-Leading Innovation 

The reigning Destination of the Year is building momentum for an even brighter future. According to Bennett, the city is “doubling down on innovation that enhances accessibility, sustainability, and engagement.” That commitment is evident in a range of improvements, from upgrades at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to new downtown hotel developments and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve mobility for attendees.

Louisville’s bourbon scene is evolving as well, offering fresh, immersive experiences for visitors. Highlights include a new tasting room at Bardstown Bourbon Company and a speakeasy-style venue at Green River Distilling. “These additions create dynamic, one-of-a-kind settings for events,” Bennett said. “It’s all part of our city’s commitment to blending tradition with transformation to meet the needs of the next generation of meetings.”

As the city’s travel and hospitality landscape grows with thoughtful, best-in-class enhancements, the positive impact is felt across the community. The Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville is a powerful example. Once a vacant field in an area long affected by disinvestment, the space has been transformed into a 134,000-square-foot, world-class sports complex featuring a retractable hydraulic track that accommodates entertainment events for up to 6,000 guests. Located just a mile from Muhammad Ali’s birthplace, the center is a living tribute to the local legend who once declared, “I am the greatest” — and continues to inspire others to reach for greatness.

Learn more and start planning at GoToLouisville.com/Meet.

This is the second installment of Skift Meetings’ three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city’s rich heritage shapes unforgettable events. Read the first installment to find out how bourbon, food, and attractions elevate Louisville events here. Stay tuned for the final installment in June.
This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

Event Mobile Apps: Why Your Next Event Needs a Customized Eventdex Event App

An event mobile app is no longer just a luxury, it’s a must-have for any successful event. Did you know that 67.5% of attendees expect an event to have a mobile app, and over half use it to connect with others and access event details? Managing a significant event becomes a logistical nightmare without an event mobile app, from long event check-in lines to scrambling to provide real-time updates. This is where Eventdex steps in with its customized event mobile app. It goes beyond basic features like digital agendas, it is a fully personalized tool designed to make your event smoother and more engaging. Be it running a conference, a trade show, or a corporate gathering, Eventdex event management software tailors its app to fit the unique needs of your event and your attendees. 

Attendees will have everything they need at their fingertips, from instant access to schedules and venue maps to smooth networking opportunities. An event mobile app isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating an experience that attendees remember. With real-time updates, personalized content, and smooth interactions, an event mobile app elevates your event and makes it stand out in today’s tech-driven world. This blog post will give you a detailed overview of how a customized event mobile app can upgrade event experience, enhance attendee engagement, streamline operations, and provide a hassle-free experience for both organizers and attendees.

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Why Every Event Needs a Customized Event Mobile App

When it comes to organizing an event today, convenience and engagement are top priorities. Attendees expect a smooth, organized experience from start to finish, and a customized event mobile app is key to delivering just that. Below are some key reasons why a well-designed event mobile app makes it possible to deliver a modern and interactive experience that everyone will appreciate.

1. Effortless Event Management

Managing an event involves juggling many moving parts. From managing event registrations and event ticketing to coordinating sessions and exhibitors, there’s much to keep track of. A customized event mobile app serves as the backbone of your event, streamlining all these tasks in one place. With features like an event registration app and event ticketing app, you can manage attendees, ticket sales, and session sign-ups without worrying about messy spreadsheets or manual checks.

A live event mobile app can update your event in real time, so everyone stays informed without the need for last-minute printed materials. If the schedule or announcement changes, push notifications ensure attendees are the first to know.

2. Simplifying Networking

For many attendees, the true value of an event lies in the connections they make. Whether they’re attending a networking event app or a business event app, people come looking to meet others who share their interests. A customized event mobile app enhances this experience by allowing attendees to build profiles, view others’ profiles, and set up meetings directly through the app.

With a corporate event mobile app, you can also facilitate targeted networking. For example, if you’re organizing a trade show app, exhibitors can interact with attendees who match their business interests.

3. Personalization for Every Attendee

Attendees these days want more control over their event experience. With a customized event mobile app, they can tailor their schedules using an event agenda app, choosing the sessions or workshops that interest them the most. Plus, attendees can set reminders, ensuring they don’t miss a thing.

On top of that, you can make your event even more engaging by integrating gamification features, giving attendees a chance to earn points or rewards for participating in different activities. A virtual event app or hybrid event app could also offer unique digital experiences, making it easier for virtual attendees to engage with the content and other participants.

4. Real-Time Communication and Updates

A customized event mobile app gives you the ability to communicate with your attendees in real-time. Whether it’s sending a push notification to alert everyone about a change in the schedule or informing them about an impromptu event, such communication ensures no one is left in the dark.

Additionally, event attendees won’t find themselves lost or missing important sessions. A built-in event floor plan software helps them navigate the venue, making it easy to find rooms, sessions, and booths. With an event check-in app, the process is streamlined, and your event can stay organized effortlessly.

5. Increased Engagement Throughout the Event

A customized event mobile app isn’t just for keeping track of schedules and registrations. It’s also a powerful tool for boosting attendee engagement. Whether it’s through live polling, Q&A sessions, or real-time feedback with an event engagement app, attendees can interact with the event content and speakers. This helps create a dynamic atmosphere where attendees feel like they’re part of the event, not just passive observers.

From hosting a hybrid event or conducting event networking, the mobile app ensures that everyone, whether in-person or virtual, can engage meaningfully. People can ask questions, participate in discussions, or even chat privately with speakers or other attendees. This level of engagement improves satisfaction and increases the chances of your event being remembered.

6. Deep Insights with Analytics and Tracking

A customized event mobile app offers far more than just a platform for event logistics; it provides data. With the help of an event tracking app and event analytics app, you can gain deep insights into attendee behavior. For example, you will know which sessions were the most popular, how long people spent at specific booths, or what time of day engagement peaked.

This data can inform future event planning, helping you refine your approach and make better decisions. Whether it’s improving the event management app or adjusting content in real-time, having access to analytics means you’re always improving.

7. Simplified Event Check-In and Logistics

The first impression of your event is often the event check-in process. A customized event mobile app makes this smooth and quick with features like QR code scanning and real-time updates on attendee status. With a event check-in app, you can eliminate long lines, reducing wait times and improving attendee satisfaction right from the start.

Additionally, your event map app ensures no one feels lost or confused about where to go next. Be it a giant conference or a small meeting, everyone can easily find their way around, which leads to a more enjoyable and organized experience.

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The Competitive Edge of an Eventdex Event Mobile App

Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, Eventdex offers a fully customizable event mobile app tailored to the specific needs of event professionals. It enhances networking opportunities, optimizes event logistics, and serves as a central hub for all event-related activities. Moreover, with a custom-built event mobile app, event organizers gain control, enhance attendee experience, and unlock new revenue opportunities while keeping everything running smoothly. Let’s explore why a customized Eventdex event mobile app gives your event a serious competitive edge.

1. Elevating Attendee Engagement with an Event Mobile App

An event’s success largely depends on how well attendees engage with it. A customized Eventdex event mobile app provides various interactive features that keep attendees informed, involved, and connected.

A Dynamic Event Agenda for Better Planning

Printed event schedules become outdated quickly, and relying on static PDFs is not ideal. A custom Eventdex event mobile app includes a real-time event agenda app that allows attendees to:

• Access the latest schedule updates
• Create a personalized event itinerary
• Receive alerts about session changes through the event push notification app

For large-scale conferences and trade shows, an updated event scheduling app ensures attendees are always aware of what’s happening next.

Live Polling, Q&A, and Session Feedback

Keeping attendees engaged during sessions requires interactive tools. Eventdex’s event engagement app encourages real-time participation with features such as:

• Live polling, where speakers can instantly gauge audience opinions
• Q&A sessions that allow attendees to submit questions digitally
• Session ratings and feedback collection to improve future events

These features are particularly useful for conference apps, trade show apps, and corporate event apps that focus on knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Integrated Social Media for Greater Visibility

Attendees want to share their event experience with their networks. A customized event mobile app should provide social media integration that allows users to:

• Link their profiles to the event networking app
• Share updates, photos, and insights in real time
• Engage with official event hashtags and discussions

This is especially valuable for organizers of hybrid events and virtual events, ensuring attendees remain engaged whether they are on-site or participating remotely.

2. Upgrading Event Networking with AI-Powered Matchmaking

Networking is one of the primary reasons people attend events. However, finding the right connections can be challenging without the right tools. A customized Eventdex event mobile app provides AI-powered business matchmaking and streamlined communication features to enhance networking.

Smart Business Matchmaking for Attendees

Eventdex’s event networking app employs advanced algorithms to suggest the most relevant connections based on shared interests, industry, and event goals. Attendees can:

• Browse profiles and initiate networking conversations
• Use filters to find professionals who align with their business needs
• Schedule meetings directly within the meeting app

For organizers of business events, trade shows, and corporate events, this feature ensures attendees make valuable connections.

Simplified Meeting Scheduling

Coordinating meetings at an event can be difficult without a dedicated platform. Eventdex event mobile app simplifies scheduling through its integrated meeting app, which allows attendees to:

• Set up one-on-one or group meetings
• View available time slots of other participants
• Receive reminders via push notification

This is particularly useful for networking event apps and business event apps where structured meetings play a key role.

3. Enhancing Event Logistics and Management

An event’s success depends on efficient execution. The Eventdex event mobile app offers organizers a range of tools to handle event logistics without disruptions.

Faster Check-Ins with an Event Check-In App

Long check-in lines can create delays and frustration. The event check-in app improves the process with:

• QR code-based check-in for quick entry
• Automated badge printing to reduce waiting time
• Real-time attendance tracking through the event tracking app

For large-scale conferences, trade shows, and corporate events, this feature improves crowd flow and allows organizers to monitor attendance efficiently.

Interactive Event Floor Maps for Easy Navigation

Large venues can be difficult to navigate, especially for first-time attendees. The event floor plan ensures that attendees can easily locate:

• Session rooms and keynote halls
• Exhibitor booths and networking lounges
• Food and beverage areas, restrooms, and emergency exits

This feature is particularly beneficial for trade show apps, corporate event apps, and conference apps, where multiple sessions and exhibitor booths are spread across a large venue.

4. Increasing Event Revenue and Sponsorship Value

A well-designed event mobile app should not only enhance the attendee experience but also provide new revenue opportunities for organizers.

Optimized Event Ticketing and Registration

Managing ticket sales and registrations manually can lead to inefficiencies. Eventdex’s event ticketing app simplifies the process by:

• Offering an easy-to-use event registration app for attendee sign-ups
• Automating ticket sales with digital payment options
• Providing instant confirmations and digital passes for event check-in

For organizers, this means higher conversion rates and an improved registration process.

Monetizing the Event Mobile App

Eventdex event mobile app opens up sponsorship opportunities through:

• Sponsored alerts via the event push notification app
• Premium exhibitor listings in the event networking app
• Banner ads and branded elements throughout the app

By offering these sponsorship placements, event organizers can attract premium sponsors while keeping attendees engaged.

5. Data-Driven Event Insights for Smarter Decision-Making

To improve future events, organizers need access to real-time insights. The Eventdex event mobile app provides robust data analytics that allow for:

• Tracking attendee participation levels through the event tracking app
• Measuring session engagement and interaction rates
• Analyzing ticket sales and check-in data via the event analytics app

With these insights, event organizers can make informed decisions that enhance future event planning strategies.

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The Future of Events Is Mobile! Are You Ready?

The world of event planning has evolved, and the event mobile app is at the heart of this massive change. Attendees expect a smooth, tech-driven experience that allows them to register, check in, network, and engage, all from their smartphones. Organizers, on the other hand, need a centralized event management app that simplifies logistics, provides real-time insights, and enhances the overall event experience.

With an event mobile app, your event becomes a more dynamic, interactive experience that keeps attendees engaged, fosters valuable connections, and delivers measurable results. Eventdex’s event mobile app takes things even further. From AI-powered business matchmaking in the event networking app to real-time analytics, the Eventdex event management app equips you with the tools to create a flawless event experience.

So what are you waiting for? Book a free demo today to check out how Eventdex’s event mobile app can make your next event unforgettable! You can also visit https://www.eventdex.com or contact us to customize your event app and make your next event a success.

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