Northern Kentucky
MeetNKY.com; @MeetNKY
Collectively known as Northern Kentucky, the cities of Covington, Florence, and Newport are not just a stop along the way, says Stefanie Wyckoff, director of convention sales for MeetNKY. “We are the destination. In Northern Kentucky, rolling hills meet vibrant city streets, and the skyline comes with a side of Southern hospitality. Connected by the Ohio River to downtown Cincinnati, our two-state destination gives meeting planners the best of both worlds: world-class amenities paired with authentic local character.”
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), just 15 minutes from Covington, offers convenient access from more than 50 nonstop destinations.
The Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington features 110,000 square feet of meeting, exhibition, and social function space, including a 17,500-square-foot ballroom, 10 meeting rooms, a 400-seat amphitheater, and a 46,200-square-foot event center that can accommodate 254 booths. The 321-room Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter is connected to the center via skybridge and has meeting space to accommodate 300 guests. The adjacent 227-suite Embassy Suites Cincinnati RiverCenter offers 8,000 square feet of function space.
A few blocks away, North by Hotel Covington has 53 apartment-style rooms, and the attached Hotel Covington has 114 guest rooms. The sister properties share a 200-person-capacity ballroom, a 375-person-capacity event center, and The Lightwell venue, which is built atop a former swimming pool and accommodates 500 guests.
A new 131-room Residence Inn by Marriott in Newport is set to open in 2027. There are currently 7,803 guest rooms in the immediate region.
Northern Kentucky provides planners with unique options for outdoor gatherings and recreation, according to MeetNKY. At Boone County Arboretum, groups can take guided horticultural tours, wellness walks, nature photography sessions, and plant-focused experiences that align with planners’ sustainability and wellness goals. BB Riverboats, including the Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen, have meeting space for up to 280 guests. The Purple People Bridge, which spans the Ohio River, can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, while Covington Plaza, directly behind the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter, can accommodate 1,350 guests for receptions.
In Newport, Hofbräuhaus Brewery & Restaurant offers authentic Bavarian menu items, beers brewed on site, a seasonal bier garden, and event space to accommodate 300 people. Newport Aquarium has four event rooms with a banquet capacity of 200 guests. The entire aquarium is available for after-hours events and can accommodate 1,000 guests.
