Central Kentucky
VisitLex.com; @VisitLEX
Sandy Johnson, director of destination sales for VisitLEX, says meeting planners consistently highlight Lexington’s unmatched hospitality. “What feels like everyday friendliness to our locals creates a uniquely memorable experience for visitors. For our VisitLEX convention sales team, this level of community warmth is a selling advantage and one that sets our city apart.”
Johnson also notes the city’s budget-friendly status. “Hosting your convention here maximizes your bottom line without compromising on quality. Price points in Lexington are $20-$40 lower than comparable destinations, and our central location—within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population and just 10 minutes from Blue Grass Airport (LEX)—makes Lexington easily accessible.”
Blue Grass Airport recently announced Future LEX, a multi-phase development designed to enhance the passenger experience and support long-term growth. “These improvements will position the airport to accommodate demand, with annual enplanements projected to nearly double by 2045,” Johnson says.
The 366-room Hyatt Regency Lexington is undergoing a $30 million-plus renovation of all guest rooms, meeting and event spaces, and public areas; renovations are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The hotel has 26,000 square feet of function space and is connected to the Central Bank Center complex, which includes 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, 16 meeting rooms, a 24,300-square-foot ballroom, the iconic 20,500-seat Rupp Arena, and the 900-seat Lexington Opera House. Across the street from Central Bank Center is the 369-room Hilton Lexington Downtown, which features 18,690 square feet of function space.
Downtown Lexington has more than 1,200 hotel rooms, 75 restaurants, theaters, shops, galleries, and nightlife. The Distillery District on Manchester Street is within walking distance of the Central Bank Center. There are 9,300 guest rooms throughout the city.
Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa, with 408 guest rooms and 28,901 square feet of event space, is the city’s largest hotel; its ballroom accommodates up to 1,200 guests. The resort property also includes a historic 19th-century mansion suitable for group events of up to 200 guests.
Gatton Park on the Town Branch is a new 12-acre downtown urban park adjacent to Rupp Arena. It includes an event lawn, public art, and a 5,000-person capacity amphitheater.
As the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington offers plenty of ways for event attendees to experience equine legends up close, including tours and group activities. There are 450 Thoroughbred horse farms within 30 minutes of the city.
Kentucky Horse Park offers tours and exhibits, riding, and regularly scheduled events. The park features a variety of venues and spaces for private events, including the International Museum of the Horse, which accommodates up to 300 people for receptions; the Big Barn, which seats up to 1,500 dinner guests; a 20,800-square-foot exhibit hall; and additional indoor and outdoor venues. Keeneland, a Thoroughbred racing facility and the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, has six unique event venues to host up to 250 guests.
