The Exposition Center will increase its Class A space by over 70%. | Photo by Kentucky Venues.
Logistics + shipping, healthcare, and manufacturing are all among Louisville’s top economic drivers. But large-scale events also play a huge role in making Derby City go.
With over 23,000 hotel rooms in the metro area, Louisville is well-positioned to host giant events. It’s what put us in the running to host Sundance last year, after all.
It’s no wonder, then, that trade shows and industrial conferences from all corners of the business world choose Derby City to host their annual conferences. Here’s a look at just some of the conferences held in Louisville each year:
Mid-America Trucking Show | This event has featured leaders from the trucking industry, tech demonstrations, and networking events for 50+ years. It was the no. 3 biggest event by economic impact for Louisville in 2025, bringing in over $31 million.
North American Honey Bee Expo | Each January, the Kentucky Expo Center is abuzz as thousands of apiarists both professional and amateur gather in Louisville to talk shop.
The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Expo | There’s a good chance that your favorite board game took off right here in Derby City. Held every February, GAMA Expo is the premier trade show for tabletop games, putting designers and publishers in touch with retailers to find the next big game.
Equip Expo | Another Top 16 economic event for Louisville is this national conference for the landscaping industry. With 26,000 attendees expected, the expo is projected to bring ~$30 million into Louisville when it comes to town in October.
Events
Events
Tuesday, April 22
Recycled Kids Craft Workshop | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | East End Farmer’s Market | $20, preregistration required | Bring the kids to make recycled plastic flowers, bottle planters, and more.
Wilderness Trail Bourbon Tasting | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Goodfellas Pizzeria - Baxter Ave. | $40 | Try four pours, paired with pizza and breadsticks.
Wednesday, April 23
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | 5-10 p.m. | Big Four Lawn | Free | Kick off the season with the first waterfront concert of the year featuring The Verve Pipe, Momma, and Cam Clarke + his Orchestra.
Thursday, April 24
Bright Eyes | 7:30 p.m. | Old Forester’s Paristown Hall | $50+ | Hear hits like “First Day of My Life” and “Lua” from singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst.
Friday, April 25
Olmsted Parks Beer Garden | 5 p.m. | Cherokee Park, Hogan’s Fountain Area | Price of purchase | Grab beer from West Sixth Brewing + bites from local food trucks during this family-friendly event in the park.
Dwight Yoakam | 7 p.m. | Iroquois Amphitheater | $429+ | See the “Honky Tonk Man” perform songs from his catalogue of country music spanning nearly four decades.
A proposed development for the Kentucky Tennis and Pickleball Center would replace ~25 acres of Joe Creason Park with indoor and outdoor tennis + pickleball courts. Hear from developers at two community meetings next month, one at Cyril Allgeier Community Center and one at St. Xavier High School. (Courier Journal)
Civic
Mayor Craig Greenberg will present a 2025-2026 budget proposal to Metro Council this week. You can attend the meeting on Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. or watch it streamed live online.
Sports
Louisville City FC will host Minnesota United on Wednesday, May 7 for a US Open Cup game. Come cheer on the boys in purple with a discounted ticket at our link.
Civic
Louisville residents can now request curbside pickup for debris from this month’s severe weather. Register online or call Public Works to schedule pickup for storm-related debris. Non-storm waste will not be accepted.
Seasonal
It’s only April, but things are plenty scary already. Head to Old Louisivlle Brewery’s Halfoween Party this Saturday, April 26 to celebrate the half-way point to Halloween. Wear a costume and get themed drink specials — and free candy — from 7 to 10 p.m.
Number
6 million. That’s how many people tuned into the first radio broadcast in Louisville 100 years ago. WHAS and the Courier Journal went live from the 51st Kentucky Derby in 1925. (The Courier Journal)
Sports
21-year-old German basketball player Sananda Fru is bringing his high Basketball Bundesliga performance to the Cards next year. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Spring is buzzing at Shaker Village. Enjoy wagon rides, story time, brunch, and meet adorable baby animals during Family Farm Days on Friday, April 26. Sounds like the perfect spring afternoon to us — plan your visit.*
Stat
$10,000. If you owe that much in debt, this organization can reach out to credit card companies and potentially reduce what you owe. See how it works.*
Job
We’re on the hunt for a bold, driven Sales Executive to help grow LOUtoday’s ad game and bring in the big wins. If you’re all about local love, killer pitches, and commission that’s as uncapped as your ambition — let’s talk. We offer a competitive benefits package, including matching 401K and unlimited PTO. Apply to join our team.
The Buy
Save time and simplify your life with these must-have kitchen gadgets:
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