How Louisville Looks at the Bigger Picture of Event Sustainability
As event organizers aim to uplevel their sustainability efforts, Louisville is the place to make it happen. Bourbon City is leading the way toward a brighter future with programs that are building a better community.
Look at the headlines, and it's clear: Louisville's future as a U.S. meetings destination looks very bright. A major expansion of the country's sixth-largest convention center, new hotel developments downtown — including a proposed 1,000-room convention hotel — and $400 million in planned upgrades at Muhammad Ali International Airport are among the latest investments reshaping the city's infrastructure.
But event planners aren't drawn to Louisville just because of what's coming — they're choosing it for what's already here.
As the birthplace of bourbon, the city offers attendees a taste of American heritage alongside modern hospitality. Recognized as U.S. Destination of the Year by Groups Today, Louisville delivers award-winning Southern charm and a proven track record for seamless event execution. The city also brings purpose to the forefront, with a longstanding commitment to community impact that gives every program deeper meaning.
'Sustainability is embedded in our city's values,' said Zack Davis, vice president of destination services, Louisville Tourism. 'We see the opportunities in sustainability to truly impact the quality of life in a destination beyond direct financial impacts.'
Muhammad Ali International Airport. photo credit: louisville tourism.
Always Getting Greener: Louisville Doubles Down on Sustainability
With a LEED for Cities Silver certification secured in 2021 and several LEED-certified hotels — including the Omni Louisville, Aloft Main Street, AC Hotel, and Cambria Hotel Downtown — Louisville has established itself as a leading eco-conscious meetings destination.
But city leaders aren't stopping there. In late 2023, Muhammad Ali International Airport unveiled the largest geothermal system of any airport in the U.S., featuring 648 vertical wells — each 500 feet deep — that collectively reduce the airport's carbon footprint by 80 percent.
omni hotel. PHOTO CREDIT: LOUISVILLE TOURISM
Sustainable Practices in the Bourbon Industry
The city's signature bourbon industry is also embracing sustainability. Louisville distiller Angel's Envy has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to help replenish more than 311,000 White Oak trees over the past decade, while Maker's Mark became the first distillery in the world to produce a Regenified Certified bourbon — a nod to regenerative farming practices.
Expanding Green Spaces and Smart Technology
Meanwhile, green infrastructure is expanding across the city. New parks and public spaces are helping to mitigate urban heat while creating open-air experiences for attendees. A newly opened commons in the medical and education district adds another walkable gathering spot, while a 22-acre expansion of Waterfront Park features PlayPort — a unique blend of recreation and learning that's ideal for attendees traveling with families.
'We're also seeing momentum around smart transportation solutions and the continued greening of our tourism and hospitality infrastructure,' Davis said. 'Over the next five to 10 years, we expect even more collaboration across public and private sectors to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and create inclusive opportunities tied to sustainability.'
Waterfront Park. Photo Credit: Louisville Tourism
Redefining Sustainable Success in Louisville
In Louisville, sustainability isn't a siloed initiative — it's a citywide strategy that considers environmental, social, and economic impacts in equal measure. For the local tourism industry, success isn't just about minimizing waste — it's about maximizing value for the entire community, including residents who may never attend a convention or event.
'A destination must consider sustainability from an environmental perspective, but also social and economic,' Davis said. 'Louisville doesn't shy away from the past and our areas of opportunity. We embrace our history and the steps needed to make long-lasting change.'
On the social sustainability front, Louisville Tourism is focused on bridging gaps in health, education, and community service, aiming to uplift residents while creating a more inclusive visitor experience. Economically, the organization targets long-term growth by increasing wages and expanding career pathways for the 70,000 people employed in the city's tourism and hospitality sector.
'We want to approach every aspect of sustainability with equal effort and intention,' Davis said. 'Some areas may come naturally for our destination. Others will require deeper strategy and long-term commitment. We're prepared for both.'
Leaving a Lasting Impact
At the heart of Louisville's sustainability strategy is the 'Leave a Legacy in Louisville' initiative — a program designed to help events create a meaningful impact that extends far beyond economic metrics.
'The program was born out of a desire to help events make a difference in more than just financial terms,' said Davis.
Through a curated directory of more than 50 vetted nonprofit organizations, event organizers can align their programming with community-driven causes. One standout is Louisville Grows, which works to plant at least 1,000 trees each year to improve air quality and build healthier neighborhoods in 21 underserved communities. The organization also supports community gardens to combat food insecurity. Visiting groups can get involved by planting trees, maintaining greenhouses, or working side-by-side with residents in garden spaces.
Another opportunity lies with Dare to Care, a food access nonprofit that distributed more than 20 million meals last year — including over six million to children. Attendees can volunteer by sorting food at the organization's main warehouse or assisting customers at a mobile market that brings fresh, healthy options directly into neighborhoods.
These hands-on experiences offer more than just volunteer hours — they give attendees the chance to form authentic connections with the city and its people.
'These experiences not only offer team-building opportunities,' Davis said, 'they help visitors connect more deeply with our culture and values, making their time in Louisville truly unforgettable.'
Learn more and start planning at GoToLouisville.com/Meet.
This article is the final installment in Skift Meetings' three-part series with Louisville Tourism, exploring how the city's rich heritage and forward-thinking values create unforgettable event experiences. Discover how Louisville's bourbon culture, vibrant culinary scene, and one-of-a-kind attractions elevate meetings — and why the city continues to earn national recognition for its distinctive Southern charm.
This content was created collaboratively by Louisville Tourism and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
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