Authentic experiences separate good meeting and conference destinations from great ones. You need adequate meeting space and enough hotel rooms to accommodate your guests. A trendy, walkable downtown full of one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops helps too, as does a vibrant nightlife. Plus, hands-on cultural experiences provide plenty for attendees to immerse themselves in between keynote addresses and breakout sessions.
Thankfully, Paducah, Kentucky, checks all the right boxes with its unique characters and rich, cultural experiences that inspire attendees. Situated in Western Kentucky in the heart of America’s inland waterways, this sophisticated river community—one of just nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States—is brimming with a remarkable history and thriving heritage.
Start with the crown jewel of Paducah’s meeting facilities—the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center, which boasts a spacious 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and floor space overlooking the flowing waters of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Featured within this massive complex are the Julian Carroll Convention Center—a 52,000-square-foot facility with breakout, prefunction and ballroom space—and the Bill & Meredith Schroeder Expo Center, with its commodious, 40,000-square-foot exposition floor. Looking for something more intimate? Paducah is home to numerous meeting facilities perfect for small- to mid-size events with venues ranging from repurposed, historic spaces to high-tech performing arts centers.
A nice, relaxing spot to recharge can make the difference between an energized and engaged audience and a groggy, lackluster one. More than 2,000 rooms spread across Paducah provide ample group- and meeting-friendly lodging opportunities. Guests can choose from charming short-term rentals or nationally recognized brands operating under familiar roofs, ensuring a good night’s sleep before another productive day.
Meeting in Paducah is not all work—the Creative City offers plenty of captivating and entertaining attractions to explore before, after and between meeting-related functions. A historic downtown district hosts a variety of delicious dining options suitable for all palates. Sample refreshing farm-to-table dishes or go for Paducah’s brand of Western Kentucky BBQ at a variety of joints offering a taste of all things sweet, tangy and smoky. And for those in search of the perfect keepsake or memento to remember their trip, urban boutiques and eclectic antique shops occupy generations-old storefronts on walkable, tree-lined brick streets.
When the sun goes down, the party is just starting as award-winning brewers, distillers and vintners capture the essence of Paducah in handcrafted beers, spirits and wines—plus two Great Bourbon Bars of America that pay homage to the Bluegrass State’s storied bourbon heritage. Historic venues across a happening downtown play host to live music with nationally touring artists and local favorites filling the air with dulcet melodies while live stage performances, visual art exhibitions, independent film screenings and stand-up comedy round out an exciting and fun-filled nightlife.
A legendary past lives on in Paducah through a collection of fantastically preserved historic sites and museums that allow guests to take a break from networking and get up close and personal with the stories that define the city’s creative culture. The National Quilt Museum features three amazing galleries across 27,000 square feet highlighting a variety of fiber masterpieces by artisans from around the world. Nearby, the Lower Town Arts District is home to artists, students and entrepreneurs who contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression on display throughout Paducah. Speaking of, the famed “Wall-to-Wall” Floodwall Murals, masterfully painted by famed artist Robert Dafford and his team, showcase the extraordinary tales of Paducah in vibrant displays adorning the city’s floodwall.
Playing modern renditions of classical compositions, the Paducah Symphony Orchestra fills the state-of-the-art Carson Center with superb and rousing performances. Meanwhile, the nationally recognized and award-winning Market House Theatre has captivated audiences with musicals, dramas and comedies for more than five decades—along with its thrilling and chilling fall ghost tours and murder mystery dinners. With so many opportunities to enjoy the visual and performing arts, attendees will see why Paducah was named one of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the United States. Art goes beyond something to appreciate in Paducah—it’s a way of life.
Enjoy outstanding venues capable of accommodating meetings and conferences of all sizes and an impressive range of lodging opportunities. Vibrant downtown shopping, dining, history and entertainment create a thriving and colorful culture. Come see how this UNESCO Creative City can add that special something to your next conference or meeting.
More Reasons to Meet in Paducah
- 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space under one roof—including a drive-in capable exhibit hall
- Thriving downtown and nightlife scene perfect for attendees and families
- Access to hands-on Signature Experiences that bring local art, culture and history to life
- A variety of lodging styles and choices; 2,000-plus rooms
Sponsored by Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau
