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.
Paducah, KY, checks all the right boxes with its unique character 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 remarkable history and thriving heritage. Paducah is a winner of the Meetings Today 2024 Best of Award, highlighting the city’s unexpected hidden value defined by its world-class amenities and enchanting culture.
The Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center 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 impressive complex are the Julian Carroll Convention Center—a 52,000-square-foot facility with breakout, pre-function and ballroom space—and the Bill & Meredith Schroeder Expo Center, which includes a 40,000-square-foot exposition floor. Gather in spacious, versatile meeting venues that range from the state-of-the-art Carson Center for the Performing Arts—featuring a wide range of amenities and cutting-edge technology—to repurposed historic venues through which the history of Paducah emanates from the very walls.
Of course, an engaged and energized audience needs a quiet place to recharge. 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. And when it’s time to break for lunch, keep guests onsite with local catering services bringing the world-class flavors of Paducah right to you.
But meetings aren’t all work in Paducah—this Creative City offers an incredible selection of enthralling attractions to explore before, after and between meeting-related functions. A historic downtown hosts a vast menu of dining options for all palates. Sample refreshing farm-to-table dishes or go for Paducah’s brand of Western Kentucky BBQ at numerous joints offering a taste of all things sweet, tangy and smoky. And for the perfect keepsake, urban boutiques and eclectic antique shops occupy generations-old storefronts on walkable tree-lined brick streets. After sunset, the party gets going as award-winning brewers, distillers and vintners capture the essence of Paducah in locally made beers, spirits and wines—plus two Great Bourbon Bars of America paying homage to the Bluegrass State’s bourbon heritage. Historic venues across this happening downtown also host live music while live stage performances, visual art exhibitions, independent film screenings and stand-up comedy round out an exciting nightlife.
A legendary past lives on in Paducah through fantastically preserved historic sites and museums allowing guests to 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 fiber masterpieces by artisans from around the world. The nearby Lower Town Arts District is home to artists, students and entrepreneurs contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expression on display throughout Paducah. Speaking of, the famed “Wall to Wall” Floodwall Murals, masterfully painted by artist Robert Dafford and his team, showcase the extraordinary history of Paducah in vibrant displays adorning the city’s floodwall. With so many opportunities to enjoy the visual and performing arts, attendees will see why art goes beyond something to appreciate in Paducah—it’s a way of life.
Outstanding venues capable of accommodating meetings and conferences of all sizes and an impressive range of lodging opportunities provide the framework for an exceptional meeting—but unparalleled downtown shopping, dining, history and entertainment add the character that truly makes Paducah a one-of-a-kind destination for your next business gathering. Come see how Paducah can add that special something to your next conference or meeting.
More Reasons to Meet in Paducah
- Winner of the Meetings Today 2024 “Best of” Award
- 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+ rooms
Contact Lynda Peters-Jones, Director of Sales at lynda@paducah.travel
Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau
128 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001
1.800.PADUCAH
Sponsored by Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau
