HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
| Date | Event Name | Place |
|---|---|---|
| FEB 23 | Junior Achievement Kentuckiana Business Hall of Fame Awards Banquet | KICC |
| FEB 24-25 | Professional Bull Riders Louisville Invitational | KEC |
| FEB 24-26 | 20th Annual Show of Shows Antique Military Show | KEC |
| FEB 24-26 | Central Liquidators Liquidation Sale | KICC |
| FEB 24-26 | Carl Casper Custom Auto Show & Louisville New Car Show | KEC |
| FEB 25 | University of Louisville Women's Basketball | YUM |
| FEB 25-26 | National Gun Day Great Eastern Gun Show and JAG Military Show | KEC |
| FEB 26 | University of Louisville Men's Basketball | YUM |
| FEB 26 | Louisville National College Fair | KICC |
| FEB 26 | Rose-Hulman Reception | KICC |
| FEB 29 | University of Louisville Men's Basketball | YUM |
UPDATE FROM THE CEO: on the future of freedom hall
It's no secret that a major goal in 2012 of the Kentucky State Fair Board is to revitalize Freedom Hall, one of the cornerstones of the Kentucky Exposition Center. The former home to University of Louisville basketball was once an economic powerhouse in the city of Louisville hosting all major concerts and sporting events booked into the city. Yet with the addition of our sister facility, the KFC Yum! Center, and other venues around the region, the future and economic viability of the iconic arena are continually being thoughtfully planned and discussed.
The Kentucky Exposition Center, home of Freedom Hall, is the fifth largest convention and meeting facility in the United States with several long-term conventions and trade shows using all or the majority of its 1.2 million square feet. In 2011 alone, the facility hosted 16 of the area’s 20 largest conventions using Freedom Hall as a selling point, resulting in more than $111 million in economic impact. Many of these large events require exhibit space under one roof and the seating capacity of Freedom Hall to host keynote speeches, concerts and preferred sponsor areas.
Fair Board Aids in Downtown Skywalk System
The art of downtown maneuvering is often a game of cat and mouse or a strategic waltz between cars, sidewalks and pedestrians. During the winter, seasonal weather adds chaos and creates havoc.
Citizens and guests will be able to walk through downtown’s most trafficked corridor all without dodging snowflakes and raindrops this winter. The partnership of many downtown businesses including the Kentucky International Convention Center and KFC Yum! Center, has made navigating through the streets easier and more efficient. Louie Link, a network of covered skywalks and walkways, stretches some six city blocks and connects more than 2,300 hotel rooms and 7,100 parking spaces.
These protected connections between hotels, business offices and entertainment landmarks provide an important part of the sales package for Louisville as a convention destination, even during extreme weather months.
The Kentucky International Convention Center Plays Host to Multiple Youth Events
As the generations transition from "Gen X" to "Millennials," the importance of this up-and-coming age group and its place in society is increasing. The children of yesterday are becoming the professionals of tomorrow, and businesses are beginning to take notice. The push from membership organizations directly dedicated to youth and young professionals is quickly growing, and the Kentucky International Convention Center is proving to be a useful outlet.
In February and March, the Kentucky International Convention Center will hold 25 events, 12 of those directly correlating to youth. Events such as the Youth Opportunity Showcase, the Lousiville National College Fair, Louisville Kid’s Fair and the 2012 Kentucky Junior Beta Convention, focus their attention on helping the future leaders of our nation develop skills for success.
Social Media Links
KFC Yum! Center: Facebook | Twitter
Kentucky Exposition Center: Facebook | Twitter
Kentucky State Fair: Facebook | Twitter
National Farm Machinery Show: Facebook | Twitter