Finding Your Way in NKY Just Got Easier

When planning a meeting or event, every detail matters—from how attendees navigate a new city to how they engage with local culture. In Northern Kentucky, innovation and hospitality go hand-in-hand. For both visitors and residents to the region, NKY’s mix of conventional signage and interactive “smart” kiosks is making it easier than ever for attendees to feel welcomed, connected, and inspired to explore. These tools weave together the city’s historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and visitor-friendly atmosphere. The result? A seamless experience that also plays a role in promoting safety and engagement with NKY.

“Smart and static signs along Riverfront Commons and Madison Avenue help residents and visitors quickly locate parks, attractions, parking, bars, restaurants, transit services, local art, etc.,” said Josh Quinn, product development director with meetNKY | Northern Kentucky CVB. “By routing foot traffic more deeply into neighborhoods (like Madison Mile), signage and kiosks support small businesses such as those located on The B-Line.”

Northern Kentucky is an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and The B-Line® is NKY’s self-guided bourbon tour to distilleries, bourbon bars, and bourbon-centric restaurants. The nearly 30 stops feature locally owned businesses including Second Sight Spirits in NKY’s Ludlow neighborhood, Revival Vintage Bottle Shop in Covington, and the Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros. Coffee in Newport.

“Bourbon is a hot interest for many visitors and, with Covington serving as the northern gateway into Bourbon Country, The B-Line content on our kiosks gives visitors a chance to dive right into this experience,” noted Tom West, City of Covington director of economic development.

Equipped with software that includes current events, weather alerts, and even a fun photo booth feature, the kiosks significantly benefit visitors by helping them gain a sense of understanding and belonging. For instance, during BLINK, an outdoor art experience that drew over 2 million visitors in the fall of 2024, a map of BLINK attractions was uploaded to the smart kiosks.

“The most routed attraction to that event was (30-foot public art installation) Clive the Alien, located at Fifth and Scott Streets,” said Quinn. “Many selfies and fun moments were captured at that location—some because a visitor was routed there by the kiosk.”

West added, “The Cov’s vibe is one of unexpected discovery and fun. The selfie app gets visitors into that mindset by adding opportunities to immerse themselves in the street scene in an unexpected way.

“Visitors can literally become a pirate on Madison Avenue and take that memory with them forever.”

The kiosk software was developed by RoveIQ, a full-service digital signage company that provides digital directories, indoor and outdoor interactive kiosks, digital 3D wayfinding technology, and a variety of software applications.

According to sales representative Matt Ellison, RoveIQ’s goal in working with meetNKY was to create a connected and engaged community.

“We do this by creating a seamless wayfinding experience that not only gets visitors from point A to B, but also provides the following: valuable information about what is going on around them in the community in real time; ways to connect with the community through local events and businesses; and—what Josh and his team have done so well—creating opportunities for people to explore what makes Covington so special by providing details on public art, local landmarks, memorials, free attractions, and more.”

Another tool NKY is using to help visitors feel welcome, safe, and connected is the NKY Convention Pass in partnership with TANK and Southbank Shuttle. This program provides those visiting the region for meetings, tradeshows, and a convention pass sticker that grants them free access for rides on the Southbank Shuttle and other TANK transportation.

“Conventions and meetings draw thousands of visitors to our region each year, driving business to local hotels, restaurants, and shops,” said Quinn. “To remain competitive with other mid-sized destinations nationwide, we must continue investing in our facilities and the overall guest experience. The partnership with TANK and The Southbank Shuttle is a key step toward that goal.”

As technology changes, so too do the purpose and platforms for wayfinding in the community. As an example, many people use GPS apps on their phones to locate a specific business or destination.

“The approach with our kiosks acknowledges and takes advantage of those changes,” said West. “The attraction and business categories on the touchscreens allow those unfamiliar with the district to discover new places they would never have known about using a traditional GPS app.”

“One of the notable aspects of Northern Kentucky and ‘getting things done’ is our ability to stay nimble and focused,” noted Quinn. “The folks at TANK and the rest of our public and private partners aren’t just professional colleagues, they are friends.

“It’s the secret ingredient to ‘getting things done,’ and helping create that seamless experience,” he said.

Thoughtful touches like smart kiosks, clear signage, and complimentary shuttle access aren’t just conveniences. They’re part of a bigger strategy to make Northern Kentucky a destination that’s easy to navigate, full of unexpected discoveries, and genuinely welcoming. Whether it’s a bourbon stop on The B-Line®, a surprise selfie downtown, or the ease of getting from hotel to venue, NKY blends technology and charm to make your next event smooth, engaging, and uniquely memorable.

Connect with the team at meetNKY to start planning an experience that’s as easy to navigate as it is exciting to attend.