When it comes to trends such as sustainable event practices, immersive experiences, and emerging venues, including new event spaces and unique locations (think rooftop bars and innovative gallery-like settings), Northern Kentucky’s meetings landscape is bursting with activity, discovery, and possibility.
“Some meeting planners look for ways to make their event more sustainable, such as digital meeting agendas via conference app or kiosk, sustainably made name badges, reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic, and digital visitors information,” said Stacy Howell, senior destination engagement manager at meetNKY - Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We offer a sustainably made name badge option, and our visitors' information is available online and in QR code form,” she added. “We have also added our digital visitors' information kiosks to many of our hotel lobbies, some local attractions, and the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for a way for all visitors to obtain local information without a paper guide.”
In terms of enticing and memorable client experiences, Howell pointed to a current trend of tapping into the local elements of the destination, such as the Purple People Bridge. This venue never fails to charm and surprise meeting planners when they learn an event can be hosted over the Ohio River and by the state line between Kentucky and Ohio.
- Braxton Brewing Company: Whether a corporate event or offsite, casual get-together, this craft brewery has accommodations for any event. The Loft in Covington is an open and adaptable space in an industrial atmosphere, and The Overlook, located on the second floor of Braxton Brewing’s Union location, has indoor space, again with that modern industrial edge, that connects to a rooftop patio.
- Carnegie Hall at Newport: A visually stunning space with a history reaching back to 1898, this former library boasts Italian Renaissance architecture, original carved woodwork, and a marble bar that once served as the library’s circulation desk. Paired with modern amenities, a capacity of 250, and an outdoor garden, it makes an unforgettable style statement.
- Covington Yard, an open-air bar and event venue with food trucks and a casual atmosphere, has opened The Historic Firehouse. A space that housed firefighters and horse-drawn hose wagons in the late 19th century, it features exposed brick, original beams, and that iconic front door arch. It is a rustic watering hole with an adjacent patio made for lasting impressions.
- Drees Pavilion: From its perch on the highest overlook in Devou Park, this elegant meetings venue offers jaw-dropping cityscape views, from Cincinnati’s skyline to Covington’s church steeples and the bridges—including the John A. Roebling Bridge aglow with evening illumination—that connect them.
- Drury Plaza Hotel Cincinnati Florence: This new offering from the beloved Drury brand brings award-winning and personalized service for meetings that feel a cut above but don’t break the budget. No food and beverage minimums and Drury’s well-known freebies of Wi-Fi, breakfast, and Kickback® with dinnertime drinks and snacks, make meetings stress-free and memorable.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport Cincinnati: Northern Kentucky is known for million-dollar views, and this new all-suite hotel captures spectacular skyline views from its rooftop bar. Not only that, it’s mere minutes from appealing offsite attractions, including the Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee, and Great American Ballpark.
- North by Hotel Covington is among an irresistible lineup of trendy and flexible event spaces that accommodate from 10 to 500 guests offered here and at Hotel Covington and the Madison Event Center. All owned by Saylers Group, Hotel Covington is a luxury boutique hotel listed on US News’ Best Hotels for 2025. These properties all source their food from local suppliers whenever possible.
- Par3 Golf at Newport on the Levee: This new dynamic and interactive 27-hole mini golf course, featuring a digital scoreboard, custom sabotage holes, and custom cocktails, is made for team building.
- Second Story has the ambiance of a 17th-century French literary salon with its bohemian cocktail lounge that feels part art gallery, part drawing room. One of the newest bars in downtown Covington, it is an intimate gathering space that mixes a moody backdrop with exquisite cocktails.
- The Stables at West Sixth Covington Haus: In a state where there is one horse for every 12 people, it seems fitting that a former stable for firehouse horses would make a memorable small gathering venue. With ample space, numerous beers on tap, and plenty of character, this venue is ideal for your next event.
Northern Kentucky’s diverse range of unique, sustainable venues—from rooftop bars and craft breweries to historic spaces—provides the perfect backdrop for any event. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, a team-building activity, or an intimate gathering, book now and create an unforgettable experience your guests will love!
