In Northern Kentucky, corporate events are more than meetings—they’re experiences. Whether it’s sipping bourbon crafted right in an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, indulging in fun local foodie favorite Kona Ice, or channeling the area’s bootlegging heyday through a Newport Gangster Tour, this region knows how to bring personality and charm to any gathering.
Convention planners and event strategists looking for unique venues full of character and history have their pick of one-of-a-kind spaces that elevate gatherings and turn corporate events into show-stopping occasions—ones that leave attendees with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the place they’re visiting.
For instance, tap into the area’s German heritage at sites like Mainstrasse Village, a storybook setting and National Historic District with glockenspiel, Goose Girl Fountain, and nineteenth-century buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars, including Wiseguy Lounge—a B-Line® speakeasy perfect for a craft cocktail tasting. Another is meetings- and events-friendly Hofbräuhaus Newport, a convivial beer hall styled after the original in Munich, Germany, and serving a selection of German bier and authentic Bavarian dishes including schnitzel, bratwurst, and cream puffs.
Working with a local vendor like Prestige AV & Creative Services, whose team of creative visionaries can develop and deliver inspired and personalized ideas, is a great way to keep it local, with a wide variety of one-of-a-kind spaces that turn corporate events into experiences. The team can also transform a standard hotel meeting space by incorporating authentic regional elements—like bourbon, horseracing, and the Ohio River—to create a reception that reflects the spirit of Northern Kentucky.
“Every group is different, and every day is different,” said Stacy Howell, Senior Destination Engagement Manager at the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We try to connect each group to the best fit for them and their unique needs.”
Howell is a member of the meetNKY services team that also includes Director of Destination Engagement, Carla M. Quercioli, and Cassie Hurst, Tourism Information Coordinator. This team is dedicated to strong relationships with the planners, providing excellent customer service, and being a resource of information to help them with their pre-planning needs.
Feeling inspired? Here are 10 ways meeting planners create immersive and authentic experiences in NKY—ones that go beyond logistics and schedules and help bring your next big idea to life in the Bluegrass State’s spirited northern hub:
- As an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Northern Kentucky brings the taste of America’s Native Spirit to visitors through The B-Line®. This bourbon experience features a collection of bourbon distilleries, bars, and restaurants across the region, with event-friendly venues including Second Sight Spirits and its intriguing Fortune Teller-shaped still, the elegant Knowledge Bar and Social Room, known for its custom cocktails, and the historic Tousey House Tavern, where that classic Kentucky sensation, the oh-so-cheesy Hot Brown, is a menu staple. Whether at a distillery or your meeting space, incorporating iconic Kentucky flavors is a must.
- BB Riverboats: A riverboat cruise aboard one of the paddlewheel boats in this iconic fleet combines stunning river views and local riverboat history into a memorable offsite event venue. “It’s a chance to see the city unfold before your eyes as you slowly cruise along the Ohio River and enjoy all the landmarks from a vantage point you can only get on board a BB Riverboat,” said Nancy Willhoite, Director of Sales. Themed buffets for private groups, like “the Best of Cincinnati,” showcases culinary obsessions, goetta, Cincinnati Chili 3-Ways, brats, and sauerkraut.
- Newport Aquarium, where attendees can also cross Shark Bridge—the world’s first suspended rope bridge hovering mere inches above sharks, rays, and more than 300 fish. Event options include sit-down dinners, a cocktail reception in Stingray Hideaway: Enter Their World, dessert and coffee in Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus, and an All-American Picnic overlooking the Ohio River.
- Vent Haven Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism, offers a quirky and memorable setting. The museum’s new 60-seat Dunham Theater features both a stage and state-of-the-art lights and sound, as well as a large digital screen for presentations. “Attendees can walk through the galleries to see about 700 dummies and puppets, as well as hundreds of photographs and pieces of ephemera that date from the early 19th century to today,” said curator Lisa Sweasy.
- The Underground Railroad Freedom Center shares the stories of freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, through films and interactive and dynamic exhibits. Distinctive event spaces include small meeting rooms with picturesque skyline views; the 400-capacity Great Hall, featuring Italian stone, a winding marble staircase, and floor-to-ceiling windows; and the All-Museum rental, which includes all exhibits and exclusive use of all public and private event spaces.
- New Riff Distilling: This premiere bourbon distillery offers guided tours and the private Tower Room. “This space is ideal for intimate gatherings (for up to 60) and unique whiskey experiences like tastings, cocktail classes, and private tours that are tailored towards the interests of each group,” said Hospitality Director Catherine Manabat.
Other venues that provide an immersive experience characteristic of Northern Kentucky include The Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, Boone County Distilling’s newly opened Event Center, Madison Event Center, Megacorp Pavilion, and Turfway Racing and Gaming. Reach out to the meetNKY team today to start planning an event that creates lasting memories and captures the spirit of this unique destination!
