Lexington city skyline lit up for nighttime as the sun sets. The sky is blue and pink.

Lexington, Kentucky

Meetings & Groups

Lexington isn’t your typical meetings hotspot—it’s more like the sweet spot. A place to gather with friends, family and colleagues. A charming destination where Bluegrass hills and stunning Thoroughbreds live just a stone’s throw from the vibrant culture and exciting nightlife of a walkable downtown.

Plan a Meeting with “Whoa” Factor

We think Lexington is a pretty perfect place for a meeting. Our easy-to-get-to location, affordable accommodations, and safe, welcoming environment make us an ideal destination for conventions and meetings of all sizes and types. Take a closer look and see why the Horse Capital of the World checks all the boxes… and then some.

Whoa. Look at Our State-of-the-Art Convention Center.

Connected to Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center is steps from 1,200+ rooms, 75 restaurants, nightlife, and local culture.

Learn More

Hospitality at Every Step

Our local Meetings team is with you every step of the way, helping with everything from airport signage and registration to local recommendations.

Learn More

Hospitality at Every Step

Our local Meetings team is with you every step of the way, helping with everything from airport signage and registration to local recommendations.

Learn More

Plan Your Experience

You bring the group. We’ll help with the details. From finding the right venues and accommodations to connecting you with local experiences and services, VisitLEX is here to make planning your Lexington meeting or group trip easier.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

Booking an event is just the beginning. The VisitLEX team is your boots on the ground, clearing the way to a successful, stress-free event. Hear from our planner friends what their experience was like hosting an event in Lexington, Kentucky.

Condé Nast Traveler

Best Small Cities in the U.S. for Three Years in a Row

ConventionSouth Media Group 2025

ConventionSouth Reader’s Choice Award Winner

Meetings and Conventions Magazine

Member of the Meetings and Conventions Magazine Hall of Fame for Gold Service Awards

Trips To Discover

Top 14 Walkable Cities in the U.S.

Wallethub

#5 Best Run City in America

Tourism Sentiment Index

Top 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World

Closer Than You Think

Whether you’re driving or flying, we’re easy to get to. Located within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population with quick access to major cities like Chicago, Nashville, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Knoxville, Lexington is a convenient destination for your attendees.

Driving Distances Map

City
Distance
Louisville, KY
77 miles
Cincinnati, OH
82 miles
Knoxville, TN
172 miles
Charleston, WV
176 miles
Indianapolis, IN
189 miles
Columbus, OH
189 miles
Nashville, TN
214 miles
Cleveland, OH
331 miles
St. Louis, MO
337 miles
Detroit, MI
345 miles
Pittsburgh, PA
372 miles
City
Distance
Chicago, IL
373 miles
Atlanta, GA
382 miles
Charlotte, NC
401 miles
Birmingham, AL
404 miles
Memphis, TN
422 miles
Milwaukee, WI
469 miles
Washington, DC
512 miles
Buffalo, NY
515 miles
Baltimore, MD
538 miles
Charleston, SC
542 miles
Norfolk, VA
583 miles
Direct Flights Map

  • Destin, FL (VPS)
  • Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
  • Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
  • Orlando Sanford, FL (SFB)
  • Punta Gorda, FL (PGD)
  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
  • St. Pete - Clearwater, FL (PIE)
  • Charlotte, NC (CLT)
  • Chicago (ORD)
  • Dallas, TX (DFW)
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
  • Miami, FL (MIA)
  • Atlanta, GA (ATL)
  • Detroit, MI (DTW)
  • Minneapolis (MSP)
  • Washington DC, VA (DCA)
  • New York (LGA)
  • Denver, CO (DEN)
  • Chicago, IL (ORD)

 

 

 

 

Destination Industries and Experts By Market Segment

We have something to offer groups and meetings of all types from religious to medical, equine, and more.

Equine

It’s no secret: we love our horses. Surrounded by rolling bluegrass hills, 450 horse farms, Thoroughbred racing’s greatest champions and one-of-a-kind equine…

KY Associations

Bring your association event to Lexington! We’re an easy-to-get-to destination with plenty of places to stay, eat, meet and explore without breaking the bank. See…

Religious

Daniel Boone famously said that “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” We’re inclined to agree with him, of course. But even before Kentucky was…

STEM

Lexington isn’t just horses and bourbon--we’re also a central location for education, innovation, research and science. Brilliant minds from across the…

Sports

It’s no secret that we like sports here in Lexington--after all, this is the home turf of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the heart of Big Blue Nation. But…

Agriculture & Environment

Here in Lexington, we’re a city that understands the value of the land. Drive 10 minutes from downtown in any direction and you’ll find yourself surrounded by…

Trade Associations

Why hold your trade association meeting here in the Bluegrass? We’re well-acquainted with what it takes to pull off a successful event, from connecting you with…

Medical

Some of the best physicians, researchers and clinicians in the world come to Lexington to learn, practice, and make a difference. Thousands of medical professionals call…

Diversity

We’re proud to have so many cultures, ethnicities and traditions represented and celebrated here in Lexington. From thriving cultural centers and events to official…

Fraternal / Greek

Here in Lexington, we’re all about the intersection between education and social events--proof can be found during any home game during the University of Kentucky…

Corporate

Ask anyone here--Lexington is a great place to work. With a convenient location that’s easily-accessible from most of the country, beautiful surroundings, and so…

Education

Anchored by the University of Kentucky, the state’s flagship university (go Cats!), Lexington is a hot spot for education in the Commonwealth. From major…

Military Reunions

Lexington is the perfect place for your next military reunion or meeting. Why? So many reasons: our easy-to-get-to location, the low cost of hotels, transportation and…

Arts & Culture

Lexington has always been a cultural hotspot--there’s a reason we earned our nickname as the “Athens of the West” at the turn of the 19th century…

Clubs/ Hobby

Lexington is the perfect place for your next club or hobby event. Why? So many reasons: our easy-to-get-to location, the low cost of hotels, transportation and event…