Why Choose Lexington?

Getting Here is Easy

Take advantage of Lexington’s strategic proximity to other key metropolitan areas in the Midwest and Southeast. Located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, our easy interstate access makes us an ideal driving destination, cutting time and cost for your attendees. And if you’re flying, Blue Grass Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown, and offers 18 direct flights into Lexington. No matter how you get here, we’re easy to access.

Convention Facilities are Convenient and Affordable

Get the most out of your event budget in Lexington, where first-class experiences come with a surprisingly affordable price tag compared to other destinations. With an easy-to-get-to location, first-class facilities and unique attractions, the city delivers cost-effective solutions for meetings of every size.

Comprehensive Convention Services

Need to find entertainment for your opening program? Have special lighting requirements? Need to rent a tent or a portable stage? Check out our Convention Services Directory with resources to help fulfill your vision for your meeting. Take a look at our Meeting Planner Toolkit while you're at it!

Peace of Mind

Meeting planners consistently choose Lexington for its outstanding safety record, allowing attendees to explore and enjoy our city with confidence.

"VisitLEX and the city of Lexington rolled out the red carpet for our attendees, wrapping them in the kind of Southern hospitality you can't fake. Genuine, thoughtful, and warm at every turn. From airport signage to local gifts and unforgettable off-site experiences, Lexington delivered an exceptional and uniquely local experience that our members will be talking about for years to come."

Amanda Riordan, Senior Vice President of Membership, American Ambulance Association

Beyond the Meeting

Before, during and after your event, Lexington offers so many unique sights, sounds, tastes and experiences for you and your attendees to get out and explore. Here’s a few of our favorites:

Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World 

Here, you're never more than 10 minutes away from breathtaking rolling hills, fence-lined pastures and more than 450 horse farms. Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, center of the Thoroughbred breeding universe and home to the Kentucky Horse Park, as well as the historic Keeneland Racecourse: a National Historic Landmark, open for visitors year-round.

This is Bourbonland

For centuries, the brightest bourbon minds, the most skilled bourbon alchemists, and the most creative bourbon mixologists have called Lexington home, establishing world-class bourbon distilleries and bars, and inventing some of the world's most beloved bourbon cocktails. Today, Lexington is home to some of Kentucky's top distilleries, each with its own unique charm and experiences to offer. With 18 nearby distilleries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, so we suggest booking directly through a distillery or a tour provider to curate the perfect experience for your group.

Beyond Grits 

In Lexington, good food is part of the landscape. Generations of farmers and chefs have built a culture where fresh, local ingredients thrive, and no matter what you're craving, we have a restaurant that will hit the spot. From cozy cafes to buzzworthy restaurants, new go-to favorites are waiting around every corner. Explore all of Lexington's dining options here.

Rich History

Established in 1782, Lexington offers a vibrant history shaped by world-changing events and extraordinary residents. Discover the area's rich past at landmarks such as the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, or Ashland, the majestic estate of statesman Henry Clay. Step back in time and learn the stories of those who left an indelible mark on the city with a walking tour, like the African American Heritage Tour or the self-guided Historic Lexington Walk.