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B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 Louisville gatherings are known by their blend of purpose and personality. Meetings center around the Kentucky International Convention Center, with nearby hotels like Omni Louisville Hotel and Louisville Marriott Downtown keeping everything within reach. Beyond the agenda, the Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage invite reflection and connection over stories that still resonate. Neighborhoods like NuLu and West Louisville add texture, from galleries and murals to spaces shaped by commu- nity and culture. You can reset along Waterfront Park or the Big Four Bridge, then come together over soul food and Southern cuisine at places like Lucretia's Kitchen or Dasha Barbours Southern Bistro. PADUCAH Gatherings in Paducah take on a pulse with creativity, histo- ry, and a strong sense of place. Meetings happen easily at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center, where riverfront views and flexible space set the tone, while the nearby Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront keeps your group con- nected to both the venue and a walkable downtown. The Paducah experience expands beyond the agenda. You can step into the story of the Hotel Metropolitan, where the legacy of Black travelers and entertainers during segregation is preserved with care and intention. That sense of history contin- ues throughout the city, always with a contemporary presence. In the Lower Town Arts District and across downtown, gal- leries, studios, and cultural spaces invite you to engage, explore, and create your own connections. Between sessions, the pace softens. You might gather along the riverfront, wander through the National Quilt Museum, share a meal at local favorite Big Ed's, or have a cup at The House of Ross Coffee Bar and Cigar Lounge. Evenings bring live music, festivals, and time to talk. In Paducah, your meeting becomes a people-first experience shaped by culture, creativity, and the ease of being together. LOUISIANA Louisiana is shaped by African American heritage, creative expression, and a sense of place you can feel the moment you arrive. In New Orleans, brass bands drift through Tremé while second line parades turn city streets into shared celebrations. Baton Rouge carries the pride and tradition of Southern University alongside riverfront views and historic landmarks tied to the Civil Rights Movement. Across the state, that legacy continues in museums, neighborhoods, and festivals that invite you to engage, not just observe. Beyond the cities, the rhythm softens but never fades. In Lake Charles, waterfront breezes meet resort-style stays and lively seasonal events, while Shreveport blends community- centered culture with family-friendly entertainment. Even smaller stops like Lafayette bring Creole heritage, zydeco music, and food traditions into focus. From meeting-ready con- vention centers to outdoor excursions, local dining, and late- night music, Louisiana sets the stage for experiences and lasting memories between colleagues, families, and culture. BATON ROUGE Southern University and A&M College sets the tone, with its marching band rehearsals coloring the city's personality and alumni connecting across generations. You'll also feel that tone along the Baton Rouge Black History Trail, Meetings gather easily downtown at the Raising Cane's River Center, and can break for lunch at classic spots Poor Boy Lloyd's or Brenda's Diner. For a memorable event, Riverfront Plaza and City Dock provide opportunities for outdoor meetings, plenty of green space, and a dance floor with ADA accommodations. Stay nearby at The Watermark Hotel or Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, where historic architecture meets a walkable stretch of downtown. LAKE CHARLES Lake Charles bounces to the pulse of zydeco and second line, where Juneteenth celebrations and Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana electrify the streets with parades, live music, and shared tradition. You can also feel that connection at the Black Heritage Gallery, where regional stories unfold through art and memory. Paducah Carson Center Lake Charles, Horseshoe Casino Baton-Rouge-African-American-Museum