Tourism professionals and industry partners from across the country will gather in Owensboro for next week’s Small Market Summit, an event focused on collaboration, innovation, and strategic tourism development in smaller communities.
Organized by the Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the summit, set for May 13-14, will bring together meeting planners and suppliers from 25 states for networking, idea-sharing, and business development opportunities over a day-and-a-half event.
Teresa Jones, destination account executive for Visit Owensboro, said the event underscores the value of smaller destinations in the tourism industry.
“Small destinations like Owensboro offer authentic experiences, strong community connections, and unique venues that are incredibly valuable to meeting planners and visitors,” Jones said. “The Small Market Summit creates an opportunity to collaborate, share best practices, and explore new ways to grow tourism and economic impact in communities like ours.”
Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of Group Travel Family — the organization behind the summit — said the event is designed to foster meaningful connections.
“We have planners and suppliers attending the Summit in Owensboro from 25 states nationwide,” Ferguson said. “Summit is an opportunity for meeting planners and suppliers to connect, network, and book business in a day and a half.”
In addition to networking sessions, attendees will experience local attractions, including Maui Jack’s indoor entertainment venue, as part of showcasing Owensboro’s hospitality and amenities.
Organizers said the summit will focus on forward-thinking strategies tailored to smaller destinations, including growing meetings and events, increasing visitor engagement, and building stronger partnerships within communities.
