As restrictions lessen and people feel more confident hosting events, the Owensboro Convention Center is amplifying its daily operations. Notably for the summer, Friday After 5 has returned to the Convention Center, which is also set to host 4th Fest as well as the Owensboro Air Show and Hydrofair.
“We continue to follow Gov. Beshear’s mandates and look forwarded to June 11 when all capacity and face covering restrictions will be lifted,” said Laura Alexander, General Manager with Spectra Venue Management at the Owensboro Convention Center. “We are currently working on a few offers for some concerts in the remainder of 2021 and early 2022.”
The Convention Center is working diligently with planners on how to accommodate individuals who remain concerned about fully opening with no restrictions.
Unlike most convention centers, Owensboro’s also organizes and hosts several of its own events. Some of the more notable events include the quarterly Cork and Cuisine wine dinners and Kraftucky Arts and Crafts Expo.
“We are one of the leading convention centers across the nation that creates their own events,” Alexander said. “Our team comes together to brainstorm ideas to fill gaps in the calendar. We host unique events that haven’t been done before and partner with community-wide events such as Air Show and the Hydrofair.”
Alexander added that the cumulative efforts of the staff at the Convention Center are what makes everything possible.
“Most people who work in this industry (events & hospitality) are very passionate about their job,” she said. “It is something different every day so it keeps our staff engaged and gives them the ability to use their creativity in creating events.”
According to Alexander, convention centers in most cities are referred to as “lost leaders,” as they don’t operate a profit and rather are used to generate activity in hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
“The purpose of the Owensboro Convention Center has always been to promote economic development,” she said. “Our primary focus is to book groups that generate a larger economic impact to the community. Typically, those who stay overnight will spend more money at restaurants, shopping, and gas stations than someone who drives down for one day and leaves on the same day.”
For more information on reserving space, call 270-687-8800 or visit the Convention Center website at https://www.owensborocenter.com/.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a membership benefit of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked for over a century to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or to inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
