Black Meetings & Tourism - MICHELLE CLARK HELPS PROMOTE LOUISVILLE AS TOP MEETINGS DESTINATION

Industry Briefs
MICHELLE CLARK HELPS PROMOTE LOUISVILLE AS TOP MEETINGS DESTINATION
Michelle Clark Louisville's momentum is on the rise, and I'm proud to share why this city is such a convenient and authentic destination for your next event. As Louisville Tourism's National Sales Manager, I've had the privilege of working closely with planners through the travel and tourism events Louisville hosts, as well as initiatives with Louisville's Black Tourism Advisory Council (explains Michelle Clark(. My goal has always been to create authentic, value-added experiences that resonate with African American meeting professionals. These partnerships help me connect meaningfully with my industry peers. I'm proud to tell Louisville's African American legacy with experiences that spotlight Black history and culture. I love showcasing the Roots 101 African American Museum,dedicated to telling the story of the African American journey from Africa to all the ports between and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, which shares African American achievements with the community. And no visit is complete without a visit to the famed Muhammad Ali Center, which pays homage to the life and legacy of our hometown hero both as a boxer and global humanitarian. A visit here is nothing short of inspirational. I love to show planners how Louisville's iconic attractions ensure authentic representation and meaningful engagement for travelers including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory's exhibit on the Best Black Baseball Team and the Kentucky Derby Museum's Black Heritage in Racing. In fact, Black jockey's rode 15 of the first 28 Derby horses with Oliver Lewis as first winner of the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875 - a little-known fact we want more people to know! Bourbon City offers a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality and bourbon culture, creating an experience as refined and immersive as Napa's wine tours. Visitors can explore world-class distilleries, sip craft cocktails at bourbon bars, and enjoy bourbon-themed events that showcase Louisville's signature spirit. One of my favorite stories to share is about Tom Bullock-the first African American to publish a cocktail book, The Ideal Bartender. Bullock honed his craft at one of Louisville's elite private clubs, starting his career as a bellboy before becoming a legendary mixologist. Today, his legacy lives on in a vibrant mural right next to our visitor center, proudly celebrating his contribution to cocktail history. We know our bourbon gives many people their first "taste" of the city's culture, and Louisville's spirit in a hospitality sense helps them dig deeper into everything Louisville has to offer. Bourbon lovers can also host gatherings at one of two dozen distilleries and tasting rooms, with more on the way! I'm passionate about helping planners craft authentic, unforgettable experiences-rooted in tradition and enriched by diversity and culture. Louisville delivers its own brand of Southern hospitality, iconic attractions, and a vibrant culinary scene, earning recognition as one of Travel + Leisure's "50 Best Places to Travel in 2024." Let's connect and make your next meeting truly exceptional in Bourbon City.

Industry Briefs

MICHELLE CLARK HELPS PROMOTE LOUISVILLE AS TOP MEETINGS DESTINATION

Michelle Clark

Louisville's momentum is on the rise, and I'm proud to share why this city is such a convenient and authentic destination for your next event.

As Louisville Tourism's National Sales Manager, I've had the privilege of working closely with planners through the travel and tourism events Louisville hosts, as well as initiatives with Louisville's Black Tourism Advisory Council (explains Michelle Clark(. My goal has always been to create authentic, value-added experiences that resonate with African American meeting professionals. These partnerships help me connect meaningfully with my industry peers.

I'm proud to tell Louisville's African American legacy with experiences that spotlight Black history and culture. I love showcasing the Roots 101 African American Museum,dedicated to telling the story of the African American journey from Africa to all the ports between and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, which shares African American achievements with the community.

And no visit is complete without a visit to the famed Muhammad Ali Center, which pays homage to the life and legacy of our hometown hero both as a boxer and global humanitarian. A visit here is nothing short of inspirational.

I love to show planners how Louisville's iconic attractions ensure authentic representation and meaningful engagement for travelers including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory's exhibit on the Best Black Baseball Team and the Kentucky Derby Museum's Black Heritage in Racing. In fact, Black jockey's rode 15 of the first 28 Derby horses with Oliver Lewis as first winner of the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875 - a little-known fact we want more people to know!

Bourbon City offers a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality and bourbon culture, creating an experience as refined and immersive as Napa's wine tours. Visitors can explore world-class distilleries, sip craft cocktails at bourbon bars, and enjoy bourbon-themed events that showcase Louisville's signature spirit. One of my favorite stories to share is about Tom Bullock-the first African American to publish a cocktail book, The Ideal Bartender. Bullock honed his craft at one of Louisville's elite private clubs, starting his career as a bellboy before becoming a legendary mixologist. Today, his legacy lives on in a vibrant mural right next to our visitor center, proudly celebrating his contribution to cocktail history.

We know our bourbon gives many people their first "taste" of the city's culture, and Louisville's spirit in a hospitality sense helps them dig deeper into everything Louisville has to offer. Bourbon lovers can also host gatherings at one of two dozen distilleries and tasting rooms, with more on the way!

I'm passionate about helping planners craft authentic, unforgettable experiences-rooted in tradition and enriched by diversity and culture. Louisville delivers its own brand of Southern hospitality, iconic attractions, and a vibrant culinary scene, earning recognition as one of Travel + Leisure's "50 Best Places to Travel in 2024." Let's connect and make your next meeting truly exceptional in Bourbon City.