Quick Facts

Before We Meet in Louisville

Welcome, NCBMP Family!

Louisville, Kentucky offers conference attendees far more than a place to sleep between sessions. Known as the birthplace of bourbon, the city is home to dozens of distilleries within easy reach of downtown, from historic names along the Urban Bourbon Trail to craft producers tucked into revitalized warehouse districts. Beyond bourbon, Louisville's food scene punches well above its weight, blending Southern comfort classics with a thriving farm-to-table movement, so attendees can find everything from hot brown sandwiches to inventive new American cuisine within walking distance of most downtown hotels. The city's compact, walkable core makes it easy to slip out between sessions for a quick coffee, a stroll along the Big Four Bridge, or a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center, all without needing a car.

Evenings in Louisville bring their own energy, with a lively waterfront, a growing arts and live music scene centered around neighborhoods like NuLu, and enough variety in nightlife that groups of any size can find something that fits. For attendees looking to unwind after a full day of programming, the riverfront parks and the historic Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby) offer a distinctly Southern sense of place that's hard to find elsewhere. Add in genuinely warm Kentucky hospitality, affordable dining and lodging compared to many larger convention cities, and a downtown built for easy networking after hours, and Louisville becomes more than a backdrop for the conference. It becomes part of the experience itself.

Conference Headquarters Hotel

The Omni Louisville Hotel:

The Omni Louisville Hotel located at 400 South 2nd Street Louisville, KY 40202, will serve as our official conference headquarters. Right in the heart of downtown Louisville, the Omni combines modern luxury with Kentucky hospitality and places attendees within walking distance of many of Louisville's most popular attractions, restaurants, and entertainment districts.

Supplier Rate: $199+tax/nt
Planner Rate: $139+tax/nt

Hotel Amenities:

Complimentary Wi-Fi
Fitness center
Full-service spa
Rooftop pool
Multiple dining venues and lounges
Convenient downtown location

Check-In & Check-Out:

Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM

Please refer to your reservation confirmation for additional details regarding your stay.

First-Time Attendees

If this is your first NCBMP Annual Conference, welcome!

One of the things that makes NCBMP special is the sense of community you'll experience from the moment you arrive. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself, attend networking opportunities, and engage with fellow attendees throughout the conference.

A few tips for first-time attendees:

Attend networking receptions and social events.
Download the conference app and build your personal schedule.
Bring plenty of business cards or be prepared to connect digitally.
Introduce yourself to Board members, speakers, and fellow attendees.
Take advantage of educational sessions outside your usual area of expertise.
Ask questions and get involved—we're glad you're here!

Conference Attire

Business attire is appropriate for most conference activities, educational sessions, and daytime events unless otherwise noted. Meeting rooms can sometimes be cool, so we recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater. Comfortable shoes are also encouraged, as Louisville is a walkable city and you'll likely spend time moving between conference venues and exploring downtown.

The 43rd Annual Excellence Awards Gala is one of the conference's signature events. Attendees are encouraged to wear Black Tie attire or African-inspired formal wear as we come together to celebrate excellence, leadership, and the remarkable achievements of our industry.

Weather in Louisville

December temperatures in Louisville typically range between the mid-30s and mid-50s.

We recommend packing:

Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for changing temperatures
A coat or jacket
Business casual attire
Umbrella (just in case)

Getting to Louisville

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF):

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is approximately 8 miles from the Omni Louisville Hotel.

Transportation options include:

Uber and Lyft
Taxi service
Rental cars
Hotel transportation (if available)

Typical travel time between the airport and downtown Louisville is approximately 10–15 minutes.

Experience Louisville

While you're in town, we encourage you to take advantage of Louisville's unique blend of history, culture, sports, culinary experiences, and entertainment.

Must-See Attractions:

Celebrating Black History & Culture in Louisville

As members of the NCBMP community, we encourage you to explore some of Louisville's significant cultural and historical landmarks.

Recommended Experiences:

These sites highlight the stories, contributions, and achievements of African Americans throughout Kentucky and beyond.

Bourbon City Experiences

Louisville proudly serves as the gateway to Kentucky's bourbon heritage.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or simply curious about Kentucky culture, consider exploring:

Whiskey Row
Urban Bourbon Trail®
Distillery tours
Bourbon tastings
Local craft cocktail experiences

Many of these experiences are located within walking distance or a short ride from the conference hotel.

Great Places to Connect After Sessions

Some of the best conference conversations happen after the sessions end.

Consider gathering with colleagues to enjoy:

Downtown restaurants and cafés
Whiskey Row
Rooftop lounges
Waterfront Park
Local entertainment venues

These informal moments often lead to meaningful connections, new partnerships, and lasting friendships.

Dining Near the Omni

Downtown Louisville offers an incredible variety of dining options within walking distance of the hotel.

You'll find:

Southern cuisine
Bourbon-inspired dining
Steakhouses
Seafood restaurants
Local coffee shops
Casual eateries
Upscale dining experiences

The hotel concierge can also provide recommendations based on your preferences.

Stay Connected

Follow NCBMP on social media and watch your email for conference announcements, reminders, and important updates leading up to the event. Most importantly, come ready to learn, connect, engage, and celebrate with your NCBMP family. Thank you for joining us in Louisville. We look forward to welcoming you and creating an unforgettable conference experience together.

Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!

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