HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Hopkinsville will welcome hundreds of visitors and statewide leaders in 2026 as the host city for four major Kentucky conferences, reinforcing its growing reputation as a destination for civic engagement, economic development, tourism, and professional collaboration.
The city will host the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Conference in April, the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) Spring Conference in May, the Kentucky League of Women Voters Annual Meeting on May 29–30, and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) Conference in September. Collectively, these events will bring economic development professionals, tourism leaders, civic advocates, and chamber executives from across the Commonwealth to Hopkinsville.
“These events represent more than dates on a calendar, they represent opportunity,” said Mayor Knight. “Hosting four major statewide conferences in 2026 is a powerful affirmation of Hopkinsville’s growing role as a leader in civic engagement, economic development, tourism, and professional collaboration.”
Tourism impact
The economic impact of hosting large conferences is significant. Hotel stays, dining, transportation, and local attractions all benefit from increased visitor traffic, generating revenue that supports local businesses and jobs. Just as importantly, the conferences place Hopkinsville directly in front of decision makers and community leaders who influence policy, economic growth, tourism investment, and regional collaboration across Kentucky.
Amy Rogers, Executive Director of Visit Hopkinsville, said the selection highlights the city’s growing appeal as a host destination.
“Being chosen to host these conferences shows that Hopkinsville is competitive, welcoming, and ready
to shine on a statewide stage,” Rogers said. “It’s a chance to showcase our hospitality, our attractions,
and our community spirit while driving meaningful tourism revenue that benefits our local economy.”
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League of Woman Voters
The addition of the Kentucky League of Women Voters Annual Meeting underscores Hopkinsville’s
role as a place for meaningful civic dialogue and public engagement.
“The League of Women Voters is excited to bring our Annual Meeting to Hopkinsville,” said Tracey Brumfield, point of contact for the conference. “This community offers a welcoming environment for thoughtful discussion, civic education, and collaboration among members from across the state. We look forward to engaging with the city and experiencing all that Hopkinsville has to offer.”
For economic development leaders, the conferences offer a platform to highlight Hopkinsville’s strengths and future potential.
Economic development, chamber of commerce
“Economic developers from across Kentucky will experience Hopkinsville and South Western Kentucky not just as a meeting location, but as a community with real assets and real opportunity,” said Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council. “These events allow us to tell our story directly to people who help shape investment and growth decisions, and that exposure is incredibly valuable.”
The business community also stands to benefit from the visibility and networking opportunities these
conferences provide.
“Each of these conferences has meaningful impact, welcoming the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference is especially significant for our Chamber,” said Taylor Hayes, President and CEO of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. “It puts our community at the center of important conversations about business, workforce, and economic growth while strengthening peer connections and reinforcing our community as a place where collaboration and opportunity thrive.”
City leaders say hosting four major conferences in 2026 is a milestone that reflects years of collaboration, investment, and intentional growth. “This is about putting Hopkinsville on the map in a bigger way,” Mayor Knight added. “When organizations choose to meet here, it sends a clear message that Hopkinsville is a place people want to visit, want to work with, and want to return to.”
More information about each conference and opportunities for local involvement will be shared as
event dates approach.
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