Global Week Signature Events
Opening Reception
Hosted by Louisville Tourism & Kentucky Tourism
Monday, March 31, 2025 | 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Rathskeller @Seelbach Hotel
Great Gatsby inspired Opening Night Event
Kick off Travel South Global Week Great Gatsby-style at Louisville’s most historic hotel. Built in 1905, The Seelbach is considered the location of Tom & Daisy Buchanan’s extravagant wedding and it’s storied Ratheskeller was frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald, while he was stations in Louisville over a centry ago.
*Suggested attire: 1920s Prohibition-era
Louisville Media City Tours
Hosted by Louisville Tourism
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Begin the day with a Welcome from Kentucky Tourism. All city tours will depart the Omni Hotel once the opening breakfast and welcome conclude at 9:00am. All tours will return at the end of the day to the Omni Hotel.
Signature Meal Functions
Commonwealth Ballroom 1-4
Tuesday, April 1
Welcome to Kentucky Breakfast – The Morning Line for the South | 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast Buffet opens at 7:30am
The Odds are Strong Welcome by Commisssioner Mike Mangeot, Kentucky Tourism & Cleo Battle, President & CEO, Louisville Tourism
Hosted by Kentucky Tourism
Masker Class Keynote & Lunch – Brand USA Innovation & AI Future Forward | 12:40 pm – 2:00 pm
Join industry experts Janette Roush and Esra Calvert for an exclusive deep dive into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in the travel and tourism sector. As new AI tools continue to emerge daily, from content creation and predictive forecasting to leveraging platforms like ChatGPT for enhanced clarity, the possibilities are endless.
In this session, we’ll explore how AI is revolutionizing the tourism industry – from reshaping customer experiences to streamlining operations. You’ll learn actionable insights on how to invest your time and resources wisely, navigate the complexities of change and distribution, and tap into the immense potential of AI in the knowledge economy.
Whether you’re a tourism professional, marketer, or innovator, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Wednesday, April 2
Media Marketplace Breakfast – Food for Thought | 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Culinary tourism has shifted from a niche trend to a burgeoning market expected to hit $80 billion in the U.S. alone by 2030. Food and drink are the fastest way to connect to a destination, its history and culture, and its local community.
Breakfast Buffet opens at 7:30am. Program beings at 8:00am
Winner Circle Awards Ceremony & Tennessee Sounds Perfect Luncheon| 12:15pm – 1:45pm
Ambassador Awards presnted by Miles Partnership
Lunch program hosted by Tennessee Tourism
Closing Night Reception
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Copper & Kings
Transportation begins departing at 6:00pm from the Omni Hotel
Close out Travel South Global Week in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood at the Copper & Kings Distillery. Distillery tours and tastings will be offered throughout the evening while the sounds of Song of Sparrows will offer classic Kentucky Bluegrass to match a Louisville-inspired menu.
Hosted by Louisville Tourism & Kentucky Tourism
