Connect Spring Marketplace 2026 Promises Authentic Louisville Experience

Event organizers share top reasons to attend the must-see industry gathering in April.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:59pm

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Connect's upcoming Spring Marketplace event in Louisville, Kentucky on April 14-16, 2026 is shaping up to be a can't-miss experience for the meetings and events industry. The event will feature a focus on meaningful marketplace appointments, alongside immersive experiences that showcase the city's unique culture, food, and bourbon scene. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, educational sessions from industry leaders, and creative sponsor activations that capture the spirit of Kentucky.

Why it matters

Connect Spring Marketplace is a leading industry event that brings together quality buyers and suppliers for productive business conversations. By designing the event around authentic Louisville experiences, organizers aim to create a memorable and valuable gathering that goes beyond just the traditional trade show format.

The details

The event will feature a "Made in Kentucky" opening reception at the Paristown venue, which has never before been activated by another industry event. Attendees will also enjoy lunches in the park and the annual White Party at Churchill Downs, all with a touch of Kentucky flair. Bourbon will be woven throughout the experience, from the Louisville Visitor Center to activations at Paristown and Churchill Downs. In addition to the marketplace appointments, the event will host educational sessions with industry leaders like Jesse Itzler, Ken Holsinger of Freeman, and Adam Sacks of Tourism Economics.

  • Connect Spring Marketplace 2026 will take place April 14-16 in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The "Made in Kentucky" opening reception will be held on April 14.

The players

Connect

The parent company of BizBash, the organizer of Connect Spring Marketplace.

Louisville Tourism

The tourism organization that has partnered with Connect to help open doors to unique venues and experiences in Louisville for the event.

Jesse Itzler

An entrepreneur and author who will be a featured speaker at the event.

Ken Holsinger

The Freeman executive who will be speaking at the event.

Adam Sacks

The Tourism Economics leader who will be a featured speaker.

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What they’re saying

“Great events don't happen by accident. They happen when you listen closely to your community, focus on what truly matters, and design experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.”

— Tinsley Conway, Vice President of Meetings and Events, Connect (bizbash.com)

What’s next

Attendees can register for Connect Spring Marketplace 2026 on the event's website.

The takeaway

Connect Spring Marketplace 2026 promises to deliver a uniquely immersive experience that goes beyond the typical trade show format. By partnering with Louisville Tourism to showcase the city's culture, food, and bourbon scene, the event organizers are creating a must-attend gathering that will provide valuable business connections as well as memorable experiences for the meetings and events industry.