Known as "Quilt City, USA," Paducah annually hosts the American Quilter’s Society’s Quilt Show & Contest, attracting nearly 35,000 guests. While boasting a charming historic downtown and a small-town feel, Paducah is home to several big events, thanks to a recently renovated convention and expo center – bringing a combined total of 110,000 square feet of meeting space. Paducah event venues are also active through entertainment and social events.
Nestled between the Ohio and Tennessee rivers right on the border of Kentucky, Paducah is a hub in the state’s western region. Its location is halfway between St. Louis and Nashville. Nearby Barkley Regional Airport has direct service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) through United Airlines.
Renovated in 2009, the Julian M. Carroll Convention Center is a shining star among Paducah event venues. Located in the historic downtown district, the center has an impressive 65,000 square feet of event space. Its 20,000-square-foot River Ballroom, overlooking the majestic Ohio River, can be used as one for large events or divided into smaller spaces. The center also has as many as 20 meeting rooms for more intimate events. In all, the Carroll Convention Center can cater to up to 1,000 guests.
Built in 2002 as an addition to the convention center, the Paducah Expo Center has 45,000 square feet of space to increase the downtown meeting options. Adjacent to the convention center, the Expo Center is perfect for sporting events, tradeshows and large events. In addition to two concession areas and two registration offices, the center has two main rooms that can be divisible for smaller functions. Together, the expo center can accommodate 282 trade show booths.
To break out of the boardroom, Paducah event venues such as the Carson Center fit the bill. This new, beautifully designed facility has several spaces available for rent, including the Myre River Room overlooking the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and the Paxton Family Lobby, whose sweeping mural of the region as a quilt backdrop makes a unique setting for receptions and dinners. Groups can further embrace Paducah’s status of Quilt City at the National Quilt Museum. The museum’s colorful quilts and fiber art create a vibrant setting for events and presentations.
