Top Tourism Industry Show Will Give Back to Louisville Charity
Top Tourism Industry Show Will Give Back to Louisville Charity
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2019) -- The American Bus Association (ABA) will return to Louisville Jan. 26 - 29 for the 2019 ABA Marketplace, bringing more than 3,500 tour operators, suppliers and exhibitors to the Kentucky International Convention Center Downtown. A component of the annual ABA Marketplace is “ABA Gives Back,” a program that encourages donations throughout the convention to a local nonprofit organization: these donations are made through various purchases on the show floor and at the large “ABA Gives Back” evening event. This year’s benefits will go to Churchill Downs’ Backside Learning Center, a non-profit organization that builds community and enriches the lives of the equine workers and their families at Churchill Downs.
The American Bus Association created the “ABA Gives Back” program in 2007 as a way to not only deliver a positive economic impact to the host city, but also to make a social impact in their host communities. Since the inception in 2007, “ABA Gives Back” has raised more than $347,000 for local host charities.
The convention is expected to generate $4.4 million dollars in economic impact for the city and is utilizing over 11,000 room nights at area hotels. The “ABA Gives Back” impact will come from unique donation opportunities and events throughout the 2019 ABA Marketplace, culminating in a large event at the Kentucky Derby Museum with over 2,000 attendees expected. There will be many opportunities to help raise money for the Backside Learning Center through various purchases and activities:
Commemorative Evan Williams bourbon bottles
Souvenir ABA mint julep cups
Local Louisville vendor area on the show floor
Raffle tickets to win 2019 Kentucky Derby tickets
A photo opportunity with jockey Pat Day
An opportunity to meet a Thoroughbred race horse
When asked what the Backside Learning Center hopes to do with the donations, Executive Director Sherry Stanley says they are in desperate need of a vehicle: “We hope to put these donations toward a 12-passenger van to transport the students and adults offsite for educational opportunities and activities. We are so thankful for all ABA and Louisville Tourism have done for us and we look forward to seeing everyone at the 2019 Marketplace.”
ABA’s annual convention took place in Louisville in January 2016 and the success of this event was a primary factor in selecting Louisville again for its 2019 Marketplace. It is among the first prominent industry conventions and tradeshows that will meet in the newly expanded and renovated Kentucky International Convention Center.
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