Oak View Group, venue management for the Owensboro Convention Center, is proud to announce that ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, presented the venue with a 2026 Readers’ Choice Award. “Each year, ConventionSouth readers and fans cast their votes to recognize the best meeting sites in the South, and we are delighted that Owensboro Convention Center has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,”…

Oak View Group, venue management for the Owensboro Convention Center, is proud to announce that Exhibitor Group has named the venue a 2027 Centers of Excellence Award Winner. The annual awards program recognizes the industry’s top convention centers for their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for exhibitors, event organizers, and attendees. “This recognition means a great deal because it includes feedback from those who use our building,” said Jeff Esposito, General…

It’s time to get crafty! The Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo is gearing up for its biggest year yet as the Owensboro Convention Center prepares for the 13th Annual event on November 13-15. New this year, the show will expand to the first and third floors of the venue, featuring nearly 350 booths and more than 200 vendors. Shoppers can browse an incredible variety of unique finds, from woodwork and quilts…

Northstar Meetings Group, along with its leading brands, Meetings & Conventions and Successful Meetings, announced the recipients of the 10th Annual 2026 Stella Awards. Recognizing 243 organizations globally, these awards celebrate outstanding achievements in quality service and innovation for meeting and event professionals. Among this year’s honorees, the Owensboro Convention Center received the Silver Medal for Best Convention Center (Regional, Standalone Facility) – Midwest.  Northstar’s Stella Awards honor excellence across…

OVG, the venue management provider for the Owensboro Convention Center, is proud to announce that the venue will host Battle in the Boro: Fighting For A Cause, presented by Ronin Combat League, on Saturday, December 5. The event will bring together MMA athletes and fans for an action-packed evening of mixed martial arts competition while supporting an important community cause – a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit WBKR’s…


OVG, the provider of Venue Management to the Owensboro Convention Center, welcomes Chef Michael Thorp as its new Executive Chef. Thorp brings classical training, extensive culinary leadership, and a passion for regional ingredients and modern American cuisine. The addition of Chef Michael marks a renewed focus on the Owensboro Convention Center’s culinary program and its commitment to providing exceptional food for guests. His approach will bring greater creativity and attention…

Oak View Group, the venue management provider for the Owensboro Convention Center, is proud to announce that the facility has once again been recognized as a premier destination for meetings and conventions by Facilities & Destinations magazine. This marks the thirteenth time the venue has received the prestigious Prime Site Award, placing it among the nation’s top convention and exposition centers. The Prime Site Awards, presented annually since 1994, recognize…

The perfect way to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th Birthday is at 4th Fest, presented by Kentucky Legend at the Owensboro Convention Center on Saturday, July 4! Secure your tickets to have the best seat on the riverfront to enjoy the City of Owensboro’s All-American 4th of July fireworks show, plus an evening packed with family fun! Starting at 6PM, ticketed guests will receive unlimited access to all inflatables and…

This Mother’s Day, come celebrate the most important woman in your life at a delightful dining experience as OVG presents the 12th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10 from 11am-2pm at the Owensboro Convention Center. Guests will enjoy a chef-crafted buffet featuring a delicious selection of favorites including Belgian waffles, roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy, savory ham and Swiss frittata, marinated flank steak, and an assortment of…

What better way to celebrate National Craft Month this March than by announcing a new and expanded craft shopping experience debuting at BBQ & Barrels! The Artisan Craft Expo will be hosted inside the first-floor exhibit halls at the Owensboro Convention Center on May 8-9, offering guests a comfortable, climate-controlled shopping environment.  The event will feature a wide variety of handcrafted goods and custom food vendors, creating a marketplace designed to…