Kentucky Venues Releases Renovation Concepts, Breaks Ground on Phase I & II Renovations at the Kentucky Exposition Center
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Kentucky Venues Welcomes Return of Industry Veteran Linda Edwards to Executive Director of Sales and Food & Beverage Role
Published: July 15, 2024
Updated: July 15, 2024
Kentucky Venues announced today the return of industry veteran Linda Edwards to Kentucky Venues, serving as the Executive Director of Sales and Food & Beverage effective September 1. Edwards brings over 50 years of convention, tourism, and hospitality experience to the agency.
“Kentucky Venues sought an industry leader that could lead our sales, and food & beverage operations during one of our agency's most transformational eras. Linda, having faithfully served our agency for 25 years prior to her current consulting work, is uniquely qualified to support our client’s needs, and I look forward to working alongside her,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues.
Most recently, Edwards has served as a consultant on several significant convention center renovation initiatives around the country and guided clients through new initiatives in revenue generation. In her time at Kentucky Venues, Edwards served in a variety of roles, including:
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The Kentucky State Fair Board’s representative to oversee the $207 million renovation of the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC)
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KICC General Manager
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VP of Sales and Marketing for the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) and KICC.
In this new role, Edwards will oversee the sales teams and food and beverage operations relationship at all Kentucky Venues properties which includes KEC and KICC. She will also support the retention and growth of existing business, which includes over 340 events, that welcome millions of guests to the Commonwealth, and generate nearly $400 million in estimated economic impact annually.
“I’m honored to rejoin the team at Kentucky Venues, support our teams at both properties, and help our clients continue to succeed in their endeavors. This agency operates two premier venues, and with a significant renovation on the horizon, we’re poised to help our existing clients succeed while also attracting interest from globally recognized events to Louisville, Kentucky,” said Linda Edwards, Executive Director of Sales and Food & Beverage.
In support of ongoing operations, Edwards, having served during the KICC renovation, will lend her experience to support the multi-million-dollar renovation planned at KEC. Kentucky Venues is currently performing pre-design and scope development work in preparation for the $180 million Phase I redevelopment with consideration for future funding of multiple phases, such as Phase II, which includes $212.7 million in upgrades and renovations. Throughout the renovation, the facility will continue to operate, and Edwards will support clients with their specific needs to ensure successful events.