dronan@buses.org 'Me - American Bus Association

the Kentucky Science Center, the Muhammad Ali Center and, of course, the Kentucky Derby
Museum and historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.”
More than 3,000 attendees are expected to attend Marketplace 2016. Marketplace is the show
where business gets done, generating nearly $80 million dollars for the delegates, suppliers and
host city in 2012. Officials estimate that ABA’s Marketplace will bring an immediate, direct
economic impact of $4.4 million dollars by hosting the conference, but as has been the case with
other Marketplace cities, there is the potential for much more future business after showcasing the
city to tour operators.
“Louisville already has a lot of options for tour operators, and we continue to see tremendous
growth,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “By
2016, ABA can expect to see an expanded bourbon experience with new distilleries along Main
Street in addition to the attractions and restaurants that draw visitors to Louisville every year.”
There are more than 3,800 first-class hotel rooms within a short distance of the Kentucky
International Convention Center, and 2,300 of those are connected to the facility by an enclosed
walking bridge.
In 2014, Nashville, Tenn., will host ABA’s Marketplace Jan. 11-15 in downtown Nashville at the
new Music City Center. The following year, Marketplace 2015 will be held in St. Louis, Mo., Jan.
10-13 at the America's Center Convention Complex.
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About the American Bus Association
The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1,000 motorcoach
owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route,
airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,800 members are travel and tourism
organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American
motorcoach industry.