For the past forty years, Kentucky Main Street has been advocating for Main Streets, both urban and rural, across the state – on April 23rd – 25th, it will be celebrating this work in Covington.
“Kentucky Main Street is the oldest statewide Main Street program in the nation and we’re proud to celebrate our longevity and goals for the future with the Covington community,” says Kitty Dougoud, Kentucky Main Street Coordinator.
Kentucky Main Street is part of National Main Street, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and works with hundreds of Main streets, big and small across the country to aid in their efforts to revitalize Main Street America. Main Street has helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back to downtowns, while celebrating their historic character, and bringing communities together. For more information, please visit www.heritage.ky.gov
During the 2019 Kentucky Main Street Conference, Renaissance Covington, along with local partners, bring together Main Street Directors, Board Members, and local supporters for a three day conference exploring topics facing our Main Streets today and in the future.
Conference themes include: practitioner skills, diversity and inclusion, rural vibrancy, creative placemaking, smart cities, environmental sustainability, and other topics that align with the mission of the Kentucky Main Street Program.
Conference Ticketing
This Conference is open to the public.
(for all ticketing, please visit https://www.rcov.org/kymainst40 or visit the event page on Facebook)
$100: 3-Day Conference Badge: Allows access to three days of Conference events and speakers.
$35: Single Conference Badge: Allows access to a single day of Conference events and speakers.
$10 : Keynote Address: Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns (included in Conference badge, but may be purchased without a Conference badge). Note this presentation qualifies for AICP CM credits.
$35 “B-Line Bumble” A Bourbon Walking Tour with Molly Wellmann (not included in Conference badge and must be purchased separately by Conference attendees and those without a Conference badge).
Overview of Conference Schedule
(For full schedule, visit https://www.rcov.org/kymainst40)
• Tuesday, 4/23:
◦ 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Conference Breakfast, Opening Plenary, Sessions and Workshops (Locations: TBA)
◦ 5-8 p.m.: Awards Celebration with live music from Morehead Kentucky Main Street Director Tony Pence & Big Ugly, a local bluegrass band (Location: Madison Theatre, 730 Madison Ave.)
• Wednesday, 4/24:
◦ 8-8:30 a.m.: Conference breakfast and Networking (Location: Hotel Covington)
◦ 9 -10 a.m.: Keynote speaker, Chuck Marohn from Strong Towns, will address the Conference (Location: Madison Event Center, 700 Madison Ave.) *Keynote address may be attended without a Conference badge for $10, This presentation qualifies for AICP CM credits*
◦ 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Sessions and Workshops (Locations: TBA)
◦ 4:30-5:30 p.m.: KY Proud brings Jason Smith, Grayson, Kentucky Native and winner of the 13th season of the Food Network television series Food Network Star and the third season of Holiday Baking Championship, to join us for a tasting review of the best baked goods in Northern Kentucky. (Location: TBA)
◦ 5:30-7:30 p.m.: B-Line Bumble, A Bourbon Tasting Walking Tour: Take a walking tour with local celebrated mixologist, Molly Wellmann, as she guides the tour to several stops on the B-Line to sample local bourbons *Walking Tour ticket must be purchased separately for both Conference attendees and those without a Conference badge. $35.00* (Location: TBA)
• Thursday, 4/25
◦ 8 a.m.-12 p.m.: Conference Breakfast, Closing Plenary and Sessions. (Locations; TBA)
Additional speakers include Bob Jaeger from Partners for Sacred Places, Irv Henderson, Board Member of Main Street America and Savannah Barrett from the KY Rural-Urban Exchange as well as 20+ other subject matter experts on the themes of the conference.
Conference partners include: Kentucky Main Street, BLDG, Kentucky Proud, City of Covington, Friends of Kentucky Main Street, Cincinnati Bell, Hub+Weber, and Pikeville Main Street.
Kentucky Main Street is part of National Main Street, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and works with hundreds of Main streets, big and small across the country to aid in their efforts to revitalize Main Street America. Main Street has helped over 2,000 communities across the country bring economic vitality back to downtowns, while celebrating their historic character, and bringing communities together. For more information, please visit
Renaissance Covington is a nonprofit focused on revitalization of the city’s urban core through creative placemaking, special events, community programming, and small business support.
For more information on Renaissance Covington or to get involved, click here.
