Louisville, Ky. (September 5, 2023) – Greater Louisville Inc. announced the top leaders of the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated as the keynote speakers of its 2024 Annual Meeting presented by Baird. As the largest gathering of regional business leaders, the event will feature awards, remarks from business and elected leaders, and will culminate in an exclusive discussion with Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, and Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

2024 is poised to be a major year for tourism and economic growth in Greater Louisville. On the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs will host the 150th Kentucky Derby, while unveiling a $200 million Paddock redesign to the historic facility. The month-long celebration leading up to the Kentucky Derby has an estimated economic impact of over $400 million. In mid-May, the PGA Championship will bring an estimated 200,000 spectators to Valhalla Golf Club; 50% of those attendees are estimated to come from outside of Kentucky. This marks the fourth PGA Championship to be contested at Valhalla and first since 2014.

“In a two-week span, our community will host two separate events that will bring in thousands of spectators from all over the world and be broadcast to millions of people across the globe. This is the ideal opportunity to share all the assets our region has to offer businesses and talent on an international stage,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI. “We are thrilled to host Seth and Bill to share their insights on their organization’s commitment to Louisville and the planned economic impacts of their events in our region.”

Waugh has served as CEO of the PGA of America since September 2018, where he guides the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s more than 28,000 PGA Professionals. During his tenure, he has inked transformational brand partnerships and TV contracts to grow the organization’s reach. Prior to leading the PGA of America, he spent 13 years at Deutsche Bank, including 10 years as CEO of the Americas, overseeing an unprecedented time of growth for the bank in the region.

“I can’t wait to be with Louisville’s business and community leaders at Greater Louisville Inc.’s 2024 Annual Meeting,” said Waugh. “Their collective efforts have made Louisville a choice destination to host the PGA Championship. We are thrilled to be back at historic Valhalla Golf Club next spring where we are sure to write another memorable chapter in the history of golf.”

Carstanjen has served as CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated since 2014, and prior to that served in various leadership roles throughout the organization since 2005. Throughout his tenure, he has led the company’s diversification and growth strategy beyond its traditional roots in Thoroughbred racing into online wagering and regional casino gaming. Prior to joining Churchill Downs, Carstanjen was an executive with General Electric Company, and began his career as an attorney with Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, a prominent New York law firm.

“Besides the economic impact it delivers to Louisville, the Kentucky Derby brings a contagious excitement to the entire region and state,” said Carstanjen. “This year, as we prepare to celebrate our milestone 150th running, we expect to amplify that influence by exploring new ways to say thank you to the community who has made this legendary run possible.”

GLI’s Annual Meeting presented by Baird will be held January 16, 2024 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. This is GLI’s largest event of the year, with an anticipated sold-out crowd of 1,200 business leaders in attendance. For more information and to secure tickets, click here.

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. is the Metro Chamber of Commerce and represents 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. GLI’s mission is to grow businesses and the regional economy. GLI supports businesses during every stage of development and represents the collective needs of the business community by advocating for pro-growth policies and economic development investment, and deploying programming centered around attracting and developing talent and economic inclusion. GLI is the 2019 National Chamber of the Year and is one of only three percent of chambers nationally certified with 5-star accreditation status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more on social media @GLIchamber or visit www.greaterlouisville.com.