Photo: Sylvia Lin / Google MapsLouisville Hotels for the Mid-America Trucking Show 2027
Mid-America Trucking Show 2027 runs 18 to 20 March at Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville. 53,507 attendees (2026)
- Free-cancellation rooms
- Lock today's hotel rate
- Company invoice
- Book rooms for your team
Where to stay
Where to stay for Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) 2027: the closest hotels to Kentucky Exposition Center are in Airport and Expo Center and Downtown Louisville, with NuLu a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
Popular areas for attendees: Airport and Expo Center · Downtown Louisville · NuLu · Old Louisville.
About Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)
The Mid-America Trucking Show, known across the industry as MATS, returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 March 2027 for its 55th anniversary.
Held every year in Louisville since 1972, it is the heavy duty trucking industry's annual meeting place for owner operators, fleets, drivers and suppliers, with truck makers' launches, more than one million square feet of exhibits, education sessions, the Paul K. Young truck beauty championship, a concert and a truck pull.
The 2026 show welcomed 53,507 attendees from all 50 states and 55 countries and 830 exhibiting companies. It is an industry trade show, not open to the general public.
The Expo Center sits beside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, with more than 30 acres of free truck parking across Phillips Lane, so for Mid-America Trucking Show hotels the choice is between the airport and Expo Center hotels and the wider choice of downtown Louisville, NuLu and Old Louisville.
This page shows live hotel rates across Louisville for your dates; your show badge comes from the organiser and is separate from your hotel booking.
Who attends
Owner operators, fleet managers, drivers and suppliers from the heavy duty trucking industry. It is an industry trade show, not open to the general public: you must work in trucking or come with someone who does.
Why book with Event Escapes
- Louisville hotels for MATS sorted by distance to the Kentucky Exposition Center, from the airport hotels to downtown and NuLu
- Live rates for 18 to 20 March 2027, with check-in and check-out dates you choose for VIP hours, one show day or all three
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while your drivers' routes and team list are still changing
- An itemised company invoice emailed at booking, plus a quote within 24 hours for a fleet group or an exhibitor team through our enquiry form
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 18 Mar to 20 Mar 2027
- Length
- 3 days, Thu to Sat
- Venue
- Kentucky Exposition Center
- City
- Louisville, USA
- Airport
- SDF
- Organiser
- Exhibit Management Associates, Inc. (EMA)
- First held
- 1972
- How often
- Annual
- Sector
- Commercial Vehicles
Key facts (2026 edition)
- attendees
- 53,507
- exhibiting companies
- 830
- visitor countries
- 55
- of exhibits, education and events
- 1 million+ sq ft
Figures published by the organiser.
Event Escapes is independent of the organiser. We book your hotel; badges, tickets and stands are handled by the organiser.
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near Kentucky Exposition Center for Mid-America Trucking Show 2027
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Wed, Mar 17 → Sat, Mar 20, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near Kentucky Exposition Center, keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to Kentucky Exposition Center. If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)
Free Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) Insider Guide
Do Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) the easy way. Get our curated guide, plus first access to near-venue rooms before they sell out.
- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Getting there, getting around and visa basics
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
We'll email your guide and occasional Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) hotel deals. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
How do you get to Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)?
Flying into Louisville (SDF)
- Louisville Tourism describes the Kentucky Exposition Center as just minutes from downtown, near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
- At the airport, taxis wait at the commercial curb outside baggage claim, and rental cars are available
- The airport says many Louisville hotels run courtesy vans, collecting guests in the Commercial Ground Transportation Lot on the baggage claim level
Driving in, by car or by truck
- The show is at the Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209, which the organiser says has over 19,000 parking spaces on site
- The organiser lists Expo Center parking at $15 a day for passenger vehicles (no overnight), with RV spots by reservation
- Tractor trailers park free for all three days in the Truck Parking Community, more than 30 acres across from Gate 1 at 1032 Phillips Lane, with a free shuttle to the Expo Center during show hours
How do you get around during Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)?
Getting to the Expo Center each day
- From airport area hotels the Expo Center is a short taxi or ride share ride; the organiser's parking map shows the taxi and ride share pick up and drop off points
- From downtown, NuLu or Old Louisville the Expo Center is a short drive south; allow extra time on Thursday morning when VIP hours start at 10 a.m.
- Drivers staying with their trucks can use the free shuttle from the Truck Parking Community during show hours
Choosing where to stay
- The airport and Expo Center area keeps you closest to the halls; the organiser has exhibitor room blocks at the hotels closest to the Expo Center
- Downtown Louisville and NuLu (East Market Street) have the widest choice of hotels and restaurants for evenings out
- Old Louisville sits between downtown and the Expo Center and suits travellers who want a quieter base
- The organiser runs its own attendee and exhibitor hotel reservations; Event Escapes is independent and shows live rates across many Louisville hotels
Do you need a visa for Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)?
Visa-free / visa on arrival
- Check the current US entry rules for your passport before you travel, on official US government websites or with the US embassy where you live
- Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA travel authorisation; US Customs and Border Protection recommends applying as soon as you begin preparing travel plans or before buying airline tickets
- Apply for ESTA only on the official US government website, and note that you need an e-Passport to use the Visa Waiver Program
eVisa / visa required
- If you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program you will need a US visitor visa; contact your local US embassy or consulate to book an appointment
- The organiser says international visitors and exhibitors can request an invitation letter during registration, and offers a form to request one before registration opens
- The organiser notes that first time visa appointment waits in some countries can be six months or more, so start early
Documents to carry
- A passport valid for your whole stay, with your ESTA approval or visa linked to it
- A photo ID to pick up your show badge, which the organiser requires
- Your registration confirmation, the organiser's invitation letter if you used one, and your hotel booking
US entry requirements change often, so check the current rules on official US government websites or with your nearest US embassy before you book travel.
First time at Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)?
- Show hours for 2027: Thursday 18 March VIP hours 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., then 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 19 March 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 20 March 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- MATS is not open to the general public: you must work in the trucking industry or be accompanied by someone who does
- Attendee registration for MATS 2027 opens on 1 December 2026; all registration sales are final, with no refunds
- Every registrant must show photo ID to pick up a badge, and badges must be worn at all times
- With more than one million square feet of exhibits across the Expo Center, plan your halls and wear comfortable shoes
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Bring your truck: the Truck Parking Community across from Gate 1 is free for tractor trailers for all three days
- If you need a visa letter, use the organiser's early request form rather than waiting for registration to open
- Overnight RV parking at the Expo Center needs a reservation, and the organiser says spots run out
Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) travel FAQs
Where is Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) held?
Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is held at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, USA. The nearest airport is SDF.
When and where is the Mid-America Trucking Show 2027?
MATS 2027 runs from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 March 2027 at the Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville. Thursday opens with VIP hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., then 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Can the public attend MATS?
No. The organiser says MATS is an industry trade show and is not open to the general public. To attend, you must work in the trucking industry or be accompanied by someone who does, and registration is required.
How big is the Mid-America Trucking Show?
The 2026 show welcomed 53,507 attendees from all 50 states and 55 countries, with 830 exhibiting companies across more than one million square feet of exhibits, education and events.
When does registration open?
Attendee registration for MATS 2027 opens on 1 December 2026, the organiser says. International visitors can request a visa invitation letter before then through the organiser's form.
Where should I stay for MATS?
Hotels near the airport and the Expo Center are closest to the show. Downtown Louisville, NuLu and Old Louisville have more hotels and restaurants and are a short drive away. Truck drivers can park free across from Gate 1 with a free shuttle to the show.
Is Event Escapes the official MATS hotel provider?
No. Event Escapes is independent and not affiliated with the Mid-America Trucking Show or Exhibit Management Associates. The organiser runs its own attendee and exhibitor hotel reservations; we show live rates across many Louisville hotels so you can compare.
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Automechanika Frankfurt hotelsWhich hotels are closest to Kentucky Exposition Center?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 10 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near Kentucky Exposition Center
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark by Hilton Louisville Airport★★★ | 0.5 km | ~8 min walk | $309 |
| Holiday Inn Louisville Downtown by IHG★★★ | 5.9 km | ~20 min ride | $206 |
| Holiday Inn Louisville Downtown★★★ | 5.9 km | ~20 min ride | $219 |
More hotels close to Kentucky Exposition Center
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derby City Gaming & Hotel - A Churchill Downs Property★★★★ | 3.0 km | ~11 min ride | $322 |
| The Brown Hotel★★★★ | 5.5 km | ~19 min ride | $211 |
| Stellar Suites★★★★ | 6.0 km | ~20 min ride | $362 |
Event Escapes is a privately owned, independent company that provides accommodation and travel for trade fair visitors. We are not associated with, endorsed by or acting for Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), its organisers or its promoters. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.