Letter: Restore bias bill
In today’s economy, the best way to build a broader tax base and a more dynamic business community is to embrace a diverse workforce.
Leonard Hoops
Articles
Gen Con wants tech upgrades at convention center to stay in Indy
Whether Seattle-based Gen Con and local officials can now reach an understanding on technology could spell the difference between Indianapolis’ hanging onto its most prized convention and potentially losing it to another city.
Visit Indy reports sixth straight year of rising visitor spending
The number of tourism and hospitality jobs in Indianapolis also grew—from 77,800 in 2015 to 80,600 in 2016, according to the report.
City eyes another big hotel downtown
City and hospitality officials have started laying the groundwork to accommodate demand for rooms booked for conventions and other big events by Visit Indy.
Visit Indy earns big win after long pursuit
Visit Indy signed a deal to host the American Wind Energy Association Windpower Conference & Exhibition June 7-10, 2021, in the convention center.
Local hotels report May dip after Indy 500 attendance lags
While downtown hotels saw no drop in room nights in May, lodging demand downshifted in the outlying areas of Marion County.
Demand for hotel rooms declines with size of Indy 500 throng
Attendance at this weekend’s race is expected to lag last year’s mammoth crowd, putting downward pressure on area room rates. The average this year is $195 per night, down from $266 last year.
Speedway exceeds Indy 500 ticket sales goal, expects corporate hospitality sellout
The crowd could approach 300,000, meaning more than $25 million in tickets for the track. Add concessions, merchandise, parking and hospitality, and revenue could pass $40 million.
Gen Con to more than double space usage in Lucas Oil Stadium
Gen Con this year plans to use more than 750,000 square feet in the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and in the connector between the two facilities. It’s the most space ever booked for an Indianapolis convention.
Hotel hiccup could cost agencies millions
Local hoteliers and hospitality officials are bracing for a soft 2018. And some in the industry are pointing to the fallout from a controversial 2015 law as the culprit responsible for an expected one-year downturn.
Could an IndyCar-themed attraction be in downtown’s future?
Many convention visitors and business travelers staying downtown want to experience the IMS, but don’t necessarily want to travel the four miles or so west to the track to do so, said Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops.
Indianapolis visitor spending rises for 4th straight year
Visitors to Indianapolis continue to boost the region’s economy with new levels of spending, according to a study unveiled Tuesday at Visit Indy’s annual meeting at the Indiana Convention Center.
Local hotel revenue growth beats national average
Through November, downtown Indianapolis hotels saw their revenue increase 8 percent over the same period a year ago, far ahead of the national average of 4.9 percent.
Gen Con organizers seek shorter-term extension with city
After initially seeking a five-year extension that would keep the massive gaming convention in Indianapolis through 2025, Gen Con officials have changed their request.
City’s hotel occupancy suffers July dip, but remains up for the year
While year-over-year downtown hotel occupancy sank in July, Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops said he isn’t concerned. Instead he’s looking for good times ahead.
Visit Indy chief says major convention center expansion not needed now
Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops told Capital Improvement Board members that standing pat is not an option when it comes to hospitality infrastructure, but a major expansion wouldn’t be needed in the near future.
Capital Improvement Board passes budget with hefty deficit
CIB Executive Director Barney Levengood implored the board not to be overly concerned about the projected $46 million shortfall. The City-County Council is set consider the budget at its Sept. 25 meeting.
Indy lands convention with 50,000 visitors, $35M impact
Primerica Inc.’s annual gathering will be one of the city’s five biggest conventions in 2017. The deal came together in a matter of weeks, which is exceedingly rare in the world of mega-conventions.
Fuson: NBA All-Star Game economic impact bigger than anticipated
City and Indiana Pacers officials will decide after they get bid requirements later this summer whether to pursue the NBA All-Star Game for Indianapolis.
All-star team of local officials joining NBA All-Star Game mission
In a sign of the city’s serious intent to host the game, Pacers President Rick Fuson will be accompanied by presidents and vice presidents of Visit Indy and the Indiana Sports Corp. as he travels to Toronto this week.