Heading to a convention in Indy? Here are some side trips to try
Any earnest local or up-to-date guidebook can steer you toward obvious offerings for a uniquely Indy experience. But here are other options to consider.
Conventions
Articles
Indiana Convention Center may be just big enough—for now
Since its first iteration opened in 1972, it’s undergone four major expansions. The last one, completed in 2011, increased its size to six city blocks and more than 566,600 square feet of exhibit space—or 745,210, if you include nearby Lucas Oil Stadium.
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.
Gamers close to buying out tickets for Gen Con in August
Attendees at this year’s edition of the massive tabletop-gaming confab could top 60,000, with an economic impact as high as $75 million.
Indianapolis to host 2019 Young Democrats of America National Convention
A bid to host the convention by the Indiana Young Democrats topped efforts by groups from Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Chicago.
Foreign ambassadors set to descend on Indianapolis
More than 30 foreign ambassadors—representing countries across four continents—are scheduled to be in Indianapolis to learn about Indiana’s economy and explore potential business relationships with Hoosier firms.
Study done for Visit Indy casts light on aspirations, challenges for convention sector
A study commissioned by Visit Indy says officials are counting on a new downtown mega-hotel to generate nearly half its own business without relying on conventions.
Hospitality hotbed serving airport picking up two more hotel properties
The impending arrival of the full-service Embassy Suites with convention and banquet facilities may have attracted yet another hotelier to the critical mass of operators just west of Indianapolis International Airport.
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.
Cultural Trail becomes unique drawing card for conventions and trade shows
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail was supposed to be a nice city amenity and promote a healthy lifestyle among downtown residents and visitors. But it’s become much more.
USDA secretary coming to Indiana for national FFA convention
The Agriculture Department said Monday that Sonny Perdue will be in Indianapolis on Wednesday for the kickoff of the 90th annual convention and expo for the FFA
Meeting planners are increasingly mixing glitz, glam and tech
Long gone are the days when on-stage presentations at conventions or corporate meetings consisted of a speaker with a handheld mic and a curtain as a backdrop.
Indy wins bid to host national FOP convention
The National Fraternal Order of Police’s Biennial Conference is expected to draw up to 6,000 attendees to Indianapolis and have a $7.1 million economic impact on the city.
LOU’S VIEWS: Best Games of Gen Con 2017
I tested dozens of tabletop games at this year’s epic event to find the most playable ones to add to your collection.
As Lucas Oil Stadium nears 10th year, new director rolls out ambitious agenda
Eric Neuburger, hired in April to run Lucas Oil Stadium, hopes to draw more conventions and other non-sports events to the $720 million venue.
Gen Con closing in on its first sellout in 50 years
Local hospitality officials are expecting the 50th edition of the annual gaming event to be one of the biggest conventions the city has ever hosted.
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.