Aviation event hoping to make a comeback
Organizers involved with the popular Indianapolis Air Show, which ended a 16-year run in 2012, are returning this year with a remodeled event called the Indy Air Expo, set for Sept. 17-18.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
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.
Downtown music fest solidifies lineup for its debut
Organizers of Evermore Music Festival, set for three days this fall on the lawn of the American Legion Mall, hope slow ticket sales perk up.
Indiana State Fair attendance sinks almost 20 percent
This year’s attendance was hampered by excessive heat and nine days of precipitation that brought more than 4 inches of rain, officials said. Sunday, however, brought a record final-day crowd.
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.
City studies need for more hotels after losing 1,000+ rooms
The closure of a handful of hotels across the city has essentially wiped out the gains made when the JW Marriott opened with its 1,005 rooms. Now Visit Indy and the city’s Capital Improvement Board are studying whether the city needs more rooms and more convention center space.
Heartland Film names new president as it nears milestone
Craig Prater has run film festivals around the globe and brings expertise in fundraising, sponsorships and tourism. Heartland’s 25th annual festival is scheduled for October.
Festivals, opera premiere, more await Vonnegut fans
Two festivals and the world premiere of an opera that Kurt Vonnegut finished shortly before his death will celebrate the writer's legacy this fall in Indianapolis, his hometown.
Greenwood OKs TIF funds for $7M distillery, restaurant
The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday approved a tax-increment financing plan for a business group that wants to build an alcohol distillery, brewery and restaurant on a 12-acre site along Main Street, east of Interstate 65.
Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre, hotel set for closure
Hotel officials say Merrillville's Star Plaza Theatre and its adjacent Radisson Hotel will be demolished next year to make room for a new hotel.
Gen Con wants more lodging options in Indy to fuel growth
Total attendance for last week’s Gen Con show in Indianapolis inched up over last year’s record numbers. More hotel spaces could help the show expand, according to an organizer.
Fishers-based vendor loves doing business at Gen Con
In 2006, just three years after Indianapolis became the home of the national gaming convention, Tom Anders of Fishers decided to turn his gaming hobby into a business.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse restaurant getting major overhaul
The Indiana Pacers are set to unveil a revamped floor-level restaurant inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse—and a new naming rights deal to go along with it.
Peer-to-peer housing debate hits area communities
Indianapolis-area communities stayed out of the home-sharing-platform debates—until Zionsville ordered a couple to stop offering an apartment above their garage to out-of-town guests.
Marketing initiative Film Indy hires first commissioner
Teresa Sabatine’s role will be to position Indianapolis as a production-friendly city for TV commercials, TV shows, corporate training videos and movies.
Hospitality industry braces for new overtime rules
While the new law applies to all employers, it could hit the hospitality sector harder than most. The hotel industry is one that relies heavily on modestly paid middle managers, who are exempt from overtime, to pick up the slack—and extra hours—when called upon.
New report exposes Indy convention soft spots
The annual report of the city’s Capital Improvement Board shows the number of events at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium—and the total attendance for those events—fell sharply from 2014 to 2015.
Hamilton County sees flurry of hotel projects
Nearly 10 projects are in various stages of development, including three in Westfield. Once the announced hotels are open, Hamilton County’s room count could increase 35 percent.
Zionsville officials deny couple’s Airbnb request
Two Zionsville residents who have used Airbnb to rent an apartment above their garage to short-term visitors can no longer do so. The town’s zoning board saw no wiggle room in existing rules.
Zionsville stirs up debate over lodging service Airbnb
A local couple wants permission to list a garage apartment through the lodging platform. Some residents think Airbnb could attract tourism dollars, while others worry about safety and the area’s character.