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B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 63 AREA GUIDES I N D I A N A "THE HOOSIER STATE" MIGHT BE KNOWN FOR BASKETBALL BUT IT'S READY TO HOST YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE OR GATHERING, NO MATTER THE SIZE BY SOLMON J. HERBERT II Are you planning your client's next big event? Or maybe you just want to plan a family reunion or wedding possibly? Then you should come to the home of Hoosier hospitality. Indiana is a huge state with many dif- ferent regions that each have a unique feel, interesting locations, amazing peo- ple, small to large meeting venues and fun attractions a meeting delegate or leisure traveler will appreciate. There are tons of things to do and information avail- able in every region in Indiana. • • INDIANAPOLIS • • A city known for fast cars and block- buster events has also gained acclaim for a flourishing culinary and brewing scene, thriving cultural institutions, cool neigh- borhoods, and so much more. Indianapolis invites Meeting Planners and leisure travelers alike to enjoy legendary hospitality and come see what "The Crossroads of America" has to offer. From brands you trust like Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton, to one-of-a-kind art hotels and everything in between, Indy has accom- modations to fit every style of traveler. Indy's connected convention campus sets it apart. The combined complex of Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium are connect by climate-con- trolled skywalks to 4,700 hotel rooms, more than any U.S. city. Planners save on transportation while keeping attendees close so networking and business get done organically. All of this sits in the heart of downtown with dining, shop- ping, and attractions to entertain atten- dees beyond meeting hours. Indianapolis is on pace to expand the convention center to add 130,000 sq. ft. of flexible space including a 50,000- square-foot ballroom, the state's largest. This expansion serves as the next phase in ensuring Indy continues to race ahead as USA Today's "#1 Convention City in the U.S." With $2 billion in hospitality-related infrastructure, highlighted by a conven- tion center expansion and an 800-room headquarter hotel, Indianapolis is a very convenient location to plan the most inti- mate gatherings to very large scale con- ventions and conferences making the planning process a breeze. Indianapolis' African-American com- munity is rich in heritage and history. When time permits travelers are encour- aged to explore some of the city's Black history sites celebrating the achievements, past and present, of African Americans who call Indiana home. Some possibilities to visit include The Madam Walker Legacy Center, The Crispus Attucks Museum, The Ransom Place Historic Neighborhood and Dr. Martin Luther King Park & Landmark or Peace Memorial. • • FT. WAYNE • • As Indiana's second largest city, Fort Wayne is ready to meet your group and welcome your attendees with its warm and welcoming Hoosier Hospitality. Meeting Planners, you can now intro- duce your client to the world-class meet- ing venues, endless restaurants, 60 hotels, and vibrant activities and attractions that make "The Summit City" so special! Downtown Fort Wayne offers a con- nected, convenient, affordable meeting package that both planners and atten- dees love! In recent years, the downtown area has seen an explosion of new restau- rants, retail, attractions and housing. From Riverfront Fort Wayne to the north to Parkview Field to the south, Downtown Fort Wayne is filled with memorable experiences your guests will enjoy! And located right in the heart of the action you will find the stunning Grand Wayne Convention Center. As Indiana's second largest convention cen- ter, the Grand Wayne Center features 225,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and is one of the most technology advanced centers in the Midwest. The streets of downtown Fort Wayne are filled with vibrant public art – murals and sculptures that tell Fort Wayne's story and share it's pride. No matter the season, it is easy to explore this public art, stopping for a self- ie, and grabbing a sweet treat along the way. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Fort Wayne – (260) 424-3700 www.visitfortwayne.com Indiana-Convention-Center • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites 352 Indianapolis Marriott Downtown 650 Conrad Indianapolis 265 Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown 360 Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. 499 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Indianapolis Convention Center Total Space 749,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 88,600 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 33,335 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 71 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Indy – (800) 323-INDY www.visitindy.com photo credit: Indianapolis C.C