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B M & T ••• March/April 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 50 I N D I A N A P O L I S NEW DEVELOPMENTS MAKE INDIANAPOLIS AN EVEN BETTER DESTINATION FOR MEETING PLANNERS BY DELROY MASTERS With a location just a short plane ride from the majority of the nation The Naptown provides top-level hospitality with a savings in comparison to other cities around the nation. Indy's connect- ed 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 net- working and business get done organi- cally. All of this sits in the heart of downtown with dining, shopping, and attractions to entertain attendees beyond meeting hours. The convention center is currently equipped with 566,600 sq. ft. of contigu- ous exhibit space in 11 halls, 71 meeting rooms, 49 loading docks, 3 ballrooms (Sagamore Ballroom: 33,335 sq. ft., 500 Ballroom: 13,536 sq. ft. and the Wabash Ballroom: 10,202 sq. ft.) Renovations so far include $1.7 billion in hospitality-relat- ed infrastructure, highlighted by a conven- tion center expansion and 800-room Signia Hilton Hotel. Indy 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. Lucas Oil Stadium pro- vides 183,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space on the field and in two adjacent halls as well as12 meeting rooms and 11 loading docks. With an additional 1,400 new hotel rooms coming online connected to the convention center, The Circle City's incredible portfolio of downtown hotels investing $70+ million in recent renova- tions, the innovative vision of the Marriott IndyPlace complex, and a new 50,000 sq. ft. ballroom, Indy offers an unbeatable convention package. The city provides 34,000 rooms in the metro area, over 7,500 rooms downtown, with more than 3,000 in the pipeline as well as 4,700 rooms connected to the convention center at 12 hotels, with 800+ in development. Indianapolis provides incredible value with unmatched rates compared to other major cities. To sweet- en the deal Indy is equipped with 24 prop- erties offering 10,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space so smaller events can be planned rite at the hotel. Indianapolis, a city known for fast cars and blockbuster events, has also gained acclaim for a flourishing culinary and brewing scene, thriving cultural institu- tions, cool neighborhoods, and so much more. After meetings, delegates will sure- ly have plenty to see and do here in The Circle City. Meeting attendees and leisure travel- ers alike will want to connect with the places and spaces shaping the African- American experience in Indy. From the storied history of Indiana Avenue's jazz scene to the legacy of Madame Walker and the historic sites that tell the story. Experience the art that, in some cases, stands as tall as a building. You want to taste what the pioneering chefs are cook- ing and hear the city's unique sounds. Moreover, you want to connect with the people making it all happen. The Crispus Attucks Museum is what use to be the first African-American High School. The museum explores the tri- umphs and struggles surrounding this school known for excellence in both aca- demics and athletics. Travelers can connect with Indy jazz legends Wes Montgomery, JJ Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, and more at the Indiana Jazz Legends mural. The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the first new terminal designed and opened since September 11, 2001, and the nation's first LEED-certified air- port. The airport offers an average of 145 departures per day, linking Indianapolis with nonstop flights to 53 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. • • • 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 Indiana 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 Indiana Convention Center photo credit: Indiana C.C. AREA GUIDES