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B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 51 INDIANA AREA GUIDES HOOSIER HOSPITALITY: EXPLORE INDIANAPOLIS & FT. WAYNE BY DARLENE DONLOE Indiana is the heartland of America, blending Midwestern charm with urban energy. From the rolling farmlands and small-town vibes to cities like Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne buzzing with motorsports, arts, and culture, there's a mix of tradition and innovation. INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis is Indiana's capital, a Midwestern city blending charisma with urban energy. It boasts 4,700 hotel rooms and is famous for motorsports, home to the Indianapolis 500 at the iconic Speedway. The city has a welcoming Hoosier spirit, shown in basketball leg- ends, iconic eats like the breaded pork tenderloin, and a lively culture with muse- ums (including the world's largest Children's Museum), James Beard-hon- ored restaurants, and music venues like Hi Fi Indy. Indianapolis has a walkable downtown around Monument Circle and the Cultural Trail, with an 8-mile bike/pedes- trian path linking neighborhoods. A rental car is needed to travel to areas outside downtown. The city has a rich history, arts, and parks like White River State Park. Indianapolis' African-American com- munity has a rich history and heritage. The city's Black-history spots honor the past and present achievements of African Americans who live in Indiana. Swing by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, the Crispus Attucks Museum, the Ransom Place Historic Neighborhood, and/or Dr. Martin Luther King Park & Landmark (also called the Peace Memorial). Indianapolis isn't just a city—it's a vibrant canvas of his- tory, flavor, fun, and music, inviting visi- tors to paint their own unforgettable adventure. The Indianapolis International Airport is 15 miles from downtown (a 30- minute drive). Indy is a "Crossroads of America" with easy highway access (I- 65, I-70, I-74) and is within 3 hours of Chicago, 2 hours of Louisville, and 4.5 hours of Nashville. FORT WAYNE Ft. Wayne is the "Summit City" blend- ing Midwest appeal with urban flair! This lively city is located within 500 miles of nearly half of the U.S. population. The city offers a mix of art, history, and outdoor fun. Explore the scenic Allen County Courthouse, stroll through the beautiful Fort Wayne Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the historic Embassy Theatre. Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or dive into local history at the Fort Wayne Historical Society. The city is family-friend- ly, with Promenade Park on the Riverfront, the Fort Wayne Zoo (ranked Top 10 for kids) and Science Central's upcoming planetarium. Ft. Wayne is home to Turnstone Center, one of nine U.S. Paralympic and Olympic training centers in the country. Foodies will love the 50+ walkable restaurants, farm-to-table eats, and craft brews. For relaxation, check out the pub- lic art trail with 150+ pieces or unwind at the tranquil Botanical Conservatory. With its blend of small-town warmth and city perks, Ft. Wayne has something for every- one. For convenience, the Hilton Downtown at the Grand Wayne Convention Center is directly connected by two floors to the convention center. Several hotels are with- in walking distance of the Convention Center. There are 5,600 hotel rooms in the county. Other meeting spots include the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Parkview Field, Embassy Theatre, The Fairfield, Pearl Event Center, Promenade Park Pavilion and more. The Fort Wayne airport is 10 miles away. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Fort Wayne – (260) 424-3700 www.visitfortwayne.com • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. 650 Hyatt Regency Indianapolis 499 Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown 360 Hilton Indianapolis Hotel &Suites 352 Conrad Indianapolis 265 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Indiana Convention Center Total Space 937,000 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: Arthur R. C.C.