Indy lands return of massive NRA show for 2019, 2023
The National Rifle Association’s annual convention was Indianapolis’ biggest convention last year, and local hospitality leaders expect it to be even bigger in future years.
Indiana Convention Center
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Veteran Indy convention planner launches new division
One of the city’s best-known corporate meeting and convention planners, Meeting Services Unlimited Inc., is launching a division focused on smaller, high-end private parties.
CIB closes business with state over facilities
The punch list is nearly complete on Lucas Oil Stadium and the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, six and four years after their respective openings.
New hotels to arrive in downtown Indy just as visitor traffic slows
For the past 15 years, downtown hotel developers have moved masterfully in lock-step with demand. But with Indianapolis’ convention business showing signs of slowing in 2015 and 2016—right about the time three new hotels are scheduled to open—that streak might crash to a halt.
Lean years loom for Capital Improvement Board
The Capital Improvement Board is headed for lean years, but it’s not for a lack of resources. The entity that oversees downtown convention and sports venues faces payment of two big debts.
Political conventions fell short on return on investment
Daunting scheduling and fundraising challenges led city officials to walk away from opportunities to bid on the 2016 national conventions for both Republicans and Democrats, but the city’s latest Super Bowl setback might make the 2020 political conventions alluring.
Firefighter convention expecting record attendance
A record-breaking 32,000 firefighters are expected at the annual event, which started Monday and runs through Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center.
City beat steep odds to land NRA convention
City tourism officials worked for years to bring second-largest convention ever to Indianapolis.
National Rifle Association convention debuts in Indy
Businesses are scrambling to decide how to cater to the massive confab.
IUPUI to show off elaborate game at Gen Con
The entire Indiana Convention Center will be the stage for the game, which uses video mapping and projectors that will create a large crystalline display showing the game results. The four-day Gen Con event begins Thursday.
Deal to save racing show had many twists, turns
In a matter of a few months, operators of the Performance Racing Industry show and its upstart rival, the International Motorsports Industry Show, went from being bitter rivals to merging—a deal that will return the world’s largest motorsports trade show to Indianapolis next December.
Lucas Oil Stadium meeting revenue expectations
Roughly four years after it opened its doors in late 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium appears to have crossed the threshold of dollars that its creators anticipated from hosting events beyond the scope of the Indianapolis Colts.
Downtown Indianapolis gearing up for big visitor weekend
The Gen Con Indy gaming convention and the MotoGP race are among several events the city is hosting that could produce an economic impact of $150 million, according to the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.
Sleeping-products event a real eye-opener
About 3,200 visitors are in the city as part of the International Sleep Products Association’s biennial event, which showcases the latest technology in mattress manufacturing.
Downtown officials outline future plans for Georgia Street
The three-block stretch that served as the Super Bowl Village will complement, not compete with, traditional downtown gathering places such as Monument Circle, officials said.
City boosts 2011 convention sales 13 percent
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association booked nearly 735,000 hotel room nights in 2011 for conventions and meetings.
Gen Con commits to city for five more years
The annual Gen Con convention, which had a previous commitment to Indianapolis through 2015, is extending its agreement through 2020. The latest Gen Con event drew a record 36,733 visitors.
Kiwanis chooses Indianapolis for 100th convention
The Indianapolis-based organization will hold its annual convention in the city in 2015, marking its 100th anniversary. About 10,000 members are expected to attend.
City lands major expo with $19M economic impact
The National Safety Council’s Annual Congress & Expo will come to Indianapolis for the first time in September 2019. It's expected to draw 14,000 delegates, likely making it one of the five biggest conventions the city hosts that year.
Gen Con Indy convention scores record attendance
Gen Con Indy, one of the city’s largest annual conventions, drew a record 36,733 unique visitors to this year's event, organizers announced Thursday.