Gen Con convention betting on attendance surge
Organizers of the four-day gaming conference think this year’s event will draw 35,000 visitors to Indianapolis, thanks in large part to a bigger convention center.
Indiana Convention Center
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Tech district could boost Indianapolis’ convention business
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association plans to attract more life sciences conferences.
New Indianapolis tourism chief calls for bigger marketing budget
In an interview with Indianapolis Business Journal reporter Anthony Schoettle, Leonard Hoops, the incoming CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, says Indianapolis warrants its own brand.
Better Wi-Fi sought for stadium, convention center
The Capital Improvement Board of Marion County is accepting proposals to improve Wi-Fi service at both Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center. The systems are expected to be operational in time for the Super Bowl in February.
Volleyball tourney expected to bring 20,000 to city
The 2011 Lids Team Sports Mid-East Qualifier, which will run Friday through Sunday, will feature top female high school players on 65 courts inside the Indiana Convention Center.
New convention chief impressed with Indianapolis’ vision
An executive headhunter had been dogging Leonard Hoops for years about various career opportunities around the country. He always dismissed the leads—until recently, when he was told about the CEO vacancy at the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.
UPDATE: City lures new convention chief
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association has hired Leonard Hoops, executive vice president for the San Francisco Travel Association, to replace Don Welsh as its new president and CEO.
CIB awards contracts for stadium, convention security
The Capital Improvement Board voted Monday to retain the services of three firms that currently provide security at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, at an annual savings of $300,000.
Dealer Expo trade show kicks off expanded Convention Center
The massive powersports convention is one of the biggest annual events hosted by the city and is the first to use the expanded Indiana Convention Center since a $275 addition was completed.
NFL labor situation a hot topic in Dallas
A lockout is predicted by many, but whether labor strife ultimately affects the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis remains to be seen.
City refocuses on targets, ramps up goals for tourism
Tourism honchos outline aggressive goals for 2011, including increasing hotel room nights for conventions from 650,000 to 725,000, and targeting leisure travelers from Chicago and the United Kingdom.
Smaller meetings key to convention center expansion
Large conventions typically get the most attention, but it’s the smaller meetings that will be critical to ensuring the expanded Indiana Convention Center is adequately occupied.
Convention Center expansion is high-stakes gamble
With the $275 million Indiana Convention Center expansion built and set to open Jan. 20, one major question remains: Will enough conventions, trade shows and corporate meetings come here to make the big-dollar investment pay off?
UPDATE: Convention leaders prepare for business without Welsh
Don Welsh was seen as a revolutionary force as CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. Now he may be one of its biggest competitors as he takes the top job in Chicago.
ICVA chief leaving Indianapolis for Chicago
Don Welsh, the top executive at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association since 2008, is leaving the city to take the job as CEO of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, the ICVA announced Monday night.
Local hotel bookings fell in 2010, projected to rise in 2011
Weak economy blamed for 5-percent decline. With Indiana Convention Center expansion set to be complete this month, booking should be on the rise.
ICVA nearing hotel room-reservation target for 2010
As of mid-December, the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association had hit about 93 percent of its 2010 goal of booking 650,000 room nights for future conventions. The group is stepping up its efforts to meet the demands of the new JW Marriott hotel and convention center expansion.
CIB seeking bids for stadium, convention security
Request for proposals calls for providing 24-hour security at both Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as providing armed guards for special events. The CIB plans to award contracts in mid-March.
CIB OKs $2.6M in carpet upgrades for convention center
Capital Improvement Board plans to spend about $2.6 million to replace 370,000 square feet of carpeting in the older portion of the Indiana Convention Center to match the carpet in the new addition.
Crowne Plaza walkway to add to city’s connectivity
Officials for Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown said a $400,000 enclosed connector linking the hotel to the convention center will be done in February.