Unions target Indianapolis hotels
Unite Here has high hopes, but the industry fears its cost advantage would erode.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Dealer Expo returning to Indianapolis through 2016
Massive powersports trade show Dealer Expo has committed to keep its annual event in Indianapolis through at least 2016—extending its stay by five years.
City’s Conrad hotel investment starts to pay off for taxpayers
The city put up $25 million for the hotel, restaurant and condo development at the corner of Washington and Illinois streets, including $3.75 million in exchange for the economic equivalent of an 8-percent stake.
Part of City Market renovation project put on hold
City planners have downsized their renovation plans because project bids came in too high to meet the $2.7 million budget.
Bebe Paluzza trade shows sold to industry vets
Bebe Paluzza Productions, which started as a local trade show for parents and grew into a series of consumer events staged in five cities, has been sold to two industry veterans who want to continue that expansion.
Hendricks County launches tourism campaign
Six months into a $750,000 plan to increase Hendricks County’s profile as a tourist destination, officials say group travel has doubled and hotel occupancy is up almost 3 percentage points—before an end-of-the-year push to get travelers to “Spend the Holidays in Hendricks County.”
IU offering master’s degree in event tourism
The Indiana University School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at IUPUI will begin accepting students for the program next fall. The chairman of the school says the new degree fits well with Indianapolis’ mission to be a convention destination.
Corporations champion FFA’s mission
The organization’s annual convention, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, attracted 375 exhibitors, an impressive number considering the tepid economy.
AmericInn buys Fishers hotel, enters local market
Minneapolis-based hotel chain AmericInn has purchased a Holiday Inn along Interstate 69 in Fishers, giving the company its first Indiana location.
Suburban hotels take a beating as downtown recovers
As revenue per room falls, some hotels outside the center city are going on the auction block.
Georgia Street reconstruction project starts underground
Work is under way on the $12.5 million transformation of a three-block stretch between Pennsylvania Street and Capitol Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Fourth Artsgarden skywalk gets approval
Despite objections, the Metropolitan Development Commission agreed to provide $600,000 in city funds to help build an enclosed pedestrian walkway connecting the downtown PNC Center with the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Indiana pumpkin patches, orchards see visitors swell
Attractions like apple orchards and corn mazes are reporting bigger crowds this year, especially with cooler temperatures and dry weather.
Cultural Trail to hire first executive director
A new not-for-profit organization will try to raise more than $700,000 a year for the trail’s ongoing maintenance, and it will market the trail as a tourism and economic-development engine.
Circle City Classic organizers look to boost 27-year-old event
A management shift and a renewed marketing effort that includes new attractions and increased advertising in key markets has Circle City Classic organizers optimistic about the annual event’s future.
Local ordinance could be key in City Market discrimination flap
Unlike state and federal law, city ordinance prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. That may be enough for the city to take action against Just Cookies, which operates in City Market, for declining a request based on the customer’s sexual orientation.
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.
Indy Super Bowl organizers moving ahead with plans
Local organizers expect the 2012 Super Bowl to be played as scheduled, despite growing concerns that an NFL work stoppage could force postponement or cancellation of the game.
JW Marriott already sold 100,000 rooms
It doesn’t open until Feb. 4, but downtown’s JW Marriott hotel has already booked 100,000 room nights for 2011—more than any other local hotel—an achievement drawing both praise and concern from others in the hospitality industry.
Super Bowl crew hustles to prep for 2012 event in Indianapolis
CEO Allison Melangton deliberately hired only Indiana residents to tap a deep talent pool and play up Hoosier hospitality.