U.S. hotels face $21B business-travel shortfall in 2022
Indianapolis is predicted to fare better than many other markets, but is still expected to see a decline in hotel business travel revenue of 16.4%.
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Q&A with Cathy Ferree, CEO of the Indiana State Museum
Ferree, who started her career as a security guard at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, now oversees a staff of about 150 and an annual budget of $12 million at the state museum and the state’s historic sites.
Staffing and supply woes complicate business for hospitality industry as pandemic eases
Restaurants, just like hotels, had to let most of their staffs go early in the pandemic because there was no one for them to serve. But now that business is picking up again, many of those former restaurant and hotel staffers have moved on.
Zoos hiding birds as avian flu spreads in North America
Nearly 23 million chickens and turkeys have already been killed across the United States to limit the spread of the virus, and zoos are working hard to prevent any of their birds from meeting the same fate.
Judge dismisses charges for duck boat tragedy that killed 17
A judge on Tuesday dismissed criminal charges against three men prosecuted after a tourist boat sank and killed 17 people, including nine members of an extended family.
Iconic tenor Bocelli schedules first Indianapolis performance
Andrea Bocelli, the operatic star who has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide, is set to perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse along with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Designs unveiled for Hotel Nickel Plate in Fishers
The five-story, 116-unit Hotel Nickel Plate, part of Hilton’s high-end Tapestry Collection brand, will be built in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District.
Officials confirm Indianapolis as site for 2024 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials
The trials are slated for June 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium, the largest venue ever to be selected for the event, with expectations of up to 35,000 spectators.
Demand for vacation homes continuing to rise
The value of homes in nine of the top 10 most popular vacation towns are appreciating faster than the typical U.S. home, according to Zillow.
IBJ Podcast: Children’s Museum CEO talks dinos, COVID and the price of admission
CEO Jennifer Pace Robinson, who took on the museum’s top job about a year ago, talks with Mason King about the importance of the exhibit, the logistics of hanging all those bones, and what makes the experience different than visitors might find at other museums.
NCAA first round draws sizable crowds to downtown Indianapolis
The four games played in downtown Indianapolis on Thursday drew about 32,610 total spectators throughout the day, split between afternoon and evening sessions that each featured two contests.
Carmel replacing grass with artificial turf at Midtown Plaza
The $147,238 project comes after the city had trouble growing natural grass. The turf, once installed, will have a natural grass appearance and “be cushioned for delicate joints,” the city says.
Ticket prices on secondary market lower than usual for NCAA games in Indianapolis
The early-round NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games, which will be played Thursday afternoon and evening and on Saturday, are expected to lure up to 40,000 people to Indianapolis.
$30M Indianapolis golf and entertainment venue set for June opening
The facility, which feature a three-story golf range, restaurant and bar spaces, and a 350-person music pavilion, is expected to create up to 200 full-time and part-time jobs.
Sweets & Snacks Expo to take place in Indy six more times over next decade
The National Confectioners Association said Tuesday that the show will rotate between Indianapolis and Las Vegas starting in 2024, moving from Chicago where it has been held since 1997.
New sites for deaf school, state archives building announced by governor
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday announced long-awaited site plans involving the Indiana School for the Deaf, the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and a new state archives building.
Three teams from Indiana make NCAA men’s basketball tourney
Purdue University (27-7) claimed a No. 3 seed while Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame squeaked into the First Four play-in round.
Legends Day concert moving from IMS to White River State Park
This year’s Legends Day concert on May 28—the day before the Indianapolis 500—is set to feature a big name in country music, but fans interested in catching the show won’t be making their way to Indianapolis Motor Speedway as usual.
Focus of Big Ten Tournament: Howard’s return, Davis’ health
Likely of more interest to local fans is whether Indiana University can play its way into an NCAA tournament bid after losing seven of its last nine games or whether Purdue can earn a favorable seed in the postseason.
Two major public art installations announced for Gainbridge Fieldhouse plaza
A $28.5 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant will provide funding for plaza amenities including sculptures by Honduras-based artist Herman Mejia, a community basketball court/ice rink and public restrooms.