Here’s what meetings and conventions could look like in the near future—and beyond
Liability waivers, temperature checks, social distancing. They’re in the foreseeable future for groups that want to meet in person.
Tourism & Hospitality
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TRAVELING: A guide to traveling safely for the holidays
While travel numbers are slowly recovering from coronavirus lows—Transportation Security Administration records show that the number of people flying is climbing daily, although the rate is still below half of what it was in 2019—many Americans remain unsure about their holiday travel plans.
Indy, other Hoosier cities land nearly two dozen NCAA title events
The Indianapolis-based NCAA announced its site selections for more than 450 events through 2026 on Wednesday afternoon.
Pummeled by pandemic, CIB making ‘hard decisions’
But Executive Director Andy Mallon says he’s “very confident” the board will recover from not only the pandemic but also necessary spending cuts and financial hits over the next 18 months.
Lost convention business exceeds $535M, leading to further budget challenges
Overall, 340 groups, representing nearly 965,000 attendees, outright canceled their Indianapolis events this year because of the pandemic. The loss of business is taking a toll on the Capital Improvement Board’s revenue streams.
Airbnb requires hosts to commit to enhanced cleaning protocols
Airbnb has been on a mission to clean up its image ahead of its initial public offering of stock, which is expected later this year.
Visit Indy launches admission partnership with zoo, other attractions
The Indy Attraction Pass offers bundled access to Conner Prairie, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
City bicentennial celebrations ramp up despite pandemic
The city of Indianapolis is turning 200 and, although the pandemic has altered some plans, celebrations are underway and residents have plenty of opportunities to engage.
Airbnb blocking one-night rentals over Halloween to halt parties
Airbnb has taken a series of steps to crack down on parties since last year’s deadly shooting at an Airbnb in Orinda, California. Five people were killed in the shooting, which happened during an unauthorized Halloween party.
CIB furloughs several staffers, makes pay cuts to cope with pandemic
The steps taken by the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County included putting five members of its executive staff on indefinite leave.
City launches $11 million grant fund for hospitality industry
The program, called the Hospitality Establishment Lifeline Program, will provide grants to Marion County bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues that pay food and beverage taxes.
Wedding photographer takes plunge with new event venue for nuptials in Whitestown
The Sixpence will feature an existing farmhouse and garage as lodging and hospitality spaces for brides and grooms, as well as a custom-built barn for ceremonies.
Lobbying group says two-thirds of Indiana’s hotels facing closure
The American Hotel & Lodging Association report is meant to underscore what the lobbying group says is a critical need for additional stimulus ahead of Congress breaking for its October recess.
Despite virus, city bids to host dozens of sports events
Local officials are betting big on Indianapolis’ continued success as a sports city by submitting two dozen bids for championship-level events slated through 2030.
Downtown Indy CEO leading fight for downtown’s recovery
Sherry Seiwert spoke with IBJ recently about what her organization is doing to help the city bounce back.
U.S. cruise lines vow 100% testing in plan for resuming sailing
Cruise company executives said the limited resumption of cruising in Europe over the last few weeks has convinced them that cruising can be done safely.
Hotels, restaurants face new conundrum: How to offer service without a smile
Six months into the pandemic, conveying warmth is the new hot topic among hoteliers and restaurateurs. Some are coming up with new ways.
City sports officials offer to create basketball bubble for interested schools
Indiana Sports Corp. released a 16-page proposal Friday that calls for turning the convention center’s exhibition halls and meeting rooms into basketball courts and locker rooms. There would be expansive safety measures and daily virus testing.
IMS Museum selling dozens of vehicles to help upgrade collection
The basement of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is jam-packed with hundreds of vehicles that never go on display. Some of those cars are going on the auction block.
Casino in Terre Haute will feature outdoor ‘smoking patio’ with slots
The Rocksino—a partnership between Hard Rock Casino and Terre Haute development firm Spectacle Jack LLC—will be the first in the state to have a smoke-free interior. Casinos are an exception to the state’s smoking ban.