Indiana brings big ideas and small-town warmth
By Kate Zaliznock
In Indiana, the welcome is as genuine as the skyline is open. This Midwestern gem blends modern meeting infrastructure with that trademark Hoosier hospitality, making it a quietly powerful choice for planners who value connection, creativity and convenience. From Indianapolis’ polished downtown to the scenic charm of French Lick, Indiana delivers a balance of business and pleasure that’s hard to beat.
Whether your group prefers racing into action, exploring lakefront retreats or soaking up the arts, the Hoosier State makes it easy to gather and get inspired.
Resources
Visit Indy
[email protected] | visitindy.com
Hamilton County Tourism, Inc.
[email protected] | hamiltoncountytourism.com
Visit Bloomington
[email protected] | visitbloomington.com
Visit Fort Wayne
[email protected] | visitfortwayne.com
5 Reasons Why Meeting Profs Love Indiana
Centrally Located and Easily Accessible
With its crossroads-of-America location, Indiana is within a day’s drive of more than half the U.S. population. Indianapolis International Airport (IND) consistently ranks among the nation’s best for cleanliness and convenience, while regional airports in Fort Wayne, South Bend and Evansville keep travel simple and stress-free.
Meetings with Momentum
Indianapolis is built for big events. The Indiana Convention Center connects via skywalk to 4,700 hotel rooms and the Lucas Oil Stadium complex, creating one of the most walkable, weatherproof meeting zones in the country. The city has hosted everything from Super Bowls to Gen Con, proving it can handle crowds with ease.
Unexpected Variety
Beyond Indy, destinations like Bloomington, Hamilton County and Fort Wayne offer smaller-city charm with big-league amenities. Planners will find boutique hotels, cultural districts and lakefront venues perfect for intimate gatherings or incentive-style programs.
Culture with character
From the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the live jazz scene along Mass Ave, Indiana’s cultural side surprises and delights. Attendees can also dive into history at the NCAA Hall of Champions or the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway—ideal for group events that mix learning and adrenaline.
Affordability without compromise
Indiana’s cost-effective venues, hotels and F&B options make it a smart choice for planners balancing budgets without sacrificing experience. The result? More room for creativity, engagement (and maybe a few extra rounds of cocktails or team-building fun).
5 Places to Meet & Stay
Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
A seamlessly connected meetings powerhouse in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, offering versatile space and big-city energy.
1.1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space; 140 meeting rooms
A sleek, glass-fronted icon towering over White River State Park, perfect for high-profile conferences and gala events.
103,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 1,013 guest rooms
A storied retreat offering luxury, golf and natural mineral springs in French Lick, ideal for executive gatherings and incentive groups.
163,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 757 guest rooms
Co-designed by Vera Bradley co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, this boutique hotel in Fort Wayne exudes charm and modern comfort.
6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 124 guest rooms
Graduate by Hilton Bloomington
Colorful, collegiate and full of local Bloomington personality, this downtown stunner is perfect for creative sessions or alumni-themed events.
8,600 sq. ft. of meeting space; 150 guest rooms
This article appears in the November/December 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
