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| Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association | |
|---|---|
| Name | Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association |
| Formation | 1930s |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Region served | Marion County, Indiana |
| Leader title | President and CEO |
Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association
The Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association is a destination marketing organization based in Indianapolis that promotes Marion County, Indiana and central Indiana for conventions, leisure travel, and sporting events. It works with venues such as the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse to attract meetings, trade shows, and tournaments while coordinating with entities including Visit Indy, Indiana Destination Development Corporation, and local chambers such as the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. The association engages partners across hospitality chains like Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation and collaborates with cultural institutions such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Founded during the interwar period, the organization emerged amid civic boosterism that included projects like the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site initiatives and the development of municipal assets such as White River State Park. Throughout the postwar era it partnered on urban renewal programs associated with leaders from the Indiana Statehouse and civic groups such as the Old National Bank and Eli Lilly and Company philanthropic efforts. During the late 20th century it supported major infrastructure projects tied to the Crossroads of America identity and worked alongside legacy events like the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, and the Pan American Games (1987). In the 21st century it adapted to digital marketing trends exemplified by collaborations with technology firms and tourism networks involved with United Airlines, Amtrak, and the Indianapolis International Airport.
The association operates as a nonprofit corporation governed by a board featuring executives from hospitality, sports, and civic institutions including representatives from Downtown Indianapolis, Inc., Visit Indy Foundation, and major employers such as Cummins Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, and Simon Property Group. Executive leadership has included presidents and CEOs drawn from sectors represented by entities like The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana Farm Bureau, and large hotel management companies such as Hilton Grand Vacations. It liaises with municipal authorities at Indianapolis City-County Building and state-level agencies such as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation while coordinating with labor organizations and trade groups like the American Hotel and Lodging Association and Meeting Professionals International.
Programs include convention sales and services analogous to initiatives by Meetings Mean Business Coalition and U.S. Travel Association, sports bidding support similar to work with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and group tour development akin to partnerships seen with AAA and AAA Travel. It offers services for event planning at venues such as Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse), logistical coordination with carriers including Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, and hospitality workforce development in cooperation with institutions like Ivy Tech Community College and Butler University. Marketing campaigns are complemented by research relationships with agencies such as STR, Inc., CoStar Group, and academic partners from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
Marketing strategies have targeted domestic markets via campaigns comparable to efforts by Visit California and international markets through partnerships with global tour operators such as Tumlare and airline alliances like Star Alliance. Economic impact studies use methodologies similar to those employed by Oxford Economics and local analyses tied to fiscal offices at Marion County Treasurer and regional planning commissions like Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization. The association measures metrics including room-night generation affecting hotel portfolios such as JW Marriott Indianapolis and convention center utilization at Indiana Convention Center with ripple effects for attractions including White River State Park and Monument Circle.
It has played roles in securing and supporting events including the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Big Ten Conference championships, and international sporting events like the FIFA U-20 World Cup hosting bids and youth tournaments connected to USA Gymnastics. Cultural and trade partnerships span collaborations with the Museum of Modern Art, Newfields, and trade shows originally tied to national organizations such as The American Institute of Architects and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Major sponsorship and naming-rights interactions involve corporations such as Indianapolis Power & Light Company and Eli Lilly and Company.
The association provides visitor information and concierge services for sites including Indiana State Museum, Circle Centre Mall, and parklands like Eagle Creek Park, while coordinating transportation access via Indianapolis Cultural Trail and IndyGo bus services. It maintains hotel room-block relationships across brands including Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton, and supports accessibility and safety standards consistent with guidelines from entities like the U.S. Access Board and National Fire Protection Association for venues such as Lucas Oil Stadium.
Over time the organization and its leaders have received accolades from industry groups including U.S. Travel Association awards, regional honors from the Indiana Tourism Association, and civic commendations from the Indianapolis City-County Council. Recognition has also come via partnerships that won awards from trade publications like Meetings & Conventions and ConventionSouth for campaigns promoting attractions such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and cultural institutions like The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Category:Organizations based in Indianapolis Category:Tourism in Indiana