Situated in the northeast corner of Indiana, Fort Wayne boasts a central location that's fewer than 500 miles from half of the U.S. population. Once here, groups can enjoy the visitor-friendly downtown skywalk system linking many of Fort Wayne event venues to each other. The second-largest city in Indiana and three-time All-America City has over 20 meeting hotels, two sizeable convention centers and amenities that rival any big-city neighbor – all in an affordable, friendly package.
Thanks to the Fort Wayne International Airport – the state's third-busiest – guests from Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Cleveland and more can touch down in no time.
Chief among Fort Wayne convention venues is the Grand Wayne Convention Center. With 225,000 square feet of total space, it has a wide range of spaces to accommodate any type of configuration. The convention hall has nearly 50,000 square feet of space and is divisible into thirds or halves. The Anthony Wayne ballroom spans almost 10,000 square feet, and eight meeting rooms have about 10,000 space total, seating 70 to 320 people. The center's second floor has an additional ballroom, offering room for up to 350 banquet guests or 660 guests theater-style. The city's second convention facility, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, has over 15 event spaces. Host to some of the largest trade shows in the region, the coliseum's expo center space spans over 108,000 square feet and is divisible into four spaces. The 13,000-seat arena is perfect for large seminars and presentations, and the Appleseed Ballroom can seat an impressive 240 banquet guests. The coliseum also has several meeting rooms, lobby space and a recently renovated rooftop lounge.
Hote venues in Fort Wayne include the 246-room Hilton Fort Wayne, which is attached to the Grand Wayne; the 222-room Grand Wayne Marriott, which has 18,000 square feet of space; and the 130-room Don Hall's Guesthouse & Conference Center, with 6,000 square feet of space.
After a day on the trade show floor, groups will have no trouble finding a place to regroup and relax amongst Fort Wayne's alternative venues. Located in the historic City Light and Power building, Science Central can spark creativity for up to 500 people amongst its interactive exhibits. Parkview Field, named 2009 Ballpark of the Year by Baseball Digest, has several event venues, including a conference room, lounge and even the field itself. Guests can also dine among antique automobiles at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, or sip cocktails next to contemporary sculpture at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, both of which offer private event space.
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