Indianapolis Travel and Things to Do Guide

Welcome to our Indianapolis meeting planning guide. Indianapolis' phenomenal renaissance is elevating its status as a leading destination for meetings and convention groups. The city attracts about 28.6 million visitors annually, a number that is sure to grow thanks to its continuously evolving cityscape. Since 2008, $3 billion of new construction and renovation efforts have come online. New leisure attractions, hotels, restaurants, and retail and entertainment options are all included in this growth.

Another key facet of the city's transformation is the recent $275 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. The project, which created 566,600 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, placed the facility on the map as one of the largest convention centers in America. An indoor, street-level, climate-controlled connector links the convention center to Lucas Oil Stadium (which offers an additional 183,000 square feet) and more than 4,700 rooms at 12 hotels — more than any U.S. city. In fact, more than 7,100 downtown hotel rooms are within blocks of the convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium. These skywalks also connect many of the city's leading hotels, such as Conrad Indianapolis, Marriott, Westin, and Omni, to Circle Centre Mall, a massive four-story shopping and entertainment complex. The convenient skywalks and strategic city design place more than 300 restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the convention center and downtown core, allowing meeting and convention attendees to traverse the city with ease.

Indianapolis' central location in the United States makes it a convenient destination for meeting and convention groups. Half of the nation's population is within one day's drive of the city or a short flight to Indianapolis International Airport, which was named Conde Nast Traveler's No. 1 airport in America and offers nonstop flights from 51 destinations.


With an ever-evolving city package, it is not surprising that Indianapolis is becoming the destination of choice for more than 600 international, national, and regional meetings and conventions each year. It is host to international events such as the Performance Racing Industry Show, FDIC International, and American Coatings Show. Indianapolis also serves as international headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies, such as Anthem, Eli Lilly, Cummins, and Simon Property Group. Many distinguished colleges and universities call the city home as well, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Butler University, Marian College, and University of Indianapolis.