ICVA Secures New Convention 10.11.11

INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS

The National Safety Council plans to bring its annual convention to Indianapolis for the first time. The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association says the 2019 expo will attract more than 14,000 attendees and have an economic impact of nearly $19 million. The group has held previous conventions in Atlanta, Chicago and New Orleans.

October 11, 2011
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN –The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA) has booked another first-time citywide convention into the expanded Indiana Convention Center—National Safety Council’s Annual Congress & Expo.

More than 14,000 attendees from across the United States will convene in Indianapolis in September 2019, generating more than $18.6 million in economic impact. The convention will utilize nearly the entire expanded Indiana Convention Center—more than 566,000 square feet of exhibit space—and fill hotel rooms downtown and throughout surrounding suburban areas.

“As a direct result of expanding the Indiana Convention Center, additional hotel room availability, a strategically planned downtown convention package, and Mayor Ballard’s proactive support, we were able to secure this sought-after convention,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of the ICVA. “This is an extremely competitive business and the bottom line is the National Safety Council doesn’t come to Indy without all these elements in place.”

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard met with the group on two different visits to Indianapolis during the competitive consideration process, a tactic that made an impact with this-group—which has held previous conventions in Anaheim, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Diego.

“We were impressed with the entire Indianapolis leadership team. With its expanded convention facilities, convenient hotel skywalk system, and compact downtown, Indianapolis is a natural fit for our annual convention,” said Karen Howe, executive director of the National Safety Council.

“On behalf of the city, I am honored that a large association like National Safety Council has selected Indianapolis to host its important annual congress,” said Mayor Ballard. “I am confident this group will see the first-class hospitality treatment we are known for worldwide.”

The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

The mission of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association is to increase Indianapolis growth by strategically selling the destination to conventions, meetings, events, and leisure travelers. According to recent study by Vantage Strategy, 18 million people visit Indianapolis annually, generating $3.4 billion in economic impact, and supporting 69,000 full-time employment positions. For more information, www.VisitIndy.com.
Source: Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
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