Indianapolis is widely considered one of the top cities in the United States for hosting trade shows and conferences. With its central location, an abundance of large event spaces, and impressive transportation infrastructure, Indianapolis provides an ideal setting for all types of industry expos, seminars, and networking events.
Whether you are an organizer, exhibitor, or a provider of trade show booth rental Indianapolis these venues in the city provide you the best opportunities possible. Here is a look at some of the best and most popular trade show venues located in Indianapolis:
Indiana Convention Center:
The Indiana Convention Center is arguably the premier venue for hosting large-scale trade shows and conventions in Indianapolis. Located just west of downtown, the Indiana Convention Center campus features over 1 million square feet of exhibit space spread across three huge halls – Halls A, B, and C.
In addition to abundant exhibit space, the Indiana Convention Center has meeting rooms of all sizes that are perfect for educational seminars, speaker sessions, and committee meetings. Auxiliary spaces like lobbies, loading docks, and pre-function areas provide ample room for registration, networking activities, and sponsor/exhibitor showcases.
State-of-the-art amenities abound at the Indiana Convention Center. Advanced AV/IT infrastructure supports digital signage, WiFi, and live video streaming capabilities. Catering teams can prepare food for anywhere from a few dozen to tens of thousands.
The Indiana Convention Center offers an infrastructure well-suited to hosting the largest trade show booth displays with attendance in the tens of thousands. It has played host to some of the country’s premier industry expos and consistently delivers successful events year after year.
The Indiana Roof Ballroom:
While not quite as expansive as the Indiana Convention Center, the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis remains a top small-to-mid-sized trade show venue. Situated on the ninth floor of the JW Marriott Indianapolis, the Indiana Roof Ballroom provides 27,000 square feet of event space with city skyline views.
Event planners appreciate the Indiana Roof Ballroom’s versatility, as it can accommodate various setups from theater-style presentations exhibit booth rentals to banquet receptions. Divisible sections allow for multiple simultaneous functions. Catering services through Levy Restaurants produce high-quality meals for groups large and small.
State-of-the-art A/V capabilities include digital signage, wireless microphone systems, and HD projectors & and screens to support presentations and keynote addresses. Onsite IT staff ensure seamless technology execution. Ample natural light floods the ballroom during the day, while elegant crystal chandeliers set the tone after dark.
Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center:
For trade shows requiring significant exhibit space but in a less urban environment, the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center proves an excellent option. Situated on over 200 acres just northwest of downtown, the fairgrounds can host everything from small technical seminars to major expos filling multiple buildings.
The Grand Hall holds a prime position as the largest flexible event space at the fairgrounds. At 100,000 square feet, the Grand Hall provides an airy single room conducive to large trade show floors or general sessions. For divided functions, large curtains partition the space. Auxiliary rooms accommodate meetings, meal breaks, or sponsor displays.
Other key buildings include the Agriculture/Horticulture Building (44,000 sq. ft.), Celebration Hall (25,000 sq. ft.), and Expo Hall (22,000 sq. ft.). These structures feature high ceilings, ample natural light, and roll-up doors accommodating move-in/move-out. Electrical and telecom hookups throughout support advanced tech needs.
RCA Dome/Lucas Oil Stadium District:
While no longer active as a football stadium, the former home of the Indianapolis Colts – now known as the Indiana Convention North district – retains value as a premier Indianapolis trade show locale. Situated mere blocks from the Indiana Convention Center, this area leverages the walkable connectivity between Lucas Oil Stadium, the Convention Center, and nearby parking garages and hotels.
Event planners appreciate the built-in synergy resulting from co-locating shows within the immediate Indiana Convention Center area. Exhibitors are able to exhibit with larger trade show booths like 30×40 or even bigger with this ample space. Attendees can seamlessly transition between exhibit halls, session rooms, and nearby hotel/restaurant amenities with ease.
Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this locale epitomizes walkable connectivity and central access to the city’s transit and accommodation infrastructure. When paired with the use of the Indiana Convention Center itself, the RCA Dome district reinforces Indy’s ability to host large-scale, high-impact trade events.
JW Marriott Indianapolis:
While not technically a dedicated trade show “venue,” the JW Marriott Indianapolis downtown merits discussion due to its premier event facilities and strategic proximity to other top Indianapolis convention sites. Beyond serving as home to the coveted Indiana Roof Ballroom, the JW Marriott features over 70,000 square feet of meeting space spread across 44 meeting rooms.
As Indianapolis’ largest hotel ideally situated one block from the Indiana Convention Center and within walking distance of surrounding sites like The Armour Yards complex, the JW Marriott completes any trade event itinerary. Many exhibitors and sponsors choose to be based here, taking advantage of elegant accommodations and on-property functions accessible to all delegates.
Technology infrastructure provides seamless WiFi, digital displays, and streaming capabilities throughout function spaces. On-site coordinators guarantee a simplified event execution process. Come nightfall, the JW Marriott’s luxury amenities aim to please with a sky-lit indoor pool, top-rated restaurants, and evening entertainment options.
All told, while not housing expansive exhibit areas itself, the JW Marriott Indianapolis offers best-in-class facilities and an unbeatable downtown location to fully round out any major Indianapolis trade show booth contractor experience.
In summary:
Top Indianapolis trade show venues include the above-mentioned massive and convenient venues complemented by a variety of unique spaces, presents meeting planners with an embarrassment of riches for creating impactful B2B expos and trade shows. From organizers to exhibitors and booth design companies in Indianapolis all leverage with these venues.
