Sponsors

Central States Chapter Meeting Event Co-sponsor

Visit Indiana

Welcome to the home of Hoosier hospitality. While Indiana is famous for Basketball and Motor Sports, there is so much more to discover than you ever could have imagined. From the deep caves in Southern Indiana to the rolling Indiana Dunes in Northern Indiana, Indiana is a diverse state full of natural and man-made marvels. Whether you love the outdoors, the arts, food, drinks, or history, Indiana has something for you.

Justus O’Neil – Public Relations & Social Media Officer

[email protected] | 463-245-8562

Central States Chapter Meeting Co-Event Sponsor

Blue Gate Hospitality

Enjoy some of the best Amish\Mennonite cooking around, outstanding entertainment, shop for locally crafted furniture and much more. The company now has 3 retail stores, a restaurant, bakery, theatre, hotel, event center, catering, and a carriage business.

Andy Rohrer – VP Sales & Marketing

[email protected] | 260.768.4725

Monday Night Opening Dinner

Visit Elkhart County, IN CVB

Terry Mark – Director of Communications & Public Relations

[email protected] | 574-262-8161

Wednesday Night Meet the Makers in Indiana sponsor

Visit Steuben County, IN CVB

With more than 101 natural lakes and Indiana’s most beautiful state park, Steuben County is a recreational wonderland. Pokagon State Park, on the banks of Lake James, has the state’s only toboggan slide as well as hiking and biking trails, guided horseback rides, boat rentals and the historic Potawatomi Inn. Tour the 200-acre buffalo preserve, visit our wineries and discover unique restaurants on the Steuben County Foodie Trail.

June Julien, MPA, CDME – Executive Director

[email protected] | 260-655-5386

Wednesday Buffet Lunch Sponsor

Visit Wayne County, Ohio CVB

Welcome to Wayne County

The Crossroads of Culture & Countryside

Explore Wayne County, a delightful fusion of rustic beauty and cultural allure. Nestled in Northeast Ohio, this region blends picturesque landscapes, friendly communities, and a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, local flavors, or a taste of history, Wayne County warmly welcomes you to experience the crossroads of culture and countryside.

Contact: Shannon N. Carter – Executive Director

[email protected] | 330.264.1800

Transportation Sponsor

Visit Kansas City Kansas CVB

Kansas City, Kansas—where the heart of America beats with culture, history, and adventure. Known for its affordability, convenience, and signature Midwestern hospitality, KCK offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant urban experiences. From the KCK Taco mouthwatering culinary journey to the Legacy Trail’s immersive storytelling of the region’s diverse communities, visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy NASCAR thrills, zip-lining, and scenic hikes, while sports fans look forward to the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Discover Kansas City, Kansas—where every corner holds a story worth telling. 

Ritz Dasgupta- Senior Manager, Integrated Marketing Communications

[email protected] | 913.305.2108

Monday night in-room Hospitality Gift

Visit Fort Wayne CVB

Sample the Vibrant Colors of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is Indiana’s second-largest city and the fastest-growing metro in the Great Lakes region. A true gem of the Midwest, Fort Wayne is filled with new experiences, award-winning attractions, and unique flavors.

Jessa Campbell – Director of Destination Development and Communications

[email protected] | 260.424.3700

Tuesday Box Lunch

Visit Indy

Introducing Indy

With over $2 billion in new tourism infrastructure underway in the Circle City, the time to visit Indy is now, because IYKYK. The Indy of the (near) future includes a 58-mile activated river, a glistening silver hotel tower addition to its skyline, more gathering places and rooftop venues, and a reimagined downtown retail destination with outdoor promenades and cafes.

If you’re in the know, you know Indy is one of America’s ascending cities. With $150 million in new and enhanced trail infrastructure, Indy will become the most connected city in America. Not to mention, it’s already home to the #1 airport in North America for 12 years running (according to Airports Council International).

Over $100 million in hotel renovations are underway to Indy’s already impressive footprint of accommodations, not including the roster of five new hotels in the next five years like the InterContinental, Kimpton, 21c Museum Hotel, the 800-room Signia by Hilton, and Shinola – only the second of its kind in the country.

Something is happening in Indy. #IYKYK

Morgan Snyder – Senior Director of Public Relations and Film Indy

[email protected] | 317.262.8253

Wednesday night in-room Hospitality Gift Sponsor

East Region Indiana Tourism Marketing Cooperative

Discover the charm of East Region Indiana with the East Regional Tourism Marketing Cooperative, comprising 25 counties that excel in collaboration and networking. With reduced marketing costs and opportunities to distribute brochures efficiently, members leverage the power of a collective, bringing tourism gems to light. The cooperative’s strength lies in its reputation for unity and the inclusion of smaller communities without organized visitor bureaus. Experience a region where each county contributes to a rich tapestry of attractions, making tourism accessible and enjoyable for all.”

Cody Flager-Lee – President

[email protected] | 260.563.9070

Thursday Box Lunch

Indiana Dunes Tourism

Discover the Indiana Dunes

Travel Deeply. Experience More.

The Indiana Dunes is one of Indiana’s top tourist destinations. It is made up of two urban parks centrally located in the Midwest next to Chicago. It includes a 2,182-acre state park surrounded by an even larger national park, encompassing 15,000 acres, or 15 miles, of beaches, prairies, wetlands, savannas, and forests. The dunes, essentially massive mounds of sand reaching 192 feet in height, were formed when glaciers receded 14,000 years ago, leaving behind quartz sand that sings when you walk on it. It is also one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States and is the birthplace of ecology. Henry Chandler Cowles, the father of ecology, did most of his research here. The Indiana Dunes has many adventure opportunities, including biking, birding, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, and other natural experiences.

Dustin Riches, MS, CIPD – Production Director

[email protected] | 219-926-2255

Professional Development Snack Break Sponsor

Indiana Foodways Alliance

Welcome to the Indiana Foodways Alliance, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration, promotion and preservation of the authentic food culture of Indiana. We are a membership organization of inquisitive eaters, good cooks, culinary historians, chefs, food journalists, restaurateurs, culinary tourists, artisans and manufacturers. Our membership encompasses a field to table spectrum from agriculture to fine dining, with emphasis on all the specialty foods, farm markets, diners and hands-on restaurants in between that are so dear to the hearts of Midwesterners who love real food.

Haley Anderson – Board President

[email protected] | 812-350-4211

Monday Night Hospitality Room

Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette CVB

Welcome to Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana, home of Purdue University. You’ll find our community is rich with tradition and all the beauty of a classic Midwestern destination. Our vibrant downtown, spanning Lafayette and West Lafayette, remains the heart of our ever-growing community. Here you’ll find antiques, boutique shopping, quaint coffee shops and restaurants, including the state’s oldest drive in restaurant, pubs and even local breweries. Experience a sophisticated art scene, including galleries and public art, plus a variety of great festivals throughout the year.

Sara Erickson – Director of Communications

[email protected] | 800.872.6648

Tuesday Night Hospitality Sponsor

Visit Kosciusko County CVB

Take time to escape everyday stress while discovering newfound joy in everyday places. Treat your family to some good, healthy fun. Take time out in Indiana’s Kosciusko County to Live Well in The Moment. As an unbiased county resource, the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau serves as the official quality of place point of contact for a variety of visitors including leisure, visiting friends and relatives, and group, corporate and meeting travelers. Our resources also serve visitors looking to live and work in beautiful Kosciusko County.

Cori Humes, CTIS – Executive Director

[email protected] | 574-269-6090