Visit Indy and facility staff reported mixed but improving performance for late 2025 bookings and described several major events and local sustainability steps.

Visit Indy reported August revenue up 2.1% month-over-month and downtown revenue up 5.9% year-over-year, while countywide revenue remained down for the year. The board heard that the convention-lead pipeline is strong (reported at 138% of target) and that sales leads tied to the convention center expansion are at about 155% of historical averages. Staff highlighted a multi-year pursuit that resulted in securing the American Academy of Otolaryngology, which begins activity in the buildings the day after the meeting; the association is expected to bring about 5,500 attendees, with an international attendance shortfall noted by staff.

The Indiana Convention Center reported September occupancy of 54.8% and attendance of 29,173, with named events including Do It Best, ARIMA, Revive Our Hearts (approximately 5,500 attendees), EMS World Expo (about 4,000 emergency responders) and upcoming first-time meetings such as the Association of Middle Level Education and Advanced Textiles expos. Lucas Oil Stadium reported two recent Colts games and a top-ranked fan experience survey result, plus events including the Circle City Classic and Bands of America competitions. The stadium also announced an Ed Sheeran concert scheduled for Oct. 26 and additional large concerts under negotiation.

Facilities staff updated the board on sustainability initiatives led by Heidi Malin and others: a venue green team, partnerships with hotels and restaurants, a small stadium herb garden used in kitchens, 30 donated Clearstream recycling bins collecting approximately two tons of recyclables during recent activity, pre-consumer composting in the convention center that diverted about 5,200 pounds of food waste over the summer, digital signage to reduce single-use printed signs, and new water-bottle filling stations in the stadium. Staff said many measures were implemented with modest financial commitments to capture “small wins” and to meet clients’ sustainability expectations.

Construction staff reported that the Signia by Hilton and the Phase 6 expansion (including the 50,000-square-foot ballroom) reached a topping-out ceremony the prior week. The project team said construction is ahead of schedule with a target for substantial completion in September next year and that Hilton’s internal target date for opening is Nov. 11; the project team indicated the ballroom may be turned over earlier for staff training and partial operations. Georgia Street improvements—intended as an events-focused “park” west of Illinois to Capitol—face utility and foundation challenges that may affect a canopy element, but the street improvements are scheduled to be complete by March 2026 for the NCAA Final Four.

No formal board action was required for these informational reports; staff invited questions and comments.