Indianapolis, Indiana – Hotel occupancy is only 3.2% lower than it was before the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to Visit Indy.
Up to this point in 2022, the city has played home to 550 conventions, ranging from modest get-togethers to major events like the Performance Racing Industry Expo, which is anticipated to draw 50,000 visitors to Indianapolis.
“The PRI show is the largest racing trade show in the world, it brings manufacturers big and small from all over the world, drivers mechanics, car builders, race tracks,” said PRI General Manager Jim Liaw.
The economic impact of the expo is projected to be $48 million on the local economy.
Visit Indy reported that November is shaping up to be its greatest on record, less than a year after the majority of lockdowns and required mask requirements were lifted.
“One of the things that really set this past November apart actually was we had a group meet over Thanksgiving weekend which is a weekend that never has any conventions in any city,” said Senior Communications Manager for Visit Indy.
Indianapolis managed to host a number of activities, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament, even during the COVID-19 shutdown while adhering to local health regulations.
“We took the Sweets and Snacks Expo from Chicago, that had met there for more than two decades, and said, hey we can host you when Chicago was unable to,” Swick said.
The number of exhibitors at the PRI trade show is 10% higher than it was the year before, and the business recently moved its headquarters from Southern California to Speedway.
The corporation claimed that it made sense for the convention and its headquarters to be located in the same location.
“Lots of pragmatic reasons as well, within a four-hour driving radius consists of 50% of the American population,” Liaw said.
Although business travel data are still lacking, Visit Indy said it anticipates an improvement as 2023 approaches.
