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venues
MAIN PHOTO: INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER; WHERE TO SLEEP PHOTO: THE ALEXANDER; HOW TO GET THERE PHOTO: SUSAN MONTGOMERY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Conventional Wisdom
Indiana Convention Center
Known as the "Crossroads of America," Indianapolis is home to the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), featuring more than a half-million square feet of contiguous exhibit space. Opened in 1972, the venue has undergone a series of renovations and upgrades and currently boasts 1.3 million square feet of meeting and event space, including a 33,335-square-foot ballroom. The glass exterior of the ICC features sharp angles and striking columns, the combination of which forms an impressive facade that is unique among the local architecture. Located adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium, the convention center is the perfect place to combine business with pleasure.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The convention center is within walking distance of more than 7,000 hotel rooms, including everything from chic boutique accommodations to budgetfriendly inns. Less than five blocks from the ICC, The Alexander features 157 rooms and 52 suites, while its skyway connects to a dozen more hotels at a range of price points. 
WHAT TO EAT
With nearly 100 restaurants in downtown Indianapolis, there is something for everyone ‐ and at any time of day. Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse that offers an endless array of meat and an extensive salad bar to boot, is a great choice for private parties. For a more casual atmosphere, nosh on burgers and beer at Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery. 
HOW TO GET THERE
The ICC is about 20 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport by cab, with fares to downtown averaging $30 to $35. Note there is a $15 minimum charge for all fares from the airport. Uber also picks up and drops off at the airport, and IndyGo's Red Line (www.indygo.net) has routes to downtown for $1.75. If you chose to drive, there are approximately 70,000 public parking spots throughout the downtown area.  The ICC does not permit helium tanks or balloons.  Centerplate is the exclusive food and beverage provider at the ICC. The venue also contains a food court.  There is a Ricoh USA Inc. business center on the first floor that offers laminating, large-format printing, faxing, copying, binding, and other common services.  The ICC's exclusive internet service provider is Smart City, which provides internet connectivity, data networking, and equipment rental.  Events with more than 2,000 attendees require medical personnel. Indiana University Health is the exclusive contractor for ICC first-aid services.  The ICC has three exclusive contractors for security: ESG Security Inc., Contemporary Services Corp., and Protection Plus.  All decorators, exhibitorappointed contractors (EACs), and security firms must be qualified by the ICC in advance of the event.  If your exhibit or event features motorized vehicles, written approval from an ICC facility manager is required before the vehicles can be brought onto the show floor..  Cooking food is not permitted in any of the venue's carpeted areas.  The venue does not allow empty exhibit crates on or outside the docks. All empty crates must be loaded back onto trucks.
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