This conference will bring together around 200 cultural tourism and hospitality specialists, members of the arts community, political decision makers, travel professionals, academics, and expert consultants to provide a forum for exchange of ideas, to build networks, and to discuss trends and future development in Indiana cultural tourism.

The purpose of the conference is to discuss issues related to public relations, integrated marketing strategies, development and planning of cultural tourism. For those interested in the advancement of cultural tourism in Indiana, how should our state market to national and international markets? What challenges surround our advancement in this market? Who do we measure our progress and evaluate our programs regarding the cultural tourism initiative?

For the 2009 conference, IUPUI’s Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management is again partnering with the Indiana Coalition of the Arts to produce and support this year’s event. Additionally, information and applications for the 2009 Efroymson Award for Excellence in Cultural Tourism Development are now available. This $25,000 awards provides a forum for cultural attractions to share exceptional ideas and practices with Indiana leaders in cultural tourism development.  

Who Should Attend?

Any cultural or heritage tourism professional to include any of the following:

Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Directors
Cultural Tourism Consultants
Area Tourism and Arts Marketers
Statewide and Federal Agencies
University Academics and Administrators
Non-profit Organizations attracting visitors

For-profit Cultural and Arts Organizations/Businesses
State and Local Government Officials
State Media Outlets
Meeting and Special Event Professionals
Individual Artists and Business Owners
City and Town Groups (Main Street)