Gen Con to Stay in Indy Through 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – “The Gamers” are staying in Indianapolis through at least 2015.  Gen Con, one of city’s biggest and most colorful annual conventions, has signed a five-year extension with the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA) for 2011-15.

Billed as “the best four days in gaming,” Gen Con is in its 42nd year and has been in Indianapolis since 2003. It generates an annual attendance of more than 28,000 with estimated visitor spending at $26.9 million. Attendees include hobby game and science fiction enthusiasts who often dress the part of their favorite characters.  It also attracts more than 300 exhibitors and runs more than 5,000 events during the course of the show.

This year’s Gen Con convention takes place Aug. 13-16 and will occupy both the Indiana Convention Center and meeting space throughout downtown hotels. Expansion of the Indiana Convention Center by 2011 will provide Gen Con room for continued growth.

“Gen Con has been good for Indianapolis and Indianapolis has been great for Gen Con,” said Adrian Swartout, CEO of Seattle-based Gen Con LLC. “Our attendees love the city and how welcomed they are by everyone in the hotels, restaurants and venues.”

“Expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and future increases in our downtown hotel inventory were crucial components in achieving this extension with Gen Con,” said Don Welsh, ICVA president and CEO. “We are delighted to ensure its unique and lively presence in Indianapolis through 2015.”

Dates for the future Gen Cons are:  Aug. 4-7, 2011, Aug. 16-19, 2012, Aug. 15-18, 2013, Aug. 14-17, 2014 and July 30 – Aug. 2, 2015.

The mission of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association is to advance Indianapolis tourism and economic growth.  The ICVA seeks to increase the number of visitors and their financial impact, expand positive perception of Indianapolis, and positively influence the visitor experience.  According to a Global Insight report, in partnership with D.K. Shifflet & Associates, 22 million visitors annually provide $3.56 billion in total annual economic impact of tourism on the Indianapolis economy resulting in 66,600 full-time equivalent employment positions in the hospitality industry.