Indy Expects Boost From Celebration
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThis year's Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is expected to draw more than 200,000 people to Indianapolis and offer a major boost to the area economy. Visit Indy Spokesman Chris Gahl says the 10-day event, which starts today, could translate to an estimated $20 million economic windfall. He says it will also showcase the city to visitors from key markets including St. Louis, Detroit and Columbus, Ohio. July 10, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Celebrate the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration in its 43rd year. The celebration takes place July 11 – 21 at the Indiana Convention Center plus various other Downtown venues. Summer Celebration is the largest African-American event in the nation with an anticipated attendance of more than 300,000 people. Enjoy everything from live music at the Music Heritage Festival to exciting youth activities such as Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (YES), Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) and the Family Fun Zone. Take advantage of employment opportunities, health fairs, cultural pavilions, various exhibits and more!
Summer Celebration general admission tickets: $8 in advance; $7 in advance for senior citizens; $19.99 in advance for three-day general admission; $10 after July 19.
Select Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration event highlights are listed below. For the full calendar of events, visit http://www.ibeonline.com/CalendarDesignStep2.aspx?FilterType=EventCategory&EventTypeID=12&EventType=All%20Events or call 317.925.2702.
July 13 & 14
IBE Film Festival
Experience moving films and eye-opening documentaries spread over two days. The lineup includes The Lower 9: A Story of Home, a film showcasing four residents trying to reestablish their lives after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing struggles of their neighborhood seven years later. Another film, Reel Black Love, highlights Black Love on screen and the social impact it has had on culture. For the full list of films, visit http://www.ibeonline.com/.
Location: Indianapolis Art Museum, Tobias Theater
Time: Saturday, noon – 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.
Price: FREE
July 16
Children’s Day Presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
This popular event kickoffs the opening of Family Fun Zone presented by Indiana University for children ages 4-11. Attendees participate in a day of entertainment, education and activity with exhibitors including Kenya’s World, Cummins Inc. LEGO® Engine Replica, Pacers Fan Van, Colts PLAY60, Marion County Public Library Bookmobile.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall B
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price: FREE
July 15 – 17
Black Business Conference Series
The conference series occurs throughout the week and provides workshops, symposiums, receptions and networking opportunities.
Location: Indiana Convention Center
Time: Various times
Cost: FREE (Register online at http://ibeonline.com/ibebbc/bbconference.aspx)
July 16 & 17
Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (YES): The Making of a Mogul
YES: The Making of a Mogul gives 50 motivated youth, ages 13-19, an opportunity to receive hands-on training to develop and showcase their business idea through a two-day on-site interactive experience. The first place winner not only receives a $500 investment but an exhibitor’s booth during the annual Summer Celebration Weekend to market and sell their business service or product.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 109-110
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: FREE (http://www.ibeonline.com/App_downloads/MakingOfAMogul2013_4-18-13_writable%20PDF.pdf#sthash.ek0QwtcD.dpuf)
July 18
WTHR-TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair
WTHR-TV 13 is hosting one of Indiana's top career fairs with more than 100 employers on-site, ready to recruit qualified candidates. For a full list of employers, visit http://ibeonline.com/CalendarDesignStep3.aspx?EventID=1815&Title=WTHR-13%20Employment%20Opportunity%20Fair#sthash.mPY0ct1H.sUBRitLy.dpbs
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE (Register at http://ibeonline.com/employment-opportunity-reigstration.asp)
July 18 – 21
INshape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
INshape Indiana hosts the country’s largest Black & Minority Health Fair. Attend the fair for FREE health screenings and education.
Time: Thursday, opening reception, 3 – 4 p.m. (Invitation only); Thursday, Seniors Night, 4 – 8 p.m.; Friday noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday noon – 8 p.m.; Sunday noon – 6 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall D
Cost: FREE
July 19
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Hoosier Lottery & State Farm
The signature fundraiser of Summer Celebration attracts a sold-out audience each year where top corporate, government and community leaders enjoy unique networking opportunities and an awards ceremony that recognizes some of the nation's most outstanding leaders. This year's awardees include Billy Dee Williams, Tisha Campbell-Martin, The O’Jays and Spike Lee.
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall J & K
Cost: $60/Table $600
July 19
Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Free Concert
This year’s FREE concert features The O’Jays with special guest Midnight Star. Please be aware Meridian and Pennsylvania streets from Michigan Street to St. Clair Street may be closed for public safety during the concert.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: American Legion Mall
Cost: FREE; $40 VIP seating available
July 19 – 21
Youth Leadership Summit
This event is for student leaders who want to see and affect change in their community. Network with and learn from youth statewide. Experience a fun and interactive introduction to Purdue University.
Location: Hyatt Regency Downtown, Cosmopolitan Ballroom
Time: Friday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Price: $15 Friday only; Friday & Saturday (day only) $30; $200 Full weekend (Register online at http://www.ibeonline.com/App_downloads/YLS%20Application%20Final.pdf)
July 20
All White Affair Party
The annual party brings out Indy’s new and cool generation. Top entertainers and celebrity guests keep the party going. Featured entertainment includes DJ Kid Capri & Kevon Edmonds from After 7.
Time: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom
Cost: $25
July 20
Amateur Boxing
Amateur boxing is back for the 43rd Summer Celebration. Dual competition of top amateur boxers from Indiana and Ohio will compete from all weight classes.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall G
Cost: Included in exhibition hall admission
July 21
IBE Fashion Show “Fashion Here & Now” Presented by Macy's
See all of Indy's premier, black-owned fashion boutiques and fashion designers showcase their latest works on the runway.
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Cost: Included in exhibition hall admission
For complete information on Summer Celebration, log on to http://ibeonline.com/summer-celebration/ or call 925.6624. For information on more summer events Downtown or for a Downtown map, call Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. at 237.2222 or visit www.indydt.com.
Downtown Parking and Traveling Tips:
Everyone can find parking, arrive at their destination on time and enjoy all the excitement if a few simple tips are followed.
Please visit www.indydt.com/IBETrafficMap.pdf for a map of expo event venues, parking and street information.
Downtown has more than 73,000 convenient, affordable parking spaces, making it easy to get where you need to be. To help plan your visit Downtown, click www.indydt.com; download the Indy Downtown app in the iPhone App Store or Google Play; follow us on Twitter @IndyDT
Sources: Indianapolis Downtown Inc., Visit Indy