Tourism Conference Heading to Clarksville

The Indiana Tourism Association has selected the city of Clarksville to host the Indiana Tourism Conference in 2018. The event, which will be held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center March 5-8, is expected to attract more than 150 tourism leaders from throughout the state.

The event will include networking and educational sessions over the three-day period. The proposal from the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau was selected out of eight bids from various Indiana locations.

"Clarion Hotel and the Clark-Floyd Counties CTB went above and beyond expectations by committing to additional sponsorship dollars and providing unique entertainment and venues for the opening reception," said Carrie Lambert, executive director of the ITA.

The ITA says the tourism industry in Clark and Floyd counties employed more than 4,600 people and generated more than $265 million in 2014, making it the sixth largest industry in the region. The organization cites studies which show tourism throughout the state brings in nearly $11 billion to the economy.

"Though the conference’s focus is to help professionals improve how they promote their own destinations, the attendees are first and foremost passionate about travel," said Kate Kane, director of sales for the CTB. "We’re excited to host them and showcase our area. It will be southern Indiana’s time to shine."

The 2017 Indiana Tourism Conference will be held at Purdue University in West Lafayette.