Bill McGowan Leadership Award

Honoring Indy's Tourism Champions

The Bill McGowan Leadership Award is the city’s highest tourism award, annually recognizing an individual or organization who has significantly helped advocate and promote Indy in support of driving tourism and enhancing the city’s image. Throughout the years, this award has been presented to many Indy-advocates and thought-leaders in our industry.

Pictured: Current Visit Indy CEO, Leonard Hoops, and Bill McGown.

The award pays homage to the late Bill McGowan who served as CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (known today as Visit Indy) from 1984 to 2002. Bill's visionary leadership set a foundation for success that the city's tourism industry benefits from today. He was instrumental in attracting the Colts to Indy and oversaw the city's first NCAA Men's Final Four in 1980, the National Sports Festival in 1982, and the Pan American Games in 1987. Under his leadership the city constructed the RCA Dome, Conseco Fieldhouse, and Circle Centre Mall. Bill expanded the convention center and attracted groups that still meet in the city today.

2025 - Indiana Fever

2024 - John Green