The Buzz Around Indy Just Got Louder for 2026

Condé Nast Traveler has named Indianapolis one of the “Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2026,” highlighting a city in the middle of remarkable transformation. Indy’s renewed energy is especially visible outdoors. The White River has undergone a major cleanup, new access points are opening along the water, and the city continues expanding its network of greenways with 38 miles of new trails and bike lanes. These enhancements are reshaping how visitors explore the city and offering a refreshed backdrop for groups seeking walkable, wellness-minded experiences.

This national recognition arrives at a moment when Indy is earning praise across the meetings, hospitality, and culinary worlds. The Indiana Convention Center received Exhibitor Magazine’s Center for Excellence designation, underscoring its reputation as a high-performing, user-friendly facility. Visit Indy was honored with a Gold Medal Stella Award from Northstar Meetings Group and named Best MidAmerica CVB/DMO by Meetings Today, reflecting the destination’s commitment to strong service partnerships.


Indy’s hotel community continues to shine as well. InterContinental Indianapolis, JW Marriott Indianapolis, and Bottleworks Hotel earned spots among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Hotels in the Midwest. Bottleworks Hotel and Ironworks Hotel Indy also retained their MICHELIN Key distinctions, providing groups with upscale, design-forward places to stay within minutes of the convention district.


The city’s dining scene is adding to this momentum. Yelp named Commission Row the fourth hottest new restaurant in the country for 2025, reinforcing Indy’s growing reputation for memorable culinary experiences that enhance everything from VIP dinners to dine-around nights.


Taken together, these accolades illustrate a destination that is not only evolving but excelling. For planners, this means meetings unfold in a city where new trails, expanding riverfront access, award-winning hospitality partners, and standout food and hotel experiences work together to elevate the attendee journey.


If you’re exploring destinations for future meetings, there has never been a better moment to bring your event to Indianapolis. Reach out to the Visit Indy team to start planning, explore the newest developments, or begin building an attendee experience shaped by a city with real momentum.