Accessible
Indy
Check
Rates
Accessible
Indy
Check
Rates

Plan a Meeting

Start Planning
Indiana Convention Center

Newsletter

Sign up for trip ideas, opportunities to receive prize packs, and more!

Sign Up For Email
An Indiana street

IBE Summer Celebration

An annual cultural festival from Indiana Black Expo features live music, educational sessions, job fairs, and festivals.

IBE Summer Celebration

All Events Open to The Public

Summer Celebration, Indiana Black Expo’s largest event that showcases Black Culture in Indiana is in its 53rd year.  As a pillar of the state, IBE’s priority focus areas include economics equity, education equity, community empowerment and health equity. All proceeds from Summer Celebration help support IBE’s year-round initiatives, including its Education Conference, Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, and more.

Engage with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the best of corporations, small businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, authors, and government agencies. Step into the Exhibition Hall, a hub of cultural richness and community spirit, for a diverse range of activities and programs that highlight the Black community.

Discover and support over 300 Black-owned businesses, gain insights from leading corporations and stakeholders, and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with music, fashion, and interactive activities.


Roster of Events

Ecumenical Service IBE

Ecumenical Service

June 20, 2024

Join IBE for an inspiring IBE Ecumenical Service uniting diverse faith-based communities, celebrating with praise and worship in preparation for the 2024 Summer Celebration. Don’t miss this powerful beginning to our most exciting Summer Celebration yet!


 

Film Festival

June 22, 2024

Each year, IBE screens independent films produced and written by African American and African filmmakers. These artists have a distinct message to share in their films about their culture and the challenges and triumphs of the human spirit. In addition to the films, there will be discussions about selected titles and filmmaking in general. 

Film Festival


 

IBE Biz Conference

IBE Business Conference

June 24-26, 2024

As Indiana corporations and organizations are committed to creating strategies to level the playing field, this conference will offer real and meaningful opportunities for black, brown, women, veterans, and disability business owners. Come meet and hear from key decision-makers about business development initiatives and multi-million dollar contracting opportunities.


 

Youth Entrepreneur Series

June 25, 2024

This program serves as a dynamic platform for budding entrepreneurs to explore, innovate, and transform their ideas into viable business ventures. Through a series of workshops and competitions, participants are exposed to real-world business challenges and opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, encouraging participants to think globally while acting locally. With a focus on fostering a community of young innovators, IBX aims to contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation, preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the entrepreneurial world.


 

Education Conference

June 27, 2024

Join IBE for one of the largest, most comprehensive educational summits in the country. The 2024 Indiana Black Expo Education Conference aims to delve deep into the theme of equity while propelling teaching practices to the next level and emphasizing collective impact. In addition engaging sessions, this year's keynote speakers are award-winning journalist and documentarian, Soledad O’Brien and Dr. Kymyona Burk, the Senior Policy Fellow for Early Literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education.


 

IBE Corporate Luncheon

Corporate Luncheon

June 27, 2024

Continuing the theme of Our Legacy, Our Influence, Our Future, the Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Indiana University will honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Black community as well as those who continue to tell the story about who we are and pave the way for our communities.


 

Music & Heritage Festival

June 28, 2024

The legendary stars will be out for this year’s outdoor concert, at a new location at Carroll Stadium.

This year features Johnny Gill, Lalah Hathaway, Morris Day & The Time, Atlantic Starr, and Karyn White.

Music Heritage Festival IBE


 

Music Heritage Festival IBE

Youth Leadership Summit

June 28-30, 2024

This 3-day annual leadership summit helps Indiana middle and high school students become more aware of STEM-related careers and college curriculum, have a better understanding of how they can play a role in the community affecting change.


 

Cultural Arts Pavilion

June 28-30, 2024

The Cultural Arts Pavilion, alongside The Arts Speaks Cafe, is where local and national artists and authors can exhibit their work, sharing the depth of African American creativity with attendees through live music, spoken word performances, and interactive sessions . This pavilion is part of a broader effort to celebrate Black culture, excellence, and community development, featuring engaging events such interactive exhibits on dance, music, acting, and more, aimed at both youth and families.

Fashion Show/Arts Pavilion IBE


 

All White Affair

All White Affair

June 29, 2024

Celebrating over five decades of Indiana Black Expo’s contributions to the African American community, this affair is more than just a party, it’s a showcase of culture, unity, and empowerment starring Ginuwine, Next, and DJ Kid Capri.