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Indianapolis is on a roll. Next year, the Indianapolis Convention Center is expected to complete its most recent expansion, but the destination has booked in excess of 72 groups—representing 2.7 million attendees and $1.7 billion in estimated direct visitor spending for 2011 and beyond. The latest high-profile, annual convention to select Indy of the National Society of Black Engineers, to be held in 2013. The event is expected to draw 11,000+ attendees and generate approximately $7.3 million.

"We are extremely honored that the National Society of Black Engineers will be holding its annual convention in Indianapolis,” said Don Welsh, President/CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.  “This is a perfect example of how our growing, first-tier destination is attracting new conventions.”

“Indianapolis’ expanding facilities, affordability and thriving tourism industry made our decision to meet there easy,” said Carl Mack, executive director of Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.  “Our association is looking forward to introducing attendees to the city and conducting a successful convention.”

National Society of Black Engineers is an organization dedicated to African-American engineering students and professionals across the U.S and overseas.  During the convention, attendees will conduct leadership training, professional development, and network with Central Indiana’s engineering firms.

The Indiana Convention Center expansion, scheduled to be completed by December 2010, will essentially double its size and offer 566,600 square feet of contiguous space, including 11 Exhibit Halls, 71 Meeting Rooms and three Ballrooms. In addition, there will be skywalk connections from the facility to 12 hotels. The convention center expansion is happening concurrently with the completion of the  $425-million Marriot Place Indianapolis project, which occupies seven acres and features 104,000 square feet of meeting and event space and 1,626 total rooms throughout the four Marriott properties in the complex.