Who's coming to town: highlights of Indiana meetings and conventions this year.

• Author: Held, Shari
• Position: MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

The Indiana hospitality industry looks pretty healthy in 2007. There are more options available for meetings, conferences and conventions than ever before--and more demand from corporations, organizations and associations to balance it out. Here is a sampling of meetings and conventions, meeting facility upgrades and hospitality trends around the state.

Northwest Indiana The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville began a multimillion-dollar renovation this January (scheduled for completion in September) of its guestrooms and inner atrium. The Star Care, which will feature memorabilia from the Star Plaza Theatre, will replace the Garden Restaurant. Last fall, T.J. Maloney's, an authentic Irish Pub, was added to the Radisson's attractions. Its bar was built in Dublin, Ireland, and the general manager and some of its staff were trained there.

Its 60,000-square-feet of meeting space will also receive some upgrades, such as a new sound system and portable wails. A new concierge lounge--a place to read the paper or watch CNN in the morning while enjoying a complimentary breakfast or to gather in the evening--will be created for frequent business travelers. The facility already offers free wireless Internet in all public areas and guestrooms.

David Cox, director of sales and marketing says the renovation, which is being done 50 rooms at a time and suspended for large conventions, is helping business. In June 2,500 people are expected to attend the General Session of the Salvation Army at Star Plaza Theatre and more than 1,000 young women between the ages of 10 and 20 are expected for the International Order of Job's Daughters (July 25-28). The organization promotes leadership and sponsors charity and service projects.

The Radisson is located only 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. Cox says he is seeing an upturn in business from the Chicago area.

Venues all over Porter County are getting geared up for a variety of meetings and conventions. The 59th Institute for Liturgical Studies conference will be held at Valparaiso University April 16-18. Four hundred people are anticipated to attend.

The Standard Schnauzer Club of America Dog Show (June 21-24) will take place at the Porter County Fairgrounds. Approximately 400 dogs will compete in the National Specialty Dog Show. Later this year (October 12-14), 300 dogs will compete in the Medallion Rottweiler Club Annual Dog Show at the Porter County Expo Center.

Maureen Mellen, sales and marketing manager for the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the big news is that LaPorte County is getting its first convention center next year. The Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City is building an additional 300-room hotel and a conference center, which will be completed the first quarter of 2008.

South Bend. Carolyne Wallace, director of sales and convention services, South Bend/Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau, says a recent trend is that planners are starting to book events further out. "In 2001-2003, they didn't book in advance nearly as much," she says. "Now they are booking three to four years out. That shows confidence in the industry."

Several venues in the South Bend area will be the site of meetings and conventions. The Indiana Association of County Recorders Annual Convention (April 16-29) will take place at the South Bend Marriott. The event, hosted by the St. Joseph County recorder, is expected to draw 200 attendees. The Marriott will also host the 250 attendees of the Indiana Professional Firefighters Union Annual Convention (May 8-22). For the 39th consecutive year, the National Baton Twirling Association America's Youth on Parade (July 14-22) will be at the Joyce Center at Notre Dame University. Five-thousand participants are expected.

Century Center, the leading convention complex in northern Indiana, has been under private management by Global Spectrum...