Square feet & more: update on the state's major meeting and conference centers.

AuthorHeld, Shari
PositionMEETINGS

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WHETHER YOU NEED convention space, conference space or meeting space, it's readily available everywhere in the state--and that includes places to stay that range from affordable to the downright luxurious.

Northern Indiana, Fresh off a $12-million renovation of its 347 guestrooms and suites and public spaces, the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza of Merrillville is gearing up for its next project--its 19 meeting rooms, two executive boardrooms and four hospitality rooms. That renovation will begin the first quarter of 2009. "It will be done in phases so we will still have lots of space available, and construction won't affect the open areas because it will be in a completely different area of the hotel," says Lisa Scalcione, director of sales and marketing. First up will be the 10,560-square-foot Grand Metropolitan Ballroom on the second floor. In combination with the adjacent Star Plaza Theatre, which can seat 3,400 people, there is a total of 67,000 square feet of event space. Services include onsite catering and a business center.

Scalcione says the response to the guestroom and suites renovation has been "absolutely great." Guests enjoy Sleep Number beds, granite countertops in the baths and complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet in the rooms. The atrium's indoor pool features a waterfall, two spas and semiprivate cabanas equipped with wireless Internet and flat-screen TVs. Additional amenities include spa services, exercise room with new equipment, two full-service restaurants and a Starbucks.

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In Porter County, construction is underway for Valparaiso University's new Student Union, slated to open in 2009 to celebrate Valparaiso's 150th anniversary The totally wireless environment will include several options for business meetings--a ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 people auditorium-style or 500 banquet-style and 12 meeting rooms that can seat from 25 to 1,000 people. All rooms will be equipped with the latest technology. There will also be an outdoor terrace on the second floor adjacent to the ballroom, and outdoor dining areas on the east and west sides of the new building.

Two new hotels opened this year in Valparaiso--Country Inn and Suites by Carlson and Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Country Inn offers wireless high-speed Internet in its 59 guest rooms and suites, and has an indoor pool and fitness center. Its flexible meeting space can seat up to 30 people theatre-style. Located near Valparaiso University, the Holiday Inn offers free high-speed Internet access, an indoor pool, fitness center and business center. Another new venue, Trinity Hall, is located on the grounds of St. Patrick's Parish in Chesterton. Trinity Hall can accommodate up to 1,000 people for meetings and banquets and has two separate areas. Catering is provided by Popolano's Restaurant.

The 15,000-square-foot Gillespie Conference Center opened in South Bend this February on the campus of St. Mary's College at Notre Dame. The 8,400-square-foot Fleur de Lis ballroom can seat 840 people...

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