Where to meet: a selection of Indiana conference centers.

• Author: Lewers, Christine
• Position: Meeting & Conventions - Directory

FOR MEETINGS AND events that don't require a large convention center, one of Indiana's many conference centers might be the right choice. Across the state are numerous facilities suitable for a smaller meeting, a seminar, even an executive retreat. Many are linked to hotels; some are freestanding facilities.

Following is a sampling of Indiana's conference centers.

The Avalon Manor

3550 U.S. 30 E., Merrillville, 46342; 219/945-0888; theavalonmanor.com

Billing itself as northwest Indiana's largest meeting and banquet facility, the Avalon Manor encompasses more than 10,000 square feet of space for gatherings of up to 800 people. Its custom-sized rooms are designed for both business and social events, with full access to extensive audio-visual equipment, telephones computers and electrical connections.

The facility is well suited for trade shows, business luncheons, sales presentations and small meeting groups. All rooms feature a view of a natural pond. Food-service options include breakfast, breaks, business luncheons, evening cocktails, hors d' oeuvres and fine dining choices.

Caesars Conference Center

11999 Avenue of Emperors, Elizabeth, 47117; 877/462-7663; www.caesars.com/caesars/indiana

Caesars Conference Center has more than 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Options include an 840-square-foot boardroom with a built-in TV/VCR, drop-down screen, high-back executive chairs and a wet bar. Larger events may choose to use Caesars Colosseum, with 14,000 square feet that can accommodate a 600-seat banquet or 1,000-seat theater-style meeting. An on-site business center includes four workstations, fax, copiers, laptop ports and telephones. Full catering services are available.

After the conference there are plenty of entertainment options, including the Caesars casino, the Chariot Run links-style 18-hole golf course, and a heated indoor pool. Overnight accommodations include about 500 rooms and suites.

The Center at Purdue University Calumet

2300 173rd Street Hammond, 46323; 219/989-3136; www. centermeetings.com

This 5-year-old, standalone center is a dedicated conference facility with 9,200 square feet of meeting space divided into 11 rooms and a gallery The largest meeting/banquet room is 4,411 square feet and can accommodate 400 people theater-style or 250 at round tables for a banquet. Smaller rooms are available for meetings of 10 to 150 people.

The single-story building is situated in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the grounds of Purdue University Calumet, a mile north of Interstate 80/94 in Hammond and 40 minutes from downtown Chicago. The Center is northwest Indiana's only university conference center.

"I think this is a very tranquil area," says general manager Ed Mamrila. "We call it intimate because when you're here there are not a lot of distractions. It's very conducive to handling business and training for success."

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