Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the January 2008 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

Indianapolis - Here We Come!

August 29 - September 1, 2008
Westin Hotel - Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a perfect convention site for the MPO in 2008. It is dynamic, a mini-Chicago with a vibrant downtown, but less costly. It is easily accessible by air with direct flights from 41 major cities. The airport is a quick 15-minute trip to the hotel. In addition, the city is less than a day’s drive from more than half the nation’s population.

Indy boasts six cultural districts. The Westin Hotel, MPO Convention Headquarters, is located in the Wholesale District, a vibrant urban entertainment center with great shopping at Circle Center Mall, signature restaurants and lively entertainment.

There are 43 top restaurants within four blocks of the Westin and another 33 in the downtown area. This doesn’t include the myriad of fast food chains.

St. Elmo’s is considered one of the top steak houses in the country, or you can dine at Shula’s in the hotel, or Ruth’s Chris. Shapiro’s, just south of downtown, is the finest Jewish deli west of New York City.

The Canal and White River State Park is another cultural district only a block from the hotel. It is a museum and cultural attractions corridor, which showcases art, history, recreation, leisure and sports along beautiful waterways. Paddleboats and bicycles built for 2-4 persons can be rented for use along the canal.

The 250-acre park and canal feature the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field (baseball) and the south portal to the Central Canal.

The other districts are Broad Ripple Village with a lively street scene; Fountain Square, a thriving artist community with a European flare; Mass Avenue, the arts and theater district with eclectic offerings, and Indiana Avenue, recognized for its jazz clubs.

Long known as Home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, Indianapolis now is also identified as the amateur sports capital of the US. An Olympic-size pool, track and field stadium and velodrome are within minutes of the Westin Hotel. If pro-sports are your interest, look no further. Just before we arrive, the new 63,000-seat Lucas Oil Stadium will open a block away as home to the Indianapolis Colts, winner of the 2007 Super Bowl. The Indiana Pacers play basketball two blocks away.

So, if you want an MPO Convention venue with everything nearby, Indianapolis is the perfect destination. Make plans now to be a part of MPO Convention fun in Indianapolis this Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 29 - Sept. 1.

Editor’s Note: For an animated, musical look at Indianapolis go to www.indy.org/jonmcl.