Conference Tips
Welcome to The Crossroads of America!
Below are a few tips for enjoying the GPA Conference.
Conference Attire
Most conference participants wear business clothes for day and evening events.
Weather
October weather in Indianapolis is usually very comfortable, and it's a great time to be active outdoors. The weather keeps getting cooler as the month goes on.
October Temperature
Highs - 70+ degrees
Lows - 40+ degrees
Exhibit Hall
GPA's Exhibit Hall features products and services that can help you succeed in the grants profession. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards and stop by and visit all of the exhibit booths.
Give Back
As has become custom at the national conference, the local committee will choose a nonprofit organization for us to have the opportunity to give back to their local community.
More details to follow...
First Timers
GPA welcomes individuals who are either new to grant writing or attending the Annual Conference for the first time. Special programs such as the First Timers Welcome & Breakfast on Thursday morning, introduces newcomers to GPA and to the National Conference.
Networking
The Annual Conference is an exceptional venue for peer networking, exchanging best practices and tips, and making life-long friendships. We offer a Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening as well as Thursday morning workshops geared specifically toward networking with other attendees in your Special Interest Group. Bring your business cards and be ready to mingle.
Optional Activities or Evenings Out
More details to follow.
Things to Do & See In Indianapolis
Feel free to bring your family or spouse along to the conference! There is plenty for them to do and see while you are in workshops!
Visit the Official Indianapolis Tourism Site.
View the Indy Facts Flyer for interesting facts about Indianapolis.
Dining:
In Indianapolis, dining is footsteps away. There are more than 200 restaurants in downtown Indy and the vast majority are a short walk from the conference hotel.
"For fare you can only get in Indianapolis, try the world-famous shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House (voted one of the world's hottest meals by the Travel Channel). Or, order a corned beef sandwich at Shapiro's (one of America's greates delis, says USA Today). You might also try a signature 1/4 pound hot dog from local favorite King David's Dogs. The rich farmland that surrounds Indianapolis has spearheaded a "farm-to-table" movement that is showcased every day on the tables at R Bistro and Cafe Patachou. Whether you want a quick bite at the Circle Centre mall food or an epicurean adventure at one of our signature restaurants, Indy is eager to please your taste buds." - Indianapolis Visitor's Center
The Indianapolis Colts Grille is across the street from the hotel. Receive one free appetizer with the purchase of two adult entrees by clicking here!
Nightlife:
When the sun goes down, Indy springs to life. If the nighttime is your time, then you can find the right place, or several of them, in Indianapolis.
Biergarten at The Rathskeller
Slippery Noodle Inn
Howl at the Moon
ComedySportz - Receive $3 off an adult admission!
IndianaLive! Casino
Mind Tripping Show - http://www.mindtrippingshow.com/ - Receive $3 off each ticket!
and more!
Shopping:
Indianapolis makes shopping easy by putting it just steps away from the Convention Center and the Conference Hotel. Circle Centre mall, which covers two blocks in the heart of downtown, is connected to the conference hotel.
For the best high-end shopping, travel to the Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing for Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and an Apple Store.
Looking for Indianapolis souvenirs or items that you will only find in Indy? Journey to the eclectic Cultural District. From the antique stores of Fountain Square to boutiques that are on Broad Ripple Village and Mass Ave, you are guaranteed to find one-of-a-kind shops that specialize in the unexpected.
Show your
Attractions:
Just steps from the conference hotel and Indy Convention Center is White River State Park, the largest urban cultural park in the country.
State Park Attractions:
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art - Receive $2 off your general admission ticket!
Indiana State Museum
Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens - Receive 10% off your admission to the zoo!
NCAA Hall of Champions
Segway Tours
Victory Field Baseball Stadium
Other Downtown Attractions:
Circle Centre mall
Indiana Repertory Theatre
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Indiana World War Memorial
Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument
Walker Theatre Center
Surrounding Area Attractions:
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Lucas Oil Field
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Trader's Point Creamery
Or cheer on some sports teams - Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA), Fever (WNBA), Indians (Triple-A Baseball) and Ice (US Hockey League).