2026 Community Leadership Visit – Indianapolis, IN
We're heading to Indy!
October 6 - 8, 2026
The Chamber's Community Leadership Visit brings together business, civic and community leaders to learn from peer cities, exchange ideas and identify strategies that can help move the Springfield region forward.
This year’s destination offers a compelling case study in forward-thinking growth, including urban core development, economic and workforce initiatives, housing investment, tourism, public safety tools, young professional retention, and quality of place.
Through three days of programming, participants will see these strategies in action, gain insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Indianapolis, and build meaningful connections with fellow leaders from across our region.
Details
- Bluebeard - Farm-to-table and seasonal, with menus that can be curated specifically for group dinners. Known for excellent bread, baked in-house at the bakery next door.
- The Fountain Room - A classic supper club feel in the heart of Mass Ave. Known for steaks, prime rib, seafood, and pasta — traditional, comfortable fine dining.
- Magdalena - New Orleans-influenced cooking served family-style, with the menu built in partnership with the chef — a good option for something different and more collaborative.
- Modita - Asian food served family-style: shared starters, dim sum, and sushi to start, followed by entrées for the table. Great choice if you like to share and sample many dishes.
- Piedra Mexican Steakhouse - A Mexican steakhouse in the Mass Ave/Bottleworks district serving premium steaks and modern Mexican flavors with fire-at-the-table presentation. Think carne asada, tomahawk, and shareable plates like molcajete.
- Salt on Mass - An upscale-casual restaurant specializing in fresh, sustainable seafood and premium steaks. Its scratch-made menu, handcrafted cocktails and coastal-inspired atmosphere make it a memorable destination.
St. Elmo Steak House - Indy's legendary steakhouse, open since 1902. Famous nationwide for its horseradish shrimp cocktail (fair warning — it's spicy), alongside classic steakhouse fare.
- Tinker Street - Seasonal New American cooking with a menu that changes often based on what Indiana farms are producing.
Guided e-bike tour of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail - A guided ride along a custom route on the Cultural Trail, the protected path connecting downtown's cultural districts. The route covers public art, neighborhoods, and how the trail came together. E-bikes do most of the work, so the pace is relaxed and the ride is not strenuous.
Explore Mass Avenue - Self-directed time in the Mass Ave district, a walkable stretch of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars starting a few steps from the hotel. No guide and no set itinerary. Chamber staff will share a curated list of experience opportunities in the area!
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Explore behind the scenes at the home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever and learn how one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment venues contributes to downtown Indianapolis and the city's visitor economy.
Please Note: Because the arena's event schedule has not yet been finalized, we are unable to confirm whether this experience will be available. If you are interested, select this option as one of your preferences. Should the tour become available, assignments will be made based on availability, along with all other community immersion activities.
Explore On Your Own - Use this time to catch up on emails, explore the Bottleworks District, meet with your professional counterpart, or connect with a peer board member from a similar organization you serve with. Chamber staff are happy to help you make a connection - email kaitlyn@springfieldchamber.com to get started!
Located in Indianapolis’ vibrant Bottleworks District, Bottleworks Hotel brings new life to a beautifully restored former Coca-Cola bottling plant. The luxury 140-room boutique hotel blends its striking Art Deco architecture and historic details with modern accommodations, distinctive artwork and upscale amenities. Steps from Mass Ave’s restaurants, shops and entertainment, it offers guests a memorable stay where Indianapolis history meets contemporary style.
Situated in the Mass Ave corridor, the Bottleworks District is a fusion of past and present in the heart of historic neighborhoods. A $300 million, 12-acre urban mixed-use development, Bottleworks serves as a culinary, arts, and entertainment hub, featuring the city’s first food hall, a boutique hotel, unique residential options, as well as 180,000 square-feet of flexible office space and 175,000 square-feet of prime retail space. Find an experience in the Bottleworks District here.
Indy Chamber - The Indy Chamber serves as a regional voice of progress and improvement, uniting business and community to maintain a strong economy and quality of life.
Indianapolis & Marion County - The City of Indianapolis and Marion County operate under a consolidated city-county government known as Unigov. Established in 1970, the structure brings many municipal and county functions together under shared leadership, helping coordinate public services, economic development and regional planning across Indiana’s capital city and surrounding communities.
Visit Indy - Serving as the official destination marketing organization for Indianapolis, Visit Indy helps generate economic activity and enhance Indianapolis’ reputation as a welcoming destination.
FAQs
You can anticipate an early-morning departure from Springfield no later than 7 am and arrival back in Springfield in mid-afternoon. Exact timing will be provided through the trip agenda once final.
We encourage you to download the Guidebook app for real-time agenda updates. Details on how to utilize this app will be provided over email prior to departure.