FORT WAYNE, IN (July 13, 2026) -- During their annual conference in June, ICON (hosted last year in Fort Wayne), the Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE), honored two Visit Fort Wayne staff members at their STAR awards.
Josie O'Donnell, Senior Sales Manager at Visit Fort Wayne, won Supplier of the Year for her 15 years as an engaged and supportive member of the association. This distinction is reserved for a supplier member who has demonstrated exceptional service to ISAE member associations. Josie was recognized for her passion for service, connection, and community that has made a lasting impact on association professionals across Indiana. She has enormous pride for her city and is known for using that to fuel the solutions she provides to planners.
In the awards ceremony, ISAE said, "Josie's leadership, local knowledge, and commitment to outstanding service helped create a memorable experience for attendees and strengthened partnerships throughout the association community. She truly represents the spirit of hospitality and collaboration."
Nicolle Campbell, Director of Sales at Visit Fort Wayne, won Volunteer of the Year for her role on the ICON planning committees over the past three years. This award recognizes an ISAE member who has gone above and beyond to support the organization, dedicating their time and skills to help the organization succeed.
In the awards ceremony, ISAE said, "Nicolle stepped up to be a leader in the ICON 2025 planning committee and threw herself into the work. Beyond the logistics, she brought fresh energy and ideas to the planning process that directly shaped the attendee experience, and ensured that her city was showcased in the best way possible. She also opened doors for ISAE by bringing in new partners to the organization, many of whom have continued to engage with us long after the event concluded. That kind of lasting impact is exactly what volunteer leadership looks like at its best."
This work paid off with the highest attendance to an ICON since 2017 with 165 attendees! 2025’s ICON also saw the highest exhibitor participation, thanks in part to Nicolle soliciting local and regional suppliers to exhibit such as Visit Dekalb County and The Bradley Hotel.
Visit Fort Wayne's sales team works year-round to attract meetings, conventions, and sporting events that bring thousands of visitors to Allen County. Beyond filling hotel rooms, these events support local restaurants, attractions, retailers, and small businesses, generating visitor spending that strengthens the local economy and enhances the community's quality of life. This year to date, the direct economic impact they have generated through groups hosted exceeds $7.9 million.
While these awards recognize the outstanding contributions of Josie O'Donnell and Nicolle Campbell, they also reflect the collaborative efforts of the entire Visit Fort Wayne team and hospitality community. Successfully attracting and hosting groups takes the partnership of sales, services, marketing, hotels, venues, attractions, restaurants, and countless community partners working together to create memorable visitor experiences that keep organizations returning to Fort Wayne.
Some of the notable events (attendee numbers in parentheses) that the Visit Fort Wayne sales team has secured for 2026 include:
- Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference (3,000)
- NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Quarterfinals and Semifinals (1,500)
- Lutheran Basketball Association of America National Tournament (3,000)
- North American Brass Band Association Annual Championship Contest (1,300)
- Indiana Dental Association Midwest Dental Assembly (1,300)
- USA Gymnastics Women's Region 5 Level 6-8 Championships (4,000)
- National Genealogical Society - 48th Annual Family History Conference (1,000)
- WWE Saturday Night's Main Event (9,500)
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference (1,400)
- United States Roller Hockey State Wars 22 Championship (10,000)
- International Jugglers Association Festival (700)
- International Plastic Modelers Society National Convention (1,500)
- Jehovah's Witnesses Regional Convention (4,000)
- USA BMX Hoosier Nationals (2,000)
- Professional Bull Riders (PBR) RAM Challenger Series (8,000)
Learn more about Visit Fort Wayne's impact on Allen County's economy by watching this informative video: