Market Segments

With our central location, variety of sizes and styles in our meeting spaces, vibrant art, dining and entertainment culture and robust recreation opportunities, the following markets have found great success meeting in Fort Wayne. 

Associations

Fort Wayne has a long and proud history of hosting association groups from all the across United States. Many groups find the right fit in Fort Wayne after previously meeting in much larger communities. We aren't surprised, though - our venues and hotels offer first-rate service and plenty of space to hold any size association meeting.

"As a past president of the Indiana Auditors' Association, I am pleased to say that our recent conference in your beautiful city was the best ever; thanks to the Grand Wayne Convention Center, the downtown connected hotel package and Visit Fort Wayne! They were all committed to making this a great experience for us. In preparation for our conference, the attention to detail was perfect, and during the meeting there was nothing for me to be concerned about. My group was delighted, and we look forward to the next time we can meet in Fort Wayne." - Bill Borne - Indiana Auditors' Association

Corporate

As the home of many prosperous and well-known corporations, most notably Vera Bradley and Do It Best, Fort Wayne has an understanding and appreciation for corporation meetings.  The Grand Wayne Convention Center and Memorial Coliseum are perfect locations to host meetings of all sizes.

"Love the tech support. After several years of staging our event at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, this is by far the smoothest process. Very professional group. I know my event is in good hands." - Randy Rusk, Do It Best Corp.
 

Faith Based 

Known as the "City of Churches," Fort Wayne is the home to more than 360 places of worship! Our community embraces faith based meetings, as many local groups offer their services to help promote and coordinate meetings. Several local groups, for example, can provide volunteers; offer their building as headquarters, and suggest entertainment and off-site activities.

 See why the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Loves Fort Wayne. 

Music 

Music meetings are thriving in our city, and it's not a coincidence. Fort Wayne is the home to several outstanding music facilities and one of the country's largest music accessory providers, Sweetwater. Whether performing on stage at the historic Embassy Theatre or University of Saint Francis Performing Arts Center, Fort Wayne offers a complete package of quality and affordable music facilities.

 See why the Indiana Music Education Association loves Fort Wayne.
 

Hobby

Our city has an outstanding history of hosting hobby groups, most recently the Beer Can Collectors and National Fishing Lures. Since Fort Wayne is a unique city, we enjoy hosting unique groups and can offer several exclusive meeting packages to meet the needs and wants of any hobby group.

 See why the Gold Wing Road Riders love Fort Wayne. 
 

Trade Shows

Fort Wayne has a proven track record of holding large trade events and trade shows, hosting dozens a year in our city. The Vera Bradley Outlet Sale, Fort Wayne Farmer Show, and Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show operate each year in our community with tremendous success. Each group draws large attendance due to Fort Wayne's prime Midwest location, large and accessible Memorial Coliseum with more than 5,000 parking spots, and array of entertainment options outside the trade show walls.

"Fort Wayne's facilities are first rate - and large enough to support tens of thousands of delegates."- Mike Wright, Gold Wing Riders Association
 

Small Meetings

Big or small, Fort Wayne has it all. Whether your group desires a small space for 12 or a ballroom for 50, Fort Wayne offers several meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes. Find the perfect size room in one of Grand Wayne Convention Center's 16 breakout rooms, or the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum's Innovation Studio, or 15 other breakout rooms. Several of Fort Wayne's hotels feature business meeting rooms ideal for convenient and effective meetings.

"Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana but it sure feels like it's your hometown." - Jamie Marshall, Co-Director of Fort Wayne Dance for All

 See why Dance for All loves Fort Wayne.