Celebrating the Power Of Tourism
Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Grand Wayne Convention Center
Save the date for an exciting program, outstanding awards, and delicious lunch as we celebrate the Power of Tourism in Fort Wayne/Allen County.
2026 Event Theme
Sports Tourism and Investment
Sports tourism is one of the driving forces of Fort Wayne and Allen County’s vibrant visitor economy, drawing thousands of athletes, families, and fans from across the world.
From international adaptive sports, nationally recognized youth tournaments and NCAA championships to the electric atmosphere and heritage of professional sports with TinCaps Baseball at Parkview Field and Komet hockey at the Memorial Coliseum, our community is a hub of inclusivity and excellence through sports. These events not only fill hotel rooms and restaurants, they spark lasting impressions, repeat visitation, and millions in economic impact.
As Fort Wayne/Allen County continues to invest in world-class facilities and host premier sporting events, sports tourism stands as a powerful catalyst for growth, connection, and celebration across our community.
Program to Include
- Update on the progress of the 10-Year Tourism Master Plan initiatives by Jessa Campbell, Visit Fort Wayne's Director of Destination Development and Communications.
- Update on community sports developments by Mayor Sharon Tucker, City of Fort Wayne and Mayor Steven McMichael, City of New Haven.
- Panelist discussion on value and importance of sports tourism and investment:
- Mark Music, Majority Owner, Fort Wayne Football Club; President & Owner of Ruoff Mortgage
- JoAn Scott, Vice President of Men’s Basketball, NCAA
- Patrick Talty, President, Indiana Sports Corp
- Jazmin Zavala, Sports Sales Manager, Visit Fort Wayne
- Panel Moderator, Jessa Campbell, Director of Destination Development and Communications, Visit Fort Wayne
- Recognition of hospitality award nominees during the award ceremony finale!
Award Nomination Information
Visit Fort Wayne will award six distinctive awards: Rising Star, Power of Tourism, Service Excellence, Hospitality Leadership, Organization/Business Service Excellence, and Diversity Champion in celebration of the hard-working people who serve our 9.2 million visitors each year.
Submit your nominations before March 9, 2026!
Registration and Sponsorship Information
Registration will open January 19, 2026. Learn more about becoming a table sponsor.
2026 Pricing
| Non-Investing Partner | $65 |
| Visit Fort Wayne Investing Partner | $55 |
| Table Sponsor | $450 |
Judges
To Be Announced
For questions about the Power of Tourism, contact
Kendall Likes,
(260) 424-3700
Kendall@visitfortwayne.com
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