43rd Annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration

Many IBE events take place at the Indiana Convention Center.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

By Jennifer Hanson
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
http://indydt.com/

Celebrate the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration in its 43rd year.  The celebration takes place July 11 – 21 at the Indiana Convention Center plus various other Downtown venues.  Summer Celebration is the largest African-American event in the nation with an anticipated attendance of more than 300,000 people. Enjoy everything from live music at the Music Heritage Festival to exciting youth activities such as Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (YES), Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) and the Family Fun Zone. Take advantage of employment opportunities, health fairs, cultural pavilions, various exhibits and more!

Summer Celebration general admission tickets: $8 in advance; $7 in advance for senior citizens; $19.99 in advance for three-day general admission; $10 after July 19.

Select Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration event highlights are listed below.  For the full calendar of events, visit http://www.ibeonline.com/CalendarDesignStep2.aspx?FilterType=EventCategory&EventTypeID=12&EventType=All%20Events or call 317-925-2702.

July 13 & 14
IBE Film Festival
Experience moving films and eye-opening documentaries spread over two days.  The lineup includesThe Lower 9: A Story of Home,a film showcasing four residents trying to reestablish their lives after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing struggles of their neighborhood seven years later. Another film, Reel Black Love, highlights Black Love on screen and the social impact it has had on culture. For the full list of films, visit http://www.ibeonline.com/.
Location: Indianapolis Art Museum, Tobias Theater
Time: Saturday, noon – 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.
Price: FREE

July 16
Children’s Day Presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
This popular event kickoffs the opening of Family Fun Zone presented by Indiana University for children ages 4-11. Attendees participate in a day of entertainment, education and activity with exhibitors including  Kenya’s World, Cummins Inc. LEGO® Engine Replica, Pacers Fan Van, Colts PLAY60, Marion County Public Library Bookmobile.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall B
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price: FREE

July 15 – 17
Black Business Conference Series
The conference series occurs throughout the week and provides workshops, symposiums, receptions and networking opportunities.
Location: Indiana Convention Center
Time: Various times
Cost: FREE (Register online at http://ibeonline.com/ibebbc/bbconference.aspx)

July 16 & 17
Youth Entrepreneur Seminar (YES): The Making of a Mogul 
YES: The Making of a Mogul gives 50 motivated youth, ages 13-19, an opportunity to receive hands-on training to develop and showcase their business idea through a two-day on-site interactive experience. The first place winner not only receives a $500 investment but an exhibitor’s booth during the annual Summer Celebration Weekend to market and sell their business service or product.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 109-110
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: FREE

July 18
WTHR-TV 13 Employment Opportunity Fair
WTHR-TV 13 is hosting one of Indiana’s top career fairs with more than 100 employers on-site, ready to recruit qualified candidates.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE (Register at http://ibeonline.com/employment-opportunity-reigstration.asp)

July 18 – 21
INshape Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair
INshape Indiana hosts the country’s largest Black & Minority Health Fair. Attend the fair for FREE health screenings and education.
Time: Thursday, opening reception, 3 – 4 p.m. (Invitation only); Thursday, Seniors Night, 4 – 8 p.m.; Friday noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday noon – 8 p.m.; Sunday noon – 6 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall D
Cost: FREE

July 19
Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon presented by Hoosier Lottery & State Farm
The signature fundraiser of Summer Celebration attracts a sold-out audience each year where top corporate, government and community leaders enjoy unique networking opportunities and an awards ceremony that recognizes some of the nation’s most outstanding leaders. This year’s awardees include Billy Dee Williams, Tisha Campbell-Martin, The O’Jays and Spike Lee.
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall J & K
Cost: $60/Table $600

July 19
Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Free Concert 
This year’s FREE concert features The O’Jays with special guest Midnight Star.  Please be aware Meridian and Pennsylvania streets from Michigan Street to St. Clair Street may be closed for public safety during the concert. 
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: American Legion Mall
Cost: FREE; $40 VIP seating available

July 19 – 21
Youth Leadership Summit
This event is for student leaders who want to see and affect change in their community. Network with and learn from youth statewide. Experience a fun and interactive introduction to Purdue University.
Location: Hyatt Regency Downtown, Cosmopolitan Ballroom
Time: Friday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Price: $15 Friday only; Friday & Saturday (day only) $30; $200 Full weekend (Register online athttp://www.ibeonline.com/App_downloads/YLS%20Application%20Final.pdf)

July 20
All White Affair Party 
The annual party brings out Indy’s new and cool generation.  Top entertainers and celebrity guests keep the party going.  Featured entertainment includes DJ Kid Capri & Kevon Edmonds from After 7.
Time: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom
Cost: $25

July 20 
Amateur Boxing 
Amateur boxing is back for the 43rd Summer Celebration. Dual competition of top amateur boxers from Indiana and Ohio will compete from all weight classes.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall G
Cost: Included in exhibition hall admission

July 21
IBE Fashion Show “Fashion Here & Now” Presented by Macy’s
See all of Indy’s premier, black-owned fashion boutiques and fashion designers showcase their latest works on the runway.
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Cost: Included in exhibition hall admission

For complete information on Summer Celebration, log on to http://ibeonline.com/summer-celebration/ or call 317-925-6624. For information on more summer events Downtown or for a Downtown map, call Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. at 317-237-2222.

Please visit www.indydt.com/IBETrafficMap.pdf for a map of expo event venues, parking and street information.