Fontaine Swope - Eli Marketing
Fontaine Swope - Eli Marketing
Fontaine Swope - Eli Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
It is our goal at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to provide great customer service for all visitors, planners, and exhibitors. Below are some frequently asked questions to help address some of the initial questions you may have.
In addition, please feel free to call us at 317-927-7500 so we may answer any other questions you may have.
PARKING
Where can I find parking?
There is ample parking at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We feature more than 7,000 paved spaces on site and more that 18,000 spaces in total. There is a $5 facility charge per car.
Where can I park an oversized vehicle or motor home overnight?
We feature a full hook-up campground at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The rate for each night is $30 per night for sites with water and electric and $20 per night for primitive spaces. Reservations are not required, except during the dates of the Indiana State Fair (typically the first 3 weeks of August).
TRANSPORTATION
What forms of public transportation are available?
The City of Indianapolis has a very thorough bus system. You may contact the IndyGo Bus System by calling 317-635-3344.
Click here to visit the IndyGo Bus System website.
TRAVEL
What's the address for the Indiana State Fairgrounds?
For directional and mailing purposes, we are located at 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Click here to see our Directions page.
How far away is the Indiana State Fairgrounds from an airport?
The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is 20 miles away to the southwest.
What are the nearest hotels?
Our preferred hotel is the Marten House Hotel and Lily Conference Center. Please visit the Marten House Hotel at www.martenhousehotel.com or call (317) 872-4111.
For other hotel options, please visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association for more information regarding hotels within close proximity of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Do you have a list of nearby restaurants?
Please visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Authority for more information regarding restaurants within close proximity of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Is your facility a union facility?
We are an open shop venue. Choice labor for decorating, event security, event staffing, first aid, janitorial services, and ticketing is at your discretion.
What exclusive services are required at your facility?
Our exclusive providers are for the categories of: Electric/Internet, Audio/Visual, and Catering. Your Event Services or Sales Manager can provide you with more information.
What preferred services do you have at your facility?
We have an Approved Vendors list that we will provide to you, but we do allow other vendors to go through an approval process to do business in our venues.
Does the Fairgrounds have a sustainability/Green program in place?
Yes, we participate in recycling programs for water and waste and are always interested in working with our shows to meet their green initiatives as well.
EVENTS:
I'm interested in holding an event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Who do I contact?
Click here for Sales Team contact information.
Who is the food and beverage provider at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?
Barto's Catering is our exclusive Food and Beverage provider. Outside vendors are allowed to work through Barto's Catering for a fee. Barto's Catering also holds the liquor license for the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which means that all alcohol served at any event must be purchased through Barto's Catering.
Click here to learn more about Barto's Catering.
Where can I see the floor plan before I book my event?
Click here to see our venue portfolio and floor plans.
Do you have a room capacity for each room? If yes, where can I find that?
Note that capacities are based on simple room sets and do not take into account any additional components your event may require. Examples of items that can affect room capacities include, but are not limited to, head tables, staging, audio visual components, etc.
Click here to see our venue portfolio and floor plans.
Does the Fairgrounds host weddings?
Yes, the Indiana State Fairgrounds features several beautiful and ideal locations that serve as the perfect setting for any wedding.
Click here for Sales Team contact information.
May I bring food and beverage items into the facility?
No outside food/beverage is allowed at the Fairgrounds. All food must be purchased from Barto's Catering or other on-site approved vendors
May I bring helium balloons for my event or to my booth?
Even though it may sound like fun, distribution of helium or mylar balloons at the Fairgrounds is not allowed. If helium or mylar balloons are brought into the venue, the labor cost to retrieve the balloons will be charged to the show producer so that we can continue to keep labor costs down for everyone. For safety reasons, compressed gas cylinders used to inflate balloons must be properly secured to prevent toppling.
May I hang signs for my event?
No signs, banners or other promotional materials may be displayed on or at the perimeter fencing of the Fairgrounds, or on trees or light poles within the Fairgrounds. No gummed or adhesive-backed labels, stickers or signs of any kind are allowed on the Fairgrounds. Unless otherwise consented to in writing, only signs made by ISFC's sign shop may be displayed within the Fairgrounds or the Leased Premises, and only at locations agreed to in writing by ISFC. If any signage owned by the Fairgrounds is damaged or removed for any reason without prior written consent, the lessee will be charged. Permanent graphics, signs or displays may not be visibly blocked in any manner nor may temporary signs or decorations be attached to permanent building graphics.
What is your animal policy?
Animals and pets are not permitted on property or in any venue on the grounds except in conjunction with an approved exhibit, display, or performance legitimately requiring the use of animals. All approved animals must be leashed when walking inside or outside the buildings. Service animals are permitted but must remain on a leash and/or within voice command. Owners are responsible for pets' actions and cleanup/disposal of waste.
Do you have microphones in the rooms and exhibit halls?
Our IATSE Stagehands can provide you with microphones and all other audio visual needs in the building. Note that if another AV company is chosen, IATSE will assist you at cost with the sound patch into the building's house sound.
Does the Fairgrounds provide signage for our rooms?
We have an in-house sign shop to handle your signage needs. Unless otherwise consented to in writing, only signs made by ISFC's sign shop may be displayed within the Fairgrounds or the Leased Premises, and only at locations agreed to in writing by ISFC.
Does the Fairgrounds have carts for us to use to take in our equipment?
We do not provide carts or dollies; you may order them through your decorator.
Can I tour the facility before I plan my event?
Yes, contact the Indiana State Fairgrounds Sales Team at 317-927-7500 to schedule your tour.
Do you have Wi-FI?
ERMCO Electric provides secure wireless connections and networking options to create the telecommunications package for your event. Public wireless internet is available in other parts of the Fairgrounds for a daily fee. Your Event Services or Sales Manager can provide you with more information.
How do I arrange for telephone service in my booth?
ERMCO Electric is our exclusive provider for telecommunications services. Your Event Services or Sales Manager can provide you with more information.
Is there an on-site provider for internet/phone/fax/wireless services?
ERMCO Electric is our exclusive provider for telecommunications services. Your Event Services or Sales Manager can provide you with more information.
EXHIBITORS:
How do I order Utility Services (electrical, water, compressed air natural gas, etc.)?
These services are provided exclusively by ERMCO Electric. Your Event Services Manager can provide you with more information.
May my exhibitors give out food/beverage/liquor samples and/or sell food on the show floor?
Yes, the Indiana State Fairgrounds allows for sampling during an event. For more details, please contact Bruce Sigmon in the Event Services Department at 317-927-7510. Basic restrictions include:
- Samples cannot be greater than 3 oz.
- For public health reasons, restrooms, concession stands and/or facility kitchens may not be used as exhibitor clean-up areas.
- Costs associated with the disposal of trash, waste, grease, and any other sampling-related item from the exhibitor sampling area are the responsibility of the client.
- Securing all necessary licenses and permits is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
- Exhibitors are responsible for complying with all Indiana State Health Department regulations regarding food sampling, storage, equipment, and temperature. If they are not in compliance or do not obtain the proper permits, the Health Department can shut down their booth.
SECURITY
What security features are offered at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?
The Indiana State Fairgrounds provides a safe and secure environment for you and your attendees. We require perimeter security guards during each event, including each main entrance as well as roving guards. More can be added, within licensed space. You may utilize our security staff, our Approved Vendors, or have your preferred security vendor apply through our Approved Vendor application process. Your Event Services Manager can provide you with more information.
May I hire police officers for security during my event?
Yes, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Department may be used as supplemental security. Other security companies may also be used from our Approved Vendor list or by being approved through our Approved Vendor application process. Your Event Services Manager can provide you with more information.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Can the Fairgrounds accept packages prior to my move-in?
The Indiana State Fairgrounds does not accept advance freight shipments for exhibitors or show producers. Freight must be consigned to the official show service contractor or exhibitor service contractor, or delivered direct to service contractors or lessee during the lease period. Mail received on-site should be addressed to the appropriate show or event.
Does the Indiana State Fairgrounds have Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)?
Yes, we have several ATM machines located throughout the campus and in our venues. For exact locations, please ask your Event Services Manager.
Employment at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?
Click here to view job listings at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
