Who's top convention city? Indianapolis, poll says

Local tourism officials long have touted Indianapolis as a top convention destination.

On Wednesday, a USA TODAY Reader's Choice digital poll at 10best.com that's been circulating on Facebook and other social media outlets confirmed that status, naming Indianapolis the Best Convention City in the country.

After four weeks of voting, convention-goers and exhibitors selected Indianapolis as tops from among 20 nominees, according to the website. Boston took second place and Nashville, Tenn., third.

The results, posted online, rate the Indiana Convention Center high for its closeness to hotels and restaurants, going on to say: "If you're a football fan, it's pretty thrilling to be across the street from Andrew Luck and the Colts come fall." It also cited the city's affordability and ease of getting around.

Chris Gahl, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Indy, said he's ecstatic that readers tabbed Indy as the top pick. Gahl said Visit Indy helped spread the word about the poll and encouraged people to pick the Circle City.

"To have Indianapolis rank as the favorite convention city is certainly something we are proud of," he said. "It unquestionably will help us market the city and turn the attention of meeting planners and event planners toward Indianapolis."

Tourism generated almost $4.4 billion for the metro area in 2012, the last year statistics are available, up from $3.56 billion in 2007. In 2012, 26 million people visited the city. Occupancy at Downtown's 7,100 hotel rooms was 70.3 percent in 2013, up from 68.5 percent in 2012.

Call Star reporter Chris Sikich at (317) 444-6036. Follow him on Twitter: @ ChrisSikich .

Top convention cities

Here is the full list of winners for USA TODAY's digital poll on top convention destinations:

• Indianapolis.

• Boston.

• Nashville.

• Salt Lake City

• Atlanta.

• Denver.

• New Orleans.

• Washington, D.C.

• Minneapolis.

• Chicago.