SouthShore CVA Partnership Summit is a touchdown this year

On Thursday, November 12, it was “Game on!” at the Indiana Welcome Center for South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s (SSCVA) annual Partnership Summit. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about how partnering with SSCVA can extend their reach to visitors and residents, and learn about SSCVA’s 2027 marketing initiatives and partner benefits.

“This is one of our biggest events of the year. There aren’t many events that we do ourselves, and this one is one of our favorites because we get to invite partners into the building,” said Nikki Lopez, chief operating officer.

Peggy Blackwell, an owner of Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Miller Beach and president of Visit Miller Beach, has been partnering with SSCVA for several years.

“I like to hear about the trends that they talk about and try to learn from that,” said Blackwell.

This year’s event theme centered around sports and tailgates, a nod to the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Hammond. Attendees were able to enjoy delicious food and beverages, network with one another, and enter raffle drawings before the presentations began.

“We hope everyone had a great time. We are in the hospitality business, so we love to see people. We try to have a lot of food, drinks, and candy,” said Lopez. “This is also a really unique building, so anytime somebody can come into our building and see everything we offer, we love to have that.”

At 1:30 p.m., guests relocated to a lecture hall, where South Shore CVA President Phil Taillon began the program with a presentation. He started with showing three creative and fun examples of communities across the nation trying different ways to bring people together, to promote leadership and thinking outside the box. Then, he discussed what the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears means for the Region.

“We are no longer thinking of ourselves as this rust belt area that’s a steel industry producing region. We’re now thinking about ourselves very differently. What do we want to be 20 years from now, as opposed to what we are today?” said Taillon. “We got to think about our kids and grandkids, and how we make sure that Northwest Indiana stays relevant and even becomes stronger in the future. It’s really important that we think that way.”

Taillon then shifted to a “fireside chat” with Deane Patena, Crossroads Chamber of Commerce president. The two spoke about the future Gary Convention Center, and all of the opportunities and impact the center is going to have on Northwest Indiana and residents. The convention center is currently in its design phase, but it is projected to officially open in 2029 or 2030.

“We need this asset in Lake County. It’s going to bring people here, and it’s going to help everybody in this room,” said Taillon. “I don’t care what city or town you’re from; this is going to be great for us.”

Attendees left the day with more information on both the present and future of Northwest Indiana, their questions answered, and how they can continue to make an impact in the Region. To learn more about SouthShore CVA, visit southshorecva.com.