South Shore CVA Tourism Today 2026 highlights growth and collaboration throughout the Region

Business and community leaders from across Northwest Indiana gathered together on Tuesday, May 12, at the Indiana Welcome Center for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) Tourism Today 2026 event. This event is a traditional gathering that focuses on the future of tourism, economic development, and collaboration in the Region.

The morning began with breakfast and networking opportunities, allowing attendees from a variety of industries to connect before the formal presentation portion of the event. Leaders discussed the South Shore’s continued growth and the importance of partnerships, as Northwest Indiana prepares for several major developments.

“We’ve had four months in a row of month-over-month increases from last year. Right now, tourism is going really well in Lake County, and we don’t see that stopping anytime soon,” said Phil Taillon, President and CEO of South Shore CVA.

During the presentation, speakers highlighted the momentum in the South Shore’s push for increasing tourism and development. Attendees heard updates on recent trends, visitor engagement, and initiatives designed to strengthen the area’s identity as both a travel destination and a business hub.

The growing connection between tourism and economic development, investments in attractions, infrastructure, and community experiences can all have long-term impacts on local businesses and residents alike.

“I think where tourism shines and strengthens a community is by the way that it can collaborate and partner with all of the folks in the community. Whether it’s a chamber, economic development, or elected officials saying, ‘How can we look at our quality of life in our community and make it a step better?’ Whether we invest in new development or bring in people to come and experience it, we bring in new dollars to our economy. All of that works together, and that partnership and collaboration is the core of what we do,” said Executive Director of the Indiana Tourism Association Carrie Lambert.

The event also served as an opportunity for leaders from different sectors to discuss how they can work together to support sustainable growth. Conversations centered on balancing development with the needs of the community while ensuring the Region remains competitive and welcoming to visitors.

Several attendees noted that events like the Tourism Today help strengthen relationships across industries and increase the range of possibilities in the Region. This is especially true with talk of the Chicago Bears coming to Hammond.

“You know, because of this process of trying to attract the Chicago Bears here, I think we’re finding that there are going to be other professional sports teams out there that are going to be interested in Northwest Indiana. Whether the Chicago Bears choose Hammond or not, I think over the next 10 years, we’re really going to be aggressively looking at attracting other pro sports teams to Northwest Indiana. We know now that we fit very well with what professional sports teams are looking for, and we’re going to use that as a strategy going forward,” said Taillon.

By the end of the event, the South Shore CVA was optimistic that many of the event’s attendees left with a clearer picture of both the opportunities and challenges facing the Region. The hope is that this will define Northwest Indiana’s identity and economic future for generations to come in a positive light.

“There’s a lot happening, and there’s talk of things that could come this way that are huge game changers. I also think there’s a really big opportunity right now, especially in the Midwest, for people looking at what is closer to home. We’re in such a great driving destination, and we have great assets. Continuing to get that word out and getting people to come and experience it is a huge plus,” said Lambert.

For more information on the South Shore CVA, you can visit southshorecva.com.