Gov. Braun paves the way for economic, tourism growth in Kokomo through READI

Indiana Governor Mike Braun today congratulated Kokomo on the completion of the $32.8 million Kokomo Conference Center and hotel, a new state-of-the-art venue for visitors, conventions, meetings, conferences and more.

The project, supported by Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), is a centerpiece of the North Central region’s long-term strategy to accelerate leadership in industry, entrepreneurship, innovation and workforce.

“Indiana’s central location and our famous Hoosier hospitality make our state the ideal destination for national and international gatherings,” said Gov. Braun. “The new Kokomo Conference Center and adjoining hotel will bring new opportunities for North Central Indiana to host residents and tourists alike, driving Main Street traffic and economic impact for this community.” 

The Kokomo Conference Center and adjoining Hilton Garden Inn were developed as a partnership between the Greater Kokomo Alliance and Visitors Bureau, the city of Kokomo, Howard County and Indiana-based SSG Hotels to meet the growing demand for premium accommodation and event spaces in Kokomo and the surrounding region. The conference center, which broke ground in 2024, features 55,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space across three floors with capacity for up to 1,000 guests, and will also be the new home of the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum. The adjoining five-story hotel boasts more than 100 guestrooms along with an indoor pool, fitness center, ergonomic workspaces and a restaurant and lounge.

The new venue is situated in the heart of downtown Kokomo and features modern amenities, luxury rooms and versatile conference facilities to attract business travelers, visitors and local residents alike. The project was supported with $5 million in READI 1.0 funding.

“Indiana’s READI program is creating unprecedented regional momentum and driving new, in-demand developments like the Kokomo Conference Center,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “These types of initiatives are bringing vibrancy to our communities, creating new opportunities for current and future residents, and advancing quality of place that will improve prosperity for Hoosiers.”

Indiana’s READI program is a $1.25 billion investment in regional-led strategies designed to strengthen communities, retain and attract top talent, and increase opportunities for Hoosiers for years to come.

Kokomo is part of the North Central region – led by the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council – that was awarded $65 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds to support quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity projects across the region. The region’s READI investments are focused on accelerating leadership in innovation investment and advanced manufacturing and technological innovation by growing a skilled workforce; enriching the region with quality-of-life assets, such as housing and childcare; and supporting entrepreneurship and small business.