Prepare your visit to CGP Conference 2025 with a guide to Indianapolis. Learn more about the home state of CGP and explore local favorites and recommendations from the CGP Team.

Why Indianapolis?

Beyond being the headquarters of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Indianapolis has a rich history of philanthropy. As the home of Madam CJ Walker, one of the first community foundations in the United States, and the start of the hospital guild movement (Devadasan, 2024), the “Crossroads of America” offers more than the world’s most famous oval track. The blend of Hoosier hospitality and big-city amenities makes Indy an exciting destination to host hundreds of gift planning professionals. 

Explore Indy

Plan time to recharge, connect with friends, or extend your trip with your family to experience everything Indy has to offer. Read through the must-see places to visit to make the most of your stay during CGP Conference.

16 Tech Innovation District

Dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable community, the 16 Tech Innovation District promotes innovation and opportunities through its 50-acre campus. Located within 16 Tech, The AMP features a variety of local, innovative dining and retail shops. With over 20 diverse vendors offering everything from coffee and boba to gumbo and seafood, there is something for everyone.

Visit the Amp

Back 9 Golf

Practice your swing while overlooking the Indianapolis skyline and the White River. With creative cuisine, craft cocktails and enhanced driving range, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after conference activities or connect with peers.

Plan a Tee Time

Bottleworks District
The historic Bottleworks District, a former Coca-Cola factory, is a walkable area with The Bottleworks Hotel, Living Room Theatre, and additional shops and restaurants. Gather some friends for dinner at The Garage, a food hall with drinks, restaurants and shops to delight everyone in your group. Then, catch a movie or network over duckpin bowling or pinball at Pins Mechanical Co. 

Explore Bottleworks

Indianapolis Children's Museum

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is the world’s largest children's museum, spanning five floors of interactive exhibits. Here, curious kids (and adults!) can explore everything from dinosaurs and space travel to the towering “Fireworks of Glass” sculpture by Dale Chihuly. 

Plan Your Visit

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis 500 transforms the city each May into the racing capital of the world. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is the largest single-day sporting event, boasting over 350,000 spectators each year. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers a deep dive into racing history for casual fans and racing enthusiasts alike. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Newfields 

Newfields combines art and nature, encompassing the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Garden, Lily House, and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park. Whether you’re admiring masterpieces within the galleries or strolling through acres of gardens, Newfields offers a moment to recharge from conference activities. 

Discover Newfields

White River State Park

Spanning over 250 acres in the heart of downtown, the White River State Park encompasses the Eiteljorg Museum, Everwise Amphitheatre, NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and Victory Field. Explore one of the many incredible museums, or rent a bike along the River Promenade or the Urban Wilderness Trail to recharge between events. 

Learn More

Dining Destinations

No visit to Indianapolis is complete without experiencing the diverse culinary scene.  Use the CGP Team's favorite restaurants below to guide your dining experience. 

Bodhi $$

Featured in USA Today’s Best Restaurants of 2025, Bodhi’s innovative menu offers authentic Thai specialties prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Prepare for a wait or arrive early, as they do not take reservations.

Explore the Menu

Gordon’s Milkshake Bar $

With dairy-free and vegan options, this family-owned ice-cream shop specializes in over-the-top milkshakes. Soothe your sweet tooth with a variety of specialty flavors as you explore Mass Ave.

Choose Your Flavor

Maialina Italian Kitchen & Bar $$$

This charming, rustic-modern restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine with seasonal ingredients from local farms. Known for their handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, plan a dinner here to reconnect with fellow attendees after a day of sessions and networking.

Reserve a Table

Parlor Public House $

Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, the space features a mixture of seating perfect for informal gatherings or catching up on tasks.

View the Menu

St. Elmo Steakhouse $$$$

An Indianapolis staple since 1902, St. Elmo's is famous for its spicy shrimp cocktails. An elegant dining experience, gaining notoriety from an appearance on “Parks and Recreation” to the likes of celebrities ranging from Payton Manning to Taylor Lautner. 

Make a Reservation

Tea’s Me Cafe $

Owned by former WNBA star Tamika Catchings, this quiet cafe offers more than 50 varieties of tea from around the world. Unwind from the day's activities over a cup of tea and a selection of light fare.

Find a Tea

The Capital Grille $$$$

Known for their dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and award-winning wine list, the sophisticated atmosphere makes for an ideal dinner or place for a special celebration. 

Make a Reservation

The Inferno Room $$

Connect with returning attendees or gather with new friends over tropical drinks and Polynesian-inspired cuisine. Step into the depths of the tropics and one of the largest collections of Papua New Guinea native art outside of a museum.

Learn More

Coffee Culture

With more local coffee spots than Starbucks, Indianapolis is buzzing with roasteries and shops. Explore the CGP Team’s go-to shops and other local favorites below.

Coat Check Coffee
Command Coffee
Commissary
Foundry Provisions
Illumine Coffee Co.
Leviathan Bakehouse
Neidhammer
Tinker Coffee

Additional Coffee Shops

Plan Your Trip

The CGP Team looks forward to welcoming you to Indianapolis this October. Register and book your stay today to explore all that Indianapolis has to offer. Be sure to share your go-to Indy destinations in the comments below.

CGP Conference