Beyond the Gridiron: South Bend and Mishawaka’s Winning Playbook for Meetings

South Bend may be synonymous with football, but savvy meeting planners know the city delivers a championship-level experience far beyond game day.

Just steps from the iconic University of Notre Dame, South Bend offers a walkable convention district anchored by the Century Center, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of the St. Joseph River. With more than 600 hotel rooms within walking distance, attendees can transition seamlessly from sessions to social events without missing a beat.

The University of Notre Dame’s world-class venues elevate any agenda. Host a reception in the AAA Four Diamond Morris Inn, plan a keynote in Notre Dame Stadium, or take advantage of the university’s many flexible spaces—all steeped in tradition and prestige.

South Bend and its immediate neighbor Mishawaka share a central location that makes the area an easy win for accessibility. Located along the I-80/90 Toll Road, the cities are served by the South Bend International Airport and Amtrak, and are just a few hours’ drive from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Once here, visitors will find a compact, affordable destination filled with bars, restaurants, cultural attractions, and warm hospitality.

What surprises many planners is value found here. Big-city amenities come without the big-city price tag, making budgets go further while enhancing the attendee experience.

Recent developments—including a $1 billion downtown investment, a new Link trail connecting downtown South Bend to campus, and major projects like an $11 billion Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center—underscore the city’s forward momentum.

South Bend is more than a football town. It’s a convenient, engaging, and unexpected choice that leaves lasting impressions—and keeps attendees coming back long after the final session ends.

There’s much to explore in South Bend and Mishawaka.
Learn more at www.visitsouthbend.com.