Event Overview:

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) has been a pillar of the African-American community for decades as a year-round, multifaceted community service organization with 12 chapters around the state of Indiana. IBE is known for its two major fund-raisers, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is governed by a board of directors comprised of individuals and community leaders from around the state of Indiana and employs a full time staff.

During the Post Civil-Rights Movement, IBE established a positive structure in the community that reflected African-Americans, which was an important and much needed development. Two years after attending an expo in Chicago, IL, a few religious and civic leaders in the community decided to establish an Indiana based Black Expo. They understood the pressing need to create an avenue to display positive African-American ideas and thus founded the Indiana Black Expo in 1970.

Through various symposiums with civic leaders speaking on pressing economic, political and social issues, IBE has strived to address past, present and future issues that face African-Americans and all people alike. The support of popular entertainers and political figures such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds and many more, helps spread the information. IBE has been and will continue to be a major economic and social contributor to Indiana and African-American communities everywhere.

The 2016 Education Conference presented by Cummins Inc. and ICRC will be held on Thursday, July 14 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis as part of the 46th Annual Summer Celebration.

IBE recognizes the need to prepare the teaching force to effectively work with a diverse student population.  The purpose of the conference is to:

1. Increase cultural competency among educators, administrators and policy makers,
2. Increase parental involvement,
3. Raise awareness about relevant issues around education, and
4. Provide best practices for classroom instruction.

Exhibitor Information:

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Why Exhibit at Summer Celebration?

Welcome to Indiana Black Expo, Inc.’s (IBE) 46th Annual Summer Celebration.  We proudly remain one of the nation’s largest African American cultural events.  With the world-class city of Indianapolis as its setting, Summer Celebration 2016 runs from July 7 through July 17. We are back in Exhibit Halls J, K, and L off the Capitol Street Entrance of the Indiana Convention Center.  An open floorplan for all exhibitors to have premium visibility!

Summer Celebration offers businesses and organizations numerous ways to connect with consumers.  With a goal in mind to educate and uplift our growing, diverse community, Summer Celebration highlights culture in many different areas.

Summer Celebration offers a chance for partners and visitors to experience premiere arts and entertainment, youth and family activities and programs, business networking, healthy living, education and more.