May 2026 Alliance Newsletter

The conference center is entering the final stretch of construction, with a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy now in hand. This milestone will give staff full access to the building and allow teams to begin staging, setup, and operational preparation ahead of events. A soft opening is planned for mid-July, starting with smaller events designed to test service flow, technology, catering, and the overall guest experience before larger-scale bookings begin.

Early demand is already strong, with events secured through November, including a 500-person gathering scheduled for September. Much of the focus is on attracting regional and national visitors who bring new spending into the community and increase overnight stays.

Momentum continues to build through a year-long sales and marketing effort. Staff have actively engaged with meeting and hospitality industry organizations, building relationships with planners and increasing visibility in the events market. That early outreach is already translating into awareness and confirmed bookings.

Hiring is also underway, with key team members already in place and additional positions posted. Early staffing ensures proper training before major events begin. The team also includes an award-winning chef, reflecting a commitment to a high-end hospitality experience that pairs with the conference center’s event offerings.

Explore more about the downtown venue

Strawberry Festival coming Friday, June 5

The Kokomo Strawberry Festival returns to downtown on Friday, June 5, bringing thousands of visitors together for one of the community’s favorite summer traditions. The festival features strawberry shortcake, live music, food vendors, family activities, public art experiences, and the Artsapalooza Art Market, creating a full day of activity in the heart of downtown.

More than a community celebration, the Strawberry Festival serves as the sole fundraiser for the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association. Proceeds support downtown placemaking initiatives including beautification projects, small business support, and year-round programming designed to keep downtown vibrant, welcoming, and active for residents and visitors alike.

For festival details, vendor information, and schedules, visit the Kokomo Strawberry Festival homepage

Kokomo’s America 250 celebration series will culminate July Fourth with a full day of festivities featuring downtown events, a community veterans walk, Kokomo Creek Chubs baseball, and fireworks at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.

The day includes a free Ice Cream Social at Seiberling Mansion, the Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights block party downtown from 1 to 4 p.m., and America’s 250th Celebration Walk to the stadium at 4 p.m. The Kokomo Creek Chubs will host a special Fourth of July home game at 6:20 p.m., followed by fireworks later that evening.

The five-week America 250 series begins May 26 with the Creek Chubs’ home opener and continues throughout the summer with festivals, concerts, and community events celebrating Kokomo and America’s milestone anniversary.

Check out all that Kokomo has to offer this summer in celebration of America's 250th anniversary

Finalists have been selected for the 2026 Drive Competition, a “Shark Tank”-style business pitch competition presented by Inventrek Technology Park and designed to help local entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses.

This year’s finalists include:

• Olive Tree Boutique, a downtown Kokomo boutique focused on modest, faith-inspired fashion and expanded customization services

• Brix & Co. Candles, a handcrafted candle and clean living brand centered on non-toxic home and body products

• The Elevated Hippie, a community-focused boutique expanding opportunities for local makers through a collaborative retail and wholesale model

An initiative of Inventrek Tech Park, the Drive gives Howard County startups and small businesses the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grand prize in seed funding while working with Alliance staff to strengthen their business plans and pitches.

The final public pitch event will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo’s Hingst Hall. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend and support local entrepreneurs. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting small business growth in Howard County.

Learn more at greaterkokomo.com/thedrive

The updated Kokomo Area Guide is now available, featuring refreshed information on local attractions, expanded details on sports and meeting venues, and new additions that highlight what’s next for Kokomo’s visitor experience.

Copies are available at both Visitor Centers, including Inventrek Technology Park at 700 E. Firmin St. and the Downtown Library branch at 220 N. Union St.

This guide plays a key role in Kokomo’s tourism outreach, helping travelers plan visits, discover local experiences, and navigate the community. Each year, tens of thousands of printed guides are distributed across hotels, attractions, businesses, and state welcome centers, with additional reach through travel request programs and a strong digital presence.

Kokomo recently played host to the NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Baseball and Softball Championships, bringing 12 college teams and multiple days of tournament play to Kokomo Municipal Stadium and Kokomo High School Softball Stadium.

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau played a key role in bringing the event to the community and supporting visiting teams and organizers. Staff coordinated hotel room blocks, assisted with hospitality logistics, and worked closely with tournament planners to ensure a smooth experience for athletes, coaches, and fans.

Hosting events like the HCAC Championships highlights Kokomo’s ability to support regional and national sports tourism while driving hotel demand, restaurant traffic, and visitor activity across the community.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Women's Business Council's Annual Women’s Leadership Conference brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals on May 6 for a full day focused on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. The WBC is a committee of the Greater Kokomo Chamber.

This year’s theme, "The Authentic Woman Leader: Resilient, Real, & Ready to Rise," centers on leading with confidence and authenticity through both personal and professional challenges. The conference features professional speakers offering practical insight on leadership, growth, and performance.

The event also created space for meaningful networking and conversations that support and strengthen women across Kokomo’s business community. Chamber programs like this help invest in local leadership development while building stronger professional connections throughout the region.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

KOKOMO CONFERENCE CENTER

Internship opportunities available at conference center

Looking to gain real world experience in hospitality, food and beverage or event operations? The Kokomo Conference Center offers internship opportunities where you can learn from industry professionals and help bring memorable events to life.

Start building your career while being part of a dynamic team in the heart of downtown Kokomo.

See the available positions here

Connect with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance inside Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., Kokomo.

Downtown/Chamber: 765-457-5301

Inventrek Tech Park/Economic Development: 765-457-2000

Visitors Bureau: 765-457-6802

Lori Dukes

President & CEO

Courtney Butler

Chamber of Commerce

Misty Knisely

Marketing & Communications

Sam Beckom

CVB Sales Manager

Casie Braden

Downtown Manager

Caitlin Sheets

Economic Development

Sherry Matlock

Visitors Bureau

Jason Youngman

Facilities Manager

Bre Lawson

Business Clerk

Katy Beane

Office Administrator