Exhibitor guide · Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana
JW Marriott Indianapolis: the exhibitor's guide
The largest JW Marriott in the world, a 40,500 sq ft Grand Ballroom that's the biggest hotel ballroom in the Midwest, and a direct skywalk connection to the Indiana Convention Center next door. What exhibitors need to know at Indianapolis's flagship convention hotel.
Hero photo: "Indianapolis: JW Marriott from WRSP" by Chaplain iMonk, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Source
Why this page exists
At 34 stories and more than 1,000 rooms, the JW Marriott Indianapolis is both the tallest hotel in the state and the largest JW Marriott anywhere in the world, connected to the Indiana Convention Center by the city's skywalk system. Its 40,500 sq ft Grand Ballroom is the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest, big enough for receptions of up to 4,200, and the property carries its own 20,000 sq ft of dedicated exhibit space beyond the ballroom itself. This guide covers the meeting space, what changes when your booth goes on hotel carpet, Indiana's labor rules, drayage, and the skywalk connection.
The building
The meeting space
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Ballroom | 40,500 sq ft, up to 4,200 for receptions or 2,750 for banquets. | General sessions, galas | Carpeted; confirm floor protection needs. |
| Junior Ballroom | 20,670 sq ft. | Mid-size general sessions | Configurable for concurrent breakouts. |
| Dedicated exhibit space | 20,000 sq ft. | Standalone exhibits, product showcases | Distinct from ballroom carpet; confirm current floor type. |
Figures from Marriott's published meeting-space overview for the property.
Free tool
What changes when your booth goes on hotel carpet?
Ballroom shows at the JW Marriott run on carpet, not a concrete exhibit floor. That changes a few things about how your booth gets built.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Indiana has been a right-to-work state since 2012; confirm hand-carry and self-install allowances with the show's official decorator, which may differ from the Indiana Convention Center's union-only policy next door.
Right-to-work state; the show decorator sets the terms
Rules vary by show, and may differ from the ICC's union-only policy next door.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for JW Marriott Indianapolis shows.
Free tool
JW Marriott Indianapolis drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Connected: a direct skywalk link to the Indiana Convention Center.
- Airport: Indianapolis International is about 15–20 minutes.
- Walking: Monument Circle and downtown dining are a short walk.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Midwest crews for downtown Indianapolis installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Indianapolis guest rooms | On-site, connected to the ICC | Skywalk access to the exhibit floor. |
| Downtown Indianapolis hotels | Walking distance | Additional options near Monument Circle. |
Questions
JW Marriott Indianapolis FAQ
Is this hotel connected to the Indiana Convention Center?
Yes, via a direct skywalk link.
How big is the Grand Ballroom?
40,500 square feet, the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest, seating up to 2,750 for banquets or 4,200 for receptions.
Can I set up my own booth?
Confirm with your show's official decorator; the ICC's union-only policy doesn't automatically extend to the hotel.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $130 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How tall is the hotel?
34 stories, the tallest hotel in Indiana.
How much dedicated exhibit space is there?
20,000 square feet, plus a 20,670 sq ft Junior Ballroom.
Exhibiting at the JW Marriott Indianapolis?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a carpet-conversion checklist, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Venue guides
Every venue we have a guide for
Same standard, every hall: the building, the rules, the tools and the calendar.