Indiana Destination Development Corporation Awards & Grant Information

2026 Hoosier Hospitality Awards

The Indiana Destination Development Corporation will host the 2026 Hoosier Hospitality Awards program on Tuesday, October 27 at the Indiana Statehouse.  Included are three recognition opportunities: the Will Koch Tourism Leadership Award, the Visit Indiana Leadership Award and the Hoosier Hospitality Awards.  The deadline to submit applications is 5:00 pm ET, September 11, 2026.

Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award Nomination Form

Named after the late Will Koch, long-time owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and CEO of its parent company, Koch Development Corporation, the award honors Mr. Koch’s devotion to business and community and his lasting impact on the State of Indiana. A deserving Hoosier who demonstrates the following qualities may be nominated for the award.  A list of previous winners can be found here.  

• Leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others;

• Entrepreneurial spirit and investment in Indiana;

• Commitment to tourism and business development in Indiana;

• Dedication to improving Indiana’s travel and tourism profile; and

• Distinguished service to their community.

Visit Indiana Leadership Award Nomination Form

This award is designed to recognize individuals who have stepped forward and provided exemplary service and leadership to the tourism industry in Indiana. The individual values the development and promotion of Indiana's tourism industry while making a positive impact on the industry in their community.  A minimum of 10 years of experience in the tourism industry is required. Frontline workers are not eligible for this award. 

Hoosier Hospitality Award Nomination Form

These awards recognize a high level of service in tourism-related positions at hotels, restaurants, attractions and other destinations. This includes tour guides, housekeeping, volunteers, ushers, ticket takers, welcome center greeters, etc. Virtually anyone in the hospitality and tourism industry is eligible.

See our 2025 winners here!

Team Indiana Grant Opportunities

Sports Tourism Business Development Grants are available for tourism or sports-related organizations hosting events in Indiana. The purpose of these funds is to support, enhance, and grow sporting events as well as strengthen bids to attract new business to Indiana. The maximum grant per event is $20,000 to be paid as a reimbursement. Support from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and Indiana Sports Corp makes this grant program possible.

Team Indiana Grant Program >

Team Indiana Grant Guidelines >

Team Indiana Grant Application >