Why Meet in South Bend?

We've got spirit!

And everything you need to host a successful meeting or event: convenient location, dynamic facilities, team-building activities, memorable tours, exciting entertainment, appetizing dining options and complimentary planning services provided by seasoned professionals.

Let's start with location. South Bend/Mishawaka is in the heart of the Midwest, a day's drive from a third of the nation's population. And we're beautifully nestled along the St. Joseph River.

The community of the greater South Bend area takes great pride in our beautiful, diverse and affordable facilities for conventions, meetings, seminars, trade shows and reunions. From the timeless elegance of Century Center, which anchors the South Bend Convention District, to the variety of hotel properties in Mishawaka, the academic environment of the University of Notre Dame or the state-of-the-art Gillespie Center adjacent to Saint Mary's College campus, you'll find the ideal site for your meeting or convention needs.

As for activities and attractions, there's more to discover than you might expect. West Washington Street, in downtown South Bend, whisks you back to the 1800s with architectural gems built by nationally recognized architects including Frank Lloyd Wright and Henry Nes Cobb. The Morris Performing Arts Center ranks among the top 100 theaters worldwide and is on the National Register for Historic Places. And the South Bend Civic Theater is the oldest continuously operating community theater company in the region.

You'll have no less than 10 great golf courses to choose from. And if you prefer walks along the water, instead of on the green, South Bend and Mishawaka offer many pathways that follow the St. Joseph River. Local and independently owned cafes, restaurants and bars deliver a diverse spectrum of tastes—including some of the best pizza around! And finally, Mishawaka's Grape Road/Main Street shopping corridor is the second largest retail center in the state.

Start planning your meeting today and soon you'll see that it all comes together in South Bend/Mishawaka.