Kokomo Opens New $32.8 Million Conference Center

The downtown facility adds 55,000 square feet of meeting space and a new hotel to the city.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hotels

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern civic building facade, representing new urban infrastructure and city development. — Kokomo completed its $32.8 million downtown conference center and hotel, integrating the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum into the local tourism infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kokomo officially completed a $32.8 million downtown conference center and hotel project. The site also serves as the new home for the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum.

Why it matters

The development addresses a local need for premium event facilities and overnight accommodations. It was built through a partnership between local city and county governments, the Greater Kokomo Alliance and Visitors Bureau, and SSG Hotels.

The complex spans 55,000 square feet with a maximum capacity for 1,000 guests. The adjoining five-story hotel features over 100 guestrooms alongside an indoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant.

The players

Greater Kokomo Alliance and Visitors Bureau

This entity works to promote economic development and tourism initiatives within the Kokomo area.

SSG Hotels

This organization specializes in the development and management of hospitality properties.

Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum

This institution preserves the history of the automotive industry in a city famous for its manufacturing roots.

The details

Developed by a partnership including Howard County and the city of Kokomo, the facility provides significant infrastructure to support the city's tourism and events sector. The building now integrates the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum into its downtown footprint.

Construction on the conference center began in 2024.
The conference center and hotel reached completion on October 22, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This project reflects the ongoing expansion of regional event infrastructure fueled by the READI 1.0 program. It positions Kokomo to compete for larger-scale tourism and corporate gatherings that previously bypassed the region.

Visitors can now utilize the new five-story hotel, which offers amenities such as an indoor pool and an on-site restaurant. Residents and local businesses should anticipate increased activity in the downtown core following the center's opening.

The takeaway

Large-scale event venues serve as key economic anchors for small and mid-sized cities looking to attract tourism. Local travelers and event planners should monitor upcoming booking availability at the new facility to secure space for future functions.