Madison, Indiana Recognized for Collaborative Effort in Hosting 2024 Preserving Historic Places Conference

Madison, Indiana – March 7, 2025 – The 2024 Preserving Historic Places Conference held by Indiana Landmarks, hosted in Madison, was recently honored at the annual Indiana Tourism Association (ITA) awards, March 4^th in Fort Wayne. Madison’s host committee for the conference received the ITA’s inaugural Best Meeting/Group Partnership award, recognizing exceptional teamwork in organizing large-scale events.  This honor highlights the collaborative efforts of the entire Madison community in staging a multi-site conference that highlighted Madison’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant community spirit.

The return of the Preserving Historic Places Conference to Madison was the result of years of advocacy by Link Ludington, a dedicated member of the Cornerstone Society. His passion and persistence played a crucial role in bringing the event back to Madison, reinforcing the city’s standing as a leader in historic preservation. Held for the third time in Madison (1994 & 2004), the 2024 Preserving Historic Places Conference brought a record 325 attendees to the city last October, highlighting the power of collaboration.

The event was a testament to the collective contributions of Visit Madison, Inc. (VMI), local businesses, organizations, and more than 100 volunteers. While VMI played a key role in coordinating the conference and securing a grant for the conference host fee, this recognition reflects the collective work of Madison’s hotels, guest houses, restaurants, historical sites, cultural organizations, and dedicated Madisonians, all of whom helped create a truly memorable experience. The conference successfully showcased Madison’s ability to host large-scale events across multiple venues, with two hotels serving as key hubs and a diverse array of local activities complementing the professional sessions.

Photo: Historic Eagle Cotton Mill – Fairfield Inn – newly renovated ‘Picker House’ hosting conference sessions.

Andrew Forrester, Executive Tourism Director at Visit Madison, said, “We are proud to have been a part of such a collaborative effort. This award is a testament to what can be achieved when the community comes together to create something truly special. It was a team effort that showcased Madison’s ability to host exceptional events.”

Valecia Crisafulli, Board Member of Madison Main Street and lead of the Madison Host Committee, shared, “This award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved—from local businesses to the volunteers who made the event possible. Madison’s unique charm and spirit were on full display, and we are grateful for the entire community’s effort in making this event a success.”

The ITA’s Best Meeting/Group Partnership award celebrates Madison’s innovative approach to event planning, which included a Loft Tour of downtown properties, trolley transportation between locations, volunteers stationed around town answering questions and providing direction, and a reception at Hunter Hall in Crystal Beach Aquatic Park. The event also resulted in mid-week hotel stays at multiple hotel venues.

The conference was made possible through generous in-kind support from local partners, including the conference host fee which was funded by the Jefferson County Board of Tourism (JCBT). Additional contributions included music services, trolley services, volunteer staff time for tours, print materials and t-shirts.

A key factor in the conference’s success was the dedication of over 100 passionate Madisonian volunteers, who gave their time and talents to ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for attendees. Local musician Michael Fortunato played a pivotal role by scheduling regional musicians to perform at major conference venues and along Main Street, making live music a central part of the event. Karen Skillman coordinated more than 70 volunteers who, clad in matching purple t-shirts, served as guides, answering questions and directing visitors to shops, restaurants, and conference locations. Their efforts, along with those of many others, showcased the true hospitality and community pride that make Madison an exceptional host city.

Photo: Lisa Ferguson, passionate Madisonian volunteer, and Karen Spillman, Madison Host Committee Volunteer Leader.

The 2024 Preserving Historic Places Conference was presented by Indiana Landmarks, the Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), Indiana University, and the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA), with support from numerous local, state, and national sponsors.

Through its planning and execution, the 2024 Preserving Historic Places Conference showcased Madison’s strength as a premier destination for group tourism, solidifying the city’s reputation as a prime and unique location for conferences and events. The success of this conference not only filled hotel rooms across three weeknights but also demonstrated Madison’s capability to host multi-site events, setting a high standard for future tourism initiatives. This event stands as a model for what is possible when the community comes together to deliver an exceptional visitor experience.

Groups and Individuals Involved Included:

• Fairfield Inn – Historic Eagle Cotton Mill
• Clifty Falls State Park & Clifty Inn
• Visit Madison, Inc.
• City of Madison (Mayor’s Office, Planning & Preservation Office, Parks Dept)
• Madison Main Street Program
• Historic Madison, Inc.
• Jefferson County Historical Society – History & Art Center
• Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
• Madison Area Arts Alliance
• Cornerstone Society
• Hanover College
• Madison Music Movement – Indiana’s Music City
• Ivy Tech Community College – Madison
• Historic District Board of Review
• Historic Eleutherian College
• Village Lights Bookstore
• Red Bicycle Hall
• Hanover Presbyterian Church
• Madison-Jefferson County Public Library
• Walnut Street Fire Hall
• Rainbow River Club
• Alcorn Sage Schwartz & Magrath LLC
• The Chandler Hotel
• Acree Alley Carts
• Swell Stay (The Magnolia on Main)
• Tower Tack Factory / Denton Floyd Real Estate
• 100 + Passionate Madisonian Volunteers

The Indiana Tourism Association awards ceremony was held during the annual Indiana Tourism Conference in Fort Wayne. VMI team members attended along with over 300 tourism professionals from across the state for networking, professional development, and educational sessions. The ITA Conference awards is Indiana’s premier annual event, spotlighting the creativity, innovation, and excellence of organizations within the tourism sector. “It was a privilege for Madison, Indiana, to be recognized alongside other outstanding destinations and tourism professionals from across the state,” said Forrester. “Receiving the inaugural Best Meeting/Group Partnership award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of everyone who made the conference such a remarkable success. We look forward to setting the bar high for other conferences in Madison this year and beyond, bringing new visitors and economic stimulus to boost our businesses and quality of like.”

Photo: VMI accepted ITA award on March 4th in Fort Wayne to bring back to the community. Left to right: Lucy Dattilo (VMI 365 Project Manager & City of Madison Councilwoman), Andrew Forrester (VMI Executive Tourism Director), Carrie Lambert (ITA Executive Director), Sarah Prasil (VMI Executive Marketing Director) and Lyndsey Ritchie (VMI Marketing Associate).

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About the Indiana Tourism Association
The Indiana Tourism Association (ITA), established in 1980, advocates for tourism’s role in the state’s economic development and supports the best practices of its members. The ITA partners with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and other statewide organizations to promote tourism investment in Indiana. For more information, visit www.IndianaTourismAssociation.com.

About Visit Madison, Inc.
Visit Madison, Inc. is dedicated to developing and promoting authentic visitor experiences that enhance sustainable economic growth and quality of place for the City of Madison and Jefferson County. For more information, visit www.VisitMadison.org.

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FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS:

Left to right: Front Row: Michael Fortunato (Music Advocate/Coordinator), Jacob Smith (Sales, Fairfield Inn/Cotton Mill), Andrew Forrester (VMI Executive Tourism Director), Valecia Crisafulli (MMSP & Host Committee Lead), Jan Vetrhus (Historic Eleutherian College & Cornerstone Society), Camile Fife (Jefferson Co./Madison Library & Historian), Sandy Palmer (Historic District Board); Back row: Sarah Prasil (VMI Executive Marketing Director), Josh Abbott (Director of Sales, Fairfield Inn/Cotton Mill), Jake Liggett (General Manager, Fairfield Inn/Cotton Mill), Link Ludington (Cornerstone Society), and David Terrell (Madison Area Arts Alliance Board Member). Missing: Host Committee Members and 100s of volunteers.