Home
NEXTGEN INDY

NEXTGEN INDY

Driving Cultural Innovation

Join the Efroymson Family Fund and the Department of Tourism, Event, and Sport Management’s (TESM) Industry Advisory Council as they present NEXTGEN Indy: Driving Cultural Innovation.

Cultural activities and events in Indianapolis drive the economy and influence key perceptions among visitors and residents alike. Panelists and researchers will speak to the relevance of various dimensions, including cultural learning and attractions, live music scenes, sporting events, traditions, and more.

Featured panelists include:

J. Douglas Boles, president, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Carissa Newton, vice president of marketing, Cunningham Restaurant Group
Kristian Little Stricklen, president, Madam Walker Legacy Center
Eric Tobias, co-founder & partner, High Alpha

You’ll be able to ask questions as IndyHub's Al Carroll, president and CEO, leads the community conversation. You'll also be among the first to hear GEN Z’s perceptions of Indy related to these key dimensions, research currently underway by the IU Indianapolis Sports Innovation Institute.

Equipped with exclusive information and insights to inform your business practices, you'll be a part of the forward-thinking team that drives innovation and builds Indy’s brand around culture and events.

Media Inquiries

Jennifer Chan
Porch Light Public Relations
317.490.3770

Send an email
View media files

Event details

Wednesday, April 17

IU Indianapolis University Tower/Hine Hall Auditorium
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Registration at 3 p.m.
Hosted networking reception following event

Parking available under University Tower/Hine Hall or in the North Street Parking Garage (819 W. North Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202); validations provided.

Registration

Panelists

J. Douglas Boles

President, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Serving as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation since 2013, J. Douglas Boles is responsible for daily operations and all world-class racing events at the facility, such as the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Brickyard Weekend. Previously, Boles worked in various roles in law and government affairs, and was a founding partner of Panther Racing, a former IndyCar Series team.

Kristian Little Stricklen

President, Madam Walker Legacy Center

Known as a leader and relationship builder, Kristian Little Stricklen has provided her visionary leadership through her role as president of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, a 501 c3 non-profit organization created in memory of Madam CJ Walker. Stricklen has an exemplary 25-year career as a dynamic leader, with her prior role being the chief communications and engagement officer with Indianapolis Public Schools.

Carissa Newton

Vice President of Marketing, Cunningham Restaurant Group

With over 25 years of experience in marketing, Carissa Newton has provided her leadership skills in strategic marketing efforts to Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) since 2018. Newton has been responsible for spearheading management of the CRG corporate brand and 20 restaurant concept brands, helping earn the company over $18 million in revenue sales in 2023 alone.

Eric Tobias

Co-Founder & Partner, High Alpha

Eric Tobias is a co-founder and partner at High Alpha, an Indianapolis-based venture studio that conceives, launches, and scales high-growth B2B software companies. He also owns and operates several music venues in Indianapolis through his company, Forty5 Presents. Tobias has received numerous accolades for his business leadership, including being named in CIO Magazine's "Thirty Under 30," among others.

Moderator

Al Carroll

President & CEO, IndyHub

An established business and civic leader, Al Carroll has collaborated with universities throughout Indiana to recruit college students to live and work in Indianapolis through his role as president and CEO of IndyHub. He also delivered the virtual S.O.S. Challenge to 500 participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, an effort recognized by the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA).

University representatives

Jay Gladden

Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, IU Indianapolis

Jay Gladden serves as interim executive vice chancellor and leads the Office of Academic Affairs as chief academic officer, providing strategic leadership for academic operations. Gladden is driven to supporting student success at IU Indianapolis through providing an excellent education, recruiting outstanding and diverse faculty, and creating unique learning opportunities.

David Pierce

Director, IU Indianapolis Sports Innovation Institute

As the Sports Innovation Institute leader, David Pierce and his students collaborate on the business side of sports with the likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, NCAA, Incrediplex, Grand Park, Beyond Monumental, and more. Pierce’s work in sports fan experiences, marketing, and management delivers evidence-based solutions to clients.

Amy Vaughan

TESM Advisory Council Co-chair, IU Tourism, Event, and Sport Management

A co-chair of the Tourism, Event, and Sport Management (TESM) Advisory Council, Amy Vaughan, M.A., utilized her 20+ years of tourism industry experience in planning and executing NextGen Indy 2023 to initiate conversations on community-focused research in sports and entertainment. Vaughan also serves as a clinical assistant professor with the IU TESM department.

As TESM council co-chair, I have the privilege to convene and collaborate with other industry pros who lend their time and expertise. It’s a win-win. We support experiential learning, employment, and volunteer experiences for students as we simultaneously develop future industry leaders. This panel discussion is timely, as our city and industry continue to compete for economic growth and development.
Mike Karnuta, Chief Development Officer, Indiana Sports Corp