Sponsored by Visit South Bend Mishawaka
Rare is the venue that can roll up an extraordinary amount of benefits into one package, but the Gillespie Conference and Special Events Center is no ordinary place. Gillespie and its two on-site hotels — the Hilton Garden Inn and the Inn at Saint Mary’s — make for an all-inclusive experience by offering a compelling destination, convenient location, versatile meeting space, multiple breakouts, delicious food, flawless audio-visual capabilities, responsive sales staff, hotel rooms aplenty and ample parking.
Gillespie is home to six distinct spaces available in several setups. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate retreat, conference or anything in between, there’s a space at Gillespie that can accommodate your group.
The Fleur de Lis Ballroom is the largest space totaling 8,400 square feet. It features several room configurations and an ample pre-function area for registration tables or receptions. It can hold up to 840 guests, depending on the event, and can be transformed to reflect your personal style.
Other venues include the Notre Dame Room (1,800 square feet), Coaches Boardroom (325 square feet) and Lemans Room (600 square feet). You can also head outside to The Garden (2,500 square feet) or The Patio (2,000 square feet).
Plus, the two hotels on the same property offer significant convenience to those booking a meeting or event.
Connected to Gillespie, the Hilton Garden Inn has 100 guest rooms. It also features Bistro 933, a not-to-be missed on-site restaurant that’s ranked No. 8 on TripAdvisor among South Bend’s best restaurants. Bistro 933 is open seven days a week and offers cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner.
The Inn at Saint Mary’s, next door to Gillespie, is an independent boutique hotel with 150 guest rooms, including suites. The Inn’s hospitality is second to none. Start the day off with an excellent breakfast and Innjoy Café, which proudly serves Starbucks coffee.
Given the hotel space and event venues, it might seem like this property is tucked in some out-of-the-way location. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Gillespie and its hotels are located off Exit 77 of the Indiana Toll Road – that means a direct line to Chicago and the rest of the Great Lakes region.
Plus, the venues are also located on the campus of Saint Mary’s College. The University of Notre Dame — one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country — is within walking distance, and you’re minutes from downtown South Bend’s restaurants, attractions and night life. The Bend is likely to make your visit one you won’t soon forget.
Sponsored by Visit South Bend Mishawaka
When you plan your meeting, event or gathering in the South Bend Mishawaka area, you can expect a win-win scenario. Your group will be entertained with a variety of activities from our 13 museums to exceptional arts and entertainment, and plenty of dining and shopping options. Plus, as a planner, you’ll benefit from start-to-finish planning support, as well as a diverse and affordable selection of facilities.
