The latest news, programs, and events from The International Center.
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An Exclusive Evening with Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Indiana’s Global Community
Join The International Center on October 13th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom as we honor Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts.
As one of the NFL's most visible owners, Carlie brings a unique combination of influence that extends well beyond professional sports. She sits at the intersection of business leadership, philanthropy, and international engagement, and was recently named to TIME Magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports.
Carlie will be recognized for her commitment to global engagement and for expanding the Colts’ international presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland through the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
The evening will also feature the announcement of the 2026 Global Impression Award recipient, recognizing an emerging leader making a meaningful global impact in Indiana.
Welcome 2026 James T. Morris Leadership Series Cohort!
It is our great pleasure to introduce the 2026 Morris Series cohort. The 24 outstanding professionals from across Indiana who represent a wide range of industries and communities include:
Welcome New Board Members, Greg Stremlaw and Billy Wells
The International Center is pleased to welcome two distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Greg Stremlaw and Billy Wells. Their extensive professional experience, global perspectives, and commitment to community engagement will help advance the organization’s mission of fostering international understanding and connections throughout Indiana and beyond.
Greg Stremlaw is Chief Executive Officer of Indy Sports & Entertainment and Indy Eleven Professional Soccer, and serves as the Alternate Governor to the United Soccer League. In addition, he is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus, in Westfield, Indiana with over 5.5 million visitors last year. A highly respected sports executive, he previously was the President of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Sports and served as General Manager of the network’s Olympic coverage. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada and has extensive experience leading major national and international sporting events. Greg brings valuable expertise in strategic leadership, global sports, media, and community engagement to The International Center’s Board of Directors.
Billy Wells is Chief Growth Officer at Financial Center. With more than 18 years of experience in financial services, he has held leadership roles focused on strategic planning, business expansion, service excellence, and staff development. Billy holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from Florida International University and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. His international background and community-focused leadership will bring a valuable perspective to The International Center’s Board of Directors.
David Brechbühl Installed as Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Indiana
The International Center proudly supported the Consular Corps of Indianapolis at the Installation Ceremony honoring Mr. David Brechbühl (pictured left) as the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Indianapolis.
We are grateful to Consul General Beat Schmid of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago and Martin Baier, President & CEO of The International Center, for sharing thoughtful remarks and participation in this occasion.
This installation marks an important step in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic connections between Indiana and Switzerland. We look forward to supporting Mr. Brechbühl in his new role and advancing the relationship between our communities.
Azerbaijan Delegation Explores Indianapolis Sports Management and Economic Development
The International Center was honored to host a delegation from Azerbaijan through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program on a project focused on Sports Management Models for Economic Development.
Their visit kicked off with a tour of Indianapolis showcasing our sports and hosting venues, including Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The delegation met with Indiana Sports Corp to learn about their intentional and community-centered approach to hosting major sporting events, from strategy to execution and the reasons this model is making Indianapolis into a globally recognized sports city.
Through a discussion with Beyond Monumental, the group learned about their investment in youth health and wellness culminating in the Monumental Kids 5K through their continued success in hosting major running events including the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
Their visit concluded with an exciting discussion about Indy Eleven's robust youth development program, creating a strong and growing soccer/football ecosystem in Indiana, as well as the impact that Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus has on making Central Indiana a premier destination for youth, amateur, and professional sports.
During the group's visit, they also had the opportunity to watch Spain's win in the FIFA World Cup Finals and visit our world-class Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Thank you to Peter Kirkwood (The International Center), Sarah Myer (Indiana Sports Corp), Melissa Thompson (Indiana Sports Corp), Nathan Smurdon (Beyond Monumental), Tim Howard (Beyond Monumental), CaSandra McLeod (Beyond Monumental), Bridget Gallagher (Beyond Monumental), Greg Stremlaw (Indy Eleven), and Jordan Mirable (Indy Eleven).
Intern Cohort Visits Indianapolis International Airport for Behind-the-Scenes Tour
The International Center’s intern cohort recently visited the Indianapolis International Airport for a behind-the-scenes tour and luncheon. From the check-in counters and baggage claim to a K9 demonstration and other areas of airport operations, our interns gained valuable insight into the people and processes that keep our city connected to the world.
Thank you to the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Evan Downey, Student Success Program Manager, and the airport intern cohort for hosting us and providing such an engaging and informative experience!
New Blog Post: Global Guide to Summer in Indianapolis
Summer is an opportunity to experience Indianapolis through a more global lens. Our latest blog shares ways to explore the cultures that shape our city through international food, films, art, music, neighborhoods, and community spaces. Whether you visit a local market, watch a film in another language, or attend a cultural program, every experience offers a new way to connect with the world—right here in Indiana.
Peter Kirkwood Named to Sister Cities International Honorary Board
The International Center's Chief of Protocol, Peter Kirkwood, was appointed to the Sister Cities International Honorary Board during the organization's 70th Anniversary Homecoming, in recognition of his years of service as a citizen diplomat at the local, state, and national levels. The appointment honors his leadership with Indiana Sister Cities, service as Indiana's State Representative to Sister Cities International, and longstanding contributions to national committees and board initiatives.
Indiana communities were also prominently recognized at the conference. The City of Carmel earned the Innovation in Arts & Culture Award, the Carmel-Seifen Committee received a Sister Cities–Connecting Places grant from the Goethe-Institute and its partners, and students representing Carmel-Jelgava Sister Cities and Bloomington Sister Cities earned third-place honors in their age groups in the Young Authors and Artists Showcase. The conference further highlighted Indiana's strong statewide engagement through participation from Carmel, Greenfield, Fort Wayne, and longtime Sister Cities International leader and Honorary Board Member Jane Gehlhausen.
The International Center Featured at International Protocol Education Forum
At the Protocol & Diplomacy International–Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) International Education Forum, recently hosted in Indianapolis, Peter Kirkwood, Chief of Protocol at The International Center, participated in the panel discussion “Bridging Cities, Elevating Communities” and presented the plenary session “Fundamentals of Flag Protocol.” Panelists included (pictured above, left to right) Raju Chinthala, Indianapolis & Carmel Sister Cities; Melissa Goitia, Executive Director of the Office of University Events & Protocol and the Office of University Ceremonies at Arizona State University; Dr. Svitlana Ramer, President of the Ukrainian Society of Indiana; and Peter Kirkwood, Indiana State Representative for Sister Cities International. Through these presentations, Kirkwood highlighted The International Center’s expertise in protocol and citizen diplomacy while engaging with protocol professionals from around the world.
PDI-POA is a global organization dedicated to advancing the profession of protocol through education, networking, and the exchange of best practices among protocol officers and professionals. Its membership includes government, diplomatic, military, academic, corporate, and international organization representatives who are responsible for managing official ceremonies, visits, events, and cross-cultural engagements. The International Education Forum brings together members and experts to strengthen professional skills, promote standards of excellence, and advance the important role protocol plays in building relationships across borders.
Indiana-Germanic Business Council Supports Economic Development Delegation to Switzerland
This summer, The International Center and the Indiana-Germanic Business Council (IGBC) supported an Indy Economic Development Inc. delegation to Switzerland. During visits to Basel and Zurich, the group met with leaders from Roche, Novartis, dormakaba, and other organizations to explore opportunities in life sciences, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and global investment. The delegation also joined the Indianapolis Colts and Basel Gladiators for a networking reception, further strengthening connections among Indiana and Swiss leaders in business, government, and sports.
Get to Know The International Center at Upcoming Career Fairs
The International Center will be attending the career fairs listed below to share information about our award-winning internship program. Know students at any of these schools? Encourage them to visit our table and learn about internship opportunities with The International Center.
Butler Recruiting Kickoff – 08/11/202, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Butler Lacy School of Business Career Fair — 09/08/2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
DePauw Career and Internship Fair — 09/15/2026, 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Purdue Daniels School of Business Career Fair — 09/17/2026, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
IU Indy Career Fair — 09/17/2026, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
IU Bloomington O'Neill Career Fair – All Industries — 09/22/2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Butler Multi-industry Career Fair — 09/29/2026, 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Franklin College Fall Career and Internship Fair — 10/28/2026, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Across Indiana: Indiana's Hidden Global Gallery
If a passionate group of Hoosiers kept donating beautiful works of art & cultural items to show where their families are from, what would you do? If you’re Mary Clark & the International Marketplace Coalition, then you’d create Indy’s Global Village Museum, of course!
Reminder: The International Center's Festival Fund will be temporarily closed from September 1st, 2026, to October 31st, 2026. Applications for events taking place during this time will still be considered, but no new applications will be accepted until the Fund reopens on November 1st.
Living up to the Mission
The International Center is a catalyst toinform, convene,and connectpublic, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.
Inform
The International Center recently hosted Doing Business with East Asia, an informative webinar exploring Indiana’s trade and investment connections with East Asia.
The session featured Cameron Johnson, Senior Partner at TidalWave Solutions, alongside Colin Renk of The International Center and Wendy Leutert of Indiana University. Cameron shared valuable insights on international supply chains and de-risking strategies in the post-2020 global business environment.
Convene
Recently, The International Center hosted a Global Leadership Reception and World Cup watch party, bringing our 2026 Morris Series cohort and alumni together for an afternoon of connection and conversation.
Thank you to St. Mary's of the Woods College for sponsoring this year’s Morris Series Kickoff Event.
Connect
Taina Lance, Senior Director of Relocation Services (pictured right), represented The International Center at the Indiana Fever’s International Night on July 18. By welcoming fans in French, she brought the spirit of global connection to the celebration and highlighted the cultural diversity that enriches our community.
Upcoming International Events
Is your event missing from our calendar?Submit it!
First Friday: Forward Movement Scavenger Hunt
August 7 | 3 PM - 7 PM
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
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