Nearly 10,000 Girl Scouts will be headed to Indy for the organization’s triennial event.
INDIANAPOLIS— Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and Visit Indy announced today that Indianapolis has been selected to host the 59th National Council Session and the Girl Scouts Unite event July 23–28, 2029, marking the third time in the organization’s history that the city will welcome the national gathering. The event is expected to draw nearly 10,000 attendees, generating an estimated $13 million in economic impact for the city.
Leadership from GSUSA and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana shared the news yesterday from the stage at the 2026 National Council Session in Washington, DC. To give attendees a preview of Indy’s racing spirit, the announcement featured Indianapolis-themed racing elements, including an IndyCar delivered to the convention in Washington, DC, to help celebrate the city’s selection as a future host.
Deana Potterf, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, said the council is thrilled to host leaders of the Girl Scout Movement. “Our beautiful city shares so many qualities with the values of Girl Scouting,” said Potterf. “Indianapolis is a city that believes in innovation, leadership and opportunity. It’s a city where young people are encouraged to discover who they are and imagine who they can become. And central Indiana is home to nearly 15,000 Girl Scouts who exemplify the values we stand for and demonstrate the tremendous potential of girls to make the world a better place through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We are so excited to bring together powerful voices across the Girl Scout Movement right here in the Crossroads of America as we work toward creating opportunities for girls across the entire country.”
The event is the largest national gathering for the Girl Scout Movement in the U.S. Indianapolis previously hosted in 1930 and 2008. Since Girl Scouts last gathered in Indianapolis, the city’s convention center footprint and hotel inventory have expanded significantly. This winter, the 800-room Signia by Hilton and the sixth expansion of the Indiana Convention Center will be complete, offering attendees a new convention experience in 2029.
Every three years, GSUSA gathers delegates representing Girl Scouts from 110 Girl Scout councils and Girl Scouts Overseas to share their voices, discuss important topics and contribute to shaping the future of our organization. The 2029 event will include featured keynotes, skill-building workshops, live performances, exhibits and interactive experiences at the Indiana Convention Center.
“Indianapolis is honored to welcome the National Girl Scout Convention in 2029, bringing thousands of Girl Scouts, families, leaders and supporters from across the country to our city,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “This one is especially meaningful for me as the proud father of a Girl Scout. I know firsthand the confidence, leadership and sense of community this organization builds in young people. We can’t wait to see thousands of color-coded vests throughout downtown Indy and welcome the Girl Scout Movement with the Hoosier hospitality our city is known for.”
The event draws National Council delegates, troop leaders, registered Girl Scouts from kindergarten through 12th grade, alumni, families and supporters. Select interactive portions of the convention will also be open to the general public and nonmembers. For more information, visit girlscouts.org.
We are Girl Scouts of the USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character.
Girl Scouts discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to let it shine. Through programs from coast to coast and overseas, girls of all backgrounds and abilities come as they are to explore their passions, meet new challenges, and develop hands-on skills. They find their strengths in science labs and on hiking trails, at cookie booths and in front of city councils. Backed by millions of alums and a network of dedicated adult volunteers and mentors, Girl Scouts drive change to make the world a better place. Along the way, they uncover the tools they need to lead with joy, on their own terms. Join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate.
About Visit Indy
The mission of Visit Indy is to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis by optimizing visitor-related economic impact. For more information, visit VisitIndy.com.
