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Three Ways to Support The International Center During the Holiday Season

As we come to the end of 2025, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on all the ways you’ve helped The International Center bring Indiana to the world and the world to Indiana. With you by our side, we’ve brought Indy to the global stage: hosting The Global Entrepreneurship Congress; joining the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin; honoring Juan Gonzalez as the International Citizen of the Year; and so much more.

If you haven’t made your 2025 gift yet, there’s still time! Here are three ways you can join The International Center to support a more globally minded, culturally competent, and economically vibrant Indiana for 2026:

This Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, support equitable professional development opportunities. Every gift you make will be doubled thanks to a generous matching donor.
Promote Indiana’s global identity through the 2025 Indianapolis Gives Challenge.
Designate a planned gift through our Global Heritage Society.

Team Indiana Brings Back Wins from Berlin

Team Indiana, led by The International Center and the Indiana Germanic Business Council, completed a successful multi-day visit to Berlin from November 5–9, 2025. The 30-person delegation included representatives from Indiana-based organizations such as the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indy Chamber, Indiana University, and several private companies. The trip aimed to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in sports, economic development, technology, and international engagement while showcasing Indiana’s growing global presence.

The program began with the Team Indiana Business Summit at Lindenbräu am Potsdamer Platz, featuring speakers from the Indianapolis Colts and Indy Chamber. Delegates engaged with German partners to highlight Indiana’s sports ecosystem and economic strengths. Over the following days, the group met with Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, the German Federal Foreign Office, and attended a reception hosted by RSM Ebner Stolz. These meetings provided insights into Germany’s innovation landscape, diplomatic initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration.

The delegation also explored Berlin’s tech and science hubs, visited the Indiana University Europe Gateway for a sports-focused panel, and attended a formal reception hosted by the Berlin Senate ahead of the NFL game. The trip concluded on Sunday with delegates attending the Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons matchup at the historic Rotes Rathaus, celebrating a Colts victory in overtime.

Thank you to all of our partners who helped make this delegation a success!

For delegation inquiries, please contact Colin Renk, VP of Client & Partner Services.

Indiana & Czech Republic Forge Stronger Business Links

Prior to its Berlin delegation, The Center traveled to visit with officials in Prague to cultivate stronger ties between Indiana and the Czech Republic. As part of the visit, The Center met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Confederation of Industry and Trade to discuss bidirectional business delegations focused on the manufacturing, engineering, and automotive sectors.

Morris Series Explores Global Business in 4th Session

For the November meeting of the Morris Series, our Morris Series cohort was graciously hosted by Eli Lilly and Company for a day to discuss global business. We were joined by Janaina Siegler from Butler University, who provided expertise on the global supply chain, and board member Dr. Nicolas Chemali shared more about his time with Eli Lilly and Company and the opportunities and challenges that come with working globally. The cohort also enjoyed a tour of the Lilly Museum and beautiful views of Indianapolis!

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Flag Program Featured at the Flag Institute’s Winter 2025 Conference

The International Center was honored to be featured in the Flag Institute’s AGM and Winter 2025 Conference, where The Center’s Chief of Protocol, Peter Kirkwood, presented “Raising Respect: How The International Center’s Flag Program Builds Cultural Understanding.” The session highlighted how the Flag Program promotes cultural awareness, civic pride, and international understanding through the proper display and care of national, state, and organizational flags.

During the presentation, attendees learned how the Flag Program supports schools, community groups, state and local governments, and visiting delegations across Indiana. Topics included the evolution of The Center’s complete United Nations flag collection, the expansion of its inventory of national and cultural banners, and the practical realities of deploying hundreds of flags each year. The session also explored how the Program aligns with global protocol standards and how authentic, respectful flag displays foster meaningful connections between Hoosiers and communities worldwide.

The Center is proud to share Indiana’s approach to international engagement on a global stage—and equally proud that the Flag Program continues to serve as one of our most visible and impactful tools for welcoming the world to Indiana.

Flag Service

Martin Baier Provides Opening Remarks at Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Martin Baier, President and CEO of The International Center and founding board member of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, delivered remarks at the market's opening ceremony. A native of Germany, Baier emphasized the strong connections between Indiana and Germany, celebrated the rich traditions of German Christmas markets, and praised the team for creating what he called the most authentic—and best—Christkindlmarkt in the country.

The International Center is proud to sponsor the Carmel Christkindlmarkt through the Festival Fund. Applications for the Festival Fund will open in spring 2026.

The Center Joins Sigma's International Nurses Reception to Promote Cross-Border Collaboration in Nursing

The International Center was honored to take part in the International Nurses Reception at the Sigma Biennial Conference in Indianapolis, celebrating a newly forged partnership with Sigma International Honor Society of Nursing, The International Center, and Indiana Sister Cities.

The evening brought together global nurse leaders, scholars, and practitioners whose work exemplifies international collaboration and compassionate leadership. Hosted in the spirit of global connection, the reception highlighted the shared mission of advancing understanding across borders — whether through cultural exchange, education, or healthcare innovation.

As part of this growing partnership, The International Center looks forward to working alongside Sigma and Indiana Sister Cities to promote citizen diplomacy, strengthen community partnerships, and build bridges between health, humanity, and global engagement.

Together, we continue to show that care knows no borders — and neither does collaboration.

The Center Shares Strategies for Serving International Real Estate Clients

The International Center presented to the Northside Division of the MIBOR REALTOR® Association on best practices for working with international real estate clients.

Colin Renk offered an overview of cultural communication styles and business practices, while Taina Lance shared insights from a relocation lens — including how housing preferences can vary based on a client’s country of origin. She also highlighted features of American homes that agents may take for granted but are often unfamiliar to newcomers.

Participants appreciated the practical guidance and valued adding this knowledge to their skill set as Central Indiana’s real estate market becomes increasingly diverse.

Indiana Sister Cities Hosts Virtual Annual Meeting on December 6

Join Indiana Sister Cities’ Virtual Annual Meeting on Dec 6, 4–6 PM ET! Connect, share updates, and plan for 2026 together.

The Indiana Sister Cities Virtual Annual Meeting is your chance to connect with fellow citizen diplomats and community leaders from across the state. Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (ET) for an engaging online gathering focused on reflection, collaboration, and future planning.

During the meeting, we’ll celebrate this year’s achievements, hear updates from sister city committees statewide, and discuss new opportunities for international exchange and partnership in 2026. Participants will also have the chance to share best practices, highlight local successes, and explore ways to strengthen global connections through people-to-people diplomacy.

Whether you’re a long-time volunteer, a city official, or simply interested in fostering international friendship, this annual meeting is a great opportunity to stay involved, learn from others, and help shape the future of Indiana’s sister city network.

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Dr. Hilary Kahn Recognized for Role in International Education

Congratulations to our board member Dr. Hilary Kahn on being named to The PIE News “50 Voices: Americas” list for 2025! This recognition highlights her leadership, expertise, and impact in international education — both here in Indiana and across the globe. We’re proud to celebrate her contributions and grateful to have her as part of The International Center board. Read the full list here.

Living up to the Mission

The International Center is a catalyst to inform, convene, and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana.

Inform

The International Center hosted a free webinar on Doing Business with South Korea with the Indiana District Export Council. The session highlighted the Korea-Indiana Partnership, current trading relationship, cultural differences in business, and a panel discussion with Hyeon-Jin Lim (Korea Trade - Investment Promotion Agency), Cynthia Dunston Quick (Scout and Zoe's), and Joonseok Wee (Korean Consulate General in Chicago).