When people think about data, they usually picture spreadsheets and conference rooms, not a world-famous racetrack. This spring, the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability changed that by hosting its Data Jams in unexpected locations, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and a local museum.
These new locations weren’t just for show. They created a more welcoming space for facilities managers to connect, learn, and share ideas. Compared to previous years, which were held in university classrooms, attendance grew significantly. That shift demonstrated the true value of selecting venues that reflect the community’s energy and priorities.
“The Data Jam at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a concerted effort to teach facilities managers how to benchmark their buildings at a site that reflects the values of Thriving Buildings with the backdrop of the legendary motor speedway,” said Michael Milner, Thriving Buildings Manager. “By no surprise, IMS Data Jam was our most attended Data Jam yet and sparked an increase in building compliance.”
Meeting People Where They Are
The Thriving Buildings program is part of Indianapolis’s larger sustainability goals. It helps building owners and operators track their energy use, reduce emissions, and make smart upgrades that improve performance. Through the City’s benchmarking and transparency ordinance, large buildings are required to report their annual energy use, making it easier for the City and building owners to identify opportunities to improve.
Successful programs like this don’t work on rules alone. They rely on relationships, trust, and clear communication. By hosting events in locations that felt relevant and exciting, the Office of Sustainability made it easier for people to attend and feel part of something bigger.
Michael Milner (Thriving Buildings Manager, Indianapolis Office of Sustainability) and Mo McReynolds (Director, Indianapolis Office of Sustainability) stand at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, host site of the spring Data Jam.
Sharing Real Stories
These gatherings weren’t just about checking boxes. They created space for genuine conversations between peers who manage buildings every day. From historic landmarks to modern stadiums, these managers face unique challenges, and they have valuable lessons to share.
“As managers of historic motorsport properties, we don’t often have the opportunity to share results of energy efficiency projects or how we got them off the ground,” said Logan Waddle, Sustainability Program Leader for Penske Entertainment. “Hosting the Data Jam was a unique chance to answer questions from peers across the city about how we’ve been able to pursue innovative waste diversion and efficient transportation initiatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while also demonstrating the effectiveness of benchmarking our energy usage and using that data to make informed decisions.”
Logan Waddle (Sustainability Program Leader, Penske Entertainment) and Michael Milner discuss benchmarking strategies during the Data Jam at IMS.
This kind of honest, experience-based learning helps build a stronger culture of sustainability. It also reinforces that the best ideas often come from collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As Indianapolis continues to work toward its 2025 goals, the Thriving Buildings program is focused on bringing more building owners into the conversation. By hosting events that feel connected to the local community, the City is helping to make energy benchmarking a practical, approachable, and worthwhile endeavor.
From racetracks to classrooms to community spaces, the lesson is clear: where we meet people matters. And when people feel seen and supported, they are more likely to take action.