500 Festival Strategic Partnerships & Activation, Spring 2026
January 13 – May 28, 2026
Supervisor: Joshua Reichart, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
The 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that was created in 1957 to produce events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Today, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most respected festivals, engaging more than half a million people throughout its events and programs each year. Events include the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, the 500 Festival Parade, and so many more!
Are you looking to make a BIG impact in the city of Indianapolis? The 500 Festival is looking for 12 interns to help produce the greatest series of programs and events! 500 Festival interns experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis and assist in the planning and execution of 500 Festival events and programs while gaining valuable industry insight.
- Hours Requirement
- Generally, Internship positions are considered full-time, with 40 hours per week requested.
- Office hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
- Must be willing to work long hours and an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and every weekend in May.
- Based on candidate experience and/or schedule, a part-time role can be considered for the position. No less than 25 hours per week would be requested.
- With approval from the HR team, the Partnership Department will work to determine the season work schedule for the department intern, as duties assigned are different than other internships positions within the organization.
- Compensation
- As a full-time Intern, a weekly stipend of $400 will be issued. Stipend will be paid at the end of each month. No relocation or housing assistance is provided.
Responsibilities:
- Specific to Strategic Partnership Department
- Create corporate partnership proposals, corporate membership sales and executive partner activation.
- Assist in creating and maintaining accurate partner and event records.
- Develop and disseminate ongoing communication with partners and corporate members.
- Research and identify partnership opportunities for the 500 Festival.
- Support partnership proposals and recap templates that include adding content and performing research to complete prospect decks.
- Assist with onsite management of 500 Festival suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This includes food and beverage orders.
- Tracking, assistance, and fulfillment relating to a variety of hospitality benefits per partnership agreements.
- Support of Partnership onsite activation during 500 Festival events and programs.
- Help create a positive event experience for all partners and corporate members at all 500 Festival events and programs.
- Administration, Marketing, Operational, and Other Organizational Elements
- Aid in distribution of marketing materials to partners and corporate members.
- Help in building content for partner communication channels (i.e. newsletters, social media posts, press releases, scripting, etc.)
- Work closely with the Marketing and Communication department to ensure partner messaging and logo representation is accurate and correct.
- Work independently by thoroughly checking finished tasks, following through those managed expectations and instructions, and competing assigned tasks accurately by the partnership department
- All staff and interns assist with logistics for 500 Festival and partner specific events, especially during the month of May
- Opportunity to learn about and participate in event set up, tear down, and production of all events and programs (consisting of early mornings and late nights).
- Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain, and other conditions.
- Collaborate with event professionals and volunteers to develop and manage program/event timelines.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
- Training and/or experience in meeting/event planning, recreation, tourism, marketing, special events or a related field is recommended.
- Learn about and participate in event set up, tear down, and production of all events and programs (consists of early mornings and late nights).
- Interns will frequently work outdoors, which requires physical strength and stamina to endure heat, cold, rain and other conditions.
- Possess strong written/verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.)
- A team player with exceptional organizational and computer skills.
- Are self-motivated and takes initiative; can manage and balance multiple projects/tasks at one time.
- Have strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm.
- Possess a willingness to learn and adjust/adapt to changing deadlines.
- Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which will include weekends and evenings.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Application Process:
- Candidates with directly relevant skills and background are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and resume.
- Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received.
- Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or in person. The format will be determined by the supervisor and based on location and availability.
- We may also consider your application for other positions as part of our recruitment process.
Benefits:
- Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Month of May in Indianapolis.
- Hands-on industry experience.
- 500 Festival branded apparel.
- Two tickets to the 500 Festival Parade.
- Two tickets to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, presented by Gainbridge.
