About this Event
Tidings & Trivia 2026
Holiday Cheer. Hoosier Civics. A Little Friendly Competition.
How well do you really know Indiana?
Sharpen your civic knowledge and bring your competitive spirit!
Join the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation for an evening of holiday cheer, spirited competition, and great company at Guggman Haus Brewing Co.!
We're bringing together MDLF Fellows, alumni, friends, future Fellows, and organizations strengthening civic life across Indiana for a holiday gathering with a twist: a professionally hosted trivia showdown celebrating the people, places, history, and government of the Hoosier State.
Calling all MDLF Fellows and alumni: Bring one or two people you think should be part of Class X! This is your opportunity to introduce promising future Fellows to the MDLF community in the best possible way: through good company, friendly competition, and a little Hoosier trivia.
No civics degree required. Just curiosity, a competitive streak, and a willingness to have some fun.
What to Expect
A Hoosier Trivia Showdown
Our friends at Hambone's Trivia will lead a lively, five-round competition featuring Indiana government, state and local civics, Hoosier history, and a few surprises along the way. Expect clever questions, friendly rivalries, plenty of laughs, and bragging rights for the winning team!
New Faces. New Connections. One Team.
You won't need to assemble your own trivia squad. MDLF will create teams of approximately eight, bringing together Fellows, alumni, prospective Class X Fellows, civic partners, and community leaders.
Fellows and alumni are encouraged to bring one or two prospective Fellows as their guests. We'll do our best to place you on the same trivia team as the people you invite while introducing everyone to new faces across the MDLF network.
Come with a friend or come on your own. Either way, you'll have a team ready to welcome you.
Holiday Hospitality
Enjoy a festive evening at Guggman Haus, with a food buffet and beverages as you reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Festive holiday attire is encouraged!
Meet the People Strengthening Indiana's Civic Life
Between trivia rounds, we'll introduce some of the organizations working to strengthen civic knowledge, engagement, and leadership across our state. No lengthy speeches or presentations—just a chance to discover good work happening throughout Indiana and the people making it possible.
The Evening's Lineup
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM ET
- 5:00–5:25 PM | Doors Open, Food & Festivities
Check in, grab a bite and a beverage, mingle with Fellows and democracy partners, find your trivia team, and get acquainted. It's also your chance to settle on a winning team name! - 5:25–5:30 PM | Welcome & Game On!
A brief welcome from MDLF, followed by the rules of the game from Hambone's Trivia. - 5:30–6:45 PM | The Hoosier Trivia Showdown
Five rounds of Indiana-themed trivia, with friendly competition, plenty of surprises, and quick introductions to Indiana civic partners along the way. - 7:00 PM | Answers, Awards & Bragging Rights
We'll reveal the results, recognize our trivia champions, and share a few opportunities to stay connected and engaged with MDLF. - 7:00–8:00 PM | Keep the Celebration Going
The formal competition is over, but the celebration doesn't have to be. Stick around for more holiday cheer, conversation, and connections.
Thinking About the MDLF Fellowship?
Know someone who belongs in the next generation of Indiana's civic leaders? Bring them along!
We invite every MDLF Fellow and alum to bring one or two prospective Class X Fellows to experience the MDLF community firsthand.
And if you've been invited as a prospective Fellow, welcome! You'll have the opportunity to meet current Fellows and alumni, hear about their experiences, and get a feel for the relationships and opportunities that make the Fellowship special.
Applications for Class X open Monday, December 21, 2026. We'd love to meet you!
Event Details
When: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM ET
Where: Guggman Haus Brewing Co., 1701 Gent Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Attire: Festive holiday attire encouraged
Registration: Required for all attendees, including guests. Space is limited.
Bring your Hoosier knowledge. Bring your holiday spirit. Bring a future Fellow. We'll bring the competition.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Event venue & nearby stays
Guggman Haus Brewing Co., 1701 Gent Avenue, Indianapolis, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.