ILLINOIS MEETING GUIDE

ILLINOIS MEETING GUIDE

Dear Meeting and Event Planner:

As Governor it is my pleasure to welcome you to the great state of Illinois and thank you for your interest. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large event, Illinois is the place to meet. Thousands of planners choose Illinois each year. From major tradeshows in our world- class convention centers to small business meetings in hotels and everything in between, we have the amenities you are looking for and more.

The Illinois Meeting Guide is a useful tool designed to make planning even easier in Illinois. This valuable guide contains information about destinations and facilities statewide. You can use it as a reference or in conjunction with convention and visitor bureau professionals who are happy to assist with your planning.

For further information, please visit the Illinois meetings and conventions website, meetinillinois.com. The comprehensive and easy-to-use site is a resource filled with detailed listings and a request for proposals section.In Illinois we take pride in our exceptional facilities, and I invite you to host your next meeting in the land that Lincoln called home.

Sincerely,

Bruce RaunerGovernor, State of Illinois

WELCOME TO ILLINOIS

COME EXPLORE

We encourage you to explore this guide to find a meeting space offering a variety of world-class accommodations and settings for any group. You can submit an RFP online at www.meetinillinois.com that can be distributed quickly to our sales professionals to help you execute your meeting or event.

If you would like to speak with someone directly, please contact:

ERIC C. WAGNERIllinois Office of TourismJames R. Thompson Center 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 3-400Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-793-2369Fax: 312-814-6175Email: [email protected]

The hospitality industry in Illinois takes pride in all of the meeting/convention facilities we have to offer, and we look forward to exceeding expectations as your meeting planning destination.

meetinillinois.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY

Alton Regional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Galena/Jo Daviess County . . . . . . 37Galesburg Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Henry County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Macomb Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Peoria Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Quad Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Quincy Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth . . 44

TRAILS TO ADVENTURE

Carbondale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Mt. Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Southernmost Illinois . . . . . . . . . . 48Williamson County . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

CHICAGO & BEYOND

Aurora Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Blackhawk Waterways . . . . . . . . . . . 9Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chicago’s North Shore . . . . . . . . . . 11 Chicago Northwest . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Chicago Southland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13DeKalb County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Downers Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15DuPage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Elgin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Freeport/Stephenson County . . 18Heritage Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Kankakee County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Lake County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Lisle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22McHenry County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Oak Park Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Rockford Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Rosemont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26St. Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

LAND OF LINCOLN

Abraham Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Bloomington-Normal Area . . . . . 30Champaign County . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Decatur Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Springfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com

WHAT IS A CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (CVB)?Convention & Visitors Bureaus are not-for-profit organizations sharing the mission of enticing visitors to the destination each serves. In addition to individuals seeking a vacation, weekend getaway or simply a day away from home, visitors are also attendees of conventions, meetings, sports events and motorcoach trips.

THINK OF CVBs AS A LOCAL “ONLINE DIRECTORY”!A CVB’s staff of hospitality professionals is trained to maintain existing and establish new relationships with event planners for the purpose of providing them with unbiased destination and support service information. CVB services – almost always complimentary – are designed to match planner and attendee needs to the destination’s amenities and resources, resulting in streamlined, time-saving efficiencies for the planner and enhanced ROI for the organizations hosting their event.

HOW CVBs DO WHAT THEY DO… Though CVBs have existed since the late 1800s, many planners don’t know they exist! The services provided by each bureau vary somewhat; however, resources typically include the following:

• Destination Expertise – RFP distribution, site inspections, provision of print and web-based marketing materials

• Bid Development – competitive analysis, liaison with convention center, hotels, meeting venues

• Convention Planning – welcome letters, local media contacts, street signage, identification of support services

• Attendance Building – media release creation, dedicated web landing pages, attendance boosters and telemarketing services

• On-site Support – supply visitor’s guides, city maps, registration booths and support, name badges, welcome banners, attendee “goodie bag” materials

CONTACT YOUR ILLINOIS EXPERT: Our local Convention and Visitors Bureaus!


HOW DO PLANNERS BENEFIT? Meeting and event planners oversee hundreds of tasks and, by reaching out to the Illinois CVBs listed within these pages, they will receive help with the following:

• Time Savings – identifying the appropriate venue, rates and availability within planner’s time frame and budget

• Financial Savings – complimentary products and services, maximizing value dates/meeting patterns, individual CVB promotions designed to enhance event bottom lines

• Simplicity – gathering bids from hotels in standardized formats. CVBs can receive all RFPs on behalf of the planner.

• Unbiased Expertise – providing a wide range of updated information on existing facilities and activities, and education regarding new hotels/meeting venue locations and off-site activities

• Unique Destination Perspective – providing information on airlift, weather, city-wide meetings and community events

CVBs CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD! CVBs… • Are NOT “middle men” who increase costs – CVBs receive no commission or client fees for booking business

• Do NOT serve city-wide conventions only – Most bureaus have sales professionals dedicated to meetings for 200 or fewer attendees

• Do NOT distribute leads to everyone – CVBs have the flexibility to send RFPs only to those venues requested BY THE PLANNER. Additionally, CVBs will, upon request, maintain the planner’s anonymity by collecting, on behalf of the planner, all initial proposals

• Absolutely ARE accountable – CVBs are funded with public dollars – and, in some cases, membership dollars – and are responsible to document the impact their activities have on the economic health of the destination they serve. Bureaus track the number of potential pieces of business they identify, the number of hotel room nights they book and the number of people they touch with their services.

The CVBs listed in this guide have been sorted by Illinois’ four distinct tourism regions, and planners interested in bringing meetings to the Midwest and a particular Illinois region are encouraged to use this guide to find the CVBs located within the desired region. Planners also can submit an RFP online at www.meetinIllinois.com which can be distributed quickly so that the appropriate CVB sale professionals can be in touch with you to help execute the meeting or event.

7For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com

CHICAGO & BEYONDThe cultural heart & soul of Illinois, Chicago and its suburbs are home

to world-class museums, restaurants and entertainment. Beyond the

city limits lies a wealth of meeting destinations among zoos, gardens,

amusements parks, shopping malls and outlet centers.

Brookfield Zoo Shopping in Oak Brook The Chicago Theatre

For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com8 For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com 9

The Aurora area – just 37 miles from Chicago – is ideal for small- to medium-size unique meetings. Imagine meeting in the oldest

roundhouse in North America or in a restored 1930s movie palace. The award-winning gardens surrounding Mies van der Rohe’s

“Glass House” create atmosphere. As the second largest city in Illinois, Aurora is an exciting blend of the best of both the urban and

the suburban. A must-stop: premier discount designer shopping at Chicago Premium Outlets.

At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: 1,200

• Largest Meeting Facility: Best Western Timber Creek Inn & Suites Convention Center, Sandwich, IL

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 28,385 sq. ft. (Timber Creek)

Find it • 37 miles west of Chicago

• Easy access by Metra rail system and major highways

• 30 minutes from Midway International Airport and 45 from O’Hare International Airport

Website: enjoyaurora.comPhone: 630.256.3190 Fax: 630.256.3199E-mail: [email protected]

Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Farnsworth House Savanna-Sabula Bridge

The Blackhawk Waterways region is rich in historical attractions, state parks, outdoor recreation, unique shopping and

local community events & festivals. We offer accommodations that range from chain hotel to B&Bs and cabins. Looking for

something different? We offer unique facilities for corporate retreats and small- to medium-size conventions. We’ll cater each

event to your specific needs. And we’re an easy 90- to 120-minute drive from Chicagoland, with most of our destinations

within 30 minutes of an airport.

Find it • Convenient to I-88

• Also accessible via US 52 / IL 64 and I-39


• Largest Meeting Facility: Days Inn

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: Seating for 500

Website: visitnorthwestillinois.comToll-Free: 800.678.2108 Phone: 815.946.2108 Fax: 815.946.2277 E-mail: [email protected]

Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau


At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: 33,000+ downtown and 110,000+ in greater metropolitan area

• Largest Meeting Facility: McCormick Place

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 2.6 million sq. ft.; 100,000 sq. ft. ballroom

Find it • O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport offer more than 3,000 flights with daily non-stop or direct global gateway flights to 200 cities worldwide

• Public transportation via, train, bus, taxi – and even water taxi – makes getting to and around the city simple

• Approximately 59.5 million people live within a one-day drive

McCormick Place

As the official sales and marketing organization for Chicago & McCormick Place, our team is dedicated to successfully planning

your next meeting or convention. You may know us for the larger shows, but we are also an invaluable resource for smaller

meetings and events. Our membership allows us access to Chicago’s hotels, restaurants and special event venues, as well as

cultural and entertainment options such as museums, sporting arenas, sightseeing boats, photographers, caterers and more.

Let us be your partner in success – MAKE IT CHICAGO!

Website: choosechicago.com

Phone: 312.567.8500 Fax: 312.567.8472

Choose Chicago

Baha’i House of Worship

Bordering Chicago along amazing Lake Michigan, Chicago’s North Shore represents the most scenic communities in the

Midwest that are also home to state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. The picturesque shoreline is rich in performing

arts, cultural attractions, recreational activities, award-winning restaurants and five-star shopping. Area attractions include the

Chicago Botanic Garden, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

and the only Baha’i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere. Premier shopping is available at Westfield Old Orchard,

Northbrook Court, the Glen Town Center and downtown Evanston and Winnetka. Area hotels have completed more than

$65 million in renovations recently, and can host groups from 20 to 1,000 people.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Holiday Inn North Shore – Skokie

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 14,000 sq. ft.

Find it • Bordering the city of Chicago – just 20 minutes from downtown

• Along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan

• Only 20 minutes east of O’Hare International Airport

Website: visitchicagonorthshore.com

Phone: 847.763.0011 ext. 23 Fax: 847.763.0022

Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau


Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

The Chicago Northwest region, where business blends with style, is located on the edge of O’Hare Airport. This sophisticated

area features 62 hotels, state-of-the-art conference centers, a stunning high-tech convention center, and a luxurious resort

combining productivity and relaxation – all with FREE parking. Affordability is the bottom line. Exciting entertainment and

shopping options for meeting attendees and families include: Woodfield Mall, IKEA, Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace, Arlington

International, Medieval Times, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and TopGolf. Choose from more than 500 restaurants offering

every type of cuisine. For seamless events in a cosmopolitan and vibrant destination, contact our sales professionals.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel


Find it • 15 minutes from O’Hare International Airport

• 45 minutes to downtown Chicago

• At crossroads of major highways and interstates

Website: ChicagoNorthwest.com

Toll-Free: 800.847.4849 Phone: 847.490.1010 Fax: 847.490.1212

Chicago Northwest – It’s Better on the Edge

Tinley Park Convention Center

Chicago Southland – Chicago’s 62 south/southwest suburbs – is the affordable, accessible meeting location, with 5 full-service

hotels plus the 70,450-square-foot Tinley Park Convention Center, all with FREE parking. Unique meeting places abound, with

golf courses, historical buildings and Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center, the only corporate team-building facility in the

Midwest. The CSCVB assists with site selection, bids/proposals, transportation coordination, registration and more. Ask about

our current incentive campaign at [email protected].

At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: 6,000+

• Largest Meeting Facility: Tinley Park Convention Center


Find it • Nearest Airport: Midway International Airport (properties within 4 miles)

• Nearest City: Chicago (30 minutes from downtown)

• Accessible via I-55, I-57, I-80, I-94, I-294 and I-394

Website: MeetChicagoSouthland.com Toll-Free: 888.895.8233 Fax: 708.895.8288 E-mail: [email protected]

Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau


The perfect destination for your next event awaits you in DeKalb County. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to experience

our contemporary culture and countryside charm. Only 60 miles west of Chicago, DeKalb County has more than 360,000 square

feet of meeting space, state-of-the-art facilities, and a variety of restaurant and catering options to choose from. Our affordable

venues and Midwestern hospitality keep groups coming back time and time again. We offer many amenities to meeting and

event planners, including RFPs, site inspections and more! Whether you are planning indoor or outdoor, large or small, formal

or casual, be sure to put DeKalb County at the top of your list for your next event. It’s truly something special!

At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: 751

• Largest Meeting Facility: Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University


Find it • Conveniently located off Interstates 88, I-39 and I-90

• 60 miles west of Chicago

• US Route 38, Illinois Lincoln Highway runs through DeKalb County

Website: dekalbcountycvb.comToll-Free: 877.335.2521 Fax: 815.756.5164 E-mail: [email protected]

DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau

NIU Convocation Center Downers Grove Friday Night Classic Car Show

A perfect place to stay in, play in, dine in and shop in! Downers Grove boasts a variety of recreational, shopping, dining and

cultural activities. Highlights include a historic nine-hole golf course, and an authentic downtown with unique boutiques,

specialty shops and a variety of restaurants. Downers Grove is also home to some of Chicagoland’s best festivals, including a

National Ice Sculpture Festival, Friday Night Classic Car Shows, Concerts in the Park, the Annual Fine Arts Festival and much more.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Esplanade Conference Center


Find it • 25 minutes to the city of Chicago

• Easy access from I-355, I-88 and I-55

• Conveniently located between O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport

Website: visitdg.org


Downers Grove Visitors Bureau


Ideally located just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, DuPage offers over 1.9 million square feet of combined meeting

space and 16,000+ guest rooms in a wide variety of hotels, making it an outstanding choice for groups of up to 5,000.

DuPage County has five IACC-approved properties and three beautiful golf resorts with excellent meeting facilities. In

addition to offering world-class restaurants, attractions and shopping, DuPage is also amazingly rich in culture, heritage

and landscape. Contact our team of seasoned professionals and take advantage of our long list of complimentary

Signature Services to help make this your best meeting yet.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Odeum Expo Center


Find it • Convenient to O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport and DuPage Airport

• Easily accessible from six major highways

• A quick trip to downtown Chicago via three commuter train lines

Website: discoverdupage.comToll-Free: 800.232.0502 Fax: 630.575.8078E-mail: [email protected]

DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau

Spartan Events Center

Ever held a meeting in a former blacksmith shop that’s now a private dinner club? How about in an elegant pavilion surrounded

by a beautiful, serene park? Or perhaps on a passenger locomotive surrounded by 56 acres of restored trains? Conveniently

located just 30 minutes from O’Hare off I-90, Chicagoland’s Northern Fox River Valley is rich with exciting and unique meeting

venues and is the ideal location for your next function. With affordable facilities, comfortable accommodations, many diverse

dining options and exciting attractions, your event is certain to be a great success in this rare and exceptional meeting destination.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Elgin Community College

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: Spartan Events Center (seating for 900)

Find it • Only 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport

• Located off I-90

• Elgin boasts three Metra rail stations leading to Chicago’s Union Station

Website: northernfoxrivervalley.com

Phone: 847.695.7540 Fax: 847.695.7668

Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau


Masonic Temple

Freeport/Stephenson County, with its centuries of charm and hospitality, is located two hours west of Chicago in the

rolling hills of Northwest Illinois. Explore quaint villages, beautiful parks, first-class golf courses, restaurants, fine lodging

and excellent meeting facilities perfect for small- to mid-size meetings.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Freeport Masonic Temple


Find it • 25 miles from Rockford

• US Route 20 runs through Freeport

• 1 hour and 20 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Website: stephenson-county-il.org


Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Meet in Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, Chicagoland’s Largest Playground! You’ll discover

unique venues like Starved Rock Lodge with a variety of team-building exercises, staff training, or executive retreats!

Waterparks, seasonal waterfulls, championship golf courses, historic sites, nightlife, casinos, NASCAR and more! We offer

site selection, event planning, activity and touring opportunities with an emphasis on service. We excel in smaller, more

intimate meetings with plenty of outdoor team building exercises.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Holiday Inn Countryside


Find it • Chicago: As close as 14 miles and as far as 100 miles

• Airports: Midway International, 40 minutes; O’Hare International, 1 hour

• Amtrak: Joliet and Mendota stations

• Easy Access off I-55 and I-80

Website: HeritageCorridorCVB.com


Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau


Kankakee’s beautifully manicured golf course

Kankakee County has established itself as one of the Midwest’s affordable small meeting & event destinations. Located just

an hour south of Chicago off Interstate 57, the Kankakee River Valley offers a peaceful setting for meetings, retreats and

special events. Find the perfect location for your event from conference centers to sportsplexes, auditoriums, classrooms,

theaters and ballrooms. For a truly unique event, consider one of Kankakee County’s historic landmarks or outdoor facilities.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Hilton Garden Inn Riverstone Conference Center


Find it • 1 hour south of Chicago on I-57

• 45 miles to Midway International Airport/70 miles to O’Hare International Airport

• 1½ hours north of Champaign, IL

Website: visitkankakeecounty.com

Toll-Free: 800.747.4837 Fax: 815.935.5169

Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Chicago Botanical Gardens

As Chicago’s neighbor to the north, Lake County boasts first-rate meeting sites at affordable prices. Centrally located

between Chicago and Milwaukee, only 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, access to Lake County is easy. Unsurpassed

natural beauty abounds with 75 inland lakes and 25,000 acres of lush forest preserves. Area attractions include Six Flags

Great America, Gurnee Mills, Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia Festival, Long Grove Historic Shopping Village, Genesee

Theatre and more! We offer 60 hotels, three premier resorts and facilities for events accommodating up to 1,000 people.

We will gather hotel proposals, arrange site tours and provide complimentary welcome bags with giveaways.

At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: 8,500 with over 60 hotels

• Largest Meeting Facility: Lake County Fairgrounds

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 65,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space

Find it • Centrally located between Chicago and Milwaukee

• Easy access off I-94 and Route 41

• 25 miles from downtown Chicago

Website: visitlakecounty.org

Toll-Free: 800.LAKE.NOW (800.525.3669) Fax: 847.662.2700

Visit Lake County


The Four Pillars

Meet in Style…Stay in Lisle – Chicago’s Premier Western Suburb. Home to The Morton Arboretum, internationally

recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum and the popular Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival, Lisle has three

outstanding, full-service hotels that offer complimentary parking and easy access to major highways and attractions.

With beautiful natural surroundings, Lisle offers meeting planners the very finest in meeting facilities with options that

include the Hilton, Hyatt and Sheraton hotels.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Sheraton Lisle


Find it • 25 miles from O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport

• Easy access to major highways I-88 and I-355


Website: stayinlisle.com

Toll-Free: 800.733.9811 Fax: 630.769.1006

Lisle Convention & Visitors Bureau


• Largest Meeting Facility: Holiday Inn Crystal Lake Conference Center


Located northwest of Chicago, McHenry County offers an escape from the everyday. Accessibility from I-90, O’Hare

International Airport and Metra train service makes getting to the area simple. From the full-service Holiday Inn® Chicago-

Crystal Lake Conference Center to the spectacular rural retreats of the Concorde Centre and Loyola University Chicago’s

Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, McHenry County meeting and event sites are a breath of fresh air. Team

building, outdoor recreation, unique off-site facilities and top-rated golf make an event in McHenry County successful,

and the services of the Visit McHenry County CVB make planning easy.

Holiday Inn® Chicago-Crystal Lake Conference Center

Find it • 45 miles northwest of Chicago

• Along I-90 and in the heart of the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford Business Triangle

• Easy access to O’Hare International Airport

Website: visitmchenrycounty.com


Visit McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau


The Oak Park area is ready to host your next meeting or seminar. National hotels and unique historic venues provide a variety of

options to best meet your small- to mid-size group needs. We’ll work with our partners to assist you in creating a flawless and

professional event. Enjoy world-class dining, theater, history and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture just 8 miles west of downtown

Chicago. Make the “Wright” choice and bring your meeting to the Oak Park area.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Four Points Sheraton


Find it • 8 miles west of downtown Chicago

• Convenient to O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport

• Easily accessed by CTA Green Line, Blue Line and Metra rail system

Website: visitoakpark.com Toll-Free: 888.OAK.PARK (888.625.7275) Fax: 708.524.7473E-mail: [email protected]

Visit Oak Park

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Prairie Street Brewhouse

Illinois’s Rockford region is just 60 minutes from the Windy City, with lots of incentives and competitively priced event hosting

costs. Event planners enjoy visiting us for the versatile mix of unique venues, unparalleled value, ease of accessibility and friendly

community we have to offer. Located at the top of Illinois, a wealth of meeting venue options are at arm’s length, waiting to be

explored. Notably, our experienced facilities professionals welcome back their event planning counterparts year after year. To

learn more, call Greta Spencer at 800.519.1651 or visit gorockford.com for free professional event planning assistance.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center


Find it • Getting to the Rockford region is easy, especially if you live in Chicago (60 miles from O’Hare International Airport), Madison (60 miles) or Milwaukee (80 miles). And once you’re here, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from the work-a-day world of home.

• Seventeen daily shuttles connect Rockford with Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

• Flying directly into Rockford is an option for those wanting to use the Chicago/Rockford International Airport (RFD)

Website: gorockford.com

Toll-Free: 800.521.0849 Fax: 815.963.4298

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau


Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Rosemont, Illinois, is home to the 840,000-square-foot Donald E. Stephens Convention Center featuring flexible exhibition

space, a friendly staff and great rates. Just 5 minutes from O’Hare Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, Rosemont

is continually growing and evolving to enhance our visitors’ experience. In addition to our world-class hotels, dining,

networking opportunities, the new MB Financial Park entertainment district, shopping at the fashion outlets of Chicago,

Ballpark in Rosemont, Dome at the Ballpark. All of this, combined with Rosemont Convention Bureau’s professional staff, makes

Rosemont a leader in the meeting industry. Discover what Rosemont can do for you.

At-a-Glance • Total number of guest rooms in area: More than 10,000 within a 3-mile radius

• Largest Meeting Facility: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center


Find it • 5 minutes from O’Hare International Airport

• 20 minutes from downtown Chicago

Website: rosemont.com

Phone: 847.823.2100 Fax: 847.696.9700

Rosemont Convention & Tourism Bureau

Located in the heart of the Chicagoland’s Fox River Valley, Greater St. Charles offers meeting planners a “perfect portfolio” of choices. Professional planners are amazed at the wide range of hotels and venues that charming St. Charles offers. St. Charles is home to the Midwest’s premier entertainment resort, Pheasant Run Resort, and state-of-the art training facilities Q Center and Advanced Center for Training. The Hotel Baker, excellent for VIP retreats and mid-size programs, is located on the Fox River in the heart of downtown St. Charles. Additionally, the DuPage Expo and Prairie Events Center both offer planners 25,000+ square feet of meeting space. All this, plus free parking everywhere, live theater, delightful restaurants, antique and boutique shopping, a charming downtown community and recreational activities on or along the river. Our professional bureau team is eager to help you plan your event today!


• Largest Meeting Facility: Pheasant Run Resort

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 100,000+ sq. ft.

Find it • Halfway between I-90 and I-88

• Less than 1 hour from O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport


Website: visitstcharles.com Toll-Free: 800.777.4373 Fax: 630.513.0566 E-mail: [email protected]

Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pheasant Run Resort


LAND OF LINCOLNGet your meeting’s kicks along Route 66. Step back in history; experience

the legacy of Lincoln, the Amish lifestyle, college campuses and, of

course, the region’s state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

University of Illinois Abraham Lincoln Amish Country

Abraham Lincoln

Logan County has many meeting facilities, including Lincoln Public Library, the Maple Club, the American Legion, the Knights

of Columbus Hall and the Holiday Inn Express. Logan County also hosts four major events: the Logan County Fair, Christmas

on Vinegar Hill, the Art and Balloon Festival and the Abraham Lincoln National Rail-Splitting Contest. This county is steeped in

Abraham Lincoln history and is home to the Postville and Mt. Pulaski Courthouses from his 8th Judicial Circuit rides, as well as

the Stage Coach Inn and the Hoblit Carriage House. Route 66 also provides many other tourist attractions. Logan County offers

seven hotels with 370 available rooms.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Lincoln Christian University

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: Seating for 1,200

Find it • 30 minutes from Bloomington and Springfield, IL

• Located off I-55

• Nearest major airport is 30 minutes away in Springfield

Website: abe66.comPhone: 217.732.8687 Fax: 217.735.9205E-mail: [email protected]

Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County


U.S. Cellular Coliseum

Make Bloomington-Normal your meeting destination, and be prepared to have your expectations exceeded. We have a central

location, award-winning convention facilities, second-to-none service and spaces for groups from 10 to 10,000 people! Plus

you’ll notice our attention to detail in everything from your pre-convention meeting to your post-convention meeting to our

unique services, such as customized hotel registration pages. Come see why groups return here again and again. Check our

Web site for details, including our online Request for Proposal.


• Largest Meeting Facility: U.S. Cellular Coliseum


Find it • Centrally located with outstanding interstate access I-55, I-74 and I-39

• Central Illinois Regional Airport with more than 40 daily flights

• Amtrak service

Website: bloomingtonnormalcvb.org

Toll-Free: 800.433.8226 Fax: 309.661.0743

Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Local dining in downtown Champaign

Champaign County offers meeting planners more than 3,500 hotel rooms and more than 240,000 square feet of meeting spaces.

With modern hotel and conference centers, unique venues, and the University of Illinois in our backyard, Champaign County is

the ideal location for events and a hot spot for arts, culture, sports, entertainment, dining and nightlife. Visit Champaign County

offers meeting planners Savor the Flavor, a tasteful tour of the finest beverages and treats Champaign has to offer. Delegates

receive transportation and two tickets to be redeemed at any of the participating locations for a very small fee.


• Largest Meeting Facility: I Hotel & Conference Center


Find it • 3 major interstates from all directions converge in Champaign County

• Downtown Champaign features Amtrak, and more than 35 locally owned bars and restaurants in three blocks

• Willard Airport with daily flights serviced by American Airlines

Website: visitchampaigncounty.org

Phone: 217.351.4133 Fax: 217.398.3037

Visit Champaign County


Decatur Convention Center & Hotel Front Lobby

Website: decaturcvb.com

Toll-Free: 800.331.4479 Fax: 217.423.7455

Find it • Central Illinois location on I-72 between I-55 and I-57

• Air service from anywhere in the U.S. via connections in Chicago O’Hare International Airport and St. Louis International Airport


• Largest Meeting Facility: Decatur Conference Center & Hotel


Decatur/Forsyth, in central Illinois, is convenient for travelers from anywhere in the Midwest. We offer 1,400+ guest rooms to

accommodate all tastes and budgets. Additionally, we offer the largest hotel/conference center in downstate Illinois, many

significant historic sites and three fabulous public golf courses, plus unique shopping, restaurants and art galleries in our

historic downtown district. We’ve got big-city amenities at small-town prices!

Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lake Sara

Effingham has approximately 1,230 hotel/motel rooms and 65 restaurants, including the very popular Firefly Grill. The Keller

Convention Center is the largest meeting and event facility in Effingham. The Knights of Columbus Hall has two reception/

exhibition rooms with banquet seating for about 800. The total seating capacity of the meeting facilities in Effingham is 3,700,

including hotel meeting space and various community facilities. Additional recreation can be found at the Ballard Nature Center,

Effingham Performance Center, Evergreen Hollow Park and Recreation Center, Tuscan Hills Winery and popular Lake Sara. The

Effingham CVB offers complimentary services and is flexible to your needs. We are eager to help you plan your perfect meeting.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Keller Convention Center


Find it • Effingham is intersected by two interstates: I-57 and I-70

• 1½ hours from St. Louis

• 1 hour from Champaign

Website: visiteffinghamil.comToll-Free: 800.772.0750 Phone: 217.342.5310 Fax: 217.342.4939E-mail: [email protected]

Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau


GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY Just along the western edge of Illinois lies Great Rivers Country, where

spectacular scenery meets top-notch facilities for hosting meetings.

Whether you’re looking for the simple charm of Galena’s historic Main Street

or stunning views along Great River Road, you’ll find this and more here.

Main Street, Galena Spirit of Peoria John Deere Pavilion

Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield Hilton & President Abraham Lincoln – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Discover why conventions and meetings of every size are choosing Springfield as their convention destination! Located

in the heart of the Midwest and the historic capital of Illinois, Springfield is an ideal destination, providing a central,

easily accessible and affordable location that allows attendees to balance business with pleasure. The city is abundant

with unique venues for special event functions, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, along

with many of the other famous historic sites and museums. The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to

help! Consider us your “go-to” team for everything in Springfield. At the SCVB, we understand the scope of planning

both large and small events, and we offer a menu of complimentary services that can help you pull off even the most

complex event with ease.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Prairie Capital Convention Center


Find it • Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport at Springfield

• Centrally located between Chicago and St. Louis

• Amtrak and Greyhound service

Website: planonspringfieldil.com

Toll-Free: 800.545.7300 Fax: 217.544.8711

Springfield Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau

For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com34 35


Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mississippi River Bluffs

Find it • Convenient access to four major interstates: I-44, I-55, I-64 and I-70

• Minutes from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and St. Louis Regional Airport

• Amtrak station with service to Chicago, Bloomington, Springfield and St. Louis

Website: visitalton.com

Toll-Free: 800.ALTON.IL (800.258.6645) Fax: 618.465.6151

Alton, Illinois, is full of tranquil and scenic destinations for conferences, educational programs, retreats and small- to mid-

size meetings. Ideally situated along the Meeting of the Great Rivers (Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri River confluences), our

meeting spaces are just 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, as well as the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Alton has

an Amtrak station and is minutes from I-44, I-55, I-64 and I-70. We look forward to helping you design the perfect getaway

program for your meetings.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Lewis & Clark Community College


Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors BureauWebsite: galena.orgToll-Free: 888.442.5362 Fax: 815.777.3566E-mail: [email protected]

Find it • Dubuque Regional Airport – 30 minutes

• 3 hours from Chicago, IL; Des Moines, IA; and Milwaukee, WI

• 1½ hours from Quad Cities and Madison, WI


• Largest Meeting Facility: Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa


Galena and Jo Daviess County is one of the Midwest’s premier destinations. Located in the northwest corner of Illinois, the

region gives inspiration to any meeting with the tranquility of its river valleys and boundless scenic vistas. The topography-

enriched destination of Galena and Jo Daviess County highlights our 1,600 sleeping rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting

space, 189 holes of golf, full-service spas, downhill skiing, gardens and wineries. From first-class resorts to upscale inns, the

variety of accommodations are endless. Whether you’re planning a convention or a golf tournament, you’ll find the perfect

location to give your attendees a fresh perspective.

Main Street, Galena


The longstanding home to one of the largest railroad yards in the United States, Galesburg is known for its rich railway history.

But it is also known for its welcoming Midwestern spirit. Galesburg’s meeting facilities and overnight accommodations are

perfect for hosting all kinds of events. Plus there’s so much to explore before and after the event, from Galesburg Railroad

Museum to “Old Main” – the last standing site of the 1858 Lincoln–Douglas Debates – and more.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Best Western Prairie Inn


Find it • Conveniently located on I-74

• Daily Amtrak service to several destinations

• Located halfway between Peoria and the Quad Cities

Website: visitgalesburg.com

Phone: 309.343.2485 Fax: 309.343.2521

Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ryan’s Round Barn

Discover the Illinois countryside in Henry County, where we cater to small to mid-size meetings. The Best Western Annawan

Inn offers an enclosed walkway to the tastefully decorated meeting/banquet space. Additional unique meeting venues within

Henry County include Lavender Crest Winery, Colona and National Historic Landmark Bishop Hill Colony School and VagnHall

Galleri. Henry County offers a variety of cultural, historic heritage, recreational attractions and entertainment. Have your meeting

attendees travel the roads for a fun-filled, memorable experience.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Best Western Annawan Inn and Banquet Center


Find it • Conveniently located off I-80 & I-74

• 2½ hours from Chicago

• Kewanee Amtrak Service

Website: visithenrycounty.comToll-Free: 877.436.7926 E-mail: [email protected]

Henry County Tourism Bureau


Sherman Hall, Western Illinois University

As the home of Western Illinois University, Macomb offers space ideally suited to meetings and conventions with a strong

educational component. The University Union features a ballroom accommodating 1,100 in classroom style and 875 for a

conference workshop. Sodexo provides exceptional meal and catering services for groups meeting on campus. Classrooms

are electronically wired, offering instant access to technology. Local meeting options include numerous restaurants, a

converted theater for receptions and weddings, and smaller intimate spaces at City Hall, Western Illinois Museum and B&Bs.

See why Macomb is known for its friendly attitude and cost-effective amenities.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Western Illinois University

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 10,000+ sq. ft.

Find it • Intersection of Highways 67 and 136

• Daily Amtrak service to and from Chicago

• 90 miles from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Quad City International Airport and Peoria International Airport

Website: makeitmacomb.comPhone: 309.833.1315 Fax: 309.833.3575E-mail: [email protected]

Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Peoria Civic Center

Meet, stay and play in Peoria and make your next conference one that your attendees will never forget. The Peoria Civic Center

offers 110,000 square feet of exhibition space with 25 meeting rooms, a 2200 seat theater, and a connecting skywalk to the

Historic Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel. We offer over 1000 deluxe guest rooms within walking distance of the Civic

Center and more than 2,500 hotel rooms within a 15-minute drive of downtown. Come and experience our vibrant downtown

riverfront district, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino, shop in one of our boutiques and enjoy a meal in one of our many

authenic restaurants. Peoria offers all the amenities of a large city with all the charm and hospitality of the Midwest.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Peoria Civic Center

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 110,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space 44,000 sq. ft. of meeting space

Find it • General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport

• Main interstate is I-74

• 2½ hours from Chicago and St. Louis

Website: peoria.orgToll-Free: 800.747.0302 Phone: 309.676.0303 Fax: 309.676.8470E-mail: [email protected]

Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau


i wireless Center – Moline, IL

You’ll marvel at the meeting possibilities in the Quad Cities and you’ll find surprises around every corner! Our financial

incentives, specialized services, beautiful facilities, hotels and attractions are all served up with Midwestern hospitality and

affordability. Just 2½ hours west of Chicago and right on the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities include Rock Island, Moline/

East Moline, Illinois along with Davenport, Bettendorf, Iowa. We are easily accessible via I-74, I-80 and I-88 and served by the

Quad Cities International Airport. Take a look and be surprised as you discover your own marvels on the Mississippi River!

Order a free Meeting Planner Guide, or visit the “Planner” section on our website for more information.

Find it • Quad City International Airport (MLI)

• 2½-hour drive from Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA

• Easily accessible via I-74, I-80 and I-88


• Largest Meeting Facility: The Quad Cities Event Center


Website: visitquadcities.comToll-Free: 800.747.7800 ext. 104 Fax: 309.764.9443E-mail: [email protected]

Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau

Find it • Quincy Regional Airport, Cape Air provides daily service to St. Louis

• Amtrak offers service twice daily to Chicago

• Located on I-72 or travel the historic Great River Road


• Largest Meeting Facility: Oakley Lindsay Civic Center


The city of Quincy is the commercial hub for the tri-state area, serving over 300,000 people. Quincy’s proximity to several

major metropolitan areas makes it a perfect choice for holding conventions. Located on the bluffs above the Mississippi River,

Quincy has a wonderful combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Visitors are encouraged to tour the fabulous

architecture complemented by outstanding restaurants. The Oakley Lindsay Civic Center in downtown Quincy provides 30,000

square feet of clear span exhibition space, or conference rooms and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

Oakley Lindsay Civic Center

see the unexpected

QUINCY AREA CONVENTIONAND VISITORS BURE AU

Quincy Area Convention & Visitors BureauWebsite: seequincy.com


For more information on meeting facilities in Illinois, visit www.meetinillinois.com 45

Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mississippi River Bluffs



• Largest Meeting Facility: Gateway Center – Collinsville, IL

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: Capacity for 4,000 people

Looking for a great place to gather? Look no further than Gateway Center in the heart of ILLINOISouth! Experience our

treasures, historic sites, entertainment venues and culture! The Metro area is conveniently located east of downtown

St. Louis, MO, providing a large-city mentality with a small-town feel. With approximately 7,275 hotel rooms in the

region, easy access to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, as well as access to five major interstates, ILLINOISouth

can host large and small meetings and conventions at a reasonable price.

Website: thetourismbureau.orgToll-Free: 800.442.1488 Fax: 618.257.3403E-mail: [email protected]

Find it • Largest city nearby – Just across the river from St. Louis

• Easy access to five Interstates: 1-55, 1-57, 1-64, 1-70, and I-255

• ILLINOISouth has many fine Meeting Facilities with nearby unique attractions, wineries, golf courses, musems and antique shops.

Gateway Center

The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth

TRAILS TO ADVENTUREThe call of the outdoors adds adventure to any meeting in Southern Illinois.

Impressive sites such as the Shawnee National Forest and Cave-In-Rock State

Park provide the perfect backdrop to your next event.

Garden of the Gods Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Cache River

44


Shryock Auditorium

Carbondale, Illinois, is an exciting community located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. As the home of the

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale boasts plenty of cultural activities and exciting sporting events. The community has

a variety of facilities available for meetings, conferences, banquets, reunions and weddings. Carbondale’s list includes the

Carbondale Civic Center, Garden Grove Event Center, The Pine Manor Estate, as well as other banquet facilities located on the

campus of SIU and within our hotels. Carbondale restaurants offer many options for off-site catering or carryout services to

meet your dining needs. Please contact our staff for additional information.


• Largest Meeting Facility: Southern Illinois University Student Center


Find it • Amtrak service to and from Carbondale

• Williamson County Regional Airport service and shuttle to Lambert–St. Louis International Airport

• 15 miles to I-57 and quick access to I-24 and I-64

Website: carbondaletourism.orgToll-Free: 800.526.1500 Fax: 618.529.5590E-mail: [email protected]

Carbondale Convention & Tourism BureauWebsite: enjoymtvernon.comToll-Free: 800.252.5464 Phone: 618.242.3151 Fax: 618.242.6849E-mail: [email protected]

Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau

Find it • 77 miles from St. Louis, MO

• Located at the intersection of I-57 and I-64

• 45 minutes from MidAmerica Airport, Mascoutah, IL 87 miles from Lambert–St. Louis International Airport


• Largest Meeting Facility: Holiday Inn


Mt. Vernon is conveniently located at the junction of I-57 & I-64 and hard to miss with more than 1,100 motel/hotel rooms,

meeting space for more than 800, 60+ restaurants and a wide range of shopping and activities. Government, regional,

political, educational, business and labor conferences and family reunions are just some of the types of meetings that Mt.

Vernon has hosted. Area tourist sites include the Appellate Courthouse, the Jefferson County Historical Village, Cedarhurst

Center for the Arts, the GenKota Winery and four outstanding golf courses. In addition, beautiful Rend Lake is just 15

minutes south of Mt. Vernon.

Cedarhurst Sculpture Park


Southernmost Illinois offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, plus the all-new Harrah’s Hotel and Event Center. We offer

a variety of services for the bidding, planning and hosting of events, such as bid application, site inspections, press releases,

brochures and informational materials, restaurant lists, secure bids for lodging, liaison with public officials and sightseeing

tours. We are eager to assist you in any way to help make your event a success.

Find it • 2½-hour drive from St. Louis, Nashville, Memphis and Evansville

• I-57 and I-24 lead to Southernmost Illinois

• Between the Mississippi & Ohio Rivers in the southern tip of Illinois


• Largest Meeting Facility: Harrah’s Event Center

• Size of Largest Meeting Facility: 11,704 sq. ft.Superman Statue

Website: Southernmostillinois.com


Southernmost Illinois Tourism BureauSouthernmostIllinois T O U R I S M

B U R E A US e e i n g i s B e l i e v i n g

SouthernmostIllinois T O U R I S M






While visiting Southern Illinois, you’ll learn that there is so much to see and do that you’ll want to return again. The industry

and commerce in Williamson County complements neighboring counties, which drive the economic structure and tourism in

this part of the state. The southern charm and hospitality in Southern Illinois greet you and welcome you like few places in the

country. The air is fresh and clean, and the land is beautiful. There are literally thousands of hotel and motel rooms, great bed

& breakfast locations, indoor and outdoor activities, festivals and shopping, plus we’re open year round!

The Pavilion


• Largest Meeting Facility: The Pavilion of the City of Marion


Find it • Located off I-57

• 2 miles east of Williamson County Airport

• Located behind Illinois STAR Centre

Website: visitsi.com

Toll-Free: 800.433.7399 Fax: 618.997.1874

Williamson County Tourism Bureau

Photos:Cover: Garden of the Gods, Chicago Skyline, Gambit Golf Course. Back Cover: Buckingham Fountain, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Allerton Mansion, Robert J. Reber, Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Rock River, World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Bridge in Naperville.

© 2014 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. TTY: 800-785-6055. Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois. 2M/12

ILLINOIS MEETING GUIDE

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ILLINOIS MEETING GUIDE