Image courtesy IOT
Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards, at the 2017 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism
For Distribution
March 16, 2017
Contact: Marla Cichowski
312-324-3510
marla@timezoneone.com
Chicago, March 16, 2017 – Next week, nearly 400 Illinois travel and tourism professionals will convene in Springfield, Illinois for the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism. It is the largest annual gathering of tourism professionals in the state and a huge economic boon to the capital city. In conjunction with the conference, media are invited to participate in a variety of exclusive announcements about new tourism initiatives and special events, first look previews of new campaign advertisements, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities – including a press conference to announce an important update on the state’s successful Illinois Made program that will feature a 300 lb. Illinois Made Eli’s Cheesecake in the shape of the state capitol.
WHAT:
Members of the Illinois tourism industry will kick-start the planned front yard renovation of one of the state’s most iconic historic landmarks, The Old State Capitol Building, as part of Illinois VolunTourism (IVT) and in partnership with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. New benches and landscaping are just some of the soon-to-be-revealed plans for this iconic destination. Volunteers will assist in the next phase of the landscape project on the grounds of the Old State Capitol.
WHERE:
Sunday, March 19, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Old State Capitol Building S. 6th St & E Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
WHO:
VISUALS:
WHAT:
Illinois Office of Tourism Director Cory Jobe will meet with attending press at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to make a major new announcement about one of the state’s biggest tourism initiatives, Illinois Made. The announcement will include the unveiling of a 300 lb. Illinois Made-inspired Eli’s Cheesecake in the shape of the state capitol. Media will have a chance to taste the cheesecake, ask Cory questions about an exciting expansion of the Illinois Made program and the Illinois tourism industry and its role in advancing the state’s economy and quality of life for its residents.
WHERE:
Monday, March 20, from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
112 N. 6th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
WHO:
VISUALS:
WHAT:
The Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism will be hosting “A Night on the Red Carpet” awards program presented by Travel Channel. This star-worthy event will celebrate the greatest and most innovative tourism marketing initiatives throughout the state.
WHERE:
Monday, March 20, from 7:15-9:45 p.m.
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield –A Doubletree by Hilton
701 E Adams Street Springfield, IL 62701
WHO:
VISUALS:
WHAT:
Illinois Office of Tourism Director Cory Jobe delivers his much anticipated State of the State of Tourism address, taking a look back at the marketing and advertising strategies that contributed to an amazing year for Illinois tourism. Includes a vision for the industry and offers a sneak preview of the exciting new tourism initiatives designed to make 2017 another great year in Illinois tourism.
WHERE:
Tuesday, March 21, from 12:15-2:15 p.m.
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield –A Doubletree by Hilton
701 E. Adams Street Springfield, IL 62701
WHO:
VISUALS:
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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.