Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism Returns to Springfield

Springfield – Today the state’s premier gathering of tourism industry professionals returns to Springfield for the first time in nearly a decade. From March 21- 23 the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism will bring together state leaders, travel experts and other special guests to showcase innovative ideas for promoting travel.

Travel and tourism is an essential component of Illinois’ economy. In 2014, Illinois welcomed more than 109.4 million visitors, which generated more than $36.3 billion in travel expenditures for the state’s economy.

The Governor’s Conference provides an amazing opportunity for professionals of all kinds – from small family restaurant owners to luxury hotel managers – to learn about the latest trends and best practices that can help enhance their business contributions to one of the fastest- growing industry sectors in Illinois.

This year the conference returns to Springfield for the first time since 2008, and will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln – A Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.

“As a lifelong Illinoisan, and Springfield resident, I’m so happy to welcome the state’s tourism leaders back to the capital, a city that’s such an integral part of the state’s tourism landscape,” said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “The tourism industry is a vital part of our state’s economy, not only providing revenue from our visitors, but supporting jobs and quality of life benefits for residents across the state.”

Jobe will present the annual State of the State Tourism Address on Tuesday, March 22 at 12:00 p.m. He will reflect on the marketing initiatives and partnerships from throughout the past year, as well as offer a look ahead to special initiatives and new programs being unveiled later in 2016.