Training Institute Assistant;
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault;
Springfield, Ill.
Describe your event.
The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) sponsors an annual Trends & Issues Forum for staff and volunteers from community-based rape crisis centers throughout the state. Traditionally, this annual training is held in the fall in the suburban Chicago area. This year’s event was held last September at the Holiday Inn Select and Conference Center in Naperville, where 179 participants attended the four-day event.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in DuPage County?
Since ICASA is a statewide organization, we have attendees from all across Illinois. DuPage County is a very accessible destination for our attendees.
What surprised you the most about DuPage County?
I had never taken the opportunity to visit downtown Naperville and was quite delighted with the Riverwalk area and the great variety of restaurants and shopping.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
They like the feel of the DuPage County area and the ability to get around to shopping areas and restaurants without much trouble. Some attendees also visited the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
All the staff members at the Holiday Inn Select and Conference Center were very helpful. Since we receive government funding and are limited to the state rate for lodging, the sales staff worked with us to keep us within the limits we have. I also appreciated the help I was given in finding a location for my event from Susan Hansen at the DuPage County CVB.
How does DuPage County compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
You have the benefits of the big city—the variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities—with the feel of a small town. We have used several hotels in DuPage County and have always found hotel staff to be extremely helpful in making our meetings a success. I know I can count on the DuPage County CVB or the Lisle CVB for any assistance I might need.
Would you return?
Definitely.