While Chicago is likely the first destination that comes to mind when people think of Illinois, the central part of the state has its own unique appeal, with friendly folks, deep-rooted American history and intriguing diversions.
The communities of Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Urbana and Decatur brim with activity. They are centers of education with universities around every corner, lively metros of commerce with corporate headquarters in residence and meeting hot spots with convention centers, fairgrounds and hotels to fit a wide variety of groups.
Springfield
Illinois’ capital city of Springfield, a historic hot spot with plenty of Abraham Lincoln heritage, is a meetings magnet offering affordable rates and a convenient Midwest location.
"Most national events that come here report record attendance," says Gina Gemberling, director of sales for the Springfield CVB.
Well-appointed venues are also a bonus in Springfield, and no matter where in the city a group may be, they are not far away from a major meetings center.
The city has three separate convention areas: the historic downtown area, home to the Prairie Capital Convention Center, the recently renovated Hilton Springfield and the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center, currently undergoing renovations; the area off Interstate 55 near Lake Springfield, featuring a Crowne Plaza and another 1,000 rooms within walking distance; and the Illinois State Fairgrounds, which spans 366 acres and has a wide variety of buildings and arenas.
Among the destination’s other meetings-friendly properties are State House Inn, which unveiled a new conference center in April; Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center; and Ramada Springfield North.
The city and surrounding area offer 4,000 guest rooms.
Springfield attracts a wide range of market segments, according to Gemberling.
"We bring in association, religious and fraternal meetings," she says. "Recently, we’ve gotten into niche markets such as agriculture, car clubs and sporting groups. With our deep historic base here, we also do a lot of military reunions, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars."
One of Springfield’s newest attractions is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a great place for off-site group functions.
Peoria
North of Springfield along the Illinois River is Peoria, which was founded in 1673 by two French explorers and is one of the oldest cities in the state.
The city is home to major corporations such as Caterpillar and Maui Jim Sunglasses.
According to Jill Gleason, director of sales for the Peoria Area CVB, the city is a great place for meetings.
"We have the largest downtown convention center outside of Chicago," she says, referring to the Peoria Civic Center, which boasts 110,000 square feet of function space.
Group-friendly hotels include Embassy Suites East Peoria; Hotel Pere Marquette; Holiday Inn Peoria-City Centre, which completed enhancements in 2009; and Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, which recently renovated its guest rooms and casino.
Gleason says the city’s major market segments include sports groups, religious meetings and educational conferences.
"We are hoping to tap into the medical market, because we have several prestigious medical facilities here, too," she says.
During warmer months, groups can hop aboard The Spirit of Peoria for a cruise along the Illinois River.
Bloomington/Normal
The twin cities of Bloomington and Normal offer college-town charm as the home of Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University, while inviting downtown Bloomington features shops, restaurants and the McLean County Museum of History, spotlighting Abraham Lincoln’s ties to the area, one of the first places where he practiced law.
Nowadays, Bloomington and Normal are popular meetings destinations, especially with the area’s newest hotel.
"We have a brand-new 233-room Marriott that opened last fall," says Crystal Howard, executive director of the Bloomington-Normal CVB. "It is located right on the Illinois State University Campus in the town of Normal. It has helped us tremendously in bringing in groups."
The area has 3,000 guest rooms in meetings-ready properties such as the new Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, featuring 23,000 square feet of meeting space; Doubletree Hotel Bloomington; and The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center.
The U.S. Cellular Coliseum is the area’s largest meeting venue, and groups can also find space at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center and Redbird Arena.
Champaign/Urbana
Champaign and Urbana are also twin cities with college town appeal. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a huge draw for a variety of groups, with venues to accommodate a variety of gatherings.
"Our new Activities and Recreation Center, or ARC, opened at the university in August 2008," says Jayne DeLuce, executive director of the Champaign County CVB. "It is a 340,000-square-foot facility with 13 basketball courts and additional meeting space. Also on campus we have Assembly Hall, which is great for large seated events."
Besides its university venues, Champaign and Urbana offer the recently opened I Hotel and Conference Center; Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center Urbana; the recently renovated Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center; Courtyard Champaign, featuring newly renovated guest rooms; and the new Comfort Suites in Urbana.
When not in the conference room, attendees can enjoy Champaign’s downtown district.
"Downtown Champaign has been completely redeveloped," DeLuce says. "Walk down Neil Street and you will get a micro-urban vibe. It is big-city living with a small-town feel." There are unique restaurants and boutique shopping."
Groups can rent space at the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, housed in a restored 1914 vaudeville theater and movie house.
Decatur
The city of Decatur is well known for its Abraham Lincoln history. Starting in 1830 and throughout his life, Lincoln spent a lot of time in the city.
"The Macon County Museum is a great place to learn about Abraham Lincoln," says Denene Wilmeth, executive director of the Decatur Area CVB. "They also just acquired a chair that Lincoln sat in and last summer they opened 15 exhibits explaining what Lincoln did when he was in Decatur and Macon County."
When not soaking in Lincoln history, groups can hit the greens on courses such as Hickory Point Golf Course, Scovill Golf Course and Red Tail Run Golf Club.
Meetings properties include Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, which is planning a guest room upgrade; Fairfield Inn Forsyth Decatur; Hampton Inn Decatur/Forsyth; and Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Decatur.
The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion, built in 1874, is a popular spot for off-site events, as well as the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum.
Katie Morell is a freelance writer based in Chicago.
