History is the hallmark of the “Land of Lincoln,” with Springfield being a former home of the country’s 16th president. But there is also a virtual treasure trove of rich heritage and historic sites to uncover throughout the state of Illinois. From the DuSable Museum in Chicago to the Dawes House and Pullman Historic District in the Chicago suburbs and Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad Cities, Illinois has historic activities and attractions that fulfill every taste.

Mineral-rich Nevada, founded on gold and silver, is a place of opportunity for business ventures and meetings.

Louisiana goes by a lot of names–the Bayou State, the Creole State, Sportsman’s Paradise–but for those looking to commune with nature, it’s the Pelican State first and foremost. For up-close-and-personal animal interactions, attractions and preserves around the state may be just the ticket.

Montana is home to a vast lineup of unique venues that host off-site gatherings. Billings features a historic railroad depot and an independent movie theater, while elsewhere in the state planners will find event spaces that range from a ranch to a science center or a music venue to an art gallery. 

It’s been a big year for Hawaii’s largest island. Following three months of unprecedented seismic activity at Kilauea volcano that began in May 2018, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the island’s top attraction, reopened Sept. 22, 2018, after it was confirmed the lava flow had stopped. While sadly, the black lava that flowed over 10 square miles prompted evacuations and destroyed 700 homes, the Island of Hawaii’s tourism infrastructure was unaffected. Today, Island of Hawaii tourism officials are sending a clear message to planners, attendees and travelers: It’s business as usual in the destination, it’s safe, and all is open for visitors to enjoy.

From new boutique hotels to renovated resorts that can host over 2,000 for a meeting or event, the diverse offerings along Orange County’s 42 miles of coastline are more welcoming to groups than ever. 

In September 2018, the Chicago-based American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) brought its 90th Convention & Exhibit to the Miami Beach Convention Center, becoming the first group in the newly expanded facility.

All over southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast, historic venues and other enticing spots abound to host groups. From the European-inspired Ringling Museum of Art with its views of Sarasota Bay to the 1908 Heitman House in Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, to the NGALA Wildlife Preserve in Naples, a variety of sites offer memorable settings for once-in-a-life time events. 

On par with its world-class cities and cultural icons, Australia takes pride in its array of natural wonders, from its famed red center to the world’s largest coral reef. Even urban hubs like Melbourne and Sydney get in the mix with beachside sports, wildlife parks and other open-air options.

Whether indulging in the thriving food and drink scene—craft breweries and distilleries included, exploring diverse, emerging neighborhoods, taking in the vibrant arts and cultural scene or kayaking on the river, planners have plenty of intriguing experiences to weave into Grand Rapids agendas, while attendees have plenty of downtime diversions to enjoy.