With anticipation mounting for the 20th annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, I’m proud to say that all the elements are in place for a very exciting event. From our stellar roster of dynamic speakers and educational forums to the great networking opportunities and celebratory outings, the 2007 Governor’s Conference will be one you won’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing all of you at Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton from Feb. 7-9. Keep checking www.iltourismconference.org for the latest updates.

In addition to the Governor’s Conference, I want to share exciting news from the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). Last month I joined IGGVA in announcing the results of a new economic impact study. The results confirmed the strength and continued growth of Illinois’ wine industry. According to the study, Illinois wine tourism accounts for 155,000 visitors and $31 million yearly. Winery visitors spend an average of $198 each day and, judging by the popularity of a number of our wine-oriented 3-Day Getaways, many of these trips last several days. Given its amazing economic impact, it’s no wonder that September’s Illinois Wine Month has become an annual tradition.

In early December IBOT, in conjunction with the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and Sports Illinois, hosted the inaugural Illinois Sports Congress in Vail, Colo. More than 300 new contacts were made at the conference, building enough leads and bids to potentially deliver an economic impact of $2.8 million. This innovative method of promoting our many fine sports facilities was the first such event in the nation. It incorporated a number of valuable forums and seminars, including our special guest speaker, Chicago Cubs President John McDonough. We have many excellent sports facilities right here in Illinois and the Illinois Sports Congress was the perfect opportunity to show them off. Continued >

Success Story

Every month, ITN profiles a tourism industry leader whose success can be used as an example of how to develop fresh ideas to promote Illinois. This month we introduce Denene Wilmeth, executive director of the Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Denene Wilmeth has been executive director of the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for 16 years, but has been with the bureau since 1981, previously serving as director of sales and associate director. During her tenure with the bureau, she’s never failed to demonstrate her knowledge, dedication and leadership.

Wilmeth’s involvemensst in her community and the tourism industry is varied and extensive. She serves on the board of directors of Looking For Lincoln, Future’s Charity Golf Tournament and Decatur Celebration. She has also served as president of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and has been a delegate for the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, a candidate for State Representative of the 101st District and a committee chair on the Illinois State Board of Education, among many other accomplishments.

She is a strong believer in partnerships and attributes her many successes in the industry to choosing and partnering with multiple state and local agencies. One of Wilmeth’s biggest accomplishments was securing a 20-year biennial contract with the Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor agricultural show in the U.S., which brings more than 150,000 people to Central Illinois to witness the full spectrum of agriculture during a three-day event. She attributes that success to forming relationships and partnerships within her community. The Farm Progress Show sells out hotels in Decatur and sells more than 7,000 room nights throughout Central Illinois. Continued >