I hope you all had a happy and festive holiday season. Now that we’ve celebrated the new year and made our resolutions, it’s time for our industry to celebrate a special anniversary and resolve to strive for an even brighter future. The 20th annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism, themed “The Future is Ours,” will be at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago Feb. 7 - 9. I strongly urge all of you to attend what is sure to be an important and exciting event.

Top 10 Reasons YOU and your office should attend the 2007 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism

10) It’s our 20th anniversary! This is a milestone for our industry that we will celebrate and use as an opportunity to look at new and original ideas to move our industry forward.

9) The Future is Ours – This is our theme and it could not be more appropriate. The 2007 Illinois Governor’s Conference will be a wonderful chance to build on past successes and spotlight new ideas.

8) Easy access to information – Keep checking www.iltourismconference.org for information on the conference. Here you can register, book your hotel room and submit entries for the Governor’s Awards. It will be updated regularly, so check back from time to time.

7) The icebreaker – What better place to celebrate the future than Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry? You’ll be able to wander many of the fascinating exhibits while networking at our opening-night reception. Transportation will be available.

6) The second night – Brand new to the conference this year are a wide range of options for a fantastic evening out. Many fine restaurants surround the Palmer House Hilton and discounted theater tickets will be available in limited quantities for Wicked, Blue Man Group and The Second City comedy troupe. Transportation will be available.

5) Talented and fascinating speakers – There are far too many to name here, but we’ve assembled a stellar roster of experts who will educate and entertain. Expect topics to include emerging technologies, travel trends, blogging, multicultural marketing and much more. Also, don’t miss the comprehensive industry update presented in the “State of the State” address on Thursday morning.

4) The tradeshow – Our bustling tradeshow will showcase relevant products, services and publications. You can also network with colleagues and bid on amazing items and packages in our silent auction.

3) The awards ceremony – This is a great chance to recognize your peers and their fine accomplishments over the last year. Achievements in advertising, promotions and marketing initiatives from destinations throughout Illinois will be honored.

2) A great location – The luxurious Palmer House Hilton is a well-known historic Chicago landmark and an ideal location for our 20th anniversary celebration. It’s located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop and close to numerous Chicago attractions.

1) YOU – The most important element of our conference! We could not have thrived for 20 years without you and it’s your presence that will make the 2007 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism a phenomenal success!