Reflecting the incredible change in the travel industry, the theme of this year's Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism, "The New Reality," has given us the opportunity to present a wide array of cutting-edge speakers, enlightening panels and prime networking events geared toward today’s new reality. At The Fairmont Chicago, Feb. 17 – 19, speakers will offer practical and creative solutions that can be used by all industry members, regardless of their size or financial resources.

 
For instance, we’ve designed breakout sessions to help you become a more active participant in social media – not just on how to use Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Facebook, but also how you can benefit from them – as well as others that will address online citizenship, the lines between traditional and Web media, and how to maintain your reputation online. Today’s new reality isn't just about technology, however, and we’ll be addressing "green" standards and an exciting new program called goodpurpose™, as well.   

We'll be featuring high-profile leaders like president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Roger Dow, who will provide a firsthand perspective on the latest national policy discussions and legislatives initiatives; futurist and innovation expert Jim Carroll, who will look at the larger picture of growth through innovation and how to make the new reality work for you; and Henry Harteveldt of Forrester Research, who will put in perspective how travelers are responding to the current economic climate. Of course, we wouldn't want to be without a motivational speaker and, in Mike Rayburn, the "World's Funniest Guitar Virtuoso," we've got a winner.  

The Conference is also the ideal place to meet and reconnect with other travel industry professionals. Wednesday night's icebreaker reception and Thursday afternoon's networking reception are two such opportunities. You'll also want to take advantage of Chicago's dining and nightlife options as well as discounted theater tickets. For the latest on IBOT's accomplishments and initiatives, I invite you to join me and DCEO Director Warren Ribley for Thursday morning's State of the State address. We conclude the Conference by recognizing great achievements throughout the State at the Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards.   

I look forward to seeing you all at the 2010 Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism. You can find updated information at www.ilgovconference.com.  

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In a recent post on T4 Blog, Travel & Tourism Technology Trends, blogger Stephen Joyce reflects on a conversation he had with Barbara Vega, founder of I Heart BackPackers, a tour operator who specializes in backpacking tours all over the World, about how she and others can add value to their social media programs and increase customers.

1. Get your tours and activities online  
2. Hang out with your customers – Research your target market and find them online (e.g., Facebook and Twitter)
3. Give your customers the ability to connect with you – Make sure you add your “share” links on your site so that your customers can connect with you using the platforms or tools that make the most sense for them
4. Give your customers something to talk about – Whether it’s your monthly newsletter, your blog, or your Twitter account, be sure to share interesting and relevant information
5. Give your customers the tools to praise you – Small businesses generally can’t afford the costs of a lot of traditional marketing media; social media is cost effective and all about word of mouth

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In the coming months SJG will be working on new banner ads, short online video spots and an animated page to promote Illinois’ outdoor water parks. The short video spot will be featured on Univision.com as well as Telemundo.com. Additionally, SJG will be working with the Rockford and Springfield CVBs to transculturate portions of their Web sites and create Spanish-language micro-sites, much like DisfruaIllinois.com is to enjoyillinois.com. These will serve as important resources for Hispanic travelers in Illinois.

Edelman Awarded Bronze HSMAI Adrian Award for Find Your Getaway Match Program Launch
Edelman’s “Find Your Getaway” launch event, executed to help launch IBOT’s Spring 2009 advertising campaign, will be awarded a bronze Adrian Award at the Feb. 1 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards Gala in New York City.  In an effort to help raise awareness for the new campaign and to build excitement around travel within Illinois, the team took to Chicago’s Michigan Avenue and set up the Find Your Getaway Match game show, allowing participants the opportunity to pick the correct door to unlock their perfect “Getaway Match.” With the success of the initial campaign launch, the game show was set up a second time and featured on the local ABC’s station, WLS-TV’s news magazine program, 190North, and a third appearance took place at this past summer’s Illinois State Fair.

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