Governor Governor JB Pritzker opening the awards ceremony with a wonderful speech honoring Illinois tourism and the perseverance of Illinois organizations and businesses. #ILGOVCONF21

I was thrilled to join this year's Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. As travel and traditions have returned in 2021, we continue to reimagine our state for the better – inviting the world back to our attractions and businesses with creativity and ingenuity.

Congrats to our 2021 Silver Lining Stories honorees. 🏆🎉 #ILGOVCONF21

Tonight we celebrate excellence in Illinois tourism. 🏆🎉 #ILGOVCONF21 Sponsors: Choose Chicago & OKRP

What a great evening. Inspiring. Plus, our Quad Cities Board Chairman wins the award for not only being the best DMO Chairman but most festive. Great job enjoyillinois ILGovConf on Tourism #ICCVB #ILGOVCONF21 Destinations International U.S. Travel

Kicking off Day 2 of #ILGOVCONF21 with a networking breakfast. ☕️

Adam Sacks is currently leading a keynote on “Navigating the Perilous Road to Recovery” with insights on the economy and the state of traveling. #ILGOVCONF21

Arwa Mahdawi presents a powerful keynote on why so many corporate DEI initiatives have either backfired or made little ground--and reveals the surprising solution to diversity in the workplace. #ILGOVCONF21 Sponsor: @timezoneone

Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities and Chairman of the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, spoke at the ILGovConf on Tourism on tourism. He presented Governor JB Pritzker with an Illinois Made token of appreciation from the industry for his support of tourism

Thank you Arwa Mahdawi for facilitating an interactive workshop with #ILGOVCONF21 attendees to learn how to eliminate behaviors that create barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Today, Rishad Tobaccowala is delivering a keynote reviewing the key long-term changes caused by Covid-19, how we can best change as people to thrive in the years ahead, and how to upgrade our ability to drive revenue and satisfy consumers/visitors in new ways. #ILGOVCONF21

HAPPENING NOW: What's Your Story? Get the Inside Scoop on Pitching Stories & Using Influencers #ILGOVCONF21 Sponsor: IllinoisRestaurants

We have treats for you at the #ILGOVCONF21 during the Trade Show break at 3!

Our last keynote today focuses on regional collaboration, led by destination strategist, @dest_strategist. #ILGOVCONF21

Having a great time at the Exhibitor Trade Show Reception! #ILGOVCONF21 Sponsor: CrowdRiff

It’s Day 3 and we’re kicking off Destination Day with a networking breakfast. #ILGOVCONF21 Sponsor: The Art Institute of Chicago

HAPPENING NOW: State of the State Tourism Address with updates from Acting Director of the Illinois DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. #ILGOVCONF21

Giving our State of the State marketing update is Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, Karla Flannery. #ILGOVCONF21

Having an engaging breakout session on Niche Travel Trends led by Founder and CEO of Better Destinations LLC, Cathy Ritter. #ILGOVCONF21

The renowned adventurer and founder & CEO of the award-winning Canadian retailer Live Out There Inc., Jamie Clarke, delivers our final #ILGOVCONF21 keynote on The Adventure of Business. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation