ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS LUNCHEON

Before we had hashtags, we had postcards. Before VR tours, there were travel brochures.

Yet one thing has remained constant: the power of a great story.

At this year’s Visit Chicago Southland Annual Meeting, we invite you to step into an immersive celebration of how travel narratives are evolving—and how we’re leading the way forward. Experience the journey from print to pixels, from passive promotion to participatory storytelling.

Join us as we welcome nationally recognized tourism expert and author Bill Geist, who will share his insights on the future of destination storytelling, innovation in place marketing and how communities can tell their most compelling stories in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Whether you’re a tourism partner, local leader or storyteller at heart, this event will leave you inspired, informed—and part of the next chapter.

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Delta Hotels by Marriott, 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson, IL

11:30AM – 12:00PM
Reception

12:00PM – 1:30PM
Luncheon & Awards Program

Registration is required by September 26, 2025. NO Walk-ins.

$40 per person; Table for 10: $375

“We don’t just tell stories. We create journeys.”

Register Now!