Visitors Bureau Leader Chairs State Conference

Coordinating events is nothing new for the president and CEO of the . Leading the charge among a large group of his peers was another thing altogether for Bob Navarro. His latest mission had him serving as chairman of the 25th Annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which drew more than 425 participants to Rosemont in mid-March for the annual three-day tourism professional’s extravaganza. 

“This is by far the most important project I’d taken on in some time,” said Navarro.  “Thanks to the collective creative energy we placed on rebranding the conference, we had an incredible turnout and positive response overall."  

Navarro added he hopes the visibility gained during the event will bring more attention to the great tourism opportunities along the Heritage Corridor, and the communities and counties along the historic I&M Canal.

With Navarro serving as chairman, a volunteer role, the 2012 Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism was co-hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Office of Tourism and Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (ICCVB). 

Maureen Riedy, ICCVB Chairperson, was grateful for Navarro’s volunteer support. 

“Bob took his role very seriously, and did an exceptional job of working with the planning committee, and staying on top of all the details that made such a difference n the success of this year’s event,” said Riedy.

“The Power of People and Travel” was this year’s theme, featuring a wide array of nationally recognized speakers and panelists.

The conference included the annual “State of the State of Tourism Address,” given by Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley and Illinois Office of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner. Both Ribley and Kostner discussed the landscape of tourism throughout Illinois. Their message reinforced the Illinois tourism industry’s vital role in statewide economic development, shared information on where Illinois tourism stands with key economic indicators, and detailed proactive steps the state has taken in planning for the future.                                   

Wearing many hats before and during the event, Navarro said he focused on a few key elements: rebranding the event, identifying great speakers, and overseeing many of the logistical concerns.

“The speakers and topics were spot on,” he said. “Each presenter helped emphasize how working together can bring forward-thinking and innovative initiatives to ensure the tourism industry continues to be a key economic driver for Illinois."

After the event, held March 14 to 16, Navarro praised the Rosemont Convention and Visitors Bureau for their generous sponsorship. He also thanked the conference committee, especially his vice chairman Daniel Thomas of Tourism Solutions for helping with rebranding efforts. Navarro expressed appreciation to the Heritage Corridor CVB Board of Directors and staff, including Julie Elmore, for the confidence and support. 

Navarro holds three degrees from Illinois State University, where he serves on the Alumni Advisory Council, and has worked in his present capacity since 2007. With an office in the Historic Fitzpatrick House in Romeoville, his responsibilities include representing members from Chicago Portage Area, greater Bolingbrook, Joliet and Morris areas, as well as Putnam County and Starved Rock area.

The Illinois Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau is comprised of more than 200 members representing 97 miles of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and its myriad of travel and tourism opportunities. In addition to the Romeoville office, the bureau has a year-round Visitors Center in Utica, a seasonal visitors center in Joliet, and a presence in Bolingbrook.

The Heritage Corridor CVB coordinates marketing and promotion efforts, and generates positive economic development to the communities and counties along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal.  Information on the Corridor is available by calling 800/926-2262 (CANAL), or logging on to www.HeritageCorridorCVB.com.