Illinois builds excitement for 2014 at this year's international travel trade industry summit, offers attendees a chance to win an Illinois shopping spree

For the first time in more than a decade, IPW will return to the Midwest where Chicago will play host for the 2014 festivities. In anticipation of 2014, the Illinois Office of Tourism will showcase many of the state's unique travel experiences at this year's show in Las Vegas.

Stop by the Illinois aisle, starting at Booth 836, to hear from major destinations throughout the state, and enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree to be used during IPW 2014.  

Meet our team from every corner of the state including Alton, Champaign, Chicago's North Shore, Choose Chicago, DuPage County, Heritage Corridor, Great Rivers Country, Quad Cities, Rockford, and Springfield.

“We couldn't be more excited to host IPW 2014 and to show attendees a glimpse of what we have always known: Illinois is a destination with rich experiences and friendly people,” said Jen Hoelzle, state travel director with the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We plan to give this year's attendees a sneak peak of all they have to look forward to next year.”

Stop by Illinois booth 836 at IPW 2013, for a chance to win a Shopping Spree

Turn to the back of the host hotel tab in the official IPW program to find four Illinois trivia questions located on a state map. Bring your map by the Illinois Office of Tourism booth (836) to learn the answers and qualify for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Chicago Water Tower Place and Oakbrook Center.

Excitement in Chicago and Beyond

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Chicago are Chicago's North Shore, DuPage County and the Heritage Corridor, all gems of the greater Chicago area. Between world-class golfing, shopping and a storied portion of Route 66, visitors will find excitement waiting for them just beyond the big city.

Just 123 kilometers/73 miles from O'Hare International Airport is Rockford. This vibrant town brings together family fun, a historic village and outdoor activities like the renowned and peaceful Anderson Japanese Gardens, voted the top Japanese garden in North America by Sukiya Living Magazine.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our nation's history, and it lives on today in Illinois' many roadside attractions, museums, restaurants and the shining ribbon of blacktop we call The Mother Road.

Route 66 reveals gems like Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum or the Cozy Dog Drive-In, birthplace of the corn dog on a stick. In Atlanta, the town recently revived a historic diner, the Palm's Grill, and now visitors come from all over strictly for the award-winning pie.

Adventure and Charm in Great Rivers Country

Along the western edge of Illinois, following the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway meanders along quaint towns and sites of great exploration, both past and present.

About 240 kilometers/150 miles from Chicago, one of Fodor's top 10 best small towns in America sits near the northwest corner of Illinois. Galena is a charming town filled with cozy bed & breakfasts, lavish resorts and a historic main street through the city center. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the award-winning wineries around the town.

To the south in the Quad Cities, John Deere, longtime creator of heavy farming machinery, has created the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Explore the John Deere Pavilion, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the huge factory and visit the historic site to see where the company got its start.

In Hartford, the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower marks the start of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's historic expedition west. Nearby in Alton, stand in awe of the Mississippi River at the National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam that is the center of commerce and transportation along the Mississippi.

History in the Land of Lincoln

About 280 kilometers/174 miles south of Chicago is Springfield, the state capital and home of 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Explore Lincoln's home, his law office, the state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Lincoln's Tomb and final resting place.

At the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum visitors can trace Honest Abe's footsteps through adolescence to the White House and his untimely death, which brought him home to Illinois. Become immersed in exhibits including a holographic performance, the treasury gallery filled with original Lincoln artifacts and a full-scale representation of Lincoln's boyhood home, a log cabin.

Nearby Springfield is Champaign, where scholars from all over the world converge at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The university is a well-known leader in the field of agriculture technology research. AG Tours Illinois provides an inside look at the National Soybean Research Laboratory on campus as well as a new robotics tour at the university showcasing cutting edge farming technology.

Come discover more about Illinois!

While visiting the 'Illinois aisle' don't forget to kick off IPW 2014 in Chicago right by asking about next year's post-FAMs! To talk more about the shopping spree and destinations in Illinois come to Booth 836 or visit discoverillinois.org to learn more about Illinois, and download the latest brochures all offered in seven languages.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.