General Conference Logistics
What time does the conference start & end?
The opening session will begin about noon on Thursday, June 11 — the exact time is still to be determined.
The closing Session will end around noon on Saturday, June 13.
Where will the conference be held?
The sessions on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday will be held at the The Dole Mansion. There will be transportation available from the host hotel to this venue for those who may need it.
Will There Be Pre and Post Activities?
Optional Pre-FAM opportunities: There will be several options available for pre-FAM trips. Details and interest sign-ups for these will be available closer to the event.
June 11: Pre-conference tours hosted by Naturally McHenry County will be available in the morning and afternoon —explore hidden gems, meet local experts, and kick off the fun before the conference officially begins. Space may be limited, so secure your spot early! End the day with an exclusive welcome event to mingle with fellow attendees.
June 12: Morning Pre-conference tours hosted by Naturally McHenry County will be available in the morning prior to the kickoff of the conference.
Optional Pre-FAM opportunities: There will be an option(s) available for post-FAM trips. Details and interest sign-ups for these will be available closer to the event.
Will there be a detailed schedule available?
Yes! A full conference schedule, including session topics and speaker details, will be released closer to the event date. See a preview of the conference week at-a-glance below. Be sure to check back for updates!
Wednesday, June 10
- Optional, morning and afternoon locally-hosted experiences and activities
- Informal networking for early arrivals
Thursday, June 11
- Conference officially kicks off in the afternoon
- Opening sessions and welcome evening networking event
Friday, June 12
- Full day of conference programming, including sessions and networking
- Evening off-site experience highlighting the destination
Saturday, June 13
- Morning conference sessions
- Conference concludes by noon
Note: This is a preliminary outline to help attendees plan travel and lodging. Full session details and timing will be shared closer to the event. There will be several options available for pre- and post-FAM trips. Details and interest sign-ups for these will be available closer to the event.
Will sessions be recorded?
At this time, sessions will not be recorded. We encourage all attendees to participate in person to get the most out of the experience.
What types of sessions will be offered?
Our sessions will include a mix of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics will cover destination marketing, content creation, storytelling, partnerships, and more.
Food
Are meals included in the registration fee?
Yes! Your registration includes:
- Lunch on Friday
- Dinner during evening events on Thursday and Friday
- Snacks and coffee breaks during the conference
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration/activity sign-ups. This will be sent out a few weeks prior to the event. We will work with our catering partners to ensure suitable options are available.
Will there be evening activities?
Yes! Evening activities will be available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for registered conference attendees. These optional experiences are designed to create relaxed, meaningful connection opportunities beyond conference sessions. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Dress Code & Packing Tips
What is the recommended dress code?
We want you to be comfortable throughout the conference! Dress is casual to business casual, so wear what makes you feel good while networking and learning. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather. Layers are always a good idea, as indoor venues may be cooler.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
-
A notebook or laptop for taking notes during sessions
-
Business cards for networking and connecting with fellow attendees
-
Comfortable shoes for walking tours and off-site activities
No need to worry about: dressing up, having everything perfectly planned, or bringing lots of gear — this is a relaxed, welcoming conference designed for connection and learning.
Networking & Social Activities
Where can I find more information about things to do in McHenry County?
Naturally McHenry County has created a website specifically for conference attendees to help share things to do and see while visiting the area. Explore naturally inspired experiences!
Will there be opportunities for networking?
Absolutely! In addition to scheduled networking sessions, we encourage attendees to connect during meals, evening events, and pre/post-conference activities.
Will there be a conference app or online group for attendees?
Yes! We have a dedicated Facebook group for conference attendees to connect before, during, and after the event. If you’re already registered but aren’t in the group yet, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to add you. It’s a great way to engage with fellow attendees, share tips, and stay updated on event details!
Travel & Transportation
What is the closest airport?
Both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) serve the conference area. The venue is located approximately 60 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is about a 40–60 minute drive from either airport, depending on traffic.
No matter which airport you choose, rental car services and ground transportation options are available to help you reach Grand Island smoothly.
Will There Be Transportation To/From the Airport?
At this time, attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation between the airport and the conference hotel in Crystal Lake. There are several convenient options available:
-
Rental Cars: Available at both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
-
Rideshare & Taxis: Services such as Uber, Lyft, and local taxis operate throughout the area
We recommend reviewing ground transportation options for your preferred airport in advance. If you have questions or need assistance planning your travel, feel free to reach out.
Will there be transportation between the conference venues and evening events?
Yes! Transportation will be provided from the host hotel to the conference venue (The Dole Mansion) and to evening activities for those who need it.
What are the options for nearby lodging?
The Holiday Inn Crystal Lake is the official conference hotel, and we recommend staying on-site for the most convenient experience.
Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
-
Group Rate: $119 per night
-
Booking Deadline: May 10, 2026
-
Conference Dates Covered: June 11–13, 2026
-
Extended Stay: Group rate is available 3 days before and 3 days after the conference dates, based on availability
How to Book:
-
Booking Link: Midwest Travel Network 2026
-
Call to Book: 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329)
-
Be sure to mention:
-
Event Name: Midwest Travel Network 2026
-
Group Code: MTN
-
Additional nearby lodging options may be available, but staying at the host hotel makes it easy to attend sessions, evening activities, and networking events.
Tickets: Buying, Refunds & Ticket Transfers
How do I buy tickets?
Early bird pricing for both Content Creators and CVB/DMO attendees is available until March 15. Tickets can be purchased online.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be allowed for this event.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes. For a $15 administration fee, you may transfer the ticket. However, tickets are not refundable. In order to transfer your ticket, simply log into your Eventbrite account and change your name and email address to the new ticket holder’s name and address. They will then be able to log in and update any other important information. Tickets may only be transferred up to 2 weeks before the conference.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Feel free to submit a question via our Contact page or send us an email!