Daily Conference Schedule
Note: Schedule is subject to change.
5 – 8 p.m.
Pre-Conference Activity
Hops & Handshakes: Early Bird Reception
Kick off your conference experience with a relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering. Connect with fellow attendees over locally brewed favorites in a laid-back setting.
Transportation: On Your Own
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Pre-Conference Activities
Hosted by Naturally McHenry County
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pre-Conference Activity
A Perfectly Brewed Morning
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pre-Conference Activity
Small Shops, Big Finds
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
1 – 5 p.m.
Pre-Conference Activity
Harvest & Hops
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
1 – 5 p.m.
Pre-Conference Activity
Quarry Quest at Three Oaks
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
6 – 9 p.m.
Opening Reception
Cary Cruise & Connect: Downtown Street Party
Experience the energy of Downtown Cary during its iconic Cruise Nights. Enjoy a private gathering surrounded by vintage cars, live music, and a vibrant summer atmosphere. Stroll between local spots, take it all in, and connect under the evening sky.
Transportation: Continuous shuttle loop between Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and downtown Cary from 6 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Cary, Illinois
Conference Kickoff At Dole Mansion
The Midwest Travel Network Conference officially begins at the historic Dole Mansion—setting the tone for a day of inspiration, learning, and meaningful connection.
The Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
8:30 – 11 a.m.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Prairie Awakening at Soulful Prairies
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
8:30 – 11 a.m.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Accessible Outdoor Adventures
Pre-registration required
Transportation: This is a drive-on-your-own experience. Please plan to arrive at the designated location by 8:30 a.m.
The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 US-14, Cary, IL 60013
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
VENDOR SET-UP
The Dole
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
The Dole
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Website Audit Station
Drop-in Opportunity
The Dole
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SHUTTLE LOOP AVAILABLE
Shuttle will run from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake to Downtown Crystal Lake to the Dole Mansion and back.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LUNCH
On Your Own
12:30 – 1 p.m.
Welcome Session
Join us as we officially open the conference with a warm welcome from local leaders and the Midwest Travel Network team:
- Mayor Haig Haleblian
- Michael Buehler, McHenry County Board Chairman
- Naturally McHenry County
- Lisa Trudell & Sara Broers, Midwest Travel Network
1 – 2 p.m.
Keynote
Amplifying the Awesome: Curiosity, Technology, and a Life Naturally Inspired
Speaker: Marlo Anderson
Sponsored by Visit Alabama’s Beaches
2 – 2:20 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
Snacks sponsored by Heritage Corridor Destinations
2:20 – 3:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
The Right Fit: Tools and Strategies for Successful Creator Partnerships
Speaker: Eva Faircloth
2:20 – 3:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Beyond the Algorithm: How Travel Writers Can Use Substack to Build Sustainable Audiences
Speaker: Theresa Goodrich
Speaker sponsored by Enjoy Aurora Area CVB
3:20 – 3:40 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
3:40 – 4:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Prepare to Be Spontaneous: Speaking Tips That Bring Out Your Natural Inspiration
Speaker: Michelle Murray
3:40 – 4:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
The Insider Advantage: Turning Locals Into Powerful Storytellers
Speakers: Josh Duke & Ali Adams
Speaker sponsored by Visit Hendricks County
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
SHUTTLE LOOP AVAILABLE
Shuttle will run from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake to Downtown Crystal Lake to the Dole Mansion and back.
6 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS HOTEL
Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and The Vixen
6 – 9:30 p.m.
EVENING EXPERIENCE
Taste of McHenry at The Vixen
Savor the best of McHenry’s dining scene during this immersive culinary showcase at The Vixen—one of Chicagoland’s premier live entertainment venues. Located in the heart of one of McHenry’s three downtown districts, this evening blends incredible local flavors with the ambiance of a high-energy yet intimate performance space.
Transportation: Shuttle departs hotel at 6 p.m. Return shuttle departs venue at 9 p.m.
Sponsored by McDaniels Marketing
The Vixen, 1208 N Green St, McHenry, IL 60050
9 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS VENUE
Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and The Vixen
9 a.m.
OPTIONAL MORNING ACTIVITY
Morning Hike
Sign up at the info table at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
Enjoy a guided outdoor experience to kick off your day.
Transportation: On Your Own
Fel-Pro Conservation Area, 1520 Crystal Lake Rd, Cary, IL
8 – 10:30 a.m.
SHUTTLE LOOP AVAILABLE
Shuttle will run from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake to Downtown Crystal Lake to the Dole Mansion and back.
9 – 11 a.m.
SPEED NETWORKING
Pre-registration required
Make meaningful, focused connections between creators and destinations.
9 – 11 a.m.
SPONSOR BOOTHS OPEN
9 – 11 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
Provided by Veronica Bareman
Drop-in Opportunity. No sign-up required.
11 – 11:20 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
Snacks sponsored by Heritage Corridor Destinations
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Naturally You: Redefining Your Brand as Your Creative World Expands
Speaker: Dr. Niki Davis
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Naturally Inspired Partnerships: Building Long-Term Connections with DMOs
Speaker: Anna Cook
12:20 – 1:20 p.m.
Lunch
Sponsored by Southernmost Illinois Tourism
1:20 – 2:20 p.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Beyond the Brochure: Creating Destination Guides That Truly Tell a Story
1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Naturally Inspired (And Finally Organized): Taming Your Creative Chaos with Airtable
Speaker: Veronica Bareman
2:20 – 2:40 p.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
The Creator Advantage: Making Short-Form Video Work
Speaker: Abby Bilinski
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION
Dear AI, We Need to Talk: Setting Boundaries in a Changing Landscape
Speaker: Terry Baker
Speaker sponsored by Visit Fairfield
4 – 5 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS VENUE
Transportation will be provided between The Dole Mansion and the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
5:15 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS HOTEL
Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and The Starline Factory
6 – 10 p.m.
EVENING EXPERIENCE
Naturally Inspired at Starline: Art, Ales & Atmosphere
Step inside the historic Starline Factory in Harvard—a once-abandoned industrial building transformed into a thriving creative hub featuring artists’ studios and unforgettable events. The evening includes tastings from McHenry County breweries, bites from local culinary partners, and a guided look inside this unique venue.
The Starline Factory, 300 W Front St, Harvard, IL 60033
8:30 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS VENUE
Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and The Starline Factory
Reflection & Celebration
Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
7:15 a.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS HOTEL
Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and Woodstock Opera House
8 – 9 a.m.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Woodstock Opera House
9 – 10:15 a.m.
GROUP ACTIVITY
Through the Other Lens
Interactive group experience designed to reflect, connect, and see things from a new perspective.
Woodstock Opera House
10:15 – 10:25 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAK
10:25 – 11:15 a.m.
2026 MIDWEST TRAVEL NETWORK AWARDS
Remarks from Mayor Turner
Woodstock Opera House
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.
CLOSING REMARKS
We’ll wrap up the conference with final reflections, gratitude, and a celebration of the connections and experiences shared throughout the week.
We’ll also close things out with a special moment as we reveal the host destination for the 2027 Midwest Travel Network Conference—a tradition we always look forward to sharing together.
Woodstock Opera House
12 p.m.
SHUTTLE DEPARTS VENUE
Transportation will be provided between the Woodstock Opera House and Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
1 – 4 p.m.
POST-CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Flavors on the Fox
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
1 – 4 p.m.
POST-CONFERENCE ACTIVITY
Discover the Real Woodstock
Pre-registration required
Depart from Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
Note: Schedule is subject to change.