Record-Breaking Attendance Marks Annual Luncheon with Insights and Highlights
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The Visit Lake County Board
Visit Lake County held its annual luncheon at the scenic Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, drawing a record crowd of over 250 tourism industry leaders, local officials and hospitality professionals. The event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), themed "40 Years of Fabulous. Vision. Fun. Impact."
The luncheon highlighted fiscal year 2024 accomplishments and set the stage for the year ahead, with Lake County emerging as a key player in Illinois' growing travel and tourism sector. A special thank you goes to Relish Events and Lake County Forest Preserves for hosting the event, and to American Place Casino in Waukegan for generously sponsoring the occasion.
The workshop (L-R) Motley, Heron, Cichowski and Krishnamurthy
Before the luncheon, David Motley, City of Waukegan Director of Public Relations and VLC Board Chair, led a workshop titled "Breaking News! Earning Media Coverage For Your Destination." The panel featured Noreen Heron, CEO and founder of The Heron Agency, Marla Cichowski, director of media relations at TimeZoneOne and Madhu Krishnamurthy, assistant city editor at the Daily Herald Media Group.
Village of Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson addresses attendees
Greg Koeppen, a VLC board member and executive director of Lake County Farm Bureau, emceed the event, while Village of Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson, Motley and Lake County board chair Sandy Hart delivered opening remarks.
VLC President Maureen Riedy
VLC President Maureen Riedy highlighted the CVB’s fiscal year 2024 campaign achievements, underscoring the significant economic and community impact of tourism in Lake County. She also outlined future marketing and sales initiatives.
Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT)
The keynote speaker, Daniel Thomas deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT), addressed the state’s marketing strategies, the economic impact of Illinois tourism, and visitor spending. He also previewed the upcoming fall campaign and showcased a new IOT video featuring Tony Cannoli of Mundelein, part of the Illinois Made Program.
Donna Johnson, mayor of Libertyville, addresses attendees
Visit Lake County’s efforts in FY '24 were supported by multiple successful campaigns, including the Road Trip summer campaign, Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration, February Flavor Festival and Holiday Your Way. We extend our deepest thanks to all our partners for making this our largest event to date and look forward to a prosperous FY '25.
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Video Spotlight: 40th Anniversary Video of Visit Lake County
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Spooks and Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration Launches Friday
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VLC is embracing the fall season with a focus on Halloween and local libations, positioning both as key drivers of tourism during September and October. By showcasing the region's autumn activities and beloved holiday traditions, we aim to strengthen our brand and attract visitors throughout the fall.
 Our "Spooks & Spirits Autumn Celebration" campaign. running September 13-October 27, features a diverse lineup of fall events, Halloween festivities and highlights from local craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. The campaign is further enhanced by the Lake County Libation Trail's month-long Check-in Challenge, running October 1-31.
This promotional effort spans multiple digital and traditional channels, including connected TV (streaming platforms), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, an e-blast from the Daily Herald, strategically placed bilboards and local radio spots.
Additionally, the initiative includes a dedicated homepage, the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge passport landing page, six-themed blog posts.
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Fright Fest Returns: Six Flags Great America's Must-Visit Halloween Destination
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Six Flags Great America is gearing up for an exhilarating fall season with a spine-chilling lineup of events and attractions. This year’s celebration features new haunted house experiences inspired by blockbuster horror franchises, alongside fan-favorite events for both thrill-seekers and families.
Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS® is back for its 33rd terrifying season on Saturday. The Gurnee event boasts five haunted houses and nine scare zones, ensuring a terrifying experience for horror lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. This year, three all-new haunted house attractions join the lineup, bringing some of the most iconic horror franchises to life including "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Stranger Things" and "SAW: 20th anniversary." The autumn celebrations also include a FANTA Beetlejuice Beetlejuice party featuring the film’s characters brought to life in a spectacular sky show over the Looney Toon, PEANUTS and DC Comics theme park.
 For the younger crowd, Kids Boo Fest offers a family-friendly Halloween experience with daytime activities on Saturdays and Sundays until 5 p.m. Highlights include a BOO-Yeah! Parade, Candy Corn Lane and more.
Don't forget to celebrate the flavors of fall at the Oktoberfest Food Festival, where guests can indulge in seasonal brews and mouthwatering German-inspired dishes, available on select days. Guests can experience all these exciting events starting on September 14.
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Video Spotlight: Richardson Adventure Farm Corn Maze in Spring Grove
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Keep VLC Updated on Your Upcoming Plans
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VLC remains committed to serving our partners, communities and residents. Please reach out to us for marketing support. We would love to post your beautiful photos of Lake County, see your videos, learn about your upcoming events and tours and feature your happenings across our website, social media, newsletters and more.
Contact VLC Marketing Director Jonathan Jones and inform us of your 2024 fall and winter plans.
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