About Us
Our Mission
We promote a welcoming destination experience for visitors to strengthen economic opportunity and enhance the lives of residents.
OUR VISION
Experience Champaign-Urbana will be a connected and collaborative leader in promoting the region as an extraordinary destination to visit, work, and live.
DESTINATION VISION
The greater Champaign-Urbana area will provide energetic and innovative experiences, attracting visitors and potential residents from around the world.
Established in 1982, Experience Champaign-Urbana is the official tourism destination marketing and management organization for Champaign County. Located at 17 E. Taylor St., a pedestrian walkway, you'll find us in between the Blind Pig Brewery and Farren's Pub. You can access our space through Taylor St., just North of Farren's Pub, or utilizing street parking on Neil or Walnut.
Whether you're in town for a quick bite, a big shopping trip and week of business, our Welcome Center is the perfect spot to pick up information on the Champaign-Urbana area's best spots. You'll find informational brochures, reading materials and personalized concierge service from our friendly and knowledgeable staff. So, stop in and say "hi" on your next visit!
Office hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
About Our Directory
Experience Champaign-Urbana provides directory listings to all tourism-related businesses in brick & mortar spaces including bars & restaurants, shops, museums, markets, attractions, hotels, bed & breakfasts, parks, recreation, art, music and entertainment venues, in addition to listings related to the event industry including venues, facilities, florists, photographers, DJs, audio-visual, and caterers. All listings are complimentary and include a description, a photo, and pertinent contact information.
The listings are updated and verified regularly but it is recommended that guests make direct contact with the business for any potential business changes. Experience Champaign-Urbana assumes no liability for outdated information.
Experience Champaign-Urbana staff receives information directly from businesses in addition to actively researching new businesses through various media outlets, search engines, social media channels, and local business organizations. As a publicly-funded organization, we do not evaluate or editorialize any of the listings on our website.
Staff
JAYNE DELUCEPresident & CEOFun Fact: Jayne spends any free time experiencing plays and concerts at the Virginia Theatre, State Farm Center and Krannert Center! |
TERRI REIFSTECKVice President of Marketing & Community EngagementFun Fact: With no artistic talent herself, Terri instead supports our local art community by owning over 30 pieces from our local artists and will happily help you decorate with your own pieces. |
CAITLYN FloydDirector of Sales & International TravelFun Fact: Caitlyn loves the diversity of programing in our community so she can go out and enjoy it all—from Pride Fest, Friday Night Live, Illini games, Ebertfest, Parade of Lights, Matsuri, Arthur Cheese Festival and so much more! |
Mike KoonDirector of Sports, Special Event, FilmFun Fact: Mike is also the public address announcer for Illini softball and volleyball, and radio play-by-play voice for Illini women’s basketball. |
Tim OravecCommunity Development ManagerFun Fact: When out of the office, you might find Tim exploring hiking trails, trying new restaurants, or curling up at home with a book.
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MARCUS FLINNCommunications ManagerFun Fact: You can catch Marcus with his camera and tripod at one of our many local parks and forest preserves. His favorite place to take portraits is the Sipyard in Urbana! |
BROOKE GordonDirector of Administrative ServicesFun Fact: Brooke bleeds Orange & Blue and attends every home Illini Basketball Game, guaranteeing a win every time. |
Estella SamiiVisitor Experience CoordinatorFun Fact: Estella has been active in the theatre community from a young age and enjoys frequent trips to the library, baking, and swimming. |
Board OF DIRECTORS
BRYAN SNODGRASSChair - Busey |
ANNIE EASTERDAYVice Chair - Pear Tree Estate |
ROB KOWALSKITreasurer - City of Champaign |
JAYNE DELUCESecretary (Ex-officio) - Visit Champaign County |
LAURA WEISSKOPF BLEILLPast Chair - University of Illinois Research Park |
BRIDGET BROIHAHNCity of Urbana |
NATHAN ESCUEHamilton Walker’s |
BOB FLIDERUniversity of Illinois |
Jennifer LockeChampaign County Board |
SHAYLA MAATUKAMaatuka, Al-Heeti, Emkes LLC |
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CALEB MILLERCarle |
VANNA PIANFETTIChampaign City Council |
SAM SANTHANAMI Hotel & Conference Center |
Katie SimpsonVillage of Savoy |
CHARLES SMITHVillage of Rantoul |