Making News Icebreaker
Wednesday, February 13
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Illinois State Museum
502 S. Spring Street

All conference attendees will want to be at the official kickoff celebration. View the exhibits, catch up with friends and colleagues, indulge in food and drink, and enjoy!

Transportation will be available to and from the event beginning at 6:15 p.m.

February 14, 2008
Thursday, February 14 is a day filled with activity for attendees to the Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism. After a day of exciting sessions, relax and enjoy!

5:00pm-7:00pm
A Taste of Illinois Networking Reception
Join us at our trade show - the Illinois Tourism Marketplace for refreshments including a sampling of Illinois wine and hors d'oeuvres, while you network with our exhibitors.

Sponsored by:
Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association
Southwest Airlines

9:00pm-11:30pm
Valentine's Day Sweet Dreams Reception
Join us at the top of the Hilton Springfield to finish off your night in style! Enjoy great music, desserts, and late night refreshments.

Sponsored by:
Western Illinois Tourism Development Office

Local Options!
Between 7:00pm and 9:30pm, we invite you to explore Springfield!

Option 1: Springfield Pub Crawl
Join your industry colleagues aboard a Springfield Trolley as we wind our way through downtown Springfield from 7:00pm - 9:30 pm. Just click here to complete our sign up form! Your $10 reservation includes food and drink, along with transportation to/from the Hilton Springfield to these three pubs:

Celtic Mist - you won't want to miss this Irish-themed pub.
117-119 South 7th Street
www.celticmistpub.com

Sammy's Sports Bar - Sammy's has more than 22 LCD TV's and screens.
217 South 5th Street
www.sammyssportsbar.com

Floyd's Thirst Parlor - Experience Floyd's wonderful game room!
210 South 5th Street
www.floydsthirstparlor.com

Marly's Pub - Traditional Irish Pub with live music.
5th & Adams Street
www.Marlyspub.com

Option 2: Enjoy Springfield's Restaurants
Make your reservations today! Springfield has many wonderful dining venues. If you wish to partake, we suggest that you make reservations for dinner as soon as possible due to the Valentine's Day holiday. The following list includes restaurants located within walking distance from the Hilton Springfield, and others that are "can't miss" culinary delights. In addition to those listed below, log on to www.visit-springfieldillinois.com or www.downtownspringfield.org/restaurants.htm for a complete listing of local restaurants. Dinner not included in Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism registration.

Augie's Front Burner - Augie's offers the finest in fusion cuisine, a subtle blending of tradition and innovation.
109 S. 5th (across from Old State Capitol Plaza)
Phone: 217-544-6979
www.augiesfrontburner.com

Bella Milano's - Bella Milano's offers the finest in Italian dining. Experience the tastes of Little Italy right in Springfield.
4525 Wabash Avenue (southwest Springfield)
Phone: 217-547-0011
www.bellamilanos.com

Café Brio - a relaxing environment awaits you. Its menu takes from Caribbean, Spanish and Mexican cuisine. Try one of ten specialty margaritas!
524 East Monroe Street (corner of 6th and Monroe)
Phone: 217-544-0574

Caitie Girl's - "Where the food is gourmet but jeans are appropriate" is the best way to describe this upscale comfort food dining experience. Recently opened in December 2007 this downtown Springfield restaurant is receiving accolades!
400 E. Jefferson
(217) 528-1294
www.caitiegirls.com

Capisce? - an award winning contemporary Italian dinner restaurant located on the 30th floor of the Hilton Springfield.
700 E. Adams Street
(217) 789-1530 ext. 3030
www.hilton.com

Charles and Limey's - Enjoy the finest, quality steak and seafood dishes. This inventive American cuisine restaurant is the newest restaurant in Springfield, and in view of the Illinois State Capitol.
Phone: 217-522-6300
620 South First Street

Indigo Cuisine - Indigo is a Metropolitan-style restaurant whose world-class cuisine changes daily. It has a contemporary atmosphere featuring several Blue Dog paintings by George Rodriguez.
3013 Lindbergh Blvd (southwest Springfield)
Phone: 217-726-3487
www.indigocuisine.com

Magic Kitchen Thai Restaurant – The charming, small and simple Magic Kitchen serves authentic Thai cuisine.
4112 N. Peoria Road (Northeast Springfield)
(217) 525-2230

Maldaner's - Chef and Owner Michael Higgins invites you to celebrate the bounties of his regional cuisine. Maldaner's offers an ever-changing menu featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is the oldest restaurant in Central Illinois!
222 South Sixth Street
Phone: 217-522-4313
www.maldaners.com

Pao – Pao offers a nice selection of sushi as well as other Asian dishes.
2824 Plaza Drive (West Springfield)
(217) 546-4660

Ross Isaac – This contemporary restaurant has a metropolitan feel. Ross Isaac, named after family and friends, offers seafood and steaks, plus traditional club food such as chicken wings and nachos with and "upscale slant."
1710 S. MacArthur Blvd. (Just outside of downtown Springfield)
(217) 744-7677
www.rossisaac.com

Saputo's - This Italian Springfield tradition has been family owned and operated for over 60 years. Specialties include its Breaded Steak and Classic Baked Lasagna.
801 East Monroe Street (just south of the Hilton Springfield)
Phone: 217-544-2523

Sebastian's Hideout - An eclectic menu of innovative fusion cuisine, including classic French, Californian and Asian.
221 South 5th Street
Phone: 217-789-8988
www.sebastianshideout.com

Tuscany - Tuscany is a very homey and inviting Italian restaurant. The friendly staff will welcome you into the relaxed and comfortable environment. The entrees consist of traditional Italian treats with no extra flair needed to call attention.
3123 Robbins Road (West Springfield)
(217) 726-5343
www.tuscanyitalianrestaurant.net