TINLEY PARK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Critics who denounce the death of the multi-day business conference should talk to Michelle Trueblood. The COO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois earlier this month coordinated the annual state-wide, three day meeting that shattered previous attendance records. "We needed three days to get it all in," she smiled.
"The conference has been in central Illinois for about 30 years and it was really time to hold it in a location that was good for our downstate agents and easy to get to for our Chicagoland agents. Tinley Park Convention Center was a perfect place."
Beyond its ideal location, from concept to completion, says Trueblood, the Center staff was first class. "It was a city experience with the convenience of the suburbs." The Center was able to provide facilities for a 175-booth trade show, a 350-plate general session luncheon, numerous break out rooms for continuing education, reception rooms for private parties with butler-passed heavy appetizers, full bars, and hundreds of hotel rooms to accommodate nearly 1,300 participants at the adjoining Holiday Inn and other Tinley Park hotels.
Agents were treated to a day of golf at a nearby club and to a special performance of Chicago's Second City within the Convention Center.
Partnerships were formed within the Village and the Mayor's Office. The Agents were presented with a Key to the Village and Tinley Park Mayor Zabrocki performed ribbon-cutting honors for the trade show opening. Area restaurants and nightspots kept kitchens open after hours specially for the Agents and shuttles took guests to upscale Tin Fish, unique Parmesans set in one of Tinley's award-winning train stations, comfortable Rich's Pizza, Gaelic-style Ariels and finished with nightcaps at elegant Intimo.
"We took advantage of everything," says Trueblood. "The Center staff became an extension of my team, and that's what made it work so well."
Surveyed members overwhelmingly rated the Center High and Above Average. "The Center served some of the best food at any banquet or convention site ever. Their attention to detail was impeccable. It was a perfect fit for us and we look forward to being there again soon."
