Bloomington-Normal
It’s not often a potential meeting city makes a “pledge” to planners, but the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau does.
“Because we have such premier facilities and convenient accessibility with our location being in the center of Illinois, we help increase attendance at your meetings,” said Amanda Borden, the CVB’s communications and tourism marketing manager.
The city of Bloomington and the town of Normal have commonalities, so they market themselves together. “It’s a clean, vibrant community with Midwestern charm,” said Borden.
With a combined population of 125,000, Bloomington-Normal is near interstates 55, 74 and 39; Central Illinois Regional Airport; and an Amtrak train stop.
Meeting venues include the Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington, with 15,000 square feet of meeting space and 197 guest rooms, and the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, which resembles a castle from the outside and has 8,000 square feet of space and 180 rooms. Planners can also choose the Parke Regency Hotel and Conference Center, with 10,500 square feet of meeting space, and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, which has 5,000 square feet. For large gatherings, U.S. Cellular Coliseum in downtown Bloomington is available when football, basketball or hockey games or concerts aren’t scheduled. It seats 7,000 to 8,000.
Bloomington’s nightlife includes its cultural district with art galleries, restaurants, bars and live music. The beautiful Constitution Trail, 24 miles long, is a joint venture of Bloomington-Normal and is ideal for walking, jogging, bike riding and more.
The town of Normal’s main meeting venue is the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, with 23,000 square feet of meeting space, 18 meeting rooms and 226 guest rooms.
