Quad Cities
Sometimes, several communities feel it’s smart to market themselves together, and that’s true for the Quad Cities.
“We have Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, all along the Mississippi River.” said Joan Kranovich, sales manager for the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. The total population of the five cities is 382,000.
The Quad Cities is a busy market for visiting sports teams. “That’s because of our central location and affordability,” said Kranovich. “We get lots of amateur softball associations. Our facilities are great, and the weather is usually good in the summer.”
The Quad Cities also attract numerous hobby and collectors groups. Many Midwest associations visit, as do car clubs. The John Deere Corporation is headquartered in Moline.
The iWireless Center in Moline is the area’s largest meeting venue with 31,000 square feet of arena space. Next to the arena are 10,000 square feet of breakout space. Across the street, the Radisson on John Deere Commons hotel has 162 rooms. The Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center in Moline has Northwoods decor with 150 guest rooms and 12,000 square feet of meeting space with 10 meeting rooms. The Holiday Inn Rock Island Hotel and Conference Center boasts 175 guest rooms and 10,000 square feet of meeting areas and is within walking distance of riverboat casino gaming, theater, nightclubs and restaurants.
The QCCA Expo Center plays host to large trade shows with a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall and the 4,600-square-foot North Hall.
Meeting attendees will find plenty to do during downtime in the Quad Cities.
“People say they’re most interested in seeing all the John Deere attractions,” said Kranovich. “The John Deere Pavilion in Moline is a free museum open seven days a week. Groups tour it.”
Nearby Le Claire, Iowa, is home base for “American Pickers,” the popular television show on the History Channel featuring hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who comb the Midwest buying, or “picking,” antiques and collectibles for their stores, through which visitors love to stroll.
