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Wondering what makes the Champaign-Urbana, Illinois area brilliant for your next meeting or event?
We’re conveniently located between Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, where major interstates converge, making travel seamless. We’re home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — a Big Ten powerhouse — giving you access to world-renowned experts and thought leaders. Add over 4,500 hotel rooms, more than 240,000 square feet of meeting space, and team-building experiences you won’t find anywhere else. All at a fraction of the cost of larger destinations.
A Micro-Urban Destination
You’ll find that Champaign-Urbana’s micro-urban community blends the energy of a global research institution with easygoing affordability, punctuated by our Midwestern warmth.
Meeting planners love our variety of venues, ranging from conference centers and boutique hotels to unique spaces like historic theaters, beautiful estates, and scenic prairie settings. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, an industry conference, or a large expo, Champaign-Urbana provides the perfect backdrop with exceptional support every step of the way.
Beyond the Meeting
What else makes Champaign-Urbana brilliant? The experiences. We’re a vibrant cultural and culinary destination, featuring world-class arts, live music, boutique shopping, and global cuisine. You can explore scenic parks and trails, visit award-winning museums (all free!), take an immersive farm tour, or just unwind at one of our craft breweries after a full day.
As Illinois’ first Certified Welcoming City, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, ensuring a warm, inviting environment for all guests. Our community truly offers something for everyone.
Key Venue Spotlight: I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center
Located on the University of Illinois campus, this versatile space is a premier meeting destination, offering 70,500 square feet of flexible meeting space. The 12,200-square-foot exhibit hall accommodates 750 guests in rounds or 1,200 in theater-style seating. Beyond the specs, your attendees will enjoy the comfort of 125 boutique-style guest rooms, with plenty of on-site amenities.
Brilliant by the Numbers
• Midwest Living’s Greatest Midwest Food Town – Your attendees will love our diverse, award-winning culinary scene.
• #9 Public University in the U.S. – The University of Illinois brings innovation and thought leadership to every meeting.
• Perfect 100 Score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index – We’re an inclusive destination for all.
• 2nd-Largest International Student Population at a Public University in the U.S. – We’re a globally connected community with diverse perspectives.
• Named a Best Place to Live in America (2025, Livability) – Champaign-Urbana offers a welcoming spirit, vibrant culture, and an unbeatable quality of life.
Let’s Connect!
We’re here to help you plan a brilliant event in Champaign-Urbana. From venue selection to itineraries, our team is ready to ensure your meeting’s success. Let us show you why our city is the perfect setting for your next conference, retreat, or corporate gathering.
Contact Gina Scarpetta at 217-351-4133 or ginas@experiencecu.org, or visit experiencecu.org/meetings.
