The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation celebrated our hospitality industry during our annual Toast to Tourism: Celebrating Community Brilliance, held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Hilton Garden Inn. During this annual event, we honor local tourism ambassadors whose efforts have paved the way for tourism to the greater Champaign-Urbana area or enhanced the visitor experience.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Brilliant Spirit Awards for individuals or organizations who have shown innovation, creativity, or collaboration in welcoming visitors and residents to the greater Champaign-Urbana area, including Monticello, Tuscola, Arthur, Arcola, Sullivan, and Paxton. Potential nominees could be a staff member who provides exceptional customer service to guests, an event planner who created significant economic impact, or a business leader whose insight has paved the way for growth in the hospitality industry.
Submit a Nomination
2024 Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors, who helped us keep this event free and accessible for all participants.
Weekend Warriors
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Day Trippers
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TOURISM IMPACT AWARD WINNERS
2024
Urbana Boulders |
State Farm Center |
Ebertfest |
The Great Pumpkin Patch |
Uniting Pride of Champaign County |
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See past Tourism Impact Award Winner Videos (2021–2023)
2023
- B52 Hangar MX
- Michaels' Catering
- Neil St. Blues
- Triptych Brewing
- University of Illinois Japan House
2022
- Kayla Brown, Fire Doll Studio
- Riggs Family, Riggs Beer Company
- Jon Seydl, Krannert Art Museum
- Syl Keller, Monticello Railway Museum
- Michael McDonald, Wood N' Hog
2021
- Alven & Ajza Allison and Isis Griffin, CBPB Popcorn Shop
- Luke Humphrey and Mayor Charles Smith, Rantoul Family Sports Complex
- Matt Kuntz, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
- Armando Sandoval and Adam Lopez, Maize Mexican Grill
- Marie DiBello, the first Director of the then Champaign-Urbana Convention & Visitors Bureau
2020
- Launched the Hospitality Relief Fund in lieu of awards which raised over $33,000 and supported 136 hospitality heroes and 53 local businesses
2019
- Champaign County History Museum
- Sam Issa, Sam’s Café
- Cindy Reynolds, William M. Staerkel Planetarium
- Mike Ross, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
- Paty Stipes, American Airlines
2018
- ChambanaMoms.com
- Illinois Futbol Club
- Lester Lindsey, Original House of Pancakes
- Robb Tobias, Central Illinois Bakehouse
- Kelly White, 40 North | 88 West
2017
- Jessica Basalay, Esquire Lounge
- Noel C. Dicks, Arthur Area Tourism Volunteer
- Rod Lovett, Parkland College
- Curtis and Cameshia McGhee, C&C Kitchen, Rantoul
- Dawn Van Buskirk, formerly of Horve Hospitality Management
2016
- Nancy Forman, ciLiving
- Joe Duchene
- Jameel T. Jones, Champaign Park District
- The Pygmalion Festival
- Nancy Snellen, Volunteer, Allerton Park & Retreat Center
2015
- Leslie Cooperband and Wes Jarrell, Prairie Fruits Farm
- Josh Laskowski, Stevie Jay Broadcasting
- Lynne Srull, Jefferson Middle School Archery
- Peter T. Tomaras, Apollo Hotel Consultancy
- Jamarr Turner, Aroma Cafe
2014
- Joyce Curtis, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
- Scott Friedlein, Retired Champaign Police Officer/Reynold's Towing
- Jenese Harris, WICD TV
- Michael Johnson, Big Grove Tavern
- Ed Scharlau, Busey
2013
- Steve Carter, City of Champaign
- Don Flynn, Game Day USA
- Steve Flynn, Candlewood Suites
- Mark Herriott, Columbia Street Roaster
- David Leake, William M. Staerkel Planetarium