Toast to Tourism

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 with our Brilliant Spirit Awards.

This year's event will include Pecha Kucha-style community updates as well as a sample of local flavors provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Maize Mexican Grill, Kohinoor Indian Restaurant, and Hilton Garden Inn.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 7, 4:30–6:00 p.m. Program starts promptly at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign

Tickets are $10 per person. (The ECU Foundation will charge for tickets for the first time in 2025 to help offset costs and support the foundation's efforts within the community.)

 
RSVP HERE

 

 

2025 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors, who helped us keep this event free and accessible for all participants.

Presenting Sponsor

Weekend Warriors
Farnsworth Group logo First State Bank and Trust logo Hickory Point Bank logo
     
Day Trippers
First Federal Savings Bank of Champaign Urbana logo Hamilton Walker's Steaks Seafood and Spirits Logo Pear Tree Estate logo    
Sterling Wealth Management logo Surface 51 logo      

 

TOURISM IMPACT AWARD WINNERS

2025

Ruthie Harper, Ion Grove at Willard Airport

John Stephens, Little Theatre on the Square

Laura Raney, Comfort Suites

Jan Seeley, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

Irene Macedo, La Paloma

 

2024

Urbana Boulders

State Farm Center

Ebertfest

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Uniting Pride of Champaign County
 

 

See past Tourism Impact Award Winner Videos (2021–2023)

2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013

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