Join us!
The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation will celebrate our hospitality industry during our annual Toast to Tourism: Celebrating Community Brilliance, presented by CRS Hospitality, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Carmon's, 4:30–6:00 p.m. 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.
The program will include:
- Pecha Kucha-style Presentations from Community Leaders
- Silent Auction featuring Community Experiences
- Food & Drink—“Our Flavor, Our Town”—provided by CRS Hospitality
- Feeling the BRILLIANCE of our community.
Get your tickets today!
2026 Brilliant Spirit Award Winners
- CU Adventures in Time & Space and Parcadia
- Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
- Steven Bentz, The Virginia Theatre
- Lauren & Jeffrey Brokish
- 83 Vietnamese
Get your tickets today!
2026 Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors, who help us keep this event accessible for the community.
Frequent Flyer (Presenting Sponsor)
Weekend Warriors
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Day Trippers
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Get your tickets today!
Past Brilliant Spirit Award WINNERS
2025
Laura Raney, Comfort Suites |
Jan Seeley, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend |
The Little Theatre on the Square |
Ruthie Harper, ION Grove |
Irene Macedo Hernández, La Paloma |
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See past Tourism Impact Award Winner Videos (2021–2024)
2025
- Laura Raney, Comfort Suites
- Jan Seeley, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend
- Little Theatre on the Square
- Ruthie Harper, ION Grove
- Irene Macedo Hernández, La Paloma
2024
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