MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 9, 2024) — Join Visit Quad Cities on Thursday, September 12, at Rhythm City Casino Resort for a morning of insight into the hospitality industry in Illinois and Iowa at AccelerateVQC.
Event Details:
- 8AM: Doors open, complimentary breakfast
- 8:30AM: Program begins
- 9:30AM: Conclusion
- Location: Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center (7077 Elmore Ave, Davenport, Iowa)
- Free to attend
- Media encouraged to attend, no credentials are required
- Register online at visitquadcities.com/accelerate-vqc
This gathering will feature a high-level discussion led by Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA), and Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association and the Iowa Restaurant Association. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current state of the hospitality industry in both states, as well as future outlooks, challenges, and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Michael Jacobson was named President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) in October 2018. In his role, he is proud to represent the 1,500 hotels and other hospitality stakeholders throughout the state. Jacobson’s priorities for the organization include bolstering the industry’s advocacy capacity in Springfield and municipalities throughout the state while enhancing IHLA’s educational programs to serve as a resource for its members.
Jessica Dunker serves as the President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association and the Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association. With a focus on advocacy and industry support, she has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering collaboration across Iowa’s hospitality sector, addressing key challenges, and positioning the industry for long-term success.
AccelerateVQC is a unique opportunity to hear from two of the region's leading voices on the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality sector and how Illinois and Iowa are navigating this rapidly changing landscape.
“The partnership between Visit Quad Cities and the Illinois and Iowa lodging associations is truly invaluable. Michael Jacobson and Jessica Dunker have been pivotal in advancing the hospitality industry in both states, and their leadership is felt throughout our region,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “We are proud to work alongside them as they continue to strengthen the hospitality industry in the QC and beyond.”
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region's official destination-management and marketing organization (DMMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, tells, and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place.
