🏨 Where to Stay

Stay at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake, the official conference hotel for the Midwest Travel Network Conference.

While conference sessions will take place off-site, the Holiday Inn serves as the central hub for attendees, which makes it a great place to stay, connect, and continue conversations beyond scheduled events.

Holiday Inn Crystal Lake

800 S Illinois Rte 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Group Rate: $119 per night
Booking Deadline: May 10, 2026

👉 Book Online: Midwest Travel Network 2026
📞 Call to Book: 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329)

When booking, be sure to reference:

Event Name: Midwest Travel Network 2026
Code: MTN

The group rate is available for June 11–13, 2026, as well as up to three days before and after, based on availability, perfect if you’re planning to extend your stay and explore more of McHenry County.

Complimentary parking is available for all guests.

📍 Conference Location
We’re excited to welcome you to McHenry County, Illinois, for this year’s Midwest Travel Network Conference! Here’s where the main events will take place:

Thursday & Friday
🧭 Dole Mansion

401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

This historic and beautifully restored venue will serve as the hub for our breakout sessions, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and sponsor interactions.

🚗 Driving? Complimentary parking is available on-site.
🚌 Transportation: Details on getting between the hotel and venue will be shared in another section.

Saturday Morning – Closing Session
🎭 Woodstock Opera House

121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098

We’ll wrap up the conference in this iconic and inspiring setting with our final sessions, awards, and the announcement of our 2027 destination — the perfect way to close out the event with meaningful takeaways, reflection, and a few memorable moments.

From a historic mansion to a beautifully preserved opera house, this year’s venues reflect the Naturally Inspired spirit of McHenry County — blending history, creativity, and community.

McHenry County is easily accessible and offers a mix of convenience and charm as you travel between conference locations.

✈️ Getting There
The closest major airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), located about an hour from Crystal Lake, depending on traffic.

From the airport, you can:

• Rent a car (recommended for flexibility)
• Use a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft)
• Coordinate travel with other attendees

🚘 Getting Around During the Conference
Conference events will take place at multiple locations throughout McHenry County:

• Holiday Inn Crystal Lake (host hotel)
• Dole Mansion (Thursday & Friday sessions)
• Woodstock Opera House (Saturday closing session)

Shuttle transportation will be available throughout the conference, connecting the hotel, main venues, and evening events for your convenience.

🚗 Driving:
All conference venues offer convenient parking for attendees.

What’s On the Agenda? So Much to Look Forward To!

🗓️ Conference Schedule at a Glance
👉 View the full schedule here: https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/conference-2026/schedule/ 

✨ What You Can Expect
Our 2026 agenda is designed to inspire, connect, and immerse you in both the Midwest Travel Network community and the destination itself.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

✅ Explore local experiences and unique venues throughout McHenry County
✅ Learn from dynamic speakers on topics that matter to creators and destinations
✅ Build valuable relationships with fellow attendees, sponsors, and industry professionals
✅ Enjoy memorable evening events that showcase the spirit of the destination

🌿 Naturally Inspired
This year’s theme, Naturally Inspired, is woven throughout the agenda — from the places you’ll visit to the conversations you’ll have. Expect moments that spark creativity, encourage connection, and leave you feeling refreshed and motivated.

Each evening of the conference offers a unique opportunity to explore McHenry County, connect with fellow attendees, and experience the destination in a memorable way.

These events are designed to blend local flavor, creativity, and community — so come ready to relax, engage, and enjoy.

🍻 Tuesday | June 9
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hops & Handshakes: Early Bird Reception
📍 Crystal Lake Brewing

150 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Kick off the conference with a relaxed welcome reception at one of McHenry County’s premier craft breweries. Connect with fellow attendees over locally brewed favorites in a laid-back setting that sets the tone for the days ahead.

🚗 Transportation: On your own

🚗 Wednesday | June 10
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cary Cruise & Connect: Downtown Street Party
📍 Downtown Cary Cruise Night

Experience the energy of Downtown Cary during its iconic Cruise Nights. Enjoy a dedicated gathering while exploring rows of vintage cars, live music, and the charm of this vibrant downtown district.

Stroll between local restaurants, take in the atmosphere, and connect with fellow attendees under the summer sky.

🍽️ Thursday | June 11
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Taste of McHenry at The Vixen
📍 The Vixen

1208 N Green St, McHenry, IL 60050

Savor the best of McHenry’s dining scene during this immersive culinary showcase at one of Chicagoland’s premier live entertainment venues. Located in the heart of one of McHenry’s downtown districts, this evening blends incredible local flavors with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.

Come hungry and ready to connect.

Transportation:  Shuttle departs hotel at 6 p.m. Return shuttle departs venue at 9 p.m.

Sponsored by McDaniels Marketing

🎨 Friday | June 12
6:15 PM – 10:15 PM
Naturally Inspired at Starline: Art, Ales & Atmosphere
📍 Starline Factory

300 W Front St, Harvard, IL 60033

Step inside the historic Starline Factory — a once-abandoned industrial space transformed into a thriving creative hub. Enjoy tastings from McHenry County breweries, bites from local culinary partners, and a guided look inside this awe-inspiring venue.

The evening includes a special sneak peek of Starline’s quarterly art event, offering an immersive blend of creativity, history, and community.

Transportation will be provided between the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake and The Starline Factory.

✨ A Few Tips
Bring comfortable shoes — you’ll be on your feet and exploring

Come ready to connect — these events are some of the best networking opportunities of the conference

Take it all in. Each evening is designed to give you a deeper sense of place and community

. 

From cozy coffee shops to standout local restaurants, this guide is a great resource for planning meals, meeting up with fellow attendees, or discovering something new during your stay.

✅ Included Meals & Experiences

Here’s a general overview of what’s included during the conference:

Tuesday Evening
Enjoy a relaxed early arrival reception at Crystal Lake Brewing, featuring locally brewed favorites and a casual setting to connect with fellow attendees.

Wednesday Evening
Experience a lively night in Downtown Cary during Cruise Night, with access to a dedicated gathering alongside vintage cars, live music, and local restaurants.

Thursday Evening
Savor a Taste of McHenry at The Vixen, where local flavors and a lively atmosphere come together for an evening of connection and discovery.

Friday
Start your day with breakfast and enjoy lunch during conference programming — both designed to give you time to connect while you refuel.

Friday Evening
Experience an unforgettable evening at Starline Factory, featuring local brews, culinary tastings, and a vibrant blend of art, history, and community.

Saturday Morning
Join us for breakfast before we begin our closing session at the Woodstock Opera House.

☕ Snacks & Beverages
Snacks, coffee, water, and select beverages will be available throughout conference programming to keep you fueled and focused between sessions.

🍴 Dietary Needs
We want everyone to enjoy their experience — including the meals!

If you share dietary restrictions during registration, we’ve noted them.

Need to update or confirm your information? Please reach out to us at midwesttravelbloggers@gmail.com so we can ensure everything is taken care of.

🍽️ Explore Local Dining
While many meals and experiences are included, you’ll also have opportunities to explore McHenry County on your own.

👉 Explore the local dining guide: https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com/2026-midwest-travel-network-conference/crystal-lake-dining-options/

From cozy coffee shops to standout local restaurants, this guide is a great resource for planning meals, meeting up with fellow attendees, or discovering something new during your stay.

🌿 Naturally Inspired

From local flavors to thoughtfully planned experiences, food and beverage throughout the conference will reflect the spirit of McHenry County — giving you a taste of the destination while creating opportunities to connect.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite between sessions or planning a dinner outing, this guide is a great place to start.

👚 Dress Code: Keep It Comfortable

The Midwest Travel Network Conference is casual — we want you to be comfortable, confident, and ready to move!

You’ll be walking between sessions, venues, and activities, so dress for both learning and networking.

Jeans, shorts, casual tops, and comfortable shoes (like sneakers or sandals) are perfectly acceptable

Comfortable footwear is key — you’ll be on your feet and moving throughout the day

Bring a light jacket or sweater — indoor spaces can be chilly, even in summer

For evening events, attire will remain casual unless otherwise noted. If there’s anything specific (business casual or themed), we’ll share those details in advance.

🎒 Pack Your Networking & Content Essentials
This conference is designed for connection, collaboration, and creativity — a little preparation can go a long way.

Be sure to bring:

✅ Business cards – Still one of the easiest ways to share your information
✅ Media kit or one-sheet – Printed or digital, to share with destinations
✅ Notebook or device – Be ready to capture ideas and inspiration
✅ Phone + charger – Plus a portable battery if you have one
✅ Content creation gear – Camera, tripod, or any tools you use regularly
✅ Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated as you move between venues

🎯 Make the Most of Your Experience
Take a few minutes before the conference to think about what you want to get out of it:

• Who do I want to meet?
• What sessions or topics matter most to me?
• Which destinations or creators do I want to connect with?
• What takeaways will help me grow this year?
• The more intentional you are, the more value you’ll walk away with.

🌿 Naturally Inspired
As you prepare, think about what helps you feel your best — whether that’s comfortable layers, your favorite notebook, or simply an open mindset ready for new ideas and connections.

From the moment you arrive, our goal is to help you feel welcomed, prepared, and ready to connect.

✅ Check-In & Registration
Conference check-in will take place at the start of the event (details and timing will be shared closer to the conference).

When you arrive, you’ll:

• Check in and receive your name badge
• Pick up your conference tote bag and materials
• Get a quick overview of the space and schedule

If you arrive later, no worries — we’ll make sure you’re able to get checked in and jump right in.

🏷️ Name Badges
Your name badge is your “all-access pass” throughout the conference.

Please wear it during all conference events. It helps attendees, speakers, and sponsors easily connect with you

🎁 Conference Swag & Materials
Each attendee will receive a conference tote bag filled with helpful materials and items from our sponsors and partners.

Take a few minutes to explore what’s inside. It’s a great way to discover destinations, services, and opportunities you may want to connect with during the event.

🤝 Connecting with Sponsors & Destinations
Our sponsors and destination partners are an important part of the conference experience.

Take time to visit booths and introduce yourself. Ask questions, learn about their destination or services, and share what you do

These conversations often lead to future collaborations, partnerships, and trips

📸 Content & Sharing
We love seeing the conference through your lens!

Share your experience on social media using #MWTravelCon26

Tag fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors when appropriate

Be mindful of others when capturing content during sessions

❤️ A Note on Community
The Midwest Travel Network Conference is built on connection, collaboration, and support.

This isn’t just about transactions — it’s about building relationships, sharing ideas, and growing together.

• Be open to conversations
• Support one another
• Show up as yourself

You’ll get so much more out of the experience when you lean into the community around you.

🤝 Connect with Our Sponsors
Our sponsors and destination partners are a key part of the Midwest Travel Network Conference experience — and they’re here because they want to connect with you.

Take time throughout the conference to stop by, introduce yourself, and learn more about the destinations, services, and opportunities they represent. These conversations often lead to meaningful partnerships and future collaborations.

💬 Where to Connect
You’ll have several opportunities to engage with sponsors, including:

• Networking breaks
• The Media Marketplace / tradeshow area
• Speed Networking sessions (if selected)

⏳ Time goes quickly, so we recommend reviewing the list of sponsors in advance and identifying a few priority connections you don’t want to miss.

⚡ Speed Networking
If you submitted interest for Speed Networking, appointment confirmations (for those selected by destinations) will be shared via email before the conference.

Please note: space is limited, and not all applicants will receive a one-on-one appointment.

🎉 Sponsor Bingo = Prizes!
To make connecting even more fun, we’ll have a Sponsor Bingo Card available.

Each square represents a participating sponsor
Visit booths and get your card marked as you connect
Turn in your completed card at the registration desk by 5:00 PM on Friday
You’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes during the closing session (no need to be present to win).

✨ A Quick Tip
Come prepared with a short introduction about who you are and what you do — it makes conversations easier and more impactful for everyone.

📲 Share Your Experience & Get Featured!
We love seeing the Midwest Travel Network Conference through your lens!

As you explore McHenry County and connect throughout the conference, be sure to share your experience on social media. Your content helps tell the story of the event and supports our amazing destination partners.

📌 Use These Hashtags & Tags
Be sure to tag your posts so we (and our partners) can follow along and share!

Hashtags:
#MWTravelCon26 #MWTravel #NaturallyMcHenryCounty

Handles:
@MidwestTravelNetwork
@naturallymchenrycounty

💡 Tip: Save this list in your phone so it’s easy to copy and paste into your posts!

💡 Creator Campaign & Reporting
We’ll once again be using InfluenceKit, a reporting tool built by creators, for creators.

If you're a blogger or content creator, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the official #MWTravelCon26 Creator Campaign — a great way to showcase your work, track your impact, and contribute to the overall conference story.

👉 Full campaign details and participation link will be shared soon.

🎁 Perks & Prizes
Participants in the creator campaign will have the chance to earn fun prizes and recognition, including things like gift cards, future conference opportunities, and partner giveaways.

More details will be shared as we get closer to the event.

✨ A Quick Reminder
Be thoughtful when capturing and sharing content during sessions and events, and help us highlight the best of the Midwest Travel Network community.

If you have extra time before, during, or after the conference, we encourage you to explore all that McHenry County has to offer. From charming downtowns and local shops to outdoor experiences and great dining, there’s plenty to discover.

✨ Looking for even more ways to experience the destination?
If you haven’t yet signed up for the pre- or post-conference activities offered and hosted by Naturally McHenry County, there may still be limited spots available. These experiences are a great way to dive deeper into the destination and connect with fellow attendees in a more intimate setting.

If you need the activity sign-up links resent, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

👉 Explore recommendations and build your itinerary here:
https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com/2026-midwest-travel-network-conference/

🦙 Alpaca lovers (or future alpaca lovers), this one’s for you.

Our friends and sponsors at Magic Meadows Alpacas are offering optional open-house opportunities for attendees interested in visiting the farm during the conference weekend. It’s a fun and relaxing way to experience a little more of McHenry County while connecting with fellow attendees outside of conference programming.

Options include:
• Thursday (approximately 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.) for early arrivals before conference programming begins
• Saturday Open House from 1–5 p.m. after conference programming wraps up

Attendees will be able to:
• feed the alpacas
• enter the enclosure
• take photos
• visit the barn
• and browse alpaca products

Cost is $12/person and includes grain to feed the alpacas. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Private visits are also available outside of these open house times. Contact Magic Meadows Alpacas directly to schedule:

📧 magicmeadowsalpacas@gmail.com
📞 (708) 309-1316

Transportation is not provided, but we thought this sounded like a pretty memorable way to extend your conference experience. 🦙

🎉 Extending your McHenry County adventures?
Check out additional local events happening throughout McHenry County during your visit:

👉 https://www.naturallymchenrycounty.com/2026-midwest-travel-network-conference/weekend-events

From festivals and live music to pop-up experiences and community events, it’s a great way to extend your stay and experience even more of the destination.

📱 Plan Your Stay with the App
Make the most of your visit by downloading the official McHenry County trip planning app.

With the app, you can:

• Access interactive maps
• Browse curated itineraries
• Discover dining options
• Find local events and attractions

Whether you have an hour between sessions or an extra day to explore, everything you need is right at your fingertips.

📲 Download the app here:
https://qrco.de/bdB4fq

✨ A Little Inspiration
Take time to wander, explore, and experience the destination beyond the conference schedule. Some of the best moments happen in between — a new favorite coffee shop, a scenic walk, or an unexpected conversation.

 

We encourage you to stay connected throughout the conference — it’s one of the best ways to enhance your experience and continue the conversation beyond sessions.

💬 Join the Facebook Group
Our private attendee Facebook group is the central hub for updates, conversations, and connections.

• Ask questions before you arrive
• Coordinate travel or carpools
• Share tips, photos, and experiences during the conference
• Stay in touch after the event

👉Attendee Facebook Group

📸 Follow & Share on Social
We love seeing the conference through your perspective!

• Use the official hashtag: #MWTravelCon26
• Tag fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and destinations
• Share your favorite moments, takeaways, and behind-the-scenes highlights

Your posts help amplify the experience and showcase the impact of our community.

🔔 Watch for Updates
Important announcements and reminders may be shared through:

• The Conference Attendee Facebook group
• Email
• On-site announcements during the conference

Be sure to check in regularly so you don’t miss any updates or opportunities.

🤝 Keep the Connections Going
The Midwest Travel Network community doesn’t end when the conference does.

• Follow and engage with fellow attendees after the event
• Continue conversations and collaborations
• Stay involved in the community year-round

We’ve gathered a few common questions below to help you feel prepared and confident heading into the conference.

🚗 Do I need a car?
While not required, having access to a car is recommended since events take place at multiple locations throughout McHenry County.

Transportation will be available between the hotel, main conference venues, and evening events, but having your own vehicle provides additional flexibility.

🍽️ Are meals included?
Yes! Several meals and evening events are included with your conference registration.

Be sure to check the Food & Beverage section above for full details.

🏨 Do I have to stay at the host hotel?
No, but we highly recommend it.

Staying at the host hotel makes it easier to connect with other attendees and take advantage of transportation options.

🕓 Can I arrive late or leave early?
Yes — we understand travel schedules vary.

You’re welcome to join when you’re able, though we encourage attending as much of the conference as possible to get the full experience.

👕 What should I wear?
The conference is casual to business casual, with comfort in mind.

See the What to Wear & Bring section above for more details.

💬 Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help make your conference experience smooth, fun, and stress-free!

If you have any questions, from travel logistics to schedule details or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out.

📩 Email us anytime at midwesttravelbloggers@gmail.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

We can’t wait to see you in McHenry County!

We’re so excited to welcome you to McHenry County for the Midwest Travel Network Conference.

Whether you’re coming to learn, connect, create, or simply be inspired, we hope this experience leaves you feeling energized, supported, and full of new ideas.

Take it all in — the conversations, the connections, the places, and the moments in between. That’s where the magic really happens.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon!

— Lisa & Sara
Midwest Travel Network