Testimonials, Tradeshows & Professional Affiliations

"It was easy to put a group together of 100 people for the area knowing that everything was going to run smoothly thanks to Visit Chicago Southland!"

-- Tammy Monroe, Tom's Christian Tours

"My name is Roseanne Rechlin. I'm from Naples Florida and representing Preferred Travel of Naples. What I really appreciated was all the educational opportunities. Hearing about the bees at Wild Blossom was absolutely phenomenal to me. I wish I had taken notes because I don't remember so much of what he said but I thought it was so good and watching the glass blowing. I've seen glass blowing demonstrations before and done but I've never seen it with multiple colors and with the flower designs and all that I've always seen it as plain glass blowing which is also fabulous and fascinating so it's really fun to not just see but to learn something new."

-- Roseann Rechlin, Preferred Travel of Naples

"All the people that I've met in the Chicago Southland area have been so friendly and I think that they are like so anxious to open their doors and um have us that they've just bent over backwards."

-- Cheryl, Dream Vacations

"They've been amazing! Tobie has been so wonderful to work with, we got to meet with her when we came on our site visit, we got to talk about all the different avenues to get the word out about the Glory event that we're doing here. She was really helpful providing vendors for the food trucks we have here, she's helped get out e-blasts to the community, and it's been really wonderful. We always try to find churches that are big enough for our events, and churches that are willing to work with us, and Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson was the perfect fit for what we're looking for. The demographic, the size, and they've been great to work with too, great partners. The Visit Chicago Southland is great to work with, very supportive, so anyone looking to bring an event here, you're going to be well taken care of."

-- Darilynn, Lifeway

"They enjoy hearing about the thriving businesses that are happening here in this area, very unique businesses, the culinary end of things, the meadery end of things. This is something different they haven't experience before... We have truly enjoyed our day out here. Everyone we've run into has been helpful and excited to see us, and we are so excited to be here."

-- Amber Thomas, Central Classic Club Bank Club Director

"This summer, Gary Block Tours had the honor of working with Tobie on a four day “Spiritual Tour” in the Chicago area. Originally scheduled for 2020, but delayed until 2021 because of COVID-19, the trip turned out to be a perfect experience. My wife and I attended a FAM tour sponsored by the Visit Chicago Southland in 2019, and because of that tour, we use the hotel, attractions and step-on guide we had that day. The DoubleTree in Alsip and its manager were a perfect match for our group for a three-night stay. Ted, the step-on guide, was extremely informative and a joy to be with. Visiting the Shrine of Christ’s Passion was what this trip was all about and had been included in our FAM tour…none of this could have even happened had it not been for Tobie at the Visit Chicago Southland. She was there when I needed mileage help or to help me fill a space that was open between an attraction and dinner. Her dinner suggestion was fabulous. I could probably write a small book on all the help Tobie supplied. She’s a wonderful, caring person and without her, these four days would never have happened. You can trust Tobie to make it happen!"

-- Gary Block, Gary Block Tours

"You are a ray of sunshine! Thank you for your presentation to our Marketing Staff and Tour Managers. None of us had any idea there were so many things to do and see, and you did a good job of highlighting them without your usual video."

-- C.E. Rickers, Legacy Travel Group

"We have been on a number of FAM tours and we have to say that Tobie and her colleagues went beyond welcoming us to the Chicago Southland. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the tour and felt like family. We are looking forward to bringing folks to the area to experience all the wonderful sights, food, entertainment, etc. that you have to offer. Give yourselves a pat on the back. WELL DONE."

-- Wendy and Steve Griffin, Maxima Tours LTD

"You finally convinced me at the AATC meeting earlier this year to return to Chicago Southland by joining you on the FAM in May 2019. I’m glad I went on that FAM. You did a great job with the group. It was obvious that you loved the Southland area and you are a good representative of it. Since that FAM, I have sent you two groups and used the services of many of the suppliers that shared their information at the event. I have plans to use the services of others on future bookings to Chicago Southland. As I informed you, I am potentially expecting a great amount of business from an area only 6 hours from Chicago. Keep up the good work and thanks for responding to me quickly whenever I left messages for you. That means a lot."

--Gloria B. Kenley, The Kenley Konnection Inc.

"A very special thank you to Tobie and fellow staff members of the Visit Chicago Southland. The 2019 Spring FAM was a great experience discovering more about Chicagoland. You had your hands full for three days!! You did a great job! We look forward to working with you."

--Laura & Gary Block, Gary Block Tours

"Thank you for your excellent organization and execution of the 2017 Chicago Southland FAM. It was well attended and the itinerary was very comprehensive for a wide variety of markets. Very well done."

--Genie Stevenson, Book My Group

"I really enjoyed going on the 2017 Fam Trip to the Chicago Southland! Tobie was an excellent hostess!

--Bernita Thomas, Bernie's Journeys

"I am so grateful for having the opportunity of meeting Tobie Fitzpatrick at an African American Travel Conference in Indiana. We developed a wonderful working relationship. From this connection, Tobie Fitzpatrick has supported, encouraged and assisted in plans for the Eddington Travel Tours LLC. I have suggested Tobie Fitzpatrick and Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau to others. Tobie Fitzpatrick's assistance has help to improve the way I plan and communicate to prospective travelers, which has made it possible for us to visit your area more often.  We wish to thank you for your assistance in planning our many visits."

--Margaret E. Black, Eddington Travel Tours LLC

"I wanted to let you know how appreciative we are for the hard work and generous hospitality you showed our Group Leaders and staff. Everyone came back all excited about the potential in future trips. Please let all your supplier partners know how grateful we are of their participation.We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in the very near future."

-- John Tribble, Good News Travels

"The CSCVB was very informative and helpful. He recommended a fun restaurant with entertainment for our group which kicked off our trip with a bang."

-- AAA Travel Agency

"The CSCVB was prompt at processing an RFP and assisted in coordinating our site inspection. The CSCVB also provided our group with informational maps."

-- Dick Seeboth, Cultural Exchange Coordinator, Heritage Promotions

"The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is a very efficient group and very, very friendly and willing to help."

-- Shannon Maul, Tour Coordinator, AAA South Central Ohio

"Thank you for helping me put together the perfect itinerary.  There was a variety of activities and the group loved every stop. Thank you for meeting our group and greeting us at the hotel upon arrival. We appreciated the gift bags with water and treats - people always love those extras. Again, thank you Tobie for everything. It was nice working with someone so vivacious and always with a smile on her face."

-- Sharon L. Kish, Owner, SLK Travel

-- Sharon L. Kish, Owner, SLK Travel

Tradeshows

The Bureau promotes the Chicago Southland as a group tour destination/stopover at the following tradeshows:

Professional Affiliations