Visit Quad Cities Announces 2026 Destination QC! Event

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Quad Cities, IL/IA (September 23, 2026) - Visit Quad Cities will host its annual Destination QC! event on Thursday, October 29, at Rhythm City Casino Resort, bringing together stakeholders, partners, and residents to advance tourism development, elevate destination marketing, create exceptional visitor experiences, and strengthen advocacy for the Quad Cities. Tourism is one of the strongest economic drivers in the community, fueling jobs, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the authentic character of the Quad Cities. Destination QC! will highlight the latest results and trends while exploring how individuals, businesses, organizations, and residents all contribute to the region’s shared success.

Visit Quad Cities will welcome three nationally recognized industry and economic development leaders for a panel discussion focused on destination development and tourism:

  • Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority
  • Bethanie DeRose, Executive Vice President of Consulting at Hunden Partners
  • Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, October 29
  • Check-in & Networking: 3:00 p.m.
  • Program & Reception: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Attire: Business casual
  • Food & Beverages: Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a bar will be available throughout the event.
During Destination QC!, Visit Quad Cities will also present the Destination Impact Award and Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that make a meaningful difference in the Quad Cities. The Destination Impact Award, established in 2022, recognizes an individual or organization that has achieved extraordinary outcomes for the destination through accomplishments, new initiatives, uniqueness, or community impact. The Certified Tourism Ambassador Award, established in 2024, recognizes a CTA who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to turn every experience into a positive one while continuously championing the Quad Cities. 
 
2026 Award Recipients:
  • Denny Hitchcock and Brett Hitchcock, Circa '21 (Destination Impact Award)
  • Debi Durham, Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority (Destination Impact Award)
  • Scott Peake, Putnam Museum (Certified Tourism Ambassador Award)
“Tourism is essential, it's big business, and it is more than just welcoming visitors to the region,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “With 92% of our residents wanting to see tourism thrive in the Quad Cities, we must continue to prioritize destination marketing so that we can lift our identity and story while making the QC the very best in class to visit, live, work, and experience. Destination QC! is not just an annual event but an opportunity to inspire and energize our most important community asset, Quad Citizens. On behalf of our Board of Directors and professional team, we can’t wait to host this year’s event, celebrate some incredible leaders, share results and impact, and have a great time in the process.”
 
The event is free and open to all, allowing attendees to connect and network with fellow community members, exchange ideas, and be inspired by how collaboration builds momentum for the Quad Cities as a thriving, vibrant destination.

The Quad Cities International Airport is the presenting sponsor of Destination QC!, with Rhythm City Casino Resort serving as the venue partner.

Learn more about the event at Annual Destination QC | Visit Quad Cities.

Visit Quad Cities Announces 2026 Destination QC! Event