Description

Join us for this must-attend networking conference for those working in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area. You'll enjoy collaborating and brainstorming with colleagues from around the area as we discuss plans and opportunities for 2025.

Building upon the successes of past congresses, we have an interactive day planned. In the morning, our expert facilitators will lead group discussions and activities that will:
• Enable you to (re)introduce yourself and your organization.
• Offer you the opportunity to share your observations, successes and needs in regards to tourism at your destination and in the region (while also hearing from others from the area).
• Promote a spirit of camaraderie and inter-organization cooperation as we look for ways to increase visitors to your site and our national heritage area as a whole.

Additionally, we'll provide insights into new models of partnership our organization, the Canal Corridor Association, can offer in filling gaps needed to make your plans come to fruition.

In the afternoon, we'll focus on storytelling.

Specifically, how you and your organization can tell more memorable stories that engage your audience and motivate visits. This highly interactive and participatory, skill-building workshop will introduce you to new techniques for engaging listeners with great storytelling and allow you to practice telling stories to others. It will be perfect for discovering new ways to effectively promote your organization, its offerings and even yourself.

Always known for great eats, we'll start off the day with tasty breakfast (8:30-9:30am) and serve a delicious lunch on site around 12:30pm.

OPTIONAL: The event takes place at the beautiful Four Rivers Environmental Center. Come at 8:30am and enjoy a complimentary, guided, light hike on the surrounding McKinley Woods' paths. These woods offer an array of nature to explore and are known as a hotspot for bald eagles and American white pelicans.

Please be aware that at this annual fall meeting, we will NOT be:
• Conducting long, butt-numbing speeches or presentations. 
• Serving runny eggs for breakfast, cold food (that's supposed to be hot) for lunch.
• Facilitating an experience that's dry, overly serious or stodgy. This will be a fun and inspiring day of idea-sharing and collaborative interactions.

Thursday, November 21, 2024 – 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
25055 S. Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL 60410

Schedule:
8:30 AM: Doors Open, Coffee & Food
9:30 AM: Sessions Start
12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch & Networking
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Workshops

$39 Non Profit Registration
$49 All Others

About the Canal Corridor Association
The Canal Corridor Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization designated by Congress to coordinate partnerships and activities in pursuit of our mission to enhance and promote the cultural, natural, recreational and economic resources of the I&M Canal National Heritage Area.

About Bold Bison (the facilitators)
Bold Bison Communications & Consulting provides forward-thinking communications solutions, engaging strategy and facilitation services, and inspiring workshops and trainings for nonprofits across the U.S, particularly in the conservation, climate, and local food movements, as well as the arts and cultural institutions.

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Please be advised that photos and videos will be taken at this event. By attending, you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. Your attendance at the event constitutes your agreement to the use of any resulting media by the Canal Corridor Association for promotional, marketing, or any other purpose in perpetuity, without further approval or any compensation. If you have any concerns or wish to opt out, please contact us prior to the event.