GoRockford

We're incredibly proud of our sales team for leading another successful quarterly meeting with Rockford's hotel partners. Over 20 hoteliers learned about upcoming events including IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford. These gatherings are essential in driving collaboration to attract tournaments and expos, significantly boosting visitation and economic growth in our community. A heartfelt thank you to the BMO Center and ASM Global staff for graciously hosting this meeting and providing a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour of the BMO Center, including an exclusive look at the Rockford IceHogs locker room. Congratulations Kara Davis, Emily Plumb, and Lindsay Arellano!

We're so excited to welcome more than 2,500 athletes for Illinois' first-ever half-distance IRONMAN right here in Rockford this June! The event may be sold out, but you can still be part of the excitement by volunteering! Sign up today at https://lnkd.in/gkZQ-dM8

Rockford is the perfect place to gather your girlfriends for a relaxing weekend retreat. Enjoy local dining, explore unique shopping experiences, and recharge surrounded by the region's natural beauty. Click the link below to view our curated itinerary for your next getaway.

???????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????????? ????????????!? Do you know someone who consistently delivers outstanding service, making the Rockford region unforgettable? We're now accepting nominations for this year's ?????????????????????? ???????? ????????????, celebrating individuals who make a positive impact during ???????????????? ???????????? & ?????????????? ???????? (?????? ??-????). ?????????????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? ????, ????????! Nominees must: ??Work in the hospitality industry within Winnebago County. ??Represent any sector including hotels, food & beverage, attractions, entertainment venue/sports venue, or retail. ??Demonstrate exceptional impact and dedication to enhancing visitor experiences. Help us celebrate those who elevate Rockford's tourism scene. Click below to nominate your local heroes today!?

The Animal Rescue Expo is coming to Rockford for the first time on March 15 at UW Health Sports Factory, bringing an estimated 2,000 visitors and an economic impact of $120,678.?This inaugural event, hosted by Lisa’s Little Rescue, will span 30,000 square feet, featuring over 100 vendors, adoptable pets, live demonstrations—including a birds of prey exhibit—educational resources, and family-friendly activities like a kids’ craft area, professional face painting, and raffles. As the only charitable pet expo in Illinois, this event serves a meaningful purpose beyond entertainment. Proceeds will benefit The Kibble Korner, a nonprofit pet food pantry supporting low-income families and preventing shelter surrenders. “This expo raises awareness for animal rescue efforts, encourages adoption, and strengthens our community’s commitment to animal welfare,” said Kara Davis, Senior Sales Manager at GoRockford. Admission is $5 for adults; children under 12 and veterans attend for free. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/gY_ZvPGn

Today, we celebrated the official opening of The Sandwich Spot with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 201 W State St. Local officials, business leaders, and community members joined in to welcome this new lunch option to downtown Rockford. The Sandwich Spot aims to provide fresh, high-quality food in a welcoming space for the community. “We’re so excited to open our doors and serve the people of downtown Rockford,” said owner Linda Derrickson. “Our goal is to provide fresh, delicious food in a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy a great meal.” 13th Ward Alderman-Elect Tamir Bell also shared his enthusiasm for the new business. “I’m thrilled to see this vacant space at the corner of Wyman and State back in business. Downtown Rockford continues to grow, and The Sandwich Spot is a great addition that will bring more food options to the area and the 13th Ward.” Also in attendance were President and CEO of GoRockford John Groh, Angela Kay Larson, CEO of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, and Alderman Jeff Bailey.

International Women’s Day is all about celebrating and uplifting the incredible women in our community! We are beginning the celebration by featuring the women-owned businesses of Downtown Rockford. From shops to services, these businesses bring passion and creativity to our community.

Nothing brings a team together like great food and good company. We had a fantastic lunch at Ernie’s Midtown Pub and we’re so grateful for their hospitality. A huge thank you to the team at Ernie’s for your continued participation in Rockford Restaurant Week—your delicious dishes and dedication to the local dining scene make this event even more special. If you haven’t stopped by yet, consider this your sign—support local and enjoy some amazing food.

GoRockford and Rockford Park District are excited to welcome back the AAU Grand Prix Club Volleyball Rockin’ Rockford tournament, which continues to grow and make a significant impact on the region. This year’s event will bring over 10,000 visitors, generate more than 2,000 hotel room nights, and contribute an estimated $812,585 in economic impact to Rockford. With over 340 teams competing—an increase of 65 teams from 2024—the tournament has nearly doubled in size. To accommodate this growth, matches will be played across two locations on March 8-9: UW Health Sports Factory (courts 1-16) and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two (courts 17-43). Now in its eighth year, Rockin’ Rockford has become one of the largest AAU Grand Prix volleyball events in the Midwest, reinforcing Rockford’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. "We are incredibly proud to see Rockin’ Rockford continue to grow, attracting more top-tier volleyball teams each year," said Lindsay Arellano, Vice President of Sales & Service at GoRockford. "This expansion is a testament to the tournament’s success, and we are pleased to see the event now requiring two venues to accommodate its increasing size." The success of this tournament highlights the strength of Rockford’s sports facilities, the dedication of event organizers, and the local community’s role in supporting large-scale athletic competitions that bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the region.

Sock Monkey Madness turns 20! Join the anniversary celebration at Midway Village Museum on Saturday, March 8 for a day filled with Rockford sports fun! Guests can attend a make-a-monkey workshop, meet & snap photos with the Rockford Icehogs' Hammy and Rockford Peaches reenactors, explore history exhibits, shop for unique Rockford gifts, and participate in crafts & kids' activities from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Event details can be found at https://lnkd.in/gg5afKBz