Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation Opens Nominations for 2026 Brilliant Spirit Awards

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The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation is calling on the community to help spotlight the individuals and organizations that make the greater Champaign-Urbana region shine. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Brilliant Spirit Awards, which recognize innovation, creativity and collaboration in welcoming visitors and residents. Honorees will be celebrated at the annual Toast to Tourism: Celebrating Community Brilliance event on May 6, 2026, during National Travel and Tourism Week.

Why it matters

The Brilliant Spirit Awards highlight those who go above and beyond to enhance the visitor experience across the region, including Monticello, Tuscola, Arthur, Arcola, Sullivan and Paxton. This helps strengthen the local hospitality industry and showcase the community's commitment to travel and tourism.

The details

Submissions will be accepted through March 21, 2026, via the Experience Champaign-Urbana website. Each nomination must include a specific example of how the individual or organization has made a meaningful difference for visitors and residents alike. During the 2025 celebration, Brilliant Spirit Awards were presented to Ruthie Harper of ION Grove at Willard Airport, Little Theatre on the Square, Laura Raney of Comfort Suites, Jan Seeley of Illinois Race Weekend, and Irene Macedo Hernández of La Paloma.

• Nominations are open now and will be accepted through March 21, 2026.
• The Toast to Tourism: Celebrating Community Brilliance event will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3–9).

What’s next

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