MOLINE, ILLINOIS (October 17, 2025) — Visit Quad Cities announces its annual Destination QC! event, taking place Thursday, November 13, 2025. Admission is free, and the community is invited to celebrate the impact of tourism in the Quad Cities region.
Destination QC! is where Quad Citizens come together to celebrate 35 years of tourism, explore Visit Quad Cities’ service to the region, and to dream about what’s next. The event is open to anyone who loves their community and wants to see it thrive. Attendees will join partners, stakeholders, and community members who believe in the transformative power of tourism.
"Tourism and non-resident revenues drive the Quad Cities forward, strengthening our regional economy and competitive positioning," said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “Convening Quad Citizens and leading conversations is at the center of what we believe is important to moving our region forward. Destination QC! this year will be a great opportunity to look towards the future while celebrating 35 years of tourism and its positive impact on our region. We are also excited to recognize some amazing community leaders for the impact they have made and continue to make in the Quad Cities through our Destination Impact Award and Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) of the Year.”
Together, we’ll explore how storytelling shapes our regional identity, how dreaming big drives progress, and how each of us can leave the Quad Cities better than we found it. The program will feature three thought leaders who will share insights on storytelling, quality of life, economic development, and the future of tourism in the region:
Guest Speakers:
- Darley Newman, a television host, producer, and travel expert who has spent over a decade uncovering the world’s most fascinating travel destinations, cultures, and cuisines. As the creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Travels with Darley and Equitrekking, the Travels with Darley podcast, and Look Up with Darley, she has brought audiences along on immersive travel experiences to over 50 countries and across forty US states.
- Lily Yu, a Deaf travel content creator and founder of Deaf Journey, a platform dedicated to promoting accessible and inclusive travel experiences worldwide. She has collaborated with more than fifty tourism boards and organizations, creating engaging stories that highlight accessibility, culture, and authentic connections through travel.
- Steven Pedigo, an educator, entrepreneur, and place-maker with over two decades of experience shaping better, more resilient cities. He’s partnered with 100+ cities, universities, and global brands to create innovative, inclusive communities. As Assistant Dean at University of Texas Austin’s LBJ School, he leads the Urban Lab and mentors future change-makers. He also co-leads strategy at Resonance Consultancy, advises through CivicSol, and serves on the Texas Lyceum Board. As a member of the Resonance team, Steven was a strategic advisor to help develop the Quad Cities Destination and Strategic Vision, “Tourism Master Plan,” and the regional brand initiative created in partnership between Visit Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Chamber.
As part of the celebration, Visit Quad Cities will honor and recognize the outstanding contributions of the following Quad Citizens:
Destination Impact Award
Recognizing an individual, organization, or business that has made a significant impact on the Quad Cities as a tourism destination.
Recipients:
- Dean Mathias, Community Leader, Cycling and Trails Advocate
- Deb Mathias, Community Leader, Cycling and Trails Advocate
- Decker Ploehn, City Administrator, City of Bettendorf
- Denise Bulat, Executive Director, Bi-State Regional Commission
- Jeff Nelson, recently retired CEO/Managing Director, QC MetroLINK
Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year
Presented to an individual who demonstrates excellence in representing the Quad Cities and providing outstanding visitor experiences.
Recipient:
- Valerie Kimler, John Deere Pavilion
For more information and to RSVP, visit VisitQuadCities.com/Destination-QC.
About Visit Quad Cities
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region's official destination marketing organization (DMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, tells and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place.
