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A train rumbles past our new Union Station studio as we kick off a candid, future-facing look at what makes the Quad Cities move: river, road, rail and a visitor economy ready to surge in 2026. We walk through the marquee wins already on the books and the quiet engine behind them: high-impact group tourism that fills weeknights, fuels local businesses, and lifts community pride.

From multi-week bowling tournament and the nation’s largest D3 women’s wrestling invitational to the LBAA women’s bass fishing tournament on the Mississippi, we unpack how sports tourism transforms venues and storefronts across the region. Then we stack championship golf, NAIA Men’s at TPC Deere Run, MVC Women’s, and the new NJCAA D1 Women’s at Oakwood, creating a rare doubleheader that cements the Quad Cities as a championship-ready destination. The spotlight widens with SAFECON, the collegiate aviation finals hosted with the Quad Cities International Airport, drawing top talent and industry leaders for weeks of competition while commercial service keeps humming.

We pull back the curtain on how these wins actually happen: relentless sales, trade shows, RFP strategy, and partner alignment in a fiercely competitive market. That’s why a facilities and venues master plan is next. This is an honest audit of event space to modernize aging assets, close gaps, and prevent the costly drip of lost business. Along the way, we tap the power of digital trails to convert meetings into longer stays: the John Deere Trail for heritage lovers and the upcoming Rock Island Arsenal Trail to unlock America 250 stories with tours, events, and self-guided discovery.

Visitor trends show fewer trips but longer stays; we’re ready with authentic experiences, QC-style pizza, local makers, and a vibe that’s world-class yet hassle-free. International travelers find the real Midwest here, supported by partners like Travel Iowa, Enjoy Illinois, and Brand USA. Resident sentiment tells us pride is rising and tourism’s benefits are clear: more tax revenue, better amenities, and a stronger brand. Help us keep the momentum: share the show, rate and review, subscribe for more stories, and Bring It QC—what event or association will you help us host next?

QC, That's Where is a podcast powered by Visit Quad Cities. Through the people, partnerships, and personalities woven throughout the Quad Cities region, you'll meet real Quad Citizens and hear the untold stories of the region.
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