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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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A city can whisper its story before anyone speaks—the curve of a bridge, the hum of a market, the glow of a fourth‑generation soda fountain. We sit down with PBS host and producer Darley Newman of 'Travels with Darley' to explore how travel becomes a public service when it lifts up people, preserves memory, and invites visitors to feel at home in places they’ve never been. From goat trekking in Galena and hand‑built treehouses off the Great River Road to the living history of Rock Island Arsenal, Darley shows how the Midwest’s quiet details reveal big character.

We also pull back the curtain on building a modern travel brand across PBS, Amazon Prime, YouTube, iHeart, and more. Darlie shares practical storytelling tactics—why you don’t need to be everywhere, how to pick the platform your audience actually uses, and how to craft tight, emotional reels that say more in 60 seconds than a brochure says in ten pages. Her lens on makers and small businesses—think Dot’s Pots, Navarro Canoe, Boetje's Mustard—highlights why hands‑on experiences anchor destination marketing: they turn curiosity into connection and visitors into champions.

The conversation stretches beyond leisure to moments that stay with you. Filming along Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail, Darley met women who lived the movement as children—stories that command attention and humility. In Santa Fe, a quiet session with horses reshaped what presence can feel like. Those experiences, and simple plans for Darley’s return to the Quad Cities—walking the bridge, meeting more entrepreneurs, tasting Quad City style pizza—underline a core belief: design for memory, not just metrics. If you care about authentic travel, community storytelling, and finding hidden gems along the Mississippi River and beyond, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves regional road trips, and leave a review with your favorite local maker we should feature 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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Discover the remarkable story behind the Mississippi Dragon Boat Festival, a new event coming to the Quad Cities waterfront that blends ancient tradition with a compassionate purpose.

At the heart of it is Lexi Doxsee, Communications and Event Manager at Cancer Support Community of Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club. She has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, weaving together cultural celebration and community spirit into an inaugural fundraiser that reflects both her creativity and her passion for helping others.

Dragon boat racing is more than just a spectacle. With teams paddling in unison to the beat of a drummer, it’s a powerful metaphor for the strength found in community and the resilience of those facing cancer. One of the most moving parts of the festival will be the inclusion of a boat of cancer survivors among the competing teams—an inspiring symbol of courage and unity.

Beyond the races, visitors can expect food vendors, craft booths, and family activities at Westlake on September 20th. It’s an event designed not only to raise support for vital services but also to bring people together in celebration, healing, and hope.

Lexi's personal journey in the nonprofit sector reflects her deep love for the Quad Cities and its people. She has seen firsthand how businesses, volunteers, and neighbors consistently step up to ensure no one faces cancer alone. The Mississippi Dragon Boat Festival is the latest example of that spirit in action—and a testament to Lexi's vision and dedication.

Join the fun and fundraising on September 20, 2025 at West Lake for this unique celebration of community, courage, and compassion. As Lexi reminds us, the Quad Cities is a place where community is always stronger than cancer.

Learn more about the Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival here

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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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The most profound truth about youth sports might just surprise you. For Gary Thrapp, founder of Beyond the Baseline and veteran coach with 40 years of experience, it's not about trophies or championships—it's about relationships. "I don't remember wins, losses, much of anything," Thrapp reveals, "but I remember the commitment and what's really cool is now my kids, who are parents themselves, remember that and are teaching it to their children."

This powerful revelation anchors our conversation with Thrapp, who has witnessed the evolution of youth sports across four decades. Having managed approximately 50,000 games in basketball, volleyball, and wrestling, he brings unparalleled perspective to the challenges facing today's young athletes and their families. His facility, Beyond the Baseline, began with a simple mission: creating local opportunities for kids to compete without extensive travel. That vision has expanded into community-focused programming that ensures sports remain accessible to all children, regardless of financial circumstances.

Thrapp's recently published book, "The Wild World of Youth Sports," distills over 150 strategies for parents and coaches navigating this complex landscape. He emphasizes how coaching approaches must adapt to today's digital environment, advocating communication WITH children rather than AT them. "With the power of social media and the pressure our kids are feeling, youth sports is a great way to release from that," Thrapp explains, highlighting the mental health benefits athletics provide. His innovative events—including a free "Give It a Try" program exposing kids to seven different sports in one morning—exemplify his commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for underserved youth.

What separates exceptional coaches from merely good ones? According to Thrapp, it's understanding that winning games doesn't necessarily indicate heading in the right direction. This "fool's gold" perspective on victory challenges parents to look deeper at their children's athletic experiences. Whether you're a parent considering sports for your child, a coach seeking to make a meaningful impact, or someone passionate about community development, Thrapp's insights offer a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in youth sports: building relationships that last a lifetime.

The Wild World of Youth Sports is available here.

Click or tap here to connect with Gary Thrapp on social media, learn more about Beyo

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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Dylan Wiemers, Club Director at the QC Tennis Club, brings a unique perspective to the local sports scene. Growing up in Coal Valley and training at the very facility he now manages, his journey from competitive college player to club director reflects the deep community bonds formed through sports in the Quad Cities.

The 50-year legacy of the QC Tennis Club has entered an exciting new chapter with the rise of pickleball. When the club converted three tennis courts into nine indoor pickleball courts in 2021, they witnessed what Wiemers calls "a game changer for the community." This strategic pivot helped introduce a whole new demographic to racquet sports while maintaining their tennis traditions. The club continues evolving with recent additions including outdoor tennis courts and three new grass courts, positioning it as a premier regional facility.

Now the QC Tennis Club prepares to host the Professional Pickleball Association Challenger Series tournament August 15-17, 2023. This event uniquely combines professional competition with opportunities for local players across skill levels (from 3.0 beginners to 5.5+ pros) to participate, creating what Wiemers describes as a valuable development opportunity to "learn how to play against people that they don't play against on a daily basis." The tournament exemplifies how the Quad Cities leverages its sporting infrastructure to build community connections and attract visitors.

Beyond racquet sports, Wiemers highlights the region's comprehensive sports offerings, from exceptional golf courses to professional baseball and hockey teams. Combined with unique local dining experiences like Whitey's, Hungry Hobo, and Happy Joe's, these attractions make the Quad Cities a distinctive destination. As Wiemers aptly summarizes the destination as "QC, that's where community is built" – through these shared sporting experiences and local treasures.

Join us for the PPA Challenger Series this August and experience firsthand how the Quad Cities continues building community through sports. Register now at PPATourQC.com and book your accommodations early, as hotels fill quickly during this peak summer season!

Find more information about the QC Tennis Club at qctennisclub.com

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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Something extraordinary is about to light up the Quad Cities skyline. The Figge Art Museum's glass façade will soon transform into Evanescent Field – a breathtaking light installation and the largest public art display in Iowa's history.

As the Figge celebrates its centennial year, Executive Director Melissa Mohr and one of the Senior Curators, Joshua Johnson, reveal the journey behind this monumental project. World-renowned artist Leo Villareal, creator of San Francisco's famous Bay Lights, has designed a mesmerizing installation featuring over 3,000 feet of programmable LED lights woven throughout the museum's glass exterior. Unlike typical light displays, Evanescent Field creates sequences that never repeat, responding specifically to the Mississippi River, the community, and the building itself.

"We wanted to give something back to the community that's supported us for 100 years," explains Mohr. The installation fulfills architect David Chipperfield's original vision for the building as a beacon of creativity and accessibility. Johnson describes how Villareal transforms LEDs from commercial tools into what he calls a "digital campfire" – a gathering place where art transcends traditional boundaries. Visible to everyone passing by, whether commuting to work or traveling through the region, Evanescent Field removes barriers to experiencing art.

The public unveiling happens May 17th at "Glow Up" – a community celebration featuring live music, family activities and food trucks, culminating when Villareal himself activates the installation as darkness falls. Even after the celebration ends, the lights will continue illuminating the Quad Cities nightly, becoming a postcard-worthy image representing the region's creative spirit.

Discover the technical marvels, artistic vision, and hopeful future this landmark installation represents. As the Figge looks toward its next hundred years, Evanescent Field symbolizes its commitment to weaving art more deeply into the fabric of the community – creating a museum that truly belongs to everyone. Don't miss your chance to witness this stunning merger of architecture, technology and artistic expression that will forever change how we see the Quad Cities after dark.

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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We're diving deep into the transformative power of cultural exchange, as our guest, Emerald Johnson from the Iowa Resource for International Service, shares her insights on what it means to welcome someone from across the globe into your home.

Discover how hosting fosters unforgettable connections, bringing families together through shared experiences. You'll hear heartwarming stories about students experiencing their first snowfall or traditional Midwest community events, showcasing the bond formed between locals and exchange students. These interactions do more than illuminate cultural differences; they create lasting friendships that transcend borders.

Emerald discusses the incredible impact these programs have on both the students and the communities they visit, opening minds to new possibilities and fostering understanding in an increasingly connected world. If you've ever considered becoming a host family or simply want to learn more about cultural diplomacy, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Ready to broaden your worldview and create lasting memories? Tune in and embrace the enriching adventure of hosting an international student! Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and consider joining the vibrant community of host families.

IRIS: https://www.iris-center.org/

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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Captivating and unique, Books & Meows is not your average spot for coffee and cuddles. This podcast episode dives deep into the establishment's heart, exploring how Nicole Puryear has created a sanctuary blending feline friendlies with the love of reading. Nicole shares the journey behind opening her cat lounge, emphasizing its mission to promote children's literacy while providing a home for adoptable cats from the Humane Society. You will hear how Books & Meows serves as an educational hub where kids can engage with animals, develop empathy, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the cozy atmosphere filled with cats running around, enriching their experience whether they’re there to read, color, or simply connect with furry friends. Nicole discusses her dreams for the future—envisioning even more ways to engage the community, host interactive educational programming, and expand partnerships that emphasize the importance of childhood literacy.

Through firsthand accounts and inspirational stories, this episode offers insight into the communal spirit and the unique place Books & Meows holds in the heart of the Quad Cities. Join us for a discussion that highlights the importance of nurturing both minds and hearts, wrapped in the warm embrace of pets.

If you'd like to find Books & Meows, you can engage with them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555359982256
or visit their website here: https://booksmeows.org/

Also, as promised, here's one of Nicole's favorite attractions - the Bettendorf Farmer's Market: https://mvgrowers.com/mvga-farmers-market-locations/bettendorf-farmers/

Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave us a review!

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.
Follow Visit Quad Cities on social media and never miss an episode of #QCThatsWhere.
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