Conference Center key for tourism

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur Conference Center and Hotel is one of the largest convention style facilities downstate. It’s been sold and remains an important part of attracting tourism to Decatur and the region.

“That is one of the jewels in our community,” Teri Hammel of the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau told WAND News. “I’m very, very excited that someone took it upon themselves to buy it and hopefully we’re going to be able to bring it back to what it was.”

Horve Hospitality Group, owned by Steve Horve, has operated the hotel since 2007. Extensive renovations were made to the facility in 2017.

The Conference Center & Hotel were sold to the Pelia family and operations are ongoing. The facility opened in 1972 as a Holiday Inn.