CRYSTAL LAKE, IL (June 17, 2026) – The Midwest Travel Network awarded Visit Hendricks County (VHC) with the 2026 Collaboration of the Year award during its conference last week in Crystal Lake, Ill.
VHC won the award for its Insider program, which relies on local content creators to showcase county attractions, events and other things to do through blog and video content. The program, which started in the spring of 2012, has produced thousands of blog posts and hundreds of videos, giving locals a platform to highlight what makes the destination special. The Insider team currently consists of 11 local writers and videographers.
“This destination has embraced the power of local influencers,” said Sara Broers, co-founder of the Midwest Travel Network. “They, along with their tourism team, understand the importance of marketing locally and into markets outside the area. There is something to be said about partnering through local contacts.”
The Midwest Travel Network brings together content creators, travel writers, bloggers and destination professionals who share a love for the Midwest. The group hosts an annual conference and smaller workshops throughout the year. It also has a private Facebook community with more than 1,400 members.
This marks the first time Visit Hendricks County has received a Midwest Travel Network award. The award was one of 9 handed out to destinations and content creators during a ceremony on the final day of the conference.
“We are so honored to receive this award from the Midwest Travel Network, a group we have so much respect for,” said Josh Duke, VHC’s Senior Communications Manager. “Our insider program gives our audiences an authentic look at what makes our county special, by highlighting the ‘real’ experiences, flavors and fun on Visit Hendricks County’s website and social channels.”
To learn more about Visit Hendricks County, visit its website at www.VisitHendricksCounty.com, Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VisitHendricksCounty or Instagram at HendricksCounty. You can find its Insider blog at www.VisitHendricksCounty.com/Blog.
Visit Hendricks County, Inc., enhances tourism and improves residents’ quality of life through leading destination development, fostering industry-community connections and promoting the county through trusted and impartial leadership. For more information, visit our website at VisitHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.
