Crowne Plaza - Springfield completes multimillion dollar renovation

An interview with Jason C. Thoron, complex director of sales & marketing at Crowne Plaza - Springfield.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the property.

A: The Crowne Plaza - Springfield completed a $10 million dollar renovation to all 288 guest rooms, suites, public areas and meeting rooms. The hotel is one of the first Crowne Plaza's to offer the new guest room that features the "workLife" concept. The next generation guest room designed to meet the changing needs of today's modern business traveler. Like the "working triangle" of a chef's kitchen, the new Crowne Plaza room allows guests to move freely between three key areas - a cocooned bed, a flexible "nook," and a streamlined workspace.

Additionally, our sister property, the Holiday Inn Express, finished a $2 million dollar renovation. The Holiday Inn Express embodies an appealing combination of fresh, dynamic, and focused design features that enables an efficient and engaging stay, creating a distinctive style that is evident at every touch point of the Holiday Inn Express brand experience.

Q: Tell us about the market.

A: Nowhere else can you find a more comprehensive and authentic collection of Abraham Lincoln sites that let you step back in time to walk in the legendary President's footsteps. We suggest you explore the nostalgia of Route 66 or take in the magnificence of the Frank Lloyd-Wright designed Dana-Thomas Home. Springfield is home to the Jr. Blues Hockey Team and Springfield Sliders Baseball Team. Or give it all up to family fun at Knight's Action Park; a 60-acre outdoor world of fun boasting a driving range, two miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, rides, Splash Kingdom and Route 66 Twin Drive In Theatre.

Q: Tell us about what convention planners are looking for.

A: Today's meeting planners want a quick response turnaround to their requests. That is why Crowne Plaza offers a two-hour response guarantee on requests for proposals. Within two hours, we will respond to your request with space, rates, and date availability. In addition, meeting planners are looking for flexible meeting space.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?

A: As the complex director of sales and marketing, I oversee sales and marketing of the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express in Springfield. I have been in the hospitality industry since the age of 15. I first started at a Holiday Inn in Central Illinois where he worked through multiple aspects of the customer service side and then held the position of director of sales and catering. I bring 20 years of corporate leadership, human and financial management, business and marketing, operations and compliance leadership in both publicly and privately held corporations.

Q: Two people we should follow on Twitter and why?

A: @Springfield_IL, information from the city of Springfield. @GrowSangamon, great way to find out how the Springfield chamber is transforming the economy in Sangamon County.