Several local organizations are coming together to sponsor a business roundtable discussion.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation and the DeKalb and Sycamore Chambers of Commerce sponsor the event. The topic is “The NIU Convocation Center and Tourism in Northern Illinois.

ohn Gordon, director of the Convocation Center, Bonnie Heimbach, director of the Northern Illinois Tourism Council, and Mike Peddle, an associate professor from the Center for Governmental Studies, will speak at the roundtable.

The roundtable is part of a series of monthly presentations held each year by the DCEDC, a non-profit, private entity.

Kathy Norton, an administrator with the DCEDC, said the purpose of the roundtables is to bring topics pertaining to business and industry to the public.

“We offer a variety of tours and speakers throughout the year,” she said.

Roger Hopkins, executive director of the DCEDC, said this month’s presentation will show business leaders in the community how to use the new Convocation Center.

“The Convocation Center can be a valuable resource to businesses in the area,” he said. “It can be especially good for bringing in new revenue for the hospitality industries.”

Mukesh Badel, a manager of Travelodge in DeKalb, thinks having a Convocation Center in town could have a negative or positive effect on his business, depending on how many new hotels come to town.

“The Convocation Center will bring more tourists and more businesses to DeKalb,” he said. “It should all balance out in the the end.”

Reservations for the roundtable are available to the public through the DCEDC for $15 per person. The price includes a deli-style buffet. Free parking is available.