TIM KIRSININKAS Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD â Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said she is hopeful outdoor events can return as early as this summer with large indoor events such as conventions and trade shows beginning in the fall. Speaking during a Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee hearing, Mendoza said that the return to holding events would be gradual and based on a number of factors, including COVID-19 transmission and vaccination rates. âWeâre on a favorable trajectory in the pandemic,â Mendoza told the committee on Thursday. âLetâs continue to prepare for the worst and plan for the best and optimally position ourselves to reopen with greater capacity sooner rather than later.â