Illinois Meetings + Events Fall 2019 by Greenspring Media

ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS // FALL 2019

URBAN OASIS

Old meets new in the lively river city of St. Charles

THE TED EFFECT

Professional speakers share the latest trends to keep audiences engaged

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // F A L L 2 0 1 9

BUDGET TRENDS // AGRITOURISM

BANG BUCK FOR THE

Three industry experts talk spending trends, new line items and boosting event ROI on a budget

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Cash Crop

The state’s largest agriculturefocused events make an economic impact

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THE EXECUTIVE RETREAT,

Redefined.

MIXED-USE MEETING, LEISURE AND LODGING SPACE

Lake Geneva, WI | GenevaNationalResort.com/Inns

HOT EL

THE MODERN SIDE OF LAKE GENEVA RidgeLakeGeneva.com

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ONE COMPANY. ONE CONTACT. COUNTLESS OPTIONS.

HARRAH’S HORSESHOE MID-AMERICA CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS

HARVEYS

HARRAH’S NORTH KANSAS CITY

HARRAH’S

HARRAH’S JOLIET

HORSESHOE SOUTHERN INDIANA

RIO

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

HARRAH’S

PHOENIX AK-CHIN

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS

CAESARS FORUM LAS VEGAS In 2020, Caesars Entertainment will be debuting CAESARS FORUM, a new 550,000-square-foot conference center, located at the center of Las Vegas Strip. CAESARS FORUM will have a total of 320,000 square feet of meeting space with the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world at 110,000 square feet each. CAESARS FORUM will have direct access to 8,500 rooms at LINQ, Harrah’s and Flamingo hotels, and the FORUM Plaza with 100,000 square feet of multi-purpose outdoor space.

HARRAH’S ATLANTIC CITY With its sophisticated marina district setting world-class amenities, Harrah’s Resort has become a premier Atlantic City destination. Harrah’s offers an array of guest-pleasing features and one-of-a-kind venues like The Pool, a year-round tropical paradise for unforgettable group events. With 125,000 square feet of total meeting space, Harrah’s can easily accommodate the largest events, and the world-class Waterfront Conference Center makes this the largest meeting facility of its kind from Baltimore to Boston. Even more impressive is the way Harrah’s dedicated staff makes planning any size event easier and more rewarding.

CAESARSFORUM.com CaesarsMeansB usiness.com

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Fall 2019 ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

Budget Trends

Three industry experts talk true event costs, new line items and boosting event ROI on a budget. By Megan Gosch

DEPARTMENTS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 20 TREND REPORT Professional speakers share the latest trends to keep audiences engaged. By Melissa Sersland

FEATURE

Fertile Ground

Illinois is a land of plenty with some of the largest agriculture-focused events taking place inside its borders. By Maura Keller

22 DESTINATION Far more than “charming,” St. Charles is a lively, urban river city with plenty to engage meeting attendees. By Anne Nagro

48 PEOPLE PROFILE Entrepreneurs and ESP Presents co-founders Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom collaborate to craft experiential events. By Megan Gosch

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P H O T O S : E R I K A D U F O U R ; H O T E L B A K E R ; J U D I H O L L E R ; FA R M P R O G R E S S S H O W

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P H O T O S : E R I K A D U F O U R ; H O T E L B A K E R ; J U D I H O L L E R ; FA R M P R O G R E S S S H O W

Fall

2019

42 15

Try the East Dock courtesy of Bar Biscay as a signature cocktail! pg 14

By Taylor Hafner

15 VENUE SPOTLIGHT The Dalcy offers a historical, elegant venue for any type of meeting or event. By Kassidy Tarala

13 NEW VENUE SPOTLIGHT Wicker Park venue Exchange312 was built by planners for planners. By Megan Gosch

14 MEETING MUNCHIES Chicago’s Public House lets guests have their cake and eat it, too ... in shake form. By Taylor Hafner

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16 COOL IDEA Ink Factory infuses meetings with creativity. By Taylor Hafner

courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group; funded by PCMA Foundation, NYC & Company and Hilton

40 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local industry. Compiled by Megan Gosch

46 SNAPSHOTS Photos from ILEA Greater Chicago’s Swearing of the Board celebration

THE TED EFFECT

JEFF MARINI

Professional speakers share the latest trends to keep audiences engaged

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // F A L L 2 0 1 9

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

12 SWAG Chicago photographer Jen Jansen brings vintage tintype magic to modern events.

38 INFOGRAPHIC “Room Block of the Future” reveals the booking trends of convention attendees. Research

URBAN OASIS

Old meets new in the lively river city of St. Charles

BANG BUCK FOR THE

Three industry experts talk spending trends, new line items and boosting event ROI on a budget

Cash Crop

The state’s largest agriculturefocused events make an economic impact

ON THE COVER Sarah FinlaysonBanasiak, chief creative office of The Revel Group. Photo by Erika Dufour

P H O T O S : S A M M Y FA Z E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; B A R B I S C AY ;

By Kassidy Tarala

15 TASTE KitcheNet brings fresh fruit to corporate offices and meetings while giving back to the community. By Kassidy Tarala

BUDGET TRENDS // AGRITOURISM

11 MEET SMART Three wearable gadgets designed to elevate attendee engagement.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS // FALL 2019

MEETING NOTES

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BOOK EVENTS DURING Q3/Q4 AND RECEIVE A SIGNING BONUS.

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IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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EDITOR'S LETTER

Big Spender

Megan Gosch, editor CONTACT ME AT MEGAN.GOSCH@TIGEROAK.COM

ACCORDING TO EVENTBRITE’S 2018 PULSE REPORT, data from over 1,200 event professionals has revealed a pleasant surprise: Event budgets appear to be on the rise. But with this discovery comes so many questions. And so, armed with a healthy curiosity, we set out to tackle the often dreaded topic of money (and even worse—budgets) to see where exactly event dollars are headed these days and how planners can stretch their spend to get the most bang for their buck. In our Budget Trends feature on page 33, we checked in with three industry experts to talk spending trends, new line items, and helpful strategies for maximizing the ever-important return on investment (ROI). In this budget-themed issue, we’re also taking a closer look at the events surrounding the state’s No. 1 industry in terms of economic impact—agriculture. With 72,500 farms utilizing 75 percent of Illinois land, the Prairie State is not only a land of plenty, but a hub for agritourism with some of the largest agriculture-focused events taking place inside its borders (page 26). From innovationfocused conferences to annual outdoor trade shows, contributing writer Maura Keller reveals the reach of some of the state’s largest ag-focused gatherings and their impressive potential for growth. Take a quick trip with Anne Nagro to explore the charming but also lively urban river city of St. Charles (page 22) or head over to page 20 to learn how professional speakers are incorporating the latest trends to keep audiences engaged. Thank you for reading and be sure to send any thoughts or ideas my way at Megan.Gosch@tigeroak.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Find, Friend, Follow

Find us online at il.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues. /IL MEE TINGSMAGS

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@IL MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSMAGS

/MEE TINGSE VENTSMAGS

P H OTO : R AC H E L N A D E AU

Cheers,

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FALL 2019

Tap dancing. I think it could really spruce up my interviewing process.

il.meetingsmags.com EDITOR

Public speaking. To speak fluent Italian

Megan Gosch

MANAGING EDITOR Morgan Halaska ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kassidy Tarala DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Julianna Fazio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maura Keller, Melissa Sersland, Anne Nagro EDITORIAL INTERNS Taylor Hafner, Megan Ekstrand, Jakob Bermas,

OUR E-NEWSLETTER

Sophie Jonsson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Lindsay Arellano, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau • Michelle Castady, DMCP, 360 Destination Group, Chicago • Ana Espinoza, Wagstaff Worldwide • Marla Fleishman, Pinstripes • Sarah Ficek, Heron Agency • Tricia Fusilero, Corporate Event Interactive • Stan Hansen, Sodexo Sports & Leisure • T.J. Johnston, Topgolf Wood Dale • Malaika Martin, Revel Decor • Ken McGarrie, DineAmic Group Hospitality Development Dana Morones, FFT Chicago • Dave Parulo, Meet Chicago Northwest • Tina Reedy, TRAVIS Inc. Shaun Rajah, The Drake Hotel, Hilton Worldwide • Gia Skiba, Entertainment Cruises - Chicago Nicole Zenner, CSEP, LK Events

Patience

DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATOR

Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST

Jeremy Wieland Emily O’Connell

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST

Leanne Warzeka April McCauley Jared Lawson

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

I would love to have the skill to sing and play piano.

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

“

If you could immediately gain one new skill, what would it be?

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Photo Credit: Nick Ulivieri

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes SWAG

SIGNATURE DRINK 14

VENUE SPOTLIGHT

COOL IDEA

klik badge

MEET SMART

P H O T O S : AV E N T R I , E X P E R I E N T, C R Y S TA L I N T E R A C T I V E

Try these wearable gadgets to elevate attendee engagement. The moment a meeting attendee walks through the door, they should feel engaged. Whether they’re looking for educational sessions to attend, in search of networking opportunities or just want more information about others in the industry, attendees need to be equipped to make the most of the meeting. From badges to buttons, here are some wearable technology products to make your next event as smart as your attendees.

AV E N T R I S M A R T TA G

Dubbed the “attendee’s digital business card,” the Aventri Smart Tag allows attendees to connect with others via Bluetooth technology. Meeting attendees can virtually exchange contact information, share marketing materials, and record connections they make, sessions they attend and exhibitors they visit.

EVENTBIT

To personalize large events, show organizers can record data to understand what attendees are and are not engaging with on the show floor. When attendees wear eventBit technology, exhibit sales staff can record traffic flow, marketers can understand attendee engagement and personalize messaging, and educators can gauge what sessions are popular with what types of attendees.

KLIK

With a badge, wristband and button, klik has something for everyone’s event experience. Once an attendee has chosen one of klik’s wearables, they can begin exchanging digital contact information and engaging with digitized event materials, such as exhibitor infor-

mation or presentation slides. For planners, klik streamlines event registration, programming, networking, location services, attendee tracking and gamification on one event engagement platform. —Kassidy Tarala

Get Connected AVENTRI SMART TAG aventri.com/products/smart-tag EVENTBIT eventbit.experient-inc.com KLIK crystalinteractive.net/event-technology/ smart-wearables

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

SWAG»

A Chicago artist is bringing the vintage art form to 21st-century events. HISTORY IS ALIVE AND WELL in the work of Chicago-based artist Jen Jansen. Her wet plate collodion photos are one of a kind, preserving a moment in time all in silver and light. Jansen’s work is focused on capturing the natural world in a multitude of wood and steel materials. Her pieces can be geared toward private and corporate clients alike. Jansen specializes in tintype photos— images made from an emulsion of collodion poured on a piece of metal that date back to the 1850s. Jansen compares them to a giant metal Polaroid. Jansen’s career has been shaped by trends in photography. “I started in photography by taking a summer session in darkroom and by then taking those skills to a print shop,” Jansen says. “In the print shop, I started learning how to look at negatives and tell how much contrast and density to add to each image.” Jansen loved working in the darkroom just as much as she loved the mechanics of her camera. “It all felt complete to be able to craft the whole process myself,” she says. After digital hit the photo industry hard, Jansen began restoring old photographs while

keeping tradition in mind. “I started getting really old images to restore and had a curiosity about the process. I loved how the [old wet plate collodion tintypes] were created, exposed and preserved all on the spot. I started reading about the process, took a few workshops in San Francisco, and then just started making mistakes ... and I haven’t looked back.” Jansen offers her services for all types of events, depending on the size and type of images being created (from miniatures to 11-by-14-inch versions). “One of my favorite offerings is the miniature tintype booth, where I create miniature tintypes that can be made

into a locket or pendants,” she says. Jansen also has a portable darkroom available for events and has even staged pop-up darkrooms at past events. Jansen cites the experience as a source of fun in executing events: “People love getting into the history of the process, and it becomes just as much a historical recreation as an authentic historical process. It’s a fun photo opportunity with a true heirloom takeaway.”

Get Connected JEN JANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY jenjansenphoto.com | jenjansenphoto@gmail.com

TOOLS»

CONNECT AND CONFERENCE SETTING UP VIDEO CONFERENCES IS MADE SIMPLE WITH HIGHFIVE Highfive video conferencing is, “a reimagined meeting room experience built for organizations with multiple offices and remote workers, partners and customers,” says Chris Heinemann, Highfive’s senior director of corporate marketing. Highfive’s premium service is equipped

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with a 4k HDR Dolby Camera and a highfidelity audio microphone powered by Dolby Voice. With a CPU built into the camera, setup is easy and requires customers to place the camera on top of the television or on a wall mount. Setup takes less than 15 minutes, and joining a meeting is even easier with no downloads, PINS, or 1-800 numbers required. “IT teams love Highfive’s uniquely mod-

ern hardware-as-a-service model that combines meeting room hardware and software that’s inexpensive, easy to deploy and requires nearly zero maintenance and support,” Heinemann says. The system comes with screen sharing capabilities, intelligent scene framing, dualscreen functionality, and SIP interoperability to join meetings hosted by other service providers. highfive.com —Jakob Bermas

P H O T O S : J E N J A N S E N P H O T O G R A P H Y ; ( O P P O S I T E ) E XC H A N G E 3 1 2

B y Tay l o r Ha f n e r

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NEW VENUE SPOTLIGHT»

EXCHANGE312

P H O T O S : J E N J A N S E N P H O T O G R A P H Y ; ( O P P O S I T E ) E XC H A N G E 3 1 2

The new customizable Wicker Park venue was built by planners for planners. B Y M E G A N G O S C H

riginally home to an industrial 1920s hat factory, the team behind boutique production company ESP Presents has breathed new life into its new event venue, Exchange312. Better yet, the elegant yet approachable space located in the heart of Wicker Park was built by seasoned industry experts for planners. Skilled in planning and logistics, partners Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom (read more about the duo on page 48) drew from years of event production experience to create the ultimate customizable space. “We had the luxury of taking a raw space and making plenty of conscious choices while we built out an ideal interior design, including key details like extra wide doors, a beautiful builtin bar and bathrooms, and an amazing sound system,” says Woodburn. “We also kept the industrial-chic vibe with the original Chicago common brick, polished concrete floors and midcentury modern furniture and fixtures.” With a color palette of deep blues and soothing grays, paired with plenty of wood and metallic accents, luxe lounge vignettes and lush greenery, Exchange312 creates a comfortable space for intimate dinners and corporate off-site meetings as well as large creative or social gatherings. A 2,550-squarefoot open floor plan offers a variety of flexible layouts for gatherings of up to 100 guests seated or 150 standing and an elegant private boardroom can accommodate 12-14 guests. Planners will appreciate the venue’s onsite event liaison, back-of-house catering space with alley-accessible load-in, HiFi Sonos sound system, high-speed Wi-Fi and top-of-the-line appliances (including an espresso machine and draft beer dispenser), while guests will enjoy the venue’s creative atmosphere. Exchange312, which also houses The Collective at Exchange—a carefully curated network of creatives—was also designed to foster new ideas and inspire conversation. “We set out to create a space where guests could feel comfortable and excited to innovate,” says Neukom. “We’re so glad it’s become a place where new ideas and unique experiences and memories come naturally.”

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

SIGNATURE DRINK»

East Dock

CO U RTE SY O F BAR B ISCAY INGREDIENTS: —1.5 oz. Sotol —.5 oz. Luxardo Bitter Bianco —.75 oz. lime juice —.75 oz. mint simple syrup —.25 oz. Amargo-Vallet —soda —mint DIRECTIONS: Combine Sotol, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, lime juice and mint simple syrup in a shaker, shake and strain into a Collins glass. Add ice and top with soda, slapped mint and a straw. Finally, top with an Amargo-Vallet float to create two distinct layers.

Named after the East Dock set in the 1993 classic “Jurassic Park,” this cocktail is both refreshing and medicinal. Housemade mint syrup, using herbs from Bar Biscay’s garden, blends well with Sotol, which is made from a wild desert plant, distilled in a similar manner to artisan mezcal and made to be an ideal mint topper. A splash of AmargoVallet, a unique Mexican bitter spirit with its own healing qualities in its use of the calming Angostura root, makes for a refreshing and restorative cocktail.

Get Connected

BAR BISCAY barbiscay.com | info@barbiscay.com

SHAKE IT UP

Chicago’s Public House lets guests have their cake and eat it, too … in shake form. Just north of the Chicago River, a 10,000-square-foot gastropub is serving up a food lover’s dream. Public House offers beloved American fare with an upscale twist, and with more than 100 types of beer at the ready, you could call it a hop lover’s paradise. But the destination eatery may be most well-known for its Instafamous boozy Cake Shakes. Comprised of a craft beer base mixed with ice cream, these colossal shakes are served in a buttercream frosted glass topped with sprinkles and a full slice of cake. Guests can choose from the Chocolate Porter (a mixture of Boulder Shake Chocolate Porter and chocolate ice cream, topped with a slice of chocolate cake) or the Vanilla Stout (made of JP’s Casper White Stout and vanilla ice cream, topped with a slice of confetti buttercream

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cake). Public House also crafts a new flavor each month to satiate any sweet tooth. With a variety of spaces available for private events, guests can indulge in this ultimate sweet treat or enjoy Public House specialties at small seated functions or large receptions. The West Bar seats up to 105 guests or 275 for a standing reception with access to The Deck, which houses five table tap booths each offering self-serve beer and liquor on tap. The Deck can accommodate up to 42 for a seated event and 55 for a reception. The slightly smaller East Bar, featuring an island bar and floor-to-ceiling windows, can accommodate up to 150 for a reception and 50 seated. The Library, which accommodates up to 20 guests, contains shelves lined with leather-bound books and a candlelit ambience. publichousechicago.com —Taylor Hafner

P H O T O S : B A R B I S C AY ; P U B L I C H O U S E C H I C A G O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T H E D A L C Y

MEETING MUNCHIES»

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P H O T O S : B A R B I S C AY ; P U B L I C H O U S E C H I C A G O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T H E D A L C Y

VENUE SPOTLIGHT»

We Built This Dalcy

THE DALCY OFFERS A HISTORICAL, ELEGANT VENUE FOR ANY TYPE OF MEETING OR EVENT. BY K A SSIDY TA R A L A As one of the two original buildings built in Fulton Market, The Dalcy truly helped build the streets of Chicago. With rustic elements from its original architecture and soft, chic décor, The Dalcy is the ideal venue for anyone from history buffs to elegant brides-to-be. “It feels like a complete space, yet it’s still very much a blank canvas for those who have a specific vision for their upcoming celebration or event,” says Maureen Larson, partner of The Dalcy from Lettuce Entertain You. The Dalcy boasts 6,000 square feet of event space and a 4,000-square-foot rooftop patio. The space can accommodate up to 550 guests reception-style or 300 guests seated. The room can also be divided into two private, sound-proof spaces for smaller groups. Every event package at The Dalcy includes all amenities. From tables, chairs and linens to highboys, built-in bars and

more, The Dalcy is nearly a one-stop shop for all kinds of events. Also included are A/V and built-in sound systems with five drop-down screens and LCD projectors, making it a great fit for big events or meetings with a media element. Also, The Dalcy shares its kitchen with Aba Restaurant, Larson says, so the menu options and capabilities are endless. “The Dalcy is the perfect space for any occasion. From corporate holiday parties,

TASTE»

FRUITFUL MEETINGS KitcheNet brings fresh fruit to corporate offices and meetings while giving back to the community.

orporate meetings just got a whole lot healthier thanks to KitcheNet, a Chicago-based company delivering fresh produce to corporate clients to promote employee wellness. Founded in 2017 by Trista Li, KitcheNet offers services for corporate offices, meetings, snack breaks, retreats and more, allowing clients the option of healthy eating during the work day. “Fruit in offices is often ugly and sad. Eating should be healthy and fun, so we bring in options for people who want to eat healthier while also providing an educational opportunity,” Li says. In addition to providing fresh fruit, KitcheNet offers the option of hiring

annual meetings and award dinners to client events, celebrations or galas, the room is completely transformable to tailor to your needs,” says Larson. Larson says she often receives feedback from clients expressing gratitude for how easy it is to book an event at The Dalcy. “We have an experienced and talented planning team that goes above and beyond to take the event to the next level,” she says. thedalcy.com; dalcyevents@leye.com

an assistant to help cut fruit and teach attendees about the more exotic fruits on the menu. KitcheNet donates a portion of its proceeds to underserved communities in the area, making fresh produce more accessible in Chicago food deserts. Prices are typically $1.25-$3 per person, and a booking fee is dependent on group size and the type of event with an hourly fee for use of an assistant. KitcheNet also offers subscriptions for offices that want to restock monthly. “Corporate clients can promote wellness and sustainability with KitcheNet’s services while also giving back to the community,” Li says. “You can do good just by eating well.” kitchenet.org —Kassidy Tarala

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COOL IDEA

ON-TOPIC INK This live illustration company infuses meetings with creativity.

BY TAY LOR H A FNER

“You talk. We draw. It’s awesome.” That’s the motto of Ink Factory, a live visual note-taking company in Chicago. The company literally brings meeting notes to life during events by illustrating key points from a company’s keynote speaker, discussion or meeting. Visuals help engage audiences, employees and clients so they can better remember

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and identify with a business’ mission. As the speaker talks, Ink Factory’s artists draw, and the result is a summary of the discussion in innovative text and visuals. For an audience, visible notes can spark memories of what they hear. Those memories help generate ideas and even more excitement. “Hand-drawn, unique visuals bring

a human touch to events,” says Ryan Robinson, co-founder of Ink Factory. “Slick graphic design is great, but can feel robotic, repetitive, and fades into the background, while drawings stand out.” Live visual note-taking is dynamic and flexible. Unlike PowerPoints, visual notes flow along with the conversation happening live and can adapt to evolving conversations. Text and visuals can be created on paper using a marker, or digitally using a tablet and screen projection. Often, boards can be displayed after an event. “We can generate several boards over the course of a day at an event,” Robinson says. “Those boards can be constructed into living murals—expanding walls of visual notes—perfect for people to gather, interact, and discuss topics from the day.” The company’s offerings also include interactive and video pieces at cocktail hours and receptions, even illustrating guest responses to a prompt or question. The result for planners is increased engagement and enthusiastic feedback. Artists can create visuals based on information a company provides, but live illustration is most exciting. With a team that has more than 50 years of experience in visual note-taking, Ink Factory’s illustrators help set the company apart from other live illustrators. “Our artists are skilled listeners,” Robinson says. “If we can hear your content, we can draw it.” Ink Factory caters to tech giants and local non-profits alike. They also offer visual note-taking workshops to companies and individuals of all ages through their Think Like Ink initiative. Ink Factory doesn’t just bring meeting notes to life, they give them the ability to stay that way. Robinson notes: “We put a lot of emphasis on the quality of the visuals we create because we want our visual notes to exist beyond the moment, long after an event ends.”

Get Connected INK FACTORY inkfactorystudio.com | 312.972.0305

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Use Bizzabo at your next event to give attendees a more personalized experience. Bizzabo’s newest on-site suite of event software solutions is a custom-tailored way for event marketers to strengthen first impressions during the check-in process for attendees. Bizzabo Vice President of Marketing Alon Waks says this new technology stems from Bizzabo’s understanding of how first impressions affect the success of an event. “We created our new holistic suite of checkin solutions to establish a touchstone for the process and to answer the demand for a more personalized, streamlined and resilient checkin operation.” Bizzabo’s newest systems are designed to empower event marketers with options such as choosing the right check-in flow for events and integrating everything with Bizzabo’s secure online cloud, which functions through network outages. Since Bizzabo’s technology can be customized to fit any planner’s needs, Waks wants event organizers to know that with this technology, they will be able to “execute a rewarding and less stressful check-in process, improving the overall experience for both the attendees and organizers.” —Sophie Jonsson

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SOUTH BEND MADE FOR ANY MEETING

Planning your next meeting doesn’t have to be a complicated process. At least not if you choose the Gillespie Conference and Special Events Center to host. Gillespie’s services, amenities, and dedicated staff are second to none in South Bend.

It features six distinct venues – from the elegant Fleur de Lis Ballroom to charming outdoor spaces – that can be reconfigured to fit different formats.

WE LOVE HAVING OUR EVENT AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN AND TRULY APPRECIATE ALL THE ACCOMMODATIONS OF OUR LAST-MINUTE CHANGES AND REQUESTS BY THE TEAM.”

Two on-site hotels pair with 15,000 ~ LIBBY square feet of flexible meeting space for an exceptional conference destination. Even more, it’s situated near major highways and across from one of the world’s iconic college campuses – The University of Notre Dame. Simply put, Gillespie has everything a meeting planner needs to execute a great event.

These spaces are either connected or adjacent to a Hilton Garden Inn, where guests can experience upscale comfort food at the GRAY KOULTOURIDES Bistro 933, and the Saint Mary’s College Inn at Saint Mary’s, which proudly serves Starbucks. The property couldn’t be in a more convenient spot – 90 miles from downtown Chicago, right off Exit 77 of I-80/90. It offers easy access to Notre Dame, downtown South Bend and Mishawaka’s retail district. Gillespie is where convenien ce meets versatility .

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Regional Director of Sales & Marketing leann.allen@hilton.com | 574.323.2461 gillespieconferencecenter.com

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SOUTH BEND

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INDIANA

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TREND REPORT SPEAKERS

HOW SPEAKERS ARE MIXING UP THEIR SESSIONS

Professional speakers share the latest trends to keep audiences engaged.

FOR PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS, engaging with an audience can begin months before stepping out onto the stage. Their first audience interaction might come through a teaser video in an event promotion email, says professional speaker and author David Fisher. Or they might also begin cross promoting the event on social media, accord-

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ing to Rich Gibbons, president of SpeakInc., a company that books event speakers and headline entertainers. Once the conference is over, audiences might interact with Fisher further during a post-event webinar building on the conference content. Or they might receive an email newsletter campaign focused on applying what they’ve learned on the job. With events and conferences evolving into experiences for attendees, professional speak-

ers are taking this shift to heart. Judi Holler, improviser, author and keynote speaker, says what most of her clients want from her sessions is “change.” “[What they want are] tangible takeaways that can be used right away to make change in their lives or to inspire a different way of thinking,” Holler says. From fuzzy microphones made for tossing to the influence of TED Talks, read on to find out what four professional speakers and man-

P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F J U D I H O L L E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) R YA N E S T I S

BY MELISSA SERSL AND

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agers are seeing as the latest trends in meetings and events.

Creating Takeaways While sessions might still incorporate motivational elements, professional speakers say clients request content that is immediately applicable. “There’s a strong demand for actionable content from subject matter experts,” Fisher says. “[The content is] very grounded in the practical steps that participants can actually learn from and apply right away.” Fisher says clients also want content that resonates beyond the event. Texting and event applications can be used to remind participants to attend follow-up events. “What’s really popular are follow-up webinars or sessions after the event that allow participants to have another touch point, to ask questions or refresh the knowledge they gained.”

The TED Talk Effect Professional speakers say the popularity of TED Talks has left its mark on conference sessions. Fisher says the typical 90-minute speaker session has been pared down to 60 minutes. In some cases, speaking sessions may even be cut further to 45 minutes or less. However, Gibbons cautions planners from trying to pack too much content into the typical TED Talk time frame of about 20 minutes. “You’ve got someone with a breadth and depth of intellect, who’s written several books and has a long view of the landscape, but you give them 25 or 30 minutes because it’s a trend and in vogue,” Gibbons says. “If you’ve gotten someone you’re making a massive investment in, you’re asking them to truncate the rhythm of their remarks to shoehorn it into an artificially short period of time.” Gibbons says he finds a 60-minute session to be the sweet spot. If planners are looking to host shorter sessions, splitting up content over multiple sessions may allow speakers to cover the same amount of content in a more digestible format, Fisher says. In some instances, Fisher has split his typical one-session talk into three, onehour sessions on different topics. Gibbons says groups can also leverage a

speaker’s expertise by asking them to lead a breakout session on a particular topic following their talk. This adds more value for attendees and can be added on to the speaker’s original fee at a nominal cost.

Popular Topics Gibbons says topics like leadership, working effectively in groups and producing innovative solutions remain popular. However, other themes such as artificial intelligence and using big data are in increasing demand. Author, speaker and consultant Kevin Sheridan was recently asked to create a custom talk for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America on identifying the symptom of employee burnout. Since then, other groups have consistently asked for talks on the same topic, he says. Other popular topics include how to manage remote workers and how to work across generational differences. Holler began speaking professionally in 2010 but says her participation in improvisation through Second City accelerated her speaking career. She has since written a book on fear titled “Fear Is My Homeboy” and says her talks on courage continue to resonate with audiences. “The topic of courage is one that matters so much because the big reason we don’t make change in our lives … is because fear keeps us stuck, safe and just the same,” Holler says. “So, addressing how we manage fear first is a great way to help participants understand how to embrace inevitable disruption in our lives so we can keep moving forward.”

Keeping Sessions Interactive Groups can also use several different tools to allow participants to directly engage with the speaker. That includes using applications to allow participants to anonymously ask questions or participate in audience polls. Fisher has also seen a group use a microphone enclosed in a fuzzy, padded box that can be tossed or passed around the room during a Q&A. As planners design unique experiences rather than just events, speakers are coming through with more interactive elements. Holler recommends customizing content so participants feel the talk was written and designed just for them. She also keeps her talks moving by incorporating several multimedia and interactive elements. “I love teaching fill-in-the-blank frameworks, telling lots of stories, using video, sharing relatable case studies, using models, and making my slides visual story boards to demonstrate my points,” Holler says. “All of these tools help me keep the audience’s attention while helping them remember the lessons.”

Get Connected DAVID FISHER davidfish.ca | david@davidfish.ca JUDI HOLLER judiholler.com | hello@judiholler.com KEVIN SHERIDAN kevinsheridanllc.com | kevin@kevinsheridanllc.com SPEAKINC. speakinc.com | 858.228.3771

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DESTINATION ST. CHARLES

WHERE OLD MEETS NEW

ST. CHARLES OUTGREW “CHARMING” YEARS AGO. Today, “it’s a lively urban oasis where old meets new,” says Alyssa Feulner of the city’s historic landmarks, new buildings, lovely riverwalk and eclectic dining, shopping and entertainment scene. Even better are the many ways visitors can experience the city like a local, adds Feulner, who heads up marketing for the St. Charles Business Alliance, which is helping planners tap into the town’s unique vibe. As such, you’ll find groups touring the city’s five microbreweries, enjoying the Fox River, listening to live music in the plaza, and strolling through large-scale art installations in the park, among other must-dos.

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Just as plentiful are options for private dining, high-tech meetings and places to stay. And did we mention St. Charles is a 45-minute, hassle-free drive from O’Hare International Airport and has more than 1,000 free downtown parking spaces? MEET “Our facilities and venues come in all shapes and sizes,” says Michelle Cianferri, the

The Power of Two

Earlier this year, the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown St. Charles Partnership merged to become the St. Charles Business Alliance. In addition to promoting the city as a meeting and leisure destination and organizing parades and festivals, the new organization will help connect planners and visitors with local activities and experiences.

Alliance’s tourism development manager, of the many meeting spots available to planners. Large groups are drawn to the all-inclusive

P H OTO S : S T U F OTO G P H OTO G R A P H Y; (O P P O S I T E ) M I C H A E L N OVO P H OTO G R A P H Y; P H E A S A N T R U N R E S O R T

Far more than ‘charming,’ St. Charles is a lively, urban river city with plenty to engage meeting attendees. B Y A N N E N A G R O

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ST. CHARLES BY THE NUMBERS

2,212 GUEST ROOMS ACROSS 12 PROPERTIES 126 RESTAURANTS AND PUBS 27 OUTDOOR PUBLIC ART PIECES 6 MAJOR DOWNTOWN EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE ST. CHARLES BUSINESS ALLIANCE 4 CONFERENCE AND TRAINING VENUES

Director Hal Barth of the resort’s vast options for on-site group activities and team-building. A newer spot for small groups is 210 Cedar, a renovated historic house with exposed wood beams, natural light and outdoor patio. Bring in food and beverages or stroll to nearby restaurants postmeeting. “It’s just something a little different,” says owner Karen Ramella of the space that’s ideal for workshops, planning sessions and receptions for up to 40 attendees.

Top: The historic Hotel Baker boasts four meeting rooms, a rose garden and outdoor patio. Bottom: Set on a 250-acre campus, Pheasant Run Resort has 293 guest rooms.

Q Center, which has 1,043 guest rooms, more than 150,000 square feet of IACCcertified meeting space on 95 acres and is known for its creative A/V, tech and events teams. “Having a successful meeting or training event is just as important to us as the client. We realize it is an investment in people,” says Jeanne Hahn, sales and market-

ing director for the center. Another go-to spot is Pheasant Run Resort, with 80,000 square feet of meeting space, an expo center and 293 guest rooms. The resort’s 250-acre campus boasts championship golf courses, a theater, comedy club and more. “This is an advantage we have over other meeting facilities,” says Sales and Marketing

S TAY A VIP favorite is the historic Hotel Baker, which mixes Old World elegance and modern amenities. “The hotel is privately owned and takes pride of its team, whose Midwestern hospitality is clearly and immediately noted by guests,” says General Manager Rowena Salas, an owner of the boutique property. Celebrities Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg married here in 2014. And for the past three years, it has hosted the star-studded Golf.Give.Gala, which raises money for the Michael Phelps Foundation and local charities. The elegant riverside hotel has 53 guest rooms, four meeting rooms and a contemporary grill and lounge, as well as rose garden, outdoor patio and boathouse. It’s a short walk to downtown fun. DINE Club Arcada, a “secret” speakeasy located on the third floor of the Arcada Theatre, is an iconic 900-seat performing arts center built in 1926. It offers private dining for groups of up to 150.

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DESTINATION ST. CHARLES

Top: The riverside Hotel Baker mixes Old World elegance and modern amenities. Bottom: Guests can step back in time to enjoy live jazz and Prohibition-era drinks at Club Arcada.

Get Connected

CLUB ARCADA clubarcada.com 630.962.7000 HOTEL BAKER hotelbaker.com 800.284.0110 PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS stcriverboats.com 630.584.2334 PHEASANT RUN RESORT pheasantrun.com 800.474.3272 Q CENTER qcenter.com 877.774.8437 ST. CHARLES BUSINESS ALLIANCE visitstcharles.com 800.777.4373

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“Without a doubt, we offer the best experience for parties and special events,” says Dana Petrie, marketing director of The Onesti Entertainment Corporation, which operates both the club and theater. “From the moment guests enter the Club Arcada, they are amazed by our one-of-a-kind atmosphere with the complete club decorated with 1920s décor,” she says. Staff members dress in period flapper attire; the menu features distinctive dishes and Prohibition-era drinks. Live jazz and blues (or magic or comedy) adds to the experience. (The entire theater can be rented out for private functions, as well.) P L AY Unwind from meetings and explore the natural beauty of the Fox River by hopping on one of the

town’s two paddleboats for a private cruise, reception or meal. The St. Charles Belle II and Fox River Queen operate May to mid-October and offer one- to three-hour excursions, including sunset tours, for 36 on meal charters to 100 on scenic excursions. Larger groups can commandeer both vessels. “It’s a different type of experience that you really cannot find anywhere else in this area,” says Tera Harvey, who manages cruise operations for the St. Charles Park District. “It’s a very smooth ride on the Fox River, which I think is an added bonus, too,” she says. Boats are moored at Pottawatomie Park, a twominute drive (or 10-minute walk) from downtown.

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Illinois is a land of plenty with some of the largest agriculture-focused events taking place inside its borders. BY MAURA KELLER

FERTILE

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COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION (ISA), BELIEVES WE SHOULD ALL, MEETING AND EVENT PLANNERS INCLUDED, BE FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE OF THE STATE’S AGRICULTURE. AND HERE’S THE SIMPLE REASON: AGRICULTURE IS THE NO. 1 INDUSTRY IN THE STATE IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC P H OTO : I S TO C K .CO M / @ JA N N H U I Z E N G A

Amy Roady,

IMPACT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR IMPRESSIVE GROWTH.

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, about 1.5 million Illinois workers are employed in the food and fiber system, ranking it as one of the top states in dependency on agriculture. The state’s 72,500 farms utilize 75 percent of Illinois land, including some of the most fertile soil in the world. While nicknamed “The Prairie State,” Illinois is truly a land of plenty and a hub for agritourism—with some of the largest agriculture-focused events (holding the potential for major economic impact) taking place inside its borders. In July, Global AgInvesting selected the ISA as a partner for its annual AgTech Nexus USA conference, held this year in Chicago. The event, which has also been held in San Francisco and Boston, brought together an impressive international group of investors, agribusiness executives, ag-tech entrepreneurs and farmers for discussions on the rapidly growing agriculture technology market. The Chicago event also exposed attendees to the innovations and investment opportunities surrounding the burgeoning sector that has the power to change the trajectory of the global food system. “The value of the soybean crop coming out of the field was more than $6 billion in 2018,” says Roady. “But Illinois isn’t in the top five as far as agri-food tech investments are concerned—bringing in $182 million in 2018 compared to California’s $5 billion. By bringing entrepreneurs, investors and producers together in Chicago we’re able to convene the major players in the ag-tech ecosystem and showcase the world class assets available here.” As Roady explains, trade, labor and markets are all being disrupted and new value is being created by ag-tech innovators working with producers and agri-food businesses. For producers there is also increasing consumer concern and scrutiny on the sourcing of their food, not to mention the continuous need to sustainably increase productivity and efficiency for growing populations. The AgTech Nexus conference featured presentations and panel discussions from industry thought leaders and forward thinkers, as well as the opportunity to gain context and clarity with exclusive farm tours and field trips. The ISA predicted more than 200 attendees, which is critical in increasing the speed of AgTech development and adoption to change the trajectory of global food production in an effort to meet the needs of a growing population. “Everyone benefits from the connections that are formed during these gatherings of innovative minds and products and investment professionals ready to move them to market,” Roady says. So how did Chicago earn the privilege of playing host to such an important agritourism event? The ISA specifically reached out to AgTech Nexus USA as it’s the premier ag-tech investing event held annually in the US and it had been held on the coasts, but never in the Midwest. “This was an opportunity to add to the efforts of others in the state

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of Illinois, universities, private companies and local investors and entrepreneurs to help create a thriving environment for ag-tech here,” Roady says. “By exposing our producers to the latest innovations and helping them evaluate the value provided to their farm, we’re boosting that return on investment.”

MAKING INROADS

Another major agriculture event, the Midwest Ag Industries Exposition (MAGIE) 2019, was also recently held in the Bloomington-Normal area in August. According to Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical

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Association, MAGIE attracts approximately 2,500 attendees each year, the majority being those involved in the commercial nutrient and crop protection application and equipment business. Although most attendees are from Midwestern states, MAGIE also attracts people from Canada, the East Coast, Texas and California. For the Bloomington-Normal area the impact is significant. The exhibitors at the MAGIE show often stay for three to four full days, buy items locally for their exhibits and take their customers out to dinner locally during the show. According to Crystal Howard, president and CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bloomington-Normal CVB office reached out to MAGIE in 2003 to host the event at the McLean County Fairgrounds. “We were delighted they said yes and have had a great working relationship since then. MAGIE typically attracts more than 2,000 attendees, rep-

resenting approximately 600 hotel rooms. This event has an estimated economic impact of $191,000 to Bloomington-Normal,” Howard says. “This includes lodging, food service, entertainment and retail. When visitors stay in our community and state they are infusing new money through the taxes they pay.” “The Bloomington-Normal CVB has been instrumental in us moving the MAGIE show from Danville, Illinois, where we had been for 20 years, to Bloomington in 2004,” Payne says. “They’ve helped sponsor the event’s exhibitor welcome party and provide information about the local area to our show attendees. They also assist with coordinating with hotels to assure reasonable accommodations for MAGIE attendees.” For Howard, agriculture-related events in central Illinois continue to be educational due to consistent new technology. “Our location also plays a role in boosting attendance,” Howard says. “Our community benefits as do

P H O T O S : FA R M P R O G R E S S S H O W ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M A G I E

Now in its 66th year, the annual Farm Progress Show draws a crowd of roughly 160,000 attendees.

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other central Illinois communities.” The annual Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services each year. Entering its 66th year, the show—which draws roughly 160,000 attendees over three days—was recently held in Decatur, Illinois. As Matt Jungmann, director of trade shows at Farm Progress, explains, producers from the U.S. and around the world attend this industry-leading agricultural event. Ag manufacturers and suppliers from across the country and around the world are exhibitors. Field demonstrations are a show mainstay and include side-by-side tillage techniques, GPS and precision equipment, and tractor and combine performance comparisons. Live cattle-handling demonstrations include the newest cattle chutes, equipment, animal health products and work techniques when the event is held in Boone, Iowa. Additionally, the show features restored antique machinery and entertainment. “The three-day event provides an unparalleled learning opportunity for producers to keep up-to-date on the newest agricultural equipment, products, services and technologies,” Jungmann says. “A wide variety of marketing, management and production seminars are also available to attendees.” The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau works with the Farm Progress Show by taking care of international visitors and all of their needs as well as hosting various exhibitor receptions. “This show is an amazing event for not only the Decatur/Forsyth area, but surrounding areas as well,” says Teri Hammel, executive director of the Decatur Area CVB. “With over 9,000 room nights around the area it touches

With more than 2,000 annual attendees MAGIE makes a significant economic impact in the Bloomington-Normal area.

THE BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL CVB HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN US MOVING THE MAGIE SHOW FROM DANVILLE, ILLINOIS, WHERE WE HAD BEEN FOR 20 YEARS, TO BLOOMINGTON IN 2004. THEY’VE HELPED SPONSOR THE EVENT’S EXHIBITOR WELCOME PARTY AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOCAL AREA TO OUR SHOW ATTENDEES. THEY ALSO ASSIST WITH COORDINATING WITH HOTELS TO ASSURE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MAGIE ATTENDEES.”

—Jean Payne, PRESIDENT OF THE ILLINOIS FERTILIZER & CHEMICAL ASSOCIATION communities like Champaign, Bloomington, Springfield, Shelbyville and Monticello as well as Decatur and Forsyth. At the 2018 show we had an excellent year with an increase of around 7 percent growth over prior years, with final attendance around 181,000.” The Decatur CVB facilitates a vendor din-

ner with sponsorship from the City of Decatur and The Village of Forsyth. They also host an international visitor area with phone charging stations, refreshments and information on locations within the show as well as interpreters provided by the University of Illinois and some locals from the Decatur/Forsyth

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BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES APLENTY

Meetings and events that bring new technology to the agri-food space are also proving to be critical for consumers—from both a supply and quality standpoint. “Rural communities in the Midwest are supported by agriculture—a trade show that keeps their growers on the cutting edge and profitable is critical to the entire rural economy,” Jungmann says. Roady agrees. “We’re feeding and clothing 7.7 billion people globally now, and need to be able to feed and clothe an estimated 9.7 billion

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people by 2050,” Roady says. “There’s no new ground to tread, so we need to increase production and reduce waste while minimizing environmental impacts.” What’s more, nutrition is a personal issue for consumers, so transparency in how food is raised and brought to the table is increasingly important. “Expectations remain high around appearance, taste and ingredients, but nutrition and sustainability considerations continue to gain importance,” Roady says. “By providing influencers and others in the agri-food space with early exposure to new concepts, we can do a better job of building trust in how food and ingredients are grown and raised.” The impact of agritourism is top of mind for many meeting and event planners. For instance, the value for attendees of AgTech Nexus USA is always the top consideration. Planners evaluate such things as: What can be offered in Illinois that may not be available to agri-food tech investors and entrepreneurs at other venues? One focus Roady and her team have for this particular event is the producer, namely the farmers who attend. “Technology development and adoption can be accelerated with early input from producers and AgTech Nexus is in a location and held at a time of year that allows the farmers to contribute,” Roady says. “We’ve found there’s this tremendous opportunity to pull people together in Chicago to explore ag-tech. It’s ideally situated with soybean production just down the road and leading industry innovators down the street.” As with any outdoor show, weather is a top challenge for events like MAGIE. “Our attendees, being in the agriculture sector, are never afraid of weather no matter what it is and they religiously show up at MAGIE rain or shine, wind or humidity,” Payne says. “Our relationship with the CVB and with McLean County Farm Bureau, who owns the fairgrounds, ensures the show runs very smoothly.”

Like most meetings and events, identity can be crucial when it comes to planning ag-related shows, which Payne says can help set an event apart from the wide variety of agfocused and farm-type shows out there. “MAGIE is geared toward the commercial application industry, so those attending are among peers and feel comfortable networking and being among each other,” Payne says. “That’s what makes MAGIE unique—it celebrates the hard work of the commercial applicators and those who supply them with the equipment and technology to do their jobs to the best of their ability.”

P H O T O : FA R M P R O G R E S S S H O W

area. “We help with transportation from the Village of Forsyth Mall to and from the show as well as one from downtown Decatur,” Hammel says. “Embassy letters are sent assisting international guest attendance for the show as well.” The Farm Progress Show is a huge economic impact to the entire state. Before and after the show visitors travel throughout the state to make the most of their trip, especially if they are traveling from other countries. “We’ve had guests attend from as many as 59 different countries,” Hammel says. “We use a per-room night formula for visitors, and it’s guesstimated that for 9,000 room nights more or less, it is close to $2,160,000 for a hotel room, a meal and a tank of gas, and that’s not counting the rooms used to build the location in the month before the show or the time it takes to tear it all down.”

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At the Farm Progress Show, which draws producers, manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, field demonstrations are a mainstay.

ON THE HORIZON

As a strong agricultural state, Illinois is also uniquely united in terms of its agricultural “culture.” Payne believes the future for shows like MAGIE remains strong, so long as they remain true to their mission and the intended audience. “MAGIE also has unique features like our

‘ride-and-drive,’ which allows attendees to go to the companies that make large application equipment that is used to apply fertilizer and chemicals, and they can sign up for a ride demo, so they get to actually drive the equipment and test out the features,” Payne says. “Everyone needs to feel good about the industry they are working in, and MAGIE celebrates the employees who operate the application equipment day in and day out.” Hammond stresses that many great people believe in the future of agriculture in the state of Illinois. “With new programs and great partners like Richland and University of Illinois along with the state’s many farmers, agriculture is alive and thriving,”

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BY MEGAN GOSCH

THREE INDUSTRY EXPERTS TALK SPENDING TRENDS, NEW LINE ITEMS AND BOOSTING ROI ON A BUDGET.

DANA L. SAAL, CMP, CAE , a past president of the Illinois Society of Association Executives and volunteer for the Senior Planner Industry Network (SPIN), has worked in the association meeting industry since 1986. Saal retired from planning at the end of 2017 to coach, consult and guide clients on association events.

s with most facets of the meetings and events industry, the art of managing an event budget is a true balancing act. And while it’s easy to get wrapped up in the nitty-gritty, Eventbrite revealed a pleasant surprise in its 2018 Pulse Report

(which surveyed 1,200 planners), finding that event budgets overall appear to be on the rise. But where exactly are those budget dollars going these days and how can planners best spend to craft memoing trends, new line items and tips for boosting that ever important return on investment (ROI).

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN BUDGETS CHANGE OVER THE LAST FIVE TO 10 YEARS? DS: I’ve seen the biggest shift from the audio-visual side. Booking A/V used to mean lists and lists of equipment you’d need. Now, you’ll need much less equipment, but a bigger percentage of your budget is going to making sure you’re working with highquality equipment and skilled technicians. You’ve also got to account for service charges (sometimes between 20 and 30 percent) hotel or venue fees, and, of course, Wi-Fi—a major budget buster. KE: It used to be enough to produce a beautiful, eye-catching event, spending big dollars on décor, but now clients are focused on making their event stand out in terms of social interaction and unique experiences. Gone are the days of the huge branded parties. Clients are leaning toward smaller, intimate events with a high-quality guest list, rather than

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KELLY ELLIOTT has worked in the event industry for 10 years, mastering the ins and outs of catering, sales, client management, technical production, scenic design, and more with Event Creative and Total Event Resources before founding SOPRICO, a Chicago-based company specializing in event production, design and experiential marketing for social, private and corporate events.

the 300-person corporate event. Driving ROI and extending the reach of your event past those four walls has become the focus and clients are spending just as much, if not more, on smaller, more curated events, but they’re seeing a payoff with more engagement post-event from that smaller group. SFB: The event landscape has gone through an incredible shift and a huge driver of that’s been the brands and corporate clients that have started to look at events as an extension of their marketing opportunities, helping people touch, feel and experience their products outside of the digital world. There’s also been a huge shift away from that cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all mentality and the flow of events has changed. Clients are now more willing to explore different formats and experiment with those experiential elements and activations, which can account for a lot of your budget dollars.

As chief creative officer of The Revel Group, SARAH FINLAYSONBANASIAK oversees the creative and marketing strategies for the company’s affiliate brands including Revel Global Event, Revel Decor, Revel Space, Spotlight Chicago and Limelight Catering. With nearly 20 years in the events industry, she works closely with her team to deliver innovative event concepts, brand development and marketing strategies.

P H OTO S : R I C H S A A L ; E R I K A D U F O U R ; (O P P O S I T E ) E R I K A D U F O U R

rable moments? We spoke with three industry experts about spend-

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WHERE ARE EVENT BUDGET DOLLARS GOING THESE DAYS? WHERE ARE YOU INVESTING OR SPENDING THE MOST?

P H OTO S : R I C H S A A L ; E R I K A D U F O U R ; (O P P O S I T E ) E R I K A D U F O U R

DS: Working with associations usually means working with a tighter budget, and I’ve always been a frugal planner. I don’t spend on things I don’t feel will provide clear value or change the attendee experience dramatically, so I’m usually not spending budget dollars on items like centerpieces, but I’ll always spend on quality A/V and F&B because that’s where the guest experience is enhanced. It’ll always be pricey, but the food will be delicious and served well and you won’t be running into hiccups that could distract from your actual event content.

Revel Global Events incorporates hot air balloon trays to capture guest attention.

KE: We’re trying to make events that are engaging and memorable, so most budget dollars are spent making sure we hit the mark there. In my experience, unless you’re really going to invest in F&B that’s truly unique and exciting, it’s not as important—but entertainment, technology and any interactive elements we can include are going to be at the top of the list. Things like branded photo backdrops or shareable moments and experiences they can’t have elsewhere— from private dinners with a Michelin-starred chef to woodworking workshops or a custom fragrance-making experience— are worth the investment to draw attendance, capture attention and help your event stand out from all the noise.

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SFB: Custom is king. The majority of our clients are looking for custom-built and customdesigned pieces, graphics and large installs— things that don’t feel like generic rental items. Clients have also been more willing to spend on things like lighting and A/V where you can get so much bang for your buck by enhancing your event design and experience. Everyone’s looking for ways to engage their audience without making them feel they’re being sold to and creative food, drinks and entertainment have become an amazing way to experiment with that. These days we’re investing in innovation on the catering side to excite attendees visually and engage all of the senses for a fully immersive experience they won’t forget.

WHERE ARE YOU GENERALLY SPENDING LESS? WHAT’S THE FIRST LINE ITEM TO BE CUT?

KE: In my experience, we’ve found ways to adjust the F&B or A/V away from things like ancillary lighting to free up budget dollars. Everyone wants to eat and drink, but we’ve found that as long as everyone is fed and you’re creating other interactive or “wow-worthy” touch points in line with the event goals, your attendees will be happy and satisfied. SFB: We’re seeing less of a spend on items like basic printed programs that clients may have always included in the past, but weren’t providing much value beyond the event, and instead using those funds for something more

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memento-based that guests can keep. We’re also seeing a shift from small details like linen, primarily because clients are going toward a more residential, high-end look and feel. Linen elements are still included, but we’re seeing people move toward items like custom black acrylic dining tables or highboy designs that don’t necessarily require linen.

WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO STRATEGIES FOR BOOSTING EVENT ROI ON A BUDGET? DS: With association events, one of the biggest challenges can be netting attendees so you do need to answer that question of “what’s in it

P H OTO : E R I K A D U F O U R

DS: It depends on the industry and event, but for my clients it’s paid speakers. Highly skilled paid speakers are valuable and draw a better crowd, but the budget’s not there. Years ago, I might have been working with a speaker budget in the $50,000 range, allowing us to hire a keynote speaker and breakout session speakers and cover things like travel and other expenses, but that was a different era. These days clients are grabbing for every penny and they might be able to find a volunteer to donate their time for the good of the organization to share their expertise.

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Limelight Catering passes custom-made flatbreads as a nod to Willy Wonka for a creative take on bread service.

information personalized to them. Clients have also invested in very nice, quality giveaway items attendees could “shop” for rather than general swag so that spend would be more memorable and more personal to the attendee’s interests. KE: Driving ROI is a major focus these days and making sure clients are investing in the design and management of a solid communication plan—along with making sure the event tells a consistent, cohesive story—gives those wow-worthy moments a rocket boost. I think there can still sometimes be a mentality of events being a one-and-done expense, but with a strong communication strategy you can begin building those relationships with attendees well before event day and continue to see those results and relationships last long after the event has ended. It takes time and strategy on the front end, but it’s also a major value you can bring to your clients. SFB: There are elements to every event you can optimize for ROI, but our team also sets aside time to do a lot of creative concepting, trend forecasting and build-out. We’re taking trends like CBD-infused cocktails, talking through what’s on the horizon and testing them out so that when we go to roll them out, we know what they need to look like, taste like, any challenges involved, etc. That, paired with the pricing system we have in place, allows us to price things down to the minute detail. Knowing those true costs allows you to be more creative and see where you can amp things up or trim down to maximize the impact of those budget dollars.

for me?” Attendees need to know what they’re going to walk away with so communication is key. I coach my clients to have a clear message from the get-go. They need to know the purpose of their event and communicate that value early and often. Taking full advantage of tools like mail merge or the art of a strong email subject line go such a long way without

any additional spend. Personalization can also make a big difference without necessarily requiring a larger budget. At past events I’ve taken topics attendees wanted to hear about and turned them into roundtable discussions so that guests could sit at tables where they wanted to learn more or had advice to offer on a given topic and could come away with

GET CONNECTED THE REVEL GROUP therevelgroup.com | info@therevelgroup.com SAAL MEETING CONSULTING saalmeetings.com | dana@saalmeetings.com SOPRICO soprico.com | hello@soprico.com

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Industry Update HOTEL NEWS 40

PEOPLE NEWS

SNAPSHOTS 46

BOOKING B E H AV I O R

“Room Block of the Future” reveals booking trends of large-scale, urban convention attendees.

Research courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group; funded by PCMA Foundation, NYC & Company and Hilton IN 2018, there were an estimated 500,000

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business travelers attend citywide conventions

conventions in the U.S. with over 40 million attendees. Conventiongoers have many options when it comes to accommodations, and a positive hotel booking experience plays a part in their overall attendee experience. The purpose of “Room Block of the Future” is to better understand attendees’ room booking behavior and determine the influences and motivations that played a part in their decision. The findings could change how cities, hospitality organizations and business event professionals organize meetings and conferences. “The results of ‘Room Block of the Future’ reflect a shift in the industry that CVBs must adapt to,” says Jerry Cito, executive vice president, convention development at NYC & Company. “The findings will help NYC & Company educate planners and suppliers on the need for flexibility, pricing transparency and potential development of a cross-loyalty program.” Download the full report at pcma.co/roomblockresearch

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25% 50% 25%

book in hotels designated as part of the room block, but not through the conference room reservation system

of citywide convention attendees book through the conference organizer’s room reservation system

book in hotels that are not in the room block or in alternate accommodations

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INFOGRAPHIC

REASONS WHY

Cost

A common attendee misperception—affecting booking patterns across different sizes and types of conferences—is that hotel rooms within the block are more expensive. However, the research proves that in most cases (66 percent), rooms within the block are more affordable.

Loyalty

An inability to enter in a loyalty program number was among the top reasons attendees booked in hotels that are part of the room block, but not through the conference organizer’s reservation system.

“One of the more surprising findings from the research was the fact that almost 25 percent of attendees at large citywide conventions actually booked their accommodations at the hotels specified in the room block but did not go through the traditional room reservation process resulting in them not being recognized in the room block. Clearly, this segment of attendees’ room booking priorities were not being met by the existing process.” —MARK LOMANNO, PARTNER AT KALIBRI LABS

Room Choice

Room variety, or lack thereof, is another factor affecting booking patterns. Among many business travelers, a perceived rigidness and the inability to choose a preferred room type played a role.

Age

Overall, younger attendees (59 percent) are more likely to use alternative accommodations like Airbnb.

“It was very unexpected to learn from the survey of citywide attendees just how much it bothers them to lose control of their hotel booking process—being generally unable to do the things they normally do in hotel bookings, such as accessing their loyalty benefits. It’s this desire for control that creates frustration and prompts a quarter of them to make transient bookings in convention hotels to get what they want.” —ELAINE HENDRICKS, PARTNER AT PRISM ADVISORY GROUP

Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group analyzed more than 2 million anonymous hotel and Airbnb guest records from conventions held in Houston, New York City and San Diego between 2015 and 2018 in addition to surveying a sample of U.S. business travelers who have attended a citywide convention.

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REGIONAL NEWS

of on-site activities and services including an outdoor and heated indoor pool, a 24-hour StayFit gym and 24-hour business center. The hotel also features more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space as well as a 3,100-square-foot terrace. Meeting rooms have been fully redesigned with modern décor and feature state-of-theart technology and audio-visual equipment.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop

HOTEL NEWS»

Hilton Opens Dual-Branded Property in Chicago Downtown South Loop Hilton has officially opened the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop, a new multibrand hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Developed and owned by SB Yen Management Group, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop offer a total of 342 guest rooms and suites (many of which feature scenic lakeshore views) and convenient access to McCormick Place (the largest convention center in the country) and attractions like Soldier Field, Grant Park, the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. “The popularity of Chicago and its flourishing South Loop neighborhood is undeniable, and the city remains a top destination for business and leisure travelers from across the globe,” says Bill Duncan, global head, All Suites and Focused Service category, Hilton. “With increasing demand comes increasing competition, but by drawing on our vast experience with multibrand hotels, we were able to bring two of our award-winning brands, their wealth of amenities and an enhanced choice

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of lodging options to this downtown market.” Boasting a sleek, contemporary design, the multibrand concept has helped to create enhanced communal areas on-property, benefiting both business and leisure travelers. The hotel also offers a shared 24-hour business center, fitness center and indoor pool as well as flexible meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 85 guests.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a national hotel management company and division of the Milwaukee-based Marcus Corporation, has assumed management of the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Schaumburg, Illinois. “We selected Marcus Hotels & Resorts because of its established industry expertise and extensive hotel management capabilities, as well as intimate knowledge of the greater Chicago market. Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ strong Midwest roots make the company an ideal partner in further positioning Hyatt Regency Schaumburg as a preferred Chicagoland destination,” says Tim Gallagher, co-principal of First Equity Group, which owns the hotel. The 468-room hotel, which recently completed a $15 million renovation, boasts spacious suites with courtyard views and a host

This summer, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), in partnership with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and the City of Rockford hosted CRE8IV: transformational ART, a mural festival incorporating the creation of eight large-scale and daily events throughout downtown Rockford. Inspired by the city’s vibrant art scene, the festival was modeled after similar successful festivals in Montreal, Denver and Detroit as a community-building arts-infused event. The festival, which included eight lead artists who worked with teams of other artists to create large-scale murals throughout the city and daily free-to-attend events, was made possible, in part, by a matching grant from the state’s Department of Commerce and Office of Tourism. “As we considered new experiences we could bring to life, the idea of a mural festival quickly rose to the top. Local and visiting artists transformed tired and dull walls into beautiful works of art. The daily Block pARTy events allowed residents and visitors a chance to interact with the artists and explore downtown Rockford,” says John Groh, RACVB president and CEO. “Perhaps most important is the long-lasting impact the murals will have as, over time, the city itself becomes an art gallery.” “Illinois is full of vibrant cities and towns with endless attractions that are of interest to both residents and visitors alike. We are excited to provide the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with a grant that will further their work to establish a new arts festival that will attract artists and tourists to the city,” says Erin Guthrie, Acting Director of Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

P H O T O S : H I LT O N C H I C A G O D O W N T O W N S O U T H L O O P ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M I C H A E L JACO B S P H OTO G R A P H Y; T H E S M I T H

RACVB Hosts Arts-Infused Festival

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P H O T O S : H I LT O N C H I C A G O D O W N T O W N S O U T H L O O P ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M I C H A E L JACO B S P H OTO G R A P H Y; T H E S M I T H

F&B NEWS»

The Smith Debuts in Chicago The Smith, a national group of American brasseries known for creating a lively atmosphere and seasonal menus, has opened its first restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. “We’ve wanted to open in Chicago for some time, and we’re thrilled to find an ideal spot in River North,” says partner Michael Jacobs. “We’re excited to become a part of the commu-

nity here and hope to bring to the table a new spot for neighbors to feel at home.” The Smith’s Chicago location will introduce new menu items in addition to beloved staples and an extensive beverage program. The cocktail menu uses small batch and local liquors, housemade syrups, seasonal produce and zero-proof cocktail selections. Designed by nemaworkshop, The Smith’s

unique layout blends three former spaces into one open restaurant, featuring an industrialinspired interior and classic brasserie elements including white and black marble flooring, large booths, smoked antique mirrors and an expansive 30-seat zinc bar. The Smith also features two private dining rooms and a sidewalk patio with capacity for up to 58 guests. thesmithrestaurant.com

from its 2020 budget and private sponsorships. Investing in sports tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in the travel industry, is a key initiative of the organization’s master plan, providing greater opportunities to grow visitation and secure new tax revenue for DuPage County. The DCVB has booked more than 60 sports events and tournaments over the past four years, which represent more than 60,000 visitors who generated more than 74,000 hotel overnight stays and an estimated $12.5 million in direct spending.

New events booked by the commission include: the Intelligentsia Cup/DuPage Triple Crown, a cycling competition with more than 900 amateur and professional cyclists, the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships, the largest USA Cycling national championship event, which is expected to draw more than 5,000 visitors, and the United States Bowling Congress Convention (USBC). The National Travelers Bowling League’s annual convention and tournament will also return to DuPage with more than 400 bowlers participating in a week-long competition.

HOTEL NEWS»

DuPage Sports Commission Launches with New and Returning Events The DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB), the official destination marketing organization for DuPage County, has officially launched the new DuPage Sports Commission. The Commission has already booked new and returning sports events which are expected to deliver nearly $2 million in new revenue for DuPage by 2022. The Commission operates as a department within the DCVB with grant money

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REGIONAL NEWS

TOURISM NEWS»

ILLINOIS TOURISM SUPPORTS NEW LOCAL MAKERS

Kumiko Introduces Omakase-style Experience in New Space

The team behind two Michelin-starred Oriole and Kumiko has introduced Kikkō, a Japanese-inspired eatery housed in the renovated space below Kumiko. Set in a dark, subterranean space, the 10-seat counter offers a unique omakase-style dining experience in an intimate, nook-like setting where guests have full view of preparation by executive chef Noah Sandoval and chef de cuisine Mariya Russell. Inspired by a type of “kumiko” (a type of Japanese woodworking), the restaurant’s name represents the Japanese hexagonal pattern resembling a tortoise shell that appears throughout the bar. A vintage stereo, playing only vinyl, also serves as a focal point of the space. Sandoval and Russell collaborated to create Kikkō’s menu, which showcases quality ingredients and thoughtful presentations in dishes like the golden Osetra caviar with cured Hudson Canyon scallop, finger lime and smoked soy; mackerel with kombu sabayon and nasturtium; Miyazaki beef with sesame, golden cordyceps and shio kombu; and Kumiko’s beloved Japanese milk toast with fermented honey. barkumiko.com

Chicago Restaurants Unite to End Domestic Violence In May, more than 70 Chicago-area restaurants and bars raised money for the city’s oldest domestic violence organization,

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Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), to raise awareness about domestic violence. Through the initiative, which was organized and led by Danielle Caruso, co-own-

er of Funkenhausen, participating eateries like The Loyalist, The Publican and Broken Shaker Chicago pledged to donate a portion of a night’s sales directly to the CAWC. “Never before in the history of CAWC has one industry come together to raise funds for and awareness about domestic violence. We are humbled and honored that CAWC was chosen as the beneficiary,” says Stephanie-Love Patterson, executive director of CAWC. Raising over $18,000, the initiative helped to fund CAWC programs and services at the organization’s locations in Humboldt Park, Wicker Park/Bucktown, Stroger and Northwestern Hospitals, and at the Haymarket Center. The organization helps more than 1,000 survivors and their children each year and also provides training to health care and other professionals.

P H O T O S : S A M M Y FA Z E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; C AW C ; ( O P P O S I T E ) F I R S T L A DY C R U I S E S / M E R C U R Y, C H I C A G O ’ S S K Y L I N E C R U I S E L I N E

F&B NEWS»

The Illinois Office of Tourism has welcomed 18 new local makers to the organization’s Illinois Made program. Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made currently spotlights nearly 150 Illinois-based people, products and authentic experiences to inspire travelers to explore destinations across the state. “The Illinois Made program drives visitors to all regions of Illinois by promoting authentic, locally loved experiences throughout the state,” says Jan Kemmerling, acting director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “The program aims to increase both visitor spending and tax revenue for communities statewide.” From award-winning artists to inspiring nonprofits, each maker selected for the program is enjoyed by Illinois locals and helps make the state a unique destination for visitors. New makers to join the program include Dearborn Denim, which hand crafts jeans in its Chicago shops, William Harris Lee & Co., a respected maker of fine stringed instruments and You Are Beautiful by Matthew Hoffman, a global project creating public art to spread positive messages. enjoyillinois.com/illinoismade

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P H O T O S : S A M M Y FA Z E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; C AW C ; ( O P P O S I T E ) F I R S T L A DY C R U I S E S / M E R C U R Y, C H I C A G O ’ S S K Y L I N E C R U I S E L I N E

CVB/ASSOCIATION NEWS»

Rockford to Host First-ever Olympic Qualifying Event

CRUISES»

Renowned Cruise Lines Open Headquarters in Downtown Chicago Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and its sister company Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline have moved their new corporate headquarters from Palatine, Illinois to downtown Chicago, just steps away from the cruise lines’ docking area. The 9,800-square-foot office, designed by Collective Office, features both private and open concept office space and a test kitchen for mixing creative offerings to server on board. “As one of the first permanent tenants of the Riverwalk, we are happy to call Chicago home for our new headquarter operations,” says Holly Agra, president of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and vice president of

sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline. “Our headquarters will bring us even closer to our tours that connect tourists to Chicago’s rich culture, and will allow us to give back even more to the city that has supported us for 84 years.” Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and Mercury Cruises are fourth-generation family-owned and operated, committed to enviro-friendly practices for continued sustainability and celebrate local businesses by partnering exclusively with Chicago catering businesses aboard its private charters. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises luxury yachts are available for private charter cruising and special events, complete with food and beverage for groups of two to 250 people. All vessels are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and crew.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, along with representatives from the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), has announced the first-ever Olympic trials to be held in Rockford, Illinois. The 2019 ITTF North American Olympic Table Tennis Trials will be held at the BMO Harris Bank Center in downtown Rockford. The 2019 trials will feature men’s and women’s teams representing Team USA and Team Canada. Teams will play the best three of five matches and winners will qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo. “All eyes will be on Rockford in October as we host this incredible international event,” says RACVB President and CEO John Groh. “We will get to watch the best table tennis players from Canada and the United States compete for the opportunity to represent North America at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It’s very exciting for Rockford and for sports enthusiasts that the road to Tokyo will go through Rockford.” “This event puts Rockford on the international map as a destination for sports,” says Craig Thomas, chairman of the board of directors for RAVE, the organization that manages three of Rockford’s downtown entertainment venues, including the BMO Harris Bank Center. “We know we have world-class facilities and this is a chance to show them off to a worldwide audience.” To celebrate this historic local event, the RACVB will later announce a full slate of community awareness programs and events leading up to the October event. gorockford.com

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REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS» RoomIT by CWT, a global hotel distribution division of CWT, has appointed Shannon Hyland as its new senior vice president of global supply. In this new role, Hyland will provide overall leadership and execution of supplier strategy and effectiveness and market management. “We are very excited to have Shannon join the RoomIt team as he has invaluable experience helping companies in finance, strategy and operations, specifically relating to operating performance, increasing profitability and driving business growth,” says David Falter, president of RoomIt. Prior to joining RoomIt, Hyland was the CEO and executive vice president of Radius Travel and had stints as CFO at both Groople and The Mark Travel Corporation. Hyland started his career as an engineer in the airline industry and holds an MBA in finance and international business from New York University. PRA, a leader in the business events industry, has named Danielle Cirami-Gillis vice president of Strategic Partnerships. Most recently CiramiGillis served as vice president, events and trade shows for Northstar Travel Group, serving all segments of the travel industry where she managed over 20 global events, trade shows and meetings to introduce business strategies, new product segments and additional sponsorship revenue growth drivers. In this role, Cirami-Gillis will activate PRA strategic partnerships and operate as a sales leader, building on strategic relationships that contribute to PRA’s overall growth plan, while developing approaches that ensure strategic advancement of key partners. “Danielle is a consummate professional with a proven ability to convert business objectives into well-articulated, branded marketing and sales programs. She has an exceptional

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track record of leading world-class business events and partnerships to capture market opportunities that deliver accelerated growth,” says Laurie Knapp, PRA chief growth officer. Cirami-Gillis has been named Connect’s “40 Under 40,” volunteers with the Site Young Leaders committee and American Cancer Society and is a member of Meetings Professionals International (MPI), Society of International Travel Excellence (SITE), HSMAI and ALHA. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) has hired Rockford native Martesha Brown as its director of advancement. The new position was created to manage and execute fund development activities and oversee community and visitor industry outreach. “In recent years, RACVB has focused on new areas of positive impact on the community, including producing Stroll on State and overseeing public art and beautification programs for the City of Rockford,” says RACVB President and CEO John Groh. “Our leadership team and board of directors developed a strategic road map that included the need to expand and diversify our revenue beyond public funding. The creation of this executive team position is a crucial step in accomplishing our organizational goals.” Brown will oversee the development and implementation of RACVB advocacy and community relations efforts and will ensure the organization’s strategic goals and related tactics align with the board’s priorities as the RACVB continues to advance the region’s quality of life and economic development through tourism efforts. Brown serves on the board of directors for Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Think Big Entrepreneurship Expo and Festival Committee, co-lead for Transform Rockford’s Engagement Committee and is a member of the NAACP. She was named one of the Rockford Register Star’s People to Watch, 25 Black Leaders to Watch and Rockford’s 40 Leaders Under 40.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel has appointed Kristin Duncan general manager of the 530room property. Duncan brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her new role. Prior to Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, she served as the general manager of the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, leading her team to excellent balanced scorecard results. Previously, the hospitality veteran held several director-level sales and marketing positions within the company, including regional director of sales and marketing South Central Region and then as regional senior director of sales for the Western Region. Daniel Egan has joined the

Marriott Marquis Chicago as the director of sales and marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in hotel sales and marketing, Egan has held director-level leadership roles for notable brands in a variety of markets, bringing expertise in the hospitality industry to his new role. Egan has previously worked for other Marriott International properties, most recently as the director of sales and marketing for the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Steve Conklin, a Chicago

native and Marriott veteran of more than 30 years has also joined the Marriott Marquis Chicago team as director of group sales. Conklin has been a member of the Marriott family since starting his career as an intern in 1988, where he developed a passion for the hotel and travel industries. Conklin has led the charge at a variety of priority properties across the country, most recently as the director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott Chicago for the last nine years, spearheading the $400 million opening project and guiding the hotel’s sales teams.

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SNAPSHOTS ILEA GREATER CHICAGO BOARD SWEARING

ILEA Chicago Swearing in of the Board

On Thursday, June 18, 100-plus ILEA Greater Chicago Chapter members and nonmembers alike gathered at Atomic Hospitality’s new industrial West Loop venue, City Hall, to celebrate the swearing in of the 2019-2020 ILEA Chicago Board. Guests enjoyed a night of networking and mingling with new board members, appetizers and drinks from J&L Catering. Other event sponsors included Bugbooth Vintage Photobooth Rentals, Tablescapes Event Rentals and BeatMix Music.

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1. Barb Siska, CSEP. 2. Cindi Webber and Jeff Durocher. 3. An hors d’oeuvre buffet from J&L Catering. 4. Timot McGonagle with Marley Finnegan and Bari Singh from HMR. 5. Katie Andrick and Chris Parsons from BeatMix. 6. Toula Georgakopoulos. 7. The ILEA Chicago 2019-2020 Board of Directors. Back row: Barb Siska, CSEP, Jim Grillo, CMP, Ryan Campbell, Rachel Krieger and Jeff Durocher. Front row: Stacey Combrzynski, Rachel Fersten, Monika Heppe, CSEP, Amy McMonigal, Cindi Webber and Vicki Bowman, CMP, CED, CSEP. 8. Bite-sized desserts from J&L Catering. 9. Jasko Omerovic. —Photos courtesy of Colin Lyons Wedding Photography

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at megan.gosch@tigeroak.com.

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PEOPLE PROFILE MATT WOODBURN & SARAH NEUKOM

DYNAMIC DUO

Passionate entrepreneurs and ESP Presents co-founders Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom collaborate to craft experiential events. BY MEGAN GOSCH ILM+E: What are your backgrounds in the industry and how did you come to establish your production firm? MW: I opened a recording studio with a friend, which became a kind of production house. We started to explore experiential marketing creating an event for a liquor brand where we could incorporate music, DJs, sound, lights, video—all of the things I love. After that, I was hooked. SN: I started working with campus events in college, but my first job out of school was in nonprofit fundraising at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where I planned large internal fundraising events and became very cause-driven knowing I could create experiences that could make an impact. MW: We love creating experiences for people, so the path to launching ESP Presents was a natural one. We’re event producers at heart. SN: Event producers with a love of hospitality! ILM+E: As designers of experiential events, how do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing? SN: We really work to become an extension of our clients, try to learn everything we can about their cause or the objective at hand and we always find inspiration in those core goals. MW: Deep diving into those goals takes us on our own little journey and through that process of discovery we’re able to brainstorm fresh and exciting ideas.

Get Connected ESP PRESENTS esppresents.com | hello@esppresents.com

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ILM+E: What are your plans for the future of ESP? MW: We’d love to work more with the fashion industry. The amount of creativity encouraged in the industry makes for an exciting challenge. SN: And big picture, we’d like to keep growing to help us support those purpose-driven brands and organizations that inspire us. We’re also developing additional verticals like ESP Cares, which will help clients reach their fundraising goals, and we’ve opened a new event space (read more on page 13). Ultimately, we’re always on the lookout for new opportunities, ways to support groups that we’re excited to be involved with and create new experiences.

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

ILM+E: In just a few years, ESP Presents already has some impressive events under its belt. What have been some of the most memorable? SN: This is our fifth year running The Kennedy Forum. We’ve been with the event from the simple idea of a half-day summit and have built it from the ground up. Through some amazing connections and relationships it’s become a national event focused around support of mental health equity. MW: We’ve also produced the After Dark at the Modern Wing event series for years. From the first event, which included musicians, performance artists and video projection of classic, iconic pieces of art that had been animated on a massive blank canvas, we’ve worked hard to make sure each event feels completely new and different.

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I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

MEETINGS FROM THE TOP

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B OO K TODAY: Sales@LondonHouse.com 8 5 E A S T W A C K E R D R I V E A T N O R T H M I C H I G A N AV E N U E

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LO N D O N H O U S E C H I CAG O.C OM

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Illinois Meetings + Events Fall 2019

Articles inside

SNAPSHOTS

REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE PROFILE

MEET SMART

DESTINATION

COOL IDEA

MEETING MUNCHIES

SWAG

ILM+E | FALL 2019

NEW VENUE SPOTLIGHT

TREND REPORT