REGIONAL NEWS

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 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 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.

RACVB Hosts Arts-Infused Festival

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.

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 community 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

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 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.

F&B NEWS»

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, 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-owner 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.

TOURISM NEWS»

ILLINOIS TOURISM SUPPORTS NEW LOCAL MAKERS

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

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. CVB/ASSOCIATION NEWS»

Rockford to Host First-ever Olympic Qualifying Event

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

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 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.