Illinois Meetings + Events Summer 2019 by Greenspring Media

ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS // SUMMER 2019

QUAD CITIES These river cities combine rich history with plenty of new amenities and group activities

BEST OF 2019

Best of 2019 Featuring 25 categories: BEST CONFERENCE OR RESORT VENUE, EVENT DÉCOR/FLORIST, NEW VENUE, TEAM-BUILDING, PHOTOGRAPHY/ IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

VIDEOGRAPHY, DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY AND MORE (page 24)

A SPECTACULAR STAGE

Photo Credit: Nick Ulivieri

Aon Grand Ballroom

Festival Hall

Lakeview Terrace

Over 27,000 sq. ft. with panoramic lake views

170,000 sq. ft. of multipurpose exhibition space; 34 adjacent meeting rooms

A one-of-a-kind setting for up to 1,000

Whether it’s an intimate meeting or a grand gathering, Navy Pier is the place in Chicago to hold an unforgettable event. Our amazing location on the lakefront offers unparalleled views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline and the iconic Centennial Wheel. Versatile event spaces can suit any group from 50 to 12,500. There’s truly no place like Navy Pier.

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY 312.595.5300 or navypierevents@navypier.org NAVYPIER.ORG

PERFECT FOR EVENTS

Plan your special celebration at Four Winds New Buffalo. Silver Creek Event Center offers over 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can accommodate groups from 20 to 2,000. Host a rockin’ party in Hard Rock Cafe. For a more intimate setting, you can book the Private Dining Room of The Buffet or Copper Rock Steakhouse. With over 2,500 slots, 48 table games, 415 deluxe hotel rooms, and five delicious restaurants, Four Winds New Buffalo has everything you need to make your event a huge success. To book your event, or for more information, please call 1-866-4WINDS1 ext 5219 to speak with our knowledgeable sales team.

1.866.4WINDS1 • fourwindscasino.com

Must be 21 years of age or older. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians invites you to play responsibly. If you think you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700. ©2019 Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. 3141-5.01.19

Summer 2019 ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

Best of 2019

Find out the winners of the Illinois M+E Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards. By Melissa Sersland

DEPARTMENTS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER 18 EVENT PROFILE An inside look at NACE Chicago and ILEA Greater Chicago’s joint “Westworld”-themed event.

20 DESTINATION The Quad Cities plays host to a surprising number of international conventions and regional events. By Roger Gordon

48 PEOPLE PROFILE Chicago nightlife and hospitality guru Arturo Gomez returns to The Underground with a few new enterprises under his belt. By Josephine Werni

By Megan Gosch

P H O T O : 3 6 0 D E S T I N AT I O N G R O U P

360 DESTINATION GROUP

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P H O T O : 3 6 0 D E S T I N AT I O N G R O U P

Summer

2019

By Tiffany Rose Goodyear

10 EXPERT ADVICE Five benefits of associations to promote to members.

By Amy Gitchell

36 INFOGRAPHIC “The Future of Meetings & Events” identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events. Research courtesy of PCMA Foundation and Marriott International

16 GIFT IDEA Packed with Purpose is feel-good gift-giving.

38 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local industry.

By Morgan Halaska

Compiled by Megan Gosch

12 BEYOND THE BORDER Aruba is One Happy Island for many reasons.

17 SIGNATURE DRINK The Village Cooler,

By Morgan Halaska

courtesy of Avli Taverna

46 SNAPSHOTS Photos from MPI-CAC’s annual education and technology conference NEXT ‘19

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Best of 2019 Featuring 25 categories: BEST CONFERENCE OR RESORT VENUE, EVENT DÉCOR/FLORIST, NEW VENUE, TEAM-BUILDING, PHOTOGRAPHY/ IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

By Megan Gosch

16 TIPS FROM A PRO How to strategically use scent to enhance guest experience.

BEST OF 2019

9 PIN IT A sampling of Pinterest’s top 100 trends from 2019.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS // SUMMER 2019

MEETING NOTES

QUAD CITIES These river cities combine rich history with plenty of new amenities and group activities

VIDEOGRAPHY, DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY AND MORE (page 24)

ON THE COVER

Kehoe Designs created a “masculine, urban and sophisticated” ambience for a corporate holiday party. Photo by The Geraghty

P H O T O S : M A R I S A K L U G ; B L A C KO A K T E C H N I C A L P R O D U C T I O N S ; TAT E C A R L S O N ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

Packed with Purpose’s curated gift boxes contain goodies from companies that do good. pg 16

HAVE STORIES TO TELL.

P H O T O S : M A R I S A K L U G ; B L A C KO A K T E C H N I C A L P R O D U C T I O N S ; TAT E C A R L S O N ; H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

Exceeding expectations by creating experiences. Make plans for holding your event at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Reno. The stories you’ll tell will be endless. Top notch service complete with state-of-the-art meeting rooms, tech savvy amenities and the only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Dine in top-ranked restaurants and unwind at Spa Atlantis, the only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa in northern Nevada. Book a world-class experience today.

Please call 800.994.5900 or visit atlantiscasino.com/ilmeetings to submit an RFP IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

EDITOR'S LETTER

Cheers to you GROWING UP AS A WISCONSIN NATIVE, a quick road or train trip to the Windy City was

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

always a whirlwind adventure. Whether walking amidst the buzz and hustle on Chicago’s city streets, exploring creative and cultural collections of all kinds, or marveling at the sheer magnitude of the city’s many history-making monuments, it was impossible not to leave charged, inspired and ready for more. With that in mind, I couldn’t be more excited to dig in and discover all that makes Illinois a true hub for changemakers, experiential experts and innovative leaders in the meetings and events industry. And what better way to get to know the state’s best of the best than with the much-anticipated announcement of our Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards winners? Turn to page 24 to read all about the many stand-out venues, suppliers and organizations that make the industry so strong. We also head to Quad Cities in this issue’s Destination (page 20). The region, which includes five cities across Illinois and Iowa and plays host to a surprising number of international conventions and regional events, is brimming with history and affordable activities with plenty to offer meetings and event planners. I hope you’ll find inspiration, motivation and even a libation (check out our perfect-for-summer Signature Drink on page 17) within these pages.

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 : N Y LO N S A D D L E P H OTO G R A P H Y

Cheers,

P H OTO : N Y LO N S A D D L E P H OTO G R A P H Y

SUMMER 2019

“

Who’s your favorite keynote speaker?

”

il.meetingsmags.com EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS EDITORIAL INTERNS

Megan Gosch

Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown at PCMA Emerging Leaders 2019

Morgan Halaska Kassidy Tarala Julianna Fazio Josephine Werni, Roger Gordon, Melissa Sersland, Tiffany Rose Goodyear, Amy Gitchell Taylor Hafner, Kendall Van Horne

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 DESIGN DIRECTOR ART DIRECTORS PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PROJECT COORDINATOR CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATIOR CIRCULATION DIRECTOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST

THE INDUSTRY’S

MOST

POWERFUL RESOURCE TOOL

Courtney Nielsen Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore Dianne Talmage Brittni Dye Alex Kotlarek Jeremy Wieland Emily O’Connell

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Lauren Madeja Jen McIlvaine

CREDIT MANAGER ACCOUNTANT

April McCauley Jared Lawson

WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Sandy Powell Angela Beissel

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS - NATIONAL SALES

Susan M. Rose • 312.755.1133 | susan@rosemediasales.com Lisa A. Rose • 312.755.1133 | lisa@rosemediasales.com Catherine Lamoureux • 708.602.9250 | cathy@rosemediasales.com

Bill Clinton

Rachel Martin, former NPR national security correspondent and current host of NPR’s Morning Edition Sunday

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CITY/DESTINATION PROFILES

900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181 Published quarterly Illinois Meetings + Events, Summer 2019 © 2019 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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Connect + Collaborate A restored landmark in the heart of downtown, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit provides an energized setting for meetings and events of all sizes. Across over 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, this historic hotel offers 20 versatile venues that can accommodate up to 800 attendees. These dynamic spaces are enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, locally sourced catering and thoughtful service. In addition, 435 guestrooms and suites have been smartly designed to help guests recharge at the end of a productive day.

THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT

1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226 United States T +1 313.442.1600 marriott.com/dtwcw

Meeting Notes EXPERT ADVICE

BEYOND THE BORDER

TIPS FROM A PRO 16

SIGNATURE DRINK

TREND-SPOTTING

Stay ahead of the curve with these crowd-searched trends and topics. B y M e g a n G o s c h Armed with insights from over 250 million monthly user searches, Pinterest takes the guesswork out of upcoming trend tracking with its oﬃcial 100 Pinterest trends for 2019 report. From travel destinations on the rise to the superfoods fueling new F&B concepts, current trends with staying power and soon-to-be stars give planners a sneak peek into the event trends of the near future. Keep an eye out for a few of these eye-catching faves:

PHOTOS: ISTOCK.COM, GORAN JAKUS, WACOMKA; SANTJE09, NICKY LLOYD FULL REPORT: BUSINESS.PINTEREST.COM/EN/BLOG/100-PINTEREST-TRENDS-FOR-2019

T:792 pt

B:810 pt

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

GLOW UP: From cheeky custom messaging and unexpected branding opportunities to glowing photo backdrops and colorful uplighting, neon takes center stage to create the perfect pop of color.

PHOTOBOMB: For instant intrigue, smoke bombs are on the rise. Opt for a simple white haze to create an unexpected dramatic moment or tailor the smokey effect with bursts of colorful plumes for a playful photo backdrop.

UNEXPECTED ANTIDOTE: Well-known for its medicinal qualities, the elderberry is your next new superfruit. With plenty of vitamin C, antioxidants and antiinﬂammatory qualities, this berry adds a healthy boost to meeting break smoothies, colorful salads and creative cocktails. HIGH RISE: Greenery is always a welcome addition to any event space, but living walls are having a moment. Transform raw or blank spaces with ﬂoor-toceiling vertical gardens for a lush urban jungle aesthetic.

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

EXPERT ADVICE»

5 key benefits associations can offer young professionals. BY AMY GITCHELL

FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, association membership matters. Today’s workforce has seen an inﬂux of millennials and Generation Z. These individuals are innovative and technologically savvy, and they have high expectations for their association memberships. Competition for members is fierce and meeting the demands of this young demographic is critical to survival. This target audience is more member-centric than ever, and to stay credible and relevant, associations must learn to provide a list of benefits young professionals really want. Here are five key benefits associations should promote to give members the tools to become leaders in their industry:

Resume-Building One of the primary motivations driving young professionals to seek out association membership is job opportunities. Associations must be able to offer members leadership roles and committee volunteer opportunities that expand their resume and networking opportunities that help them make meaningful connections. Associations should seek to develop programs that teach the leadership skills young professional members need to excel in their field. From the smallest engagement (answering questions in an online forum) to major participation (speaking at an event), professionals

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should be able to take advantage of numerous professional development opportunities. Promoting members-only access to directories, thought leaders and influencers, invite-only events and exclusive job openings is also crucial.

Training and Education Young professionals are always looking for new ways to grow their skill set. Education paves the road to success in any industry, and associations should plan to regularly host workshops, online training and peer-to-peer learning opportunities designed to help members develop professionally. Whether required or optional, associationprovided certifications and designations also offer ongoing opportunities for professional development and a diversified skill set.

Access to Exclusive Information Be sure to promote the ability to quickly access exclusive content such as legislative policy updates, original research, innovative trends, industry predictions, articles from thought

Benefits and Discounts Millennials are known for their love of loyalty and rewards programs. Therefore, associations should make sure to promote their members-only benefits and discounts. These may include savings on products and services, group health care, travel discounts and access to mentoring programs, young professional groups, exclusive conferences, trade shows and events.

Camaraderie and Collaboration Associations are a place for sharing challenges and discussing common issues in a collaborative environment. Showing off the way your association members interact and exchange ideas while building trust is sure to catch the attention of young professionals looking to get involved. Consider turning to social media to showcase the collaborative nature of your next meeting. Making all of these changes may seem overwhelming, but in reality most associations already do everything on this list—they just have to promote it. By effectively communicating key benefits of membership, associations can recruit and retain young professionals.

AMY GITCHELL IS A MARKETING AND RESEARCH SPECIALIST AT GROWTHZONE AMS WITH (GROWTHZONE.COM) A FOCUS ON ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND GROWTH. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AND HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGY.

P H O T O : I S T O C K . C O M / Y E V H E N I I D U B I N KO

THE APPEAL OF ASSOCIATIONS

leaders, proprietary content, seminars, newsletters, best practices, etc.

P H O T O : I S T O C K . C O M / Y E V H E N I I D U B I N KO

MEETINGS WITH A VIEW

Plan your next meeting or event at The Inn at Harbor Shores.

Southwest Michigan's Premier Destination

Over 9,500 Sq Ft of meeting space 92 guestrooms with balconies Outdoor event space on the harbor Advance audio visual capabilities FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT events@innatharborshores.com

EST. 2014 Saint Joseph (269) 983-1111 Innatharborshores.com

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

BEYOND THE BORDER»

SUNNY DISPOSITION

Aruba embodies happiness and well-being.

BY MORGAN HAL ASK A

DUBBED “ONE HAPPY ISLAND,” cheery moniker. There’s no risky time to visit the desert island due to its location outside the hurricane belt. Its pristine crushed coral sand doesn’t absorb heat, keeping bare feet comfortable. The ombre shades of the Caribbean Sea and magical sunsets make for an inimitable backdrop. The tap water, distilled in a saltwater desalination plant, is pure. The ABC islands, in which Aruba accounts for the A, are considered the safest of Caribbean islands. The temperature, complemented by the breezy trade winds, stays at a pleasant 82 degrees on average yearround. And if the sun gets the best of you, aloe

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K N OW B E FO R E YO U G O

TEMPERATURE: 82 degrees year-round on average CURRENCY: Aruban florin; the U.S. dollar is widely accepted LANGUAGE: Dutch and the native Papiamento are the official languages; English and Spanish are widely spoken TIME ZONE: Atlantic Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time plus one hour) ELECTRICITY: Aruba adopted the North American voltage standard, the same as in the U.S. and Canada

T R AV E L V I P

Traveling to the Caribbean is always worth the hassle, with vacation just on the other side. Leaving, on the other hand, is an abrupt change in scenery that takes suntanned travelers from sandy beaches to face long lines and cramped airport quarters. And with U.S. Customs & Border Protection at Queen Beatrix Airport, departing Aruba is just a little more tedious. First Class Aruba’s VIP Departure Service lessens that pain by fast-tracking you through all but one of the checkpoints (the U.S. Customs & Border Protection). After you’ve skipped the lines, the VIP lounge— stocked with snacks, drinks and comfortable chairs—awaits. firstclassaruba.com

P H O T O S : H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

Aruba has many reasons for its

P H O T O S : H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

BY THE NUMBERS: HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT SPA & CASINO

12,500-SQUARE-FOOT CASINO 8,000-SQUARE-FOOT POOL

Homebase Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino, located on Palm Beach among other high-rise hotels, is enjoying the completion of its first phase of the multimillion-dollar renovation. The 359 newly reconceptualized guest rooms were designed to make guests feel as though they’re staying in a private beach home. Natural light accentuates the room’s creature comforts, which include white oak furnishings, a handwoven wool rug and an oversized chaise lounge. Bathrooms were expanded and feature Kohler fixtures and a handy digital clock that’s integrated in the backlit vanity mirror. The resort’s open-air lobby, with views of the aqua water and white sand beach in the distance, is a popular locale, with the Carnival-themed casino and ZoiA Spa, which uses hand-pressed oils and homegrown herbs in its services, nearby. The hotel’s dining outlets are diverse and plentiful. Ruinas del Mar pays homage to the island’s gold mining past; Mexicado (Aruba’s first Mexican restaurant) serves traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes; and Café Piccolo is a cozy Italian bistro with a woodfired, stone oven. Sunset specials are served Piet’s Pier Bar, and smoothies are just steps away from the white sand beach at Kadushi

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Juice Bar (freshly cut coconuts can be found here, too).

5,200-SQUARE-FOOT SPA WITH 8 TREATMENT ROOMS

Island Exploration

359 GUEST ROOMS

Red Sail Sports, a full-service dive and water sports facility with a desk in the Hyatt Regency Aruba’s lobby, disembarks from Piet’s Pier Bar. Its friendly crew takes guests out on one of its catamarans to explore the marine life and sunken remains of the SS Antilla that live under the calm turquoise waters. Sunset dinner sails and moonlight cruises are available as well as private group functions. The desert terrain of Aruba sets it apart from other Caribbean islands; the best way to see the north side of the island is on wheels. Off-road jeep tours travel along the rugged terrain to the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, California Lighthouse, Natural Pool, Alto Vista Chapel and, not to mention, many beaches along the way. Guests of the Hyatt Regency Aruba use De Palm Tours Aruba regularly, and the hotel also partners with ABC Tours Aruba and Around Aruba Tours.

5,000-SQUARE-FOOT FRESH WATER LAGOON STOCKED WITH TROPICAL FISH AND WILDLIFE

15 MILES OFF THE COAST OF VENEZUELA 12-ACRE BEACHFRONT PROPERTY 4 MAIN DINING OUTLETS 4 BARS ON PROPERTY 4 MILES FROM QUEEN BEATRIX AIRPORT 2 MILES FROM ORANJESTAD (THE CAPITAL) Meeting Space: 10,847 SQUARE FEET OF OUTDOOR FUNCTION SPACE 9,245 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING SPACE 3,008 SQUARE FEET OF PREFUNCTION SPACE 9 SPACES

A 3,900-SQUARE-FOOT REDWOOD DECK AND TENT ACCOMMODATING UP TO 200 PEOPLE PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE MEETING SPACE.

Wellness It’s fitting that aloe—known for its medicinal properties—is ubiquitous on the island. More than just a sunburn relief, aloe has played a big part of the island’s culture and economy. Aruba Aloe, the oldest aloe company in the world, offers weekly interactive workshops at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Guests make their own moisturizing aloe scrub while learning about the island’s abundant natural resource and the part it plays in Aruba’s undeniable happiness.

PREFUNCTION AREAS AND THE 5,300-SQUAREFOOT REGENCY BALLROOM CAN ACCOMMODATE 400 PEOPLE FOR A BANQUET, 450 CLASSROOM-STYLE, 600 THEATER-STYLE AND 650 FOR A RECEPTION.

P H O T O : H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

thrives in the desert conditions of the island. There’s a general sense of contentment and well-being that Aruba exudes, and that’s most apparent in its warm and welcoming people, who represent over 90 nationalities from more than 130 countries on the 70-square-mile island (a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands).

W M c f r

T m

P H O T O : H YAT T R E G E N C Y A R U B A R E S O R T & S PA

Connect and Collaborate With over 47,718 square feet of flexible event and lobby space—including our Executive Meeting Center—The Westin Southfield Detroit offers an unsurpassed experience for conferences, meetings and other events, providing flawless execution, revitalizing food and beverage breaks, and modern amenities. Relax and refresh in our completely renovated guestrooms featuring all new Heavenly® Beds and Heavenly® Baths. To book your stay or for more information on planning your event, visit marriott.com/dtwwi or call 248.827.4000

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

TIPS FROM A PRO»

SCENTS MAKE SENSE

The strategic use of scents can enhance the attendee experience at events. B Y T I F F A N Y R O S E G O O D Y E A R

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bergamot are wonderful. Other Smells: You’ll want the fragrance palette you’re creating to be compatible with the aromas that attendees will experience during the event. This is especially important when you have live-action food stations. I like to think of this in much the same way as pairing beverages with a meal. They don’t have to share the same flavor profile, but they do need to complement one another. For an event that featured coffee and desserts, I chose a mint fragrance. The fresh herbal notes paired beautifully with the sweets and the aroma of coffee. Size: The dimensions of the event venue are critical in determining the saturation of your scent experience. Many people are sensitive to scent, so you don’t want to overwhelm them with intense smells. One way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by using high-end industrial diffusers that provide subtle scent whether a space is large or small. Time: You don’t want to exhaust people with a nonstop scent experience. Unless I’m changing the scent throughout the course of an event from one fragrance to another, I limit the part of the event that is scented. I might, for example, scent only registration, the cocktail hour, dessert course or the entertainment portion of the event. Don’t Forget: The thoughtful use of scent is a valuable tool in elevating your attendees’ experience.

Get Connected THESENTOLOGIST.COM trgoodyear@gmail.com | 202.812.1218

GIFT IDEA»

FEEL-GOOD GIFTING PACKED WITH PURPOSE’S CURATED GIFT BOXES CONTAIN GOODIES FROM COMPANIES THAT DO GOOD. BY MORGAN HAL ASK A

TIFFANY ROSE GOODYEAR IS A LEADING EXPERT IN SENSORY EXPERIENCE MARKETING, CREATING BRANDED EXPERIENCES BY EMPHASIZING TOUCH, TASTE AND SMELL.

Do you have high standards for gifting? Looking to give something that’s ethical, sustainable, fair trade and ecofriendly? And maybe has a nice dose of social impact, too? We have just the thing.

P H O T O S : TAT E C A R L S O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) AV L I TAV E R N A

s event professionals, we’re constantly thinking about how to best stimulate our guests’ senses in order to create the most memorable impact and to achieve event goals, whether it’s a corporate event, fundraiser or social gathering. However, many of us focus on only three senses: taste, sight and sound. Rarely do planners pay attention to smell. We’re missing an opportunity. It’s my belief that cultivating a scent strategy can greatly enhance the experience of an event and the impression it leaves. That’s because scent is critical to the way human beings interpret their surroundings, create meaning and form memories. The sense of smell, after all, is the only sensory receptor that’s fully developed at the time of birth. What’s more, it’s important to think about scenting your selected venue because the reality is it’s already scented. The space may have a distinct aroma of its own, especially if it’s an older property. Or, you’re bringing in scents through flowers and food; while these might create a positive scent experience, it won’t be a strategic one. As someone who has scented a wide variety of events and experiences across the country, I’ve come to think about four main components when I approach each project: theme, other smells present, the size of the space and the duration of the event. Theme: Similar to how you would develop a menu, create mood using lighting and choose music, you’ll want to make sure that your scent is seamless within the overall story you’re telling. If there isn’t a specific theme, you can always defer to the season or to your surroundings. For example, warm scents with nutmeg and cinnamon do well in the fall and winter months, while thyme, green tea and lemongrass are great to incorporate for spring and summertime. If your event is in a rustic environment like a cabin or ranch, blends with rich base notes like tobacco, leather and

P H O T O S : TAT E C A R L S O N ; ( O P P O S I T E ) AV L I TAV E R N A

SIGNATURE DRINK»

The Village Cooler Courtesy of Avli Taverna

In this box:

Atlantic Rainforest Dark Chocolate from Harper Macaw » HARPERMACAW.COM Soy Candle from Bright Endeavors » BRIGHTENDEAVORS.ORG Cinnamon Chocolate Chip from Cooper Street Cookies » COOPERSTREETCOOKIES.COM Better Chocolate Bites from Sulpice » SULPICECHOCOLAT.COM Trail Mix from Together We Bake » NEW.TOGETHERWEBAKE.ORG Planet Access Company » PLANETACCESSCOMPANY.COM

Stuffed with treats from socially conscious companies, Packed with Purpose’s curated gift boxes bring joy to the giver, receiver and the world. PwP’s partners (called Purposeful Purveyors) advocate for workforce development, wellness, women’s empowerment, the environment and youth development. With over 55 partners, there’s plenty of room for flexibility and personalization in a gift box. At a recent conference in Chicago for women entrepreneurs, for example, attendees were gifted an assortment of products made by women in Chicago. Isn’t it nice to know that your gift will truly keep on giving? packedwithpurpose.gifts

INGREDIENTS: - 1.25 oz London Dry-style gin - .5 oz Verino Mastiha - .25 oz Chareau - .50 oz lemon juice - 1 dash cardamom bitters - pinch of salt - soda water - cucumber slices DIRECTIONS: In a Collins glass add gin, Verino Mastiha, Chareau, lemon juice, bitters, salt and soda water. Add a few cubes of ice and slices of cucumber. Stir, then add remaining ice, cucumber slices and an additional splash of soda water. Stir and serve! Crafted by award-winning bartender and spirits professional Peter Vestinos, this refreshing summer sipper—a gin and tonic at its heart—has been artfully infused by the spirits and flavors of Greece and the country’s cuisine. “The Chareau liqueur provides Mediterranean flavors of cucumber, mint, and lemon and the Verino Mastiha integrates a signature herbal resin flavor, while the cardamom adds a unique earthy and exotic note,” says Vestinos. “Many Greek spirits such as Tentura, Mastiha, and Tsipouro are alien to most consumers, so I wanted to work with a familiar spirit like gin in a classic format to layer those Greek flavors.” Like its popular Village Cooler, Avli

Taverna, Lincoln Park’s newest contemporary Greek eatery, is well-rooted in the classics with a fresh, inspired take on familiar favorites. Offering fun bar bites, creative dishes, a curated wine list, crafted cocktails and traditional spirits, guests can enjoy reinvented Greek cuisine in an ambiance that reflects life in the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s back room is wellsuited for group dining and private events for up to 32 guests seated and 40 guests for a standing reception. Avli Taverna is also available for full buyouts, accommodating up to 70 guests seated and 100 guests for a standing reception.

Get Connected AVLI TAVERNA | avli.us | info@avli.us

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EVENT PROFILE 18TH ANNUAL N.I.C.E AWARDS

NICEWORLD

Local associations partner to create their own futuristic fun world at the 18th Annual N.I.C.E Awards. BY MEGAN GOSCH PH O T O S BY T WA PHO T O G R A PH IC A R T I S T S

ORBS GLOWED ATOP WHITE DRAPED TABLES, robots rolled by in human-sized wheels and guests overlooked a Grand Canyon-esque landscape as they took in the futuristic-meets-Old-West fun world

Inspired by HBO’s hit show “Westworld,” members of Chicago’s National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and International Live Events Association (ILEA) chapters teamed up to create their own scifi theme park for the 18th Annual N.I.C.E Awards, held on April 9 at Morgan Manufacturing. Nearly 300 event planners, DMCs, caterers, florists, A/V companies and their teams gathered to connect and celebrate members of both associations for their accomplishments in the special events industry at the joint awards, cleverly titled “NICEworld.” “To create the kind of themed destination park brought to life in the show, we designed each space to reflect the Western or robotic, high-tech elements of ‘Westworld,’” says Martin Lawrence, who works in business development for AV Chicago and was the Awards, Entertainment & Production Committee chair for the 2019 awards. “Each section of the venue was designed to create a clean, sterile, futuristic space or a clear Old West saloon vibe.” Guests were greeted with a white and metallic paper installation at registration, bellied up to metallic bars and nibbled neon-lit wisps of cotton candy. An abundance of white drapery, pops of color and performers dressed and behaving as robots perfectly complemented futuristic spaces, while plenty of warm wood and brick accents, farmhouse tables, small bites served on nail-studded trays, wagon wheels, barrels, cacti and antler décor made up the Old West aesthetic. After cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, awards were presented against a canyon backdrop with the help of an ultra-wide LED video wall and a rustic cabin scene was created for the event’s 360-degree photobooth. BeatMix Music provided Westworld-style music for the event with a blend of unique riffs on modern music and old-timey saloon player piano tunes, and afterparty guests indulged in a round of blackjack led by dealers clad in cowboy hats and leather vests.

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P H O T O S : T WA P H O T O G R A P H I C A R T I S T S , D E A N N E H O L M E S

before them.

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P H O T O S : T WA P H O T O G R A P H I C A R T I S T S , D E A N N E H O L M E S

DESTINATION QUAD CITIES

Brimming with history and affordable activities, the Quad Cities have plenty to offer meetings and events. B Y R O G E R G O R D O N THE QUAD CITIES plays host to a surprising number of international conventions and regional events. “It’s a great destination because we’re centrally located within six hours of a great population, 37 million people,” says Jessica Waytenick, public relations and marketing manager for Visit Quad Cities. “Meeting and convention planners love the ease of our area because they can get around easily, there are great, affordable activities for convention attendees. We have walkable downtown areas, and people can walk to dinner after their meetings are over. The Quad Cities is also known for craft breweries and live music venues.” The Quad Cities also brims with the history of John Deere, a well-established blacksmith who, in the 1800s, realized that the Midwest needed blacksmiths for the expanding settlers who were there. So the Vermont native moved to Grand Debour, where he invented the steel

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plow, which made it easier for farmers to plow the rich Midwestern soil. “When Deere moved to Moline, he started a factory that was quite successful,” Waytenick says. “He became a wealthy entrepreneur in this area and really helped shape the Quad Cities area, bringing

other businesses to the area. “The influence of Deere’s company is longreaching. We have the John Deere Pavilion, which is the history of Deere’s company. A lot of people think he invented the tractor, but that’s not the case. He got everything started

P H OTO S : V I S I T Q UA D C I T I E S ; J O H N B E L L E N I S P H OTO G R A P H Y; (OPPOSITE) VISIT QUAD CITIES

QUAD CITIES

P H OTO S : V I S I T Q UA D C I T I E S ; J O H N B E L L E N I S P H OTO G R A P H Y; (OPPOSITE) VISIT QUAD CITIES

From opposite page to right: An aerial view of the Quad Cities; Element Moline’s outdoor patio; visitors learn the history of John Deere’s influential business in the John Deere Pavilion.

before that, and technology has moved forward from there. There are also factory tours in which guests can watch a combine being built. And at the Deere & Company World Headquarters, people can tour the lobby and see the timeline of machinery. There are historic homes that were built by John Deere’s grandson Charles Deere in the late 1800s that are available for tours.” The following are five hotels on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities that offer meeting and event space.

Element Moline When you walk into Element Moline, it has the feel of a warehouse. That is not surprising, considering the hotel, which has 96 guest rooms, is located in the old Sears-Roebuck building that was constructed in 1917. “You walk in where the loading docks used to be,”

says General Manager Nick Holke. “All of the pillars are still there. You can see the exposed ceiling and the exposed brick. The floors, especially on the historic side of the building, all have the original floors, the concrete. It’s the same thing in the lobby. It gives you that feel of 1920, 1925, the 1930s.” An outdoor patio has a depiction on the wall, a mural that is about 20 feet long and some 15 feet tall, which shows an aerial view of the downtown Moline area in 1920. “It’s got our warehouse on the one side where you can see the old John Deere factories,” Holke says. “You can see just how big John Deere industrial was in 1920 right next door.” There are two event spaces, the largest of which can accommodate up to 80 guests seated and up to 120 standing. The other can host up to 30 guests seated and up to 40 standing. Both spaces feature floor-to-ceiling

windows that provide views of downtown and the Mississippi River.

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Moline For a Wisconsin or Minnesota Northwoods feel, the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center is for you. Located on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, Stoney Creek doesn’t feel like the typical cookie-cutter corporate hotel. “It’s more of a relaxed atmosphere. It’s homey and has a lodge feel to it,” says General Manager Kim Bothel. “We’re casual with a fancy twist.” Just minutes away from the many attractions the Quad Cities has to offer, the hotel has 140 guest rooms, including themed suites. There is a business center and fitness center, and there are indoor and outdoor pools and a whirlpool.

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DESTINATION QUAD CITIES

QUAD CITIES BY THE NUMBERS

500,000-PLUS RESIDENTS 6,400-PLUS HOTEL ROOMS 1930s THE DECADE THE REGION WAS NAMED 170 SQUARE MILES 12 CRAFT BREWERIES

The majority of the event space is located in the conference center. The main ballroom in the conference center breaks down into three equal-sized sections. The ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests for a seated dinner and up to 550 for a cocktail party. There are seven other event spaces. Groups must choose from a preferred catering list. “Groups like the convenience of how our hotel is laid out, the service and the overall feel,” Bothel says.

Hyatt Place Hyatt House Quad Cities, East Moline It’s two hotels in one. The newest hotel on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, the Hyatt Place Hyatt House is comprised under one roof of a Hyatt Place and a Hyatt House. The Hyatt Place has more traditional guest rooms, while the Hyatt House is more of an apartment-style setup. There is a total of 233 guest rooms—134 in the Hyatt Place and 99 in the Hyatt House—including rooms with views of the Mississippi River. “In the commons areas, all of the public spaces are shared between the two properties,” says Sales Manager Brittany Haas.

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The hotel has an artistic feel. “We’ve got a lot of local inspiration for the artwork around the hotel,” Haas says. “They took different Midwest feels but also made it very modern and colorful throughout the property. Each of the floors has unique images.” The largest event space can host up to 80 guests seated and up to 100 standing. A new event center next door is scheduled to open in June. Favorite dishes on the in-house banquet menus are the grilled salmon and the bacon crispy Brussels sprouts.

Holiday Inn Rock Island Location, location, location. That is the main attraction for groups at the newly renovated Holiday Inn Rock Island. “We’re located in the downtown area in the arts and entertainment district,” says Director of Sales Jamie DeRudder. “I think what’s attractive to a lot of the travelers who come to this area is that we have right out our back door within about a two-, three-block radius quite a few restaurants and shopping. We’re right along the Mississippi River where we have

P H OTO S : K E V I N G R E E V E S P H OTO G R A P H E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) Q U I N N K I R K PAT R I C K ; V I S I T Q U A D C I T I E S

Hyatt Place Hyatt House Quad Cities’ River Room

P H OTO S : K E V I N G R E E V E S P H OTO G R A P H E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) Q U I N N K I R K PAT R I C K ; V I S I T Q U A D C I T I E S

Clockwise from top: The Rust Belt; Blues Brothers statue in Rock Island; Deere-Wiman House

Get Connected THE AXIS HOTEL BY HILTON theaxismoline.com 309.640.0060

bike trails and walking paths.” The hotel, which has 172 guest rooms, has seven event spaces. The largest is the grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 guests seated and up to 750 standing. It can be broken down into two smaller spaces. An indoor swimming pool is sandwiched between two health clubs. Popular entrees on the in-house banquet menu are the chicken supreme, prime rib and chicken piccata.

The Axis Hotel by Hilton, Moline The Axis Hotel by Hilton, scheduled to open its doors downtown in August, will be located in

a historic building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “We’ve preserved a lot of the original building. It has a lot of the original floors and walls from the late 1920s,” says Kelsey Sheley, The Axis Hotel brand manager. “It will have modern amenities, but the look of the structure will be very historic. There will also be a lobby skylight.” There will be 104 guest rooms and an exercise room. There will be two event spaces of almost equal size. The larger one will be able to host up to 200 guests both seated and standing. There will also be an in-house caterer.

ELEMENT MOLINE elementmoline.com 309.517.1659 HOLIDAY INN ROCK ISLAND holidayinn.com/rockislandil 309.794.1212 HYATT PLACE HYATT HOUSE QUAD CITIES hyattplaceeastmolinequadcities.com hyatthouseeastmolinequadcities.com 309.755.6000 STONEY CREEK HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER stoneycreekhotels.com 309.743.0101

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Find out who our readers have chosen as

the winners and runners-up of the

By Melissa Sersland

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P H OTO S : G E O R G E B U R N S P H OTO G R A P H Y; L ACO U R I M AG E S

Illinois Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards.

Best AudioVisual Provider AV C H I C A G O

avchicago.com | 312.229.4100

Top A/V tips from AV Chicago: 1. Always consult with your A/V provider prior to signing your venue contract. 2. Include your A/V provider in any preconference meetings with the venue and clients when applicable. 3. Ask questions! Your A/V team is there to help!

ILM+E: What was one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on in the past year? AV Chicago: Projection mapping video across nine screens using a Green Hippo media server, which led to receiving the NACE ILEA Chicago Excellence - N.I.C.E. Award in 2019 for Best Use of Production for a Corporate Event or Fundraiser/ Nonprofit Event. Runners-up: PSAV; FROST

BEST CATERING COMPANY (ON- OR OFF-SITE)

B L U E P L AT E C AT E R I N G

blueplatechicago.com | 312.421.6666 ILM+E: What was one of your favorite menus that you have prepared recently? Blue Plate: Blue Plate recently partnered with the Field Museum, Mantra by Indian Garden and Yanni Design Studio to host a destination dinner—Spicy Soirée—with décor and cuisine that transported guests to Southeast Asia. The evening featured expertly curated hors d’oeuvres by Mantra, cocktails and a three-course menu by Blue Plate, as well as a chef demo and henna artists.

P H OTO S : G E O R G E B U R N S P H OTO G R A P H Y; L ACO U R I M AG E S

Runners-up: Food For Thought; Tasty Catering

BEST BREWERY/WINERY/DISTILLERY CIT Y WI N E RY C H I C AG O

citywinery.com/chicago | 312.733.9463 ILM+E: What is something clients don’t know about City Winery that sets the space apart? City Winery: City Winery Chicago is a fully-functioning winery, restaurant, private event space and live concert venue. We serve wine made on-site, and guests have the option to create a custom label bottle of wine for any event. ILM+E: What was one of your favorite events that you hosted in the last year? City Winery: We had the pleasure of hosting a surprise birthday party that truly transformed our main dining room space into a Moroccan-themed lounge. Runners-up: Revolution Brewing; CH Distillery

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BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (IN CHICAGOLAND) M E E T C H I C AG O NORTHWEST chicagonorthwest.com 847.490.1010

ILM+E: Are there any upcoming developments that planners should know about? Meet Chicago Northwest: The Village of Schaumburg has announced the development of an entertainment and mixed-use district adjacent to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel. Our first attraction development, Topgolf, is under construction. Runners-up: Choose Chicago; Rosemont Convention Bureau

Best Conference or Resort Venue H I LT O N C H I C A G O/O A K B R O O K H I L L S R E S O R T & CONFE RE NCE CE NTE R oakbrookhillsresort.com | 630.850.5555

The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center has completed a four-year renovation. The final phases included a full room renovation with a new color scheme to the window treatments, furniture and carpeting; new bathroom fixtures and custom wood barn bathroom doors; and new carpet and LED lighting in the corridors.

BY THE NUMBERS

$29 million renovation now completed 42,500 square feet of IACC conference center meeting space 386 guest rooms and suites 36 meeting spaces Runners-up: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; Catalyst Ranch

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P H O T O S : T O M G A L L A G H E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) G R E AT E R G A L E N A M A R K E T I N G I N C . ; 3 6 0 D E S T I N AT I O N G R O U P

ILM+E: What sets your organization apart? Meet Chicago Northwest: Our third-party clients always comment on how complimentary our sales department is to that of their organizations—making sourcing and servicing their business seamless.

P H O T O S : T O M G A L L A G H E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) G R E AT E R G A L E N A M A R K E T I N G I N C . ; 3 6 0 D E S T I N AT I O N G R O U P

Proudest accomplishments over the past year: » We secured the 2019 Circle Wisconsin annual event, which is the first time it has ever been hosted out of Wisconsin. » We’ve surpassed 100,000 followers on Facebook. » We survived the polar vortex and welcomed more visitors in January 2019 than we’ve ever welcomed in any January from prior years.

BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (OUTSIDE CHICAGOLAND)

G R E AT E R G A L E N A M A R K E T I N G I N C . visitgalena.org/ggmi-services | 815.776.9200

ILM+E: What sets your organization apart? Greater Galena Marketing Inc.: We’re a tiny but mighty team! We do most design and promotional content prep/layout inhouse, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. This allows us to completely control our promotions and own our authenticity. Runners-up: Visit Champaign County; Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

BEST DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY 3 6 0 D E S T I N AT I O N GROUP 360dg.com | 312.600.4005

Proud accomplishments over the past year: » We increased sales by 55 percent year over year in 2018, while welcoming five new faces to our team and touching a total of 28,000 attendees across 32 Chicagoland hotels. It was a record-breaking year! » Our General Manager Michelle Castady Orlando, DMCP, was recently named DMC Professional of the Year by the Association of Destination Management Executives International. Runners-up: CTC Destination Management; ACCESS Destination Services – Chicago

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BEST ENTERTAINMENT (PERFORMER OR TALENT AGENCY) B E AT M I X M U S I C

beatmixmusic.com | 847.892.4150 ILM+E: What’s new for 2019? BeatMix Music: We are expanding our offices to include a full, state-of-the-art sound stage and rehearsal/dance studio with recording and filming capabilities. We’re looking forward to creating more of our own unique offerings, and BeatMix Rehearsal Studios will be available to the public for hourly or project-based rentals by June 2019. ILM+E: What advice do you have for planners? BeatMix Music: The more information planners can provide when seeking entertainment, the better. Runners-up: Fig Media Inc.; Magnificent Events

Best Event Décor/ Florist

KEHOE DESIGNS

In the past year, Kehoe Designs launched a new division, BlackOak Technical Productions. BlackOak Technical Productions grew out of Kehoe Designs’ lighting department and is led by Kehoe Designs founder Tom Kehoe and Managing Director Adam McCarthy. ILM+E: What do you enjoy most about the work that you do? Kehoe Designs: The challenge of coming up with something new, staying current and exciting and continually exceeding client expectations. Runners-up: HMR Designs; Revel Decor

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P H O T O S : A N D R E L A C O U R ; K E H O E D E S I G N S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C H I C A G O C U LT U R A L CENTER; KEHOE DESIGNS

kehoedesigns.com 312.421.0030

P H O T O S : A N D R E L A C O U R ; K E H O E D E S I G N S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) C H I C A G O C U LT U R A L CENTER; KEHOE DESIGNS

Best Historic or Cultural Venue C H I C A G O C U LT U R A L CENTER

chicagoculturalcenter.org | 312.567.8500 A look at the Chicago Cultural Center’s history: 1897: The Chicago Cultural Center is completed as the city’s first central public library. 1920: The Chicago Public Library begins to outgrow its building with the addition of its circulation and reference departments, library for the blind, children’s library and music library. 1964: The City of Chicago plans to tear down the building; preservationists and politicians fight to save the building. 1972: The Chicago Public Library building is added to the National Register of Historic Places. 1991: The Chicago Public Library moves to Harold Washington Library Center and the building becomes the Chicago Cultural Center. Runners-up: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; The Field Museum

BEST HOLIDAY PARTY VENUE TH E G E R AG HT Y

thegeraghty.com | 312.967.2520 The Geraghty, a venue owned and operated by Kehoe Designs, features 25,000 square feet of open space with 22-foot ceilings. ILM+E: What sets The Geraghty apart from other Chicago venues? The Geraghty: How proactive and nimble the space is. Despite our large footprint, we often transform the space to accommodate 100-1,500 guests. The Geraghty was built to be completely customizable to inspire innovation and to allow event designers to create captivating experiences with flawless execution. Runners-up: Topgolf; The Drake, a Hilton Hotel

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BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (LESS THAN 350 GUEST ROOMS) C H I C A G O AT H L E T I C A S S O C I AT I O N H O T E L

chicagoathletichotel.com | 312.940.3552 Originally an elite men’s social and sports club that opened in 1893, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel reopened on Michigan Avenue four years ago following a three-year renovation. So far in 2019, the hotel was voted by readers of the Chicago Tribune to have the best views in the city from its rooftop restaurant and bar, Cindy’s. The hotel’s team members have also been nominated for HSMAI’s Rookie of the Year and Sales Team of the Year awards.

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE (MORE THAN 350 GUEST ROOMS) PA L M E R H O U S E H I LT O N

palmerhousehiltonhotel.com 312.726.7500

Best New Venue T H E AT E R O N T H E L A K E theateronthelake.com | 312.763.8165

Theater on the Lake reopened in 2017 following a renovation, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a 3-acre Lakefront Green space adjacent to the building. The space can accommodate 500 for a seated dinner and more than 1,200 people reception-style including its terrace, surrounding green space and patio space. Theater on the Lake has been named a Best New Event Space by Crain’s Chicago Business, and the Lakefront Restaurant has been named one of the best places for a business lunch by Crain’s. Runners-up: The Dalcy; Tao Chicago (tie); Rockwell on the River (tie)

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ILM+E: What makes the hotel unique? Palmer House Hilton: Believing the hotel’s Grand and State ballrooms would host royalty, presidents and celebrities, the Palmer family instructed the architects to build a green room one floor below with a separate staircase going directly up to the back of the Grand Ballroom. This was used, for instance, 20 years ago during the launch of George Magazine when John F. Kennedy Jr. was slated to speak to a crowd of 1,500 people. Runners-up: LondonHouse Chicago; The Drake, a Hilton Hotel

P H O T O S : T H O M A S H A R T S H E L B Y ; S H E R I W H I T KO ; ( O P P O S I T E ) K E N T D R A K E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; R O O F O N T H E W I T

Runners-up: The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel; Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago

P H O T O S : T H O M A S H A R T S H E L B Y ; S H E R I W H I T KO ; ( O P P O S I T E ) K E N T D R A K E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; R O O F O N T H E W I T

Best Meeting/Event Venue (No Hotel) M O R G A N M A N U FA C T U R I N G 401morganmfg.com | 312.763.3317

Morgan Manufacturing offers 20,000 square feet of meeting space split between three spaces with six skylights and a 23-foot built-in bar. ILM+E: What sets the venue apart? Morgan Manufacturing: Our clients are often surprised to learn the variety of furniture options that are included with the rental of the space, as well as the customizable LED lighting feature throughout the facility. ILM+E: What is new for 2019? Morgan Manufacturing: We’ll continue to expand our audio-visual production capabilities and distinctive furniture offerings. Runners-up: Spiaggia; 19 East

Best Nightlife Event Space

ROOF ON THEWIT roofonthewit.com 312.239.9502

2018 was ROOF on theWit’s most successful year in private events. The venue has also recently received the following recognitions: » #1 Hotel in America for 2017 and 2018 for Guest Satisfaction & Loyalty for Hilton » #1 Nightclub in Chicago 2018 from Nightclub & Bar Media » Named one of the top three rooftop bars in the world from Travel + Leisure Runners-up: Revel Fulton Market; LH Rooftop

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Best Outdoor or Rooftop Venue C H I C A G O B O TA N I C G A R D E N chicagobotanic.org | 847.835.5440

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY R I C K AG U I L A R STUDIOS

rickaguilar.com | 773.478.6607

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a garden horticulturist during cocktail hour as part of the garden’s Bees and Beyond program to learn more about the importance of pollinators. Runners-up: Ignite Glass Studios; Ravinia (tie); Millennium Park (tie)

ILM+E: What were some of the highlights of the past year? Rick Aguilar Studios: One of our highlights last year for the studio was being chosen by Illinois Meetings + Events magazine readers for 2018’s Best Photography/ Videography award. We also photographed a spectacular 50th anniversary party for an international manufacturing company that brought in from all over the world the CEOs of their Fortune 500 corporate partners. Runners-up: Edward Fox Photography & Video; Fred Fox Studios (tie); Jennifer Girard Photography (tie)

P H O T O S : O L I V I A L E I G H P H O T O G R A P H I E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M AT T KO S T E R M A N ; C L AY H AY N E R

The Chicago Botanic Garden was named a finalist in 2018 for a Catersource ACE Award and received a Leadership Award for the organization’s work with the Windy City Harvest Program by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council. This summer, planners can enjoy a farm-to-table dinner experience in the Fruit & Vegetable Garden. Groups can also mingle with

P H O T O S : O L I V I A L E I G H P H O T O G R A P H I E ; ( O P P O S I T E ) M AT T KO S T E R M A N ; C L AY H AY N E R

BEST PRIVATE DINING SPACE IN A RESTAURANT C A R N I VA L E

carnivalechicago.com | 312.850.5005 Carnivale can host 10-1,000 people in its seven event spaces. The restaurant utilizes its rooftop garden to grow vegetables and herbs for the restaurant’s menu. The garden is personally cared for by Carnivale’s chefs.

CARNIVALE’S ROOFTOP GARDEN BY THE NUMBERS IN 2018

300 pounds of tomatoes yielded in a single season 52 gallons of hot sauce made in-house each year 30 recycled planting boxes 13 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, 6 varieties of chili peppers, 10 herbs and 6 kinds of edible flowers grown Runners-up: Spiaggia; City Winery Chicago

Best Renovation T H E M E T R O P O L I TA N

clubcorp.com/Clubs/The-Metropolitan | 312.876.3200 The $10 million renovation of The Metropolitan, one of the original tenants of the Willis Tower in 1974, was completed Nov. 3, 2018. ILM+E: What were some of the highlights of The Metropolitan’s renovation? The Metropolitan: The reinvention is evocative of Frank Lloyd Wright design with nods to the steel frame of the Willis Tower and the natural hues of Lake Michigan. The club takes up both the 66th and 67th floors of the Willis Tower, which are both available for members and guests to use as private event spaces. Runners-up: St. Jane Chicago; Rockit Bar & Grill

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BEST TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER W I N DY C I T Y LIMOUSINE

windycitylimos.com 847.916.9300 ILM+E: What did your team accomplish in the last year that you were particularly proud of?

BEST RENTAL SERVICE PROVIDER BBJ LINEN

bbjlinen.com | 847.329.8400 BBJ Linen celebrated a major milestone in 2018, honoring its 35th year in business. The company recently went through a corporate rebrand with a new website and new logo. In the past two years, BBJ Linen has launched 200 new fabrics with a variety of different patterns, prints and solids. Runners-up: Hall’s Rental Service; Windy City Linen

2. This year, Windy City was proud to win the Excellence in Service category for the 2019 Samsara Top Fleet Awards. We also earned the LCT 2019 Bus Operator of the Year Award. Runners-up: Aries Charter Transportation Inc.; Signature Transportation Group

Best Team-Building TOPGOLF NAPERVILLE

topgolf.com/us/naperville | 630.596.1000 ILM+E: What is something your team has accomplished that you are particularly proud of? Topgolf: We are very proud of our commitment to our local community and giving back. In 2018, Topgolf Naperville associates volunteered 557 hours toward some of our local nonprofits including: Loaves and Fishes, Ronald McDonald House, Feed My Starving Children, DuPage PADs, Make-a-Wish and Adopt Animal Shelter. Runners-up: Corporate Event Interactive; WhirlyBall

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P H OTO S : DA M A R I S M I A P H OTO G R A P H Y; TO P G O L F ; (O P P O S I T E ) G R A N D G E N E VA R E S O R T & S PA ; E N T E R TA I N M E N T C R U I S E S

Windy City: 1. In 2018 and 2019, we were selected as the transportation provider for 26 major sponsors for the Super Bowl.

P H OTO S : DA M A R I S M I A P H OTO G R A P H Y; TO P G O L F ; (O P P O S I T E ) G R A N D G E N E VA R E S O R T & S PA ; E N T E R TA I N M E N T C R U I S E S

Best Venue outside Chicagoland G R A N D G E N E VA R E S O R T & S PA grandgeneva.com | 262.248.8811

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa recently completed a renovation of the Forum Convention Center, the resort’s largest conference space. The renovation aligns with the resort’s 25th birthday celebration. The Forum Convention Center has over 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a private entrance and an outdoor patio. The resort has also updated its boardrooms and Grand Suite.

BY THE NUMBERS

62,000 square feet of meeting space 1,300 acres on the property 609 guest rooms

Runners-up: The Abbey Resort; Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

BEST VENUE ON THE WATER O DY S S E Y L A K E M I C H I G A N E N T E R TA I N M E N T C R U I S E S

odysseycruises.com/Chicago | 312.321.1241 While getting out on Lake Michigan is a well-loved Chicago summer pastime, many do not realize the Odyssey cruises year-round, says Dan Russell, regional vice president of Entertainment Cruises. “The sparkling winter landscape affords stunning views of Chicago’s skyline that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the city,” Russell says. Last year, the Odyssey extended its upscale, temperature-controlled dining experience to the Chicago River with a glass-enclosed vessel that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding architecture. Runners-up: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises; Anita Dee Yacht Charters

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

Industry Update HOTEL NEWS 38

WHAT ATTENDEES WANT

New study identifies five macro-trends that will impact the future of meetings and events. Research courtesy of PCMA Fo u n d a t i o n a n d Ma r r i o t t International

“THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS industry’s future is being shaped by so many factors—from people’s desire to be part of a broader community to their expectations when they travel. [‘The Future of Meetings & Events’] brings a real-world and provocative lens to where planners, attendees and suppliers will be heading in the years to come,” says Tammy Routh, senior vice president for global sales at Marriott International. Download the full report at pd.pcma.org/FutureTrends2019.

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PEOPLE NEWS 44

SNAPSHOTS 46

EMOTIONAL Intelligence Designing with the end-user in mind

Meetings and events will need to move past reactive adjustments to adopt a proactive approach to personalized experiences, understanding the needs of participants before they arrive. At meetings and events, participants can no longer be treated as a homogeneous crowd or a series of behavioral data points, but instead must be recognized as an individual, understood on a deeper emotional level, and treated accordingly.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– AI and Tech to Unlock Intelligence ––– Employee Agency to Act on Their EQ

PEOPLE PROFILE 48

ORCHESTRATED Serendipity

Engineering and embracing the unexpected for more meaningful moments Experiences must embrace freedom and surprise, freeing consumers from the constant constraint of schedules or agendas. By embracing the unexpected, we can engage participants and leave a lasting impression. “There’s that whole concept of ‘sweatworking’—like SoulCycle—let’s arrange a workout in the morning that fosters some serendipitous connection. That’s how you end up meeting people that you wouldn’t normally meet. I like those things where people who are organizing these structured events are actually thinking beyond the event itself. What will people do outside of our programming? How can we structure that? The point of this whole event is to create these human collisions.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS: ––– Create Human Collisions –––Leverage Context ––– Embrace Natural Serendipity ––– Deprioritize Convenience

INFOGRAPHIC

MULTIMODAL Design

Designing for adaptation and iteration Every event has a unique objective and audience, and a space must reflect each event’s specific personality and needs. From technological infrastructure, to architecture, to furniture and fixtures, space is critical to any event and should be designed to adapt to the ways that participants will engage with one another, with the content of the event, and with the space itself. Investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle predicts that by 2030, 30% of all commercial office space will be consumed as “flexible space” that can transform to fit the needs of individual employees, as well as collaborative group dynamics.

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS ––– Design Space that Assumes Change ––– Design for Differences –––Sensorial Tech to Enable Empathy

BIGGER THAN Oneself

Acting on a meaningful message You can’t just provide content anymore. Every event must have a message. Participants want to understand what’s important to a business and experience events that deliver that message down to the smallest detail. According to a 2018 Mintel report on responsible brands, 51% of consumers in the U.S. agree that an environmentally responsible product is worth paying more for.

CLEAR SENSE OF Place

Leveraging geography for deeper enrichment The most memorable events celebrate local surrounding, enriching visitors, exposing them to the local culture, and connecting them with the community to increase engagement.

“The devil is in the details. I see these organizations that put on events about sustainability, but then they don’t give you a refillable water bottle and have disposable plastic all over the place. You’ve got to pay attention to the details. It’s credibility. Follow through.” —Amy Blackman, senior advisor, A Hundred Years

“It’s not just about utilizing the convention center anymore, and instead, it’s about utilizing all the assets within the city to create that really personalized experience based on the interest of the participants that are going to the conference.” —Sherrif Karamat, CEO, PCMA

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

––– Honor the Place—Keep It Local ––– Distance Helps Disconnection ––– Don’t Forget Human Nature

–––Be Polarizing ––– Design Down to

the Details

SUPPORTING SUB-TRENDS

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

REGIONAL NEWS

HOTEL NEWS»

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation

Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel Revamps Event Space The Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, including its newly revamped meeting and event spaces.

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Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

With newly designed guest rooms, split ballrooms on both sides of the property, innovative food and beverage offerings and creative meeting breaks, the property has positioned itself as a top meeting destination minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. “We are excited to be able to offer an even more elevated experience near O’Hare International Airport,” says General Manager Hans Ritten. “The sophisticated new design created by Simeone Deary Design Group brings elements of Chicago into the hotel at every corner.” Inspired by “a walk in the park,” the renovation reflects architectural inspiration from iconic Chicago structures such as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain, as well as elements of nature (reflected in the floor to ceiling green moss wall that greets guests as they enter the hotel). The property offers 53,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including four grand ballrooms, 34 meeting rooms and nine private boardrooms. The on-site restaurant, The Ashburn, also offers private dining rooms and event spaces. The hotel boasts 556 guest rooms, 60 suites, a 24-hour fitness center, a live music and comedy venue, an on-site art gallery and a complimentary shuttle service. loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare

Sophy Hyde Park Named One of World’s Best Hotels Sophy Hyde Park, the new 98-room Four Diamond boutique hotel on Chicago’s South Side, has been named one of “The Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure. Regarded as “the first high-end boutique retreat to hit the South Side,” the hotel, located in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood, “gives a wink to the city’s industrial lofts and converted factories, while softening any harsh edges in a style that echoes Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Robie House down the road,” according to the magazine. Developed by The Olympia Companies and SMART Hotels, Sophy Hyde Park celebrates notable local residents throughout its design, including physicist Enrico Fermi, writer Saul Bellow and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, with fine art by abstract impressionist Joey Korom hung throughout. Guests can enjoy Sophy’s open lobby and bar as well as the turntables and old-school vinyl found in most guest rooms, while planners will appreciate the buzzy on-site Mesler Kitchen | Bar | Lounge, an outdoor lounge area for up to 40 guests, and an indoor private dining room for 14 with exclusive access to its own outdoor patio and fire pit. sophyhotel.com

P H OTO : LO E WS C H I C AG O O ’ H A R E H OT E L

The Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore has completed a multiyear, $10 million renovation. The property-wide transformation included a complete overhaul of the hotel’s 15,000 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space as well as a refresh of its 250 guest rooms, lobby, indoor pool and public spaces featuring a sleek, contemporary design. Originally built as a Holiday Inn in the 1960s, the property has undergone multiple face-lifts over the years, but the hotel’s recent renovation welcomes guests with an inviting earth-tone color palette, contrasting pops of color and Chicago-themed artwork. “We may have a new look, but we will continue to provide the same superior service and experience that has made locals and tourists feel at home for years,” says Sheila Lakhani, chief operating officer of Lakhani Hospitality, the family business that owns and operates a portfolio of multiple hotel properties throughout Chicagoland. The hotel’s versatile and pillarless meeting and event space, which includes the largest ballroom on the North Shore, can be divided into eight separate meeting spaces and accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Customdesigned crystal chandeliers, 14-foot domes and new cove lighting enhance the meeting space. A state-of-the-art sound system has also been installed and is entirely customizable for events. Guests will enjoy the hotel’s convenient location, just 12 miles from downtown Chicago, as well as the hotel’s 24/7 fitness center, indoor swimming pool and on-site Bar Louie Tavern & Grill. hiskokie.com

P H OTO : LO E WS C H I C AG O O ’ H A R E H OT E L

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REGIONAL NEWS

Z Bar at The Peninsula Chicago

Peninsula Hotels Earn Five-Star Status Portfolio-wide The Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) recently unveiled its annual Star Rating list, on which The Peninsula Hotels group has achieved FiveStar status across all 10 of its properties. The Peninsula Hotels are the first and only hotel brand to achieve the highest possible FTG rating for all of its hotels. “This exceptional result is the culmination of an immense amount of hard work from colleagues across our ten hotels. Our employees dedicate themselves to providing our guests with the best possible standards of luxury service, and to be bestowed with such an exclusive award is testament to this,” says Peter Borer, COO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels and limited owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels. Anonymous, professional inspectors evaluate hotels based on more than 500 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service to help travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The Peninsula Chicago first received the Forbes Five-Star award in 2002 and has maintained its Five-Star rating ever since. The Chicago property has also recently been named the “#1 Luxury Hotel in the

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U.S.” by Trip Advisor, the “#2 Hotel in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report magazine and the property’s popular Z Bar was recently named “Development of the Year” by the Magnificent Mile Association. chicago.peninsula.com

Home2 Suites by Hilton Achieves Growth Milestone In a period of rapid growth for Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton’s All Suites portfolio, the brand has opened its 300th property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago River North. One of the fastest-growing brands in the history of Hilton (with more than 285 hotels and over 430 in the pipeline), Home2 Suites by Hilton properties are designed for travelers looking to maintain their normal routines while on the road. “Chicago’s booming tourism industry has allowed our brand to expand and become a home away from home for visitors to the Windy City. We’re excited that our 300th milestone property is in the heart of the lively River North neighborhood,” says Adrian Kurre, Home2 Suites by Hilton global head. Home2 Suites’ River North location offers convenient access to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour business center and a pet-friendly environment. chicagorivernorth.home2suitesbyhilton.com

Illinois Hotel Openings Highlight Growth For The Olympia Companies The Olympia Companies has had a year of major growth and development with the completion of both the SOPHY Hyde Park in Chicago and Hyatt Place Hyatt House Quad Cities in East Moline, among other projects. A leader in real estate development and hospitality management projects, Olympia took an individualized approach to both projects. “They are obviously very distinct and our team always takes a custom approach to each project, based on the needs of the client and the location’s historical and environmental context,” says Mike Zimmerman, vice president of Development for The Olympia Companies. SOPHY Hyde Park was the first luxury boutique hotel to be built on Chicago’s South Side in over 50 years and incorporates nods to Hyde Park’s cultural legacy, while the Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Quad Cities has combined modern materials and contemporary style to reflect the resurgence of the Quad Cities area. “This is a real phoenix-from-the-ashes project, as the hotel sits on the site of a former International Harvester plant, which produced combines here from 1927, but has sat as an empty brownfield site for decades,” says Zimmerman of the Quad Cities project.

P H OTO S : N E I L B U R G E R ; I VY B O U T I Q U E H OT E L C H I C AG O

HOTEL NEWS»

P H OTO S : N E I L B U R G E R ; I VY B O U T I Q U E H OT E L C H I C AG O

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Avantgarde Hospitality LLC Acquires Chicago’s Ivy Boutique Hotel Hospitality investment firm Avantgarde Hospitality LLC has acquired the Ivy Boutique Hotel, establishing the company’s presence in downtown Chicago. Avantgarde and broughtonHOTELS (which has operated the property for the past year) plan to upgrade and rebrand The Ivy Boutique Hotel’s Sky Lounge rooftop bar space, offering travelers an escape above the city. Sky Terrace’s $1.5 million renovation, to be completed by summer 2020, will include the addition of a retractable roof to offer a year-round retreat where guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails, tasty bites and breathtaking downtown views. “We’re excited to have joined forces with Avantgarde Hospitality’s principals on our latest management assignment in Chicago,” says Larry Broughton, CEO of broughtonHOTELS. “The hotel is already an amazing property, but we’re looking forward to renovating the Sky Terrace rooftop bar and bringing something sexy and new to Chicago.” The 63-room property, located less than a mile from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile commercial district, offers numerous amenities and services, including meeting and event space, complimentary Wi-Fi and the Divine Lounge lobby bar and restaurant. ivyhotelchicago.com

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IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

REGIONAL NEWS

Reviver

Ocean Prime

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Debuts New Bar Concept The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile has partnered with Chicago-based Whitespace Interiors to bring guests and residents a contemporary bar, Reviver, and lobby that reflect the location’s “grace and grit.” Formerly Rush Bar, Reviver was completed as part of the hotel’s five-year, multimilliondollar renovation to all 1,200 guest rooms and suites, 65,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the 9,000-square-foot fitness center, lobby and Rush Street Pantry. With a focus on blue hues and steel and gold accents, the renovation was designed to embrace luxury and strength. Named for the corpse reviver family of cocktails, Reviver’s bar program offers classic and adventurous cocktails—several zero-proof options—inspired by Prohibition including the Poet’s Holiday, crafted with SeedLip Garden 108, ginger and lemongrass shrub, raspberry, basil, grapefruit and aromatic bitters. “We want guests to take a personalized journey through Chicago’s great historical

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periods by enjoying our contemporary interpretation of the beverages that would have been available throughout the history of our city,” says Bill Nykaza, bar manager. Reviver’s food menu showcases elevated street food and flavors from neighborhoods across Chicago with upscale plates including smashed garbanzo hummus with pickled vegetables and grilled lavash or roasted duck tamales with poblano mole, sesame and chicharron. Reviver features 28 seats, but seating extends throughout the lobby to offer 172 additional seats across high-top tables, couches, and chairs. A semiprivate space, known as the “library,” is also available for groups of up to 50 reception-style. marriott.com/hotels/ travel/chidt-chicago-marriott-downtown-magnificent-mile

Ocean Prime Opens on Michigan Avenue Modern American restaurant and lounge Ocean Prime has officially opened its Chicago location in the Shops at LondonHouse. “We’re thrilled to open an Ocean Prime in Chicago, a city we’ve had our sights set on for quite a while,” says Cameron Mitchell, renowned restaurateur, founder and CEO of

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime’s from-scratch kitchen offers a classic menu with modern sensibility and a focus on simple, local and regional flavors. The concept features impressive seafood dishes, prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails and an extensive Wine Spectator-honored wine list. The eatery’s design is also sure to impress. “When we toured the dramatic, beautiful space, looked out across the Chicago River through its floor-to-ceiling windows, and felt the energy of the neighborhood, we knew the time was right,” says Mitchell. Designed by Mark Knauer of Chicago-based Knauer, Inc., Ocean Prime guests are greeted with a luxe experience the moment they step under the restaurant’s heated, canopy-covered entry. Gilded columns, cascading chandeliers, picture windows overlooking Wacker Drive and the Chicago Rivera, a marble top island bar and a collection of antique barware also create a uniquely lavish dining experience. With two bars and banquette seating, Ocean Prime can accommodate up to 350 guests for events, celebrations and corporate functions. The restaurant’s four private dining spaces overlook Michigan Avenue and accommodate 14-66 guests. ocean-prime.com

P H OTO S : I S A AC M A I S E L M A N ; M A R I S A K LU G ; (O P P O S I T E ) H E R O N AG E N C Y

RESTAURANT NEWS»

P H OTO S : I S A AC M A I S E L M A N ; M A R I S A K LU G ; (O P P O S I T E ) H E R O N AG E N C Y

That’s right. Lake County, Illinois.

HOTEL NEWS»

Hotel EMC2 Celebrates A Renaissance Master With Unique On-Property Offerings Chicago’s art and science-inspired hotel, Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, recently paid homage to the late, great Leonardo da Vinci through a variety of unique onproperty events and offerings to celebrate the legendary artist. In honor of the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s death, guests were greeted in the lobby by a large-scale installation of the famous da Vinci quote “Study the science of art. Study the art of science.” The hotel’s robot concierge, Leo, dressed as his namesake, delivered custom drawings to guests from the property’s resident artist, Jonathan Plotkin, and guests could also compete in a da Vinci trivia contest via the hotel’s text messaging service, Zingle. The Albert, the hotel’s contemporary on-site restaurant, joined in the celebration offering wines from the Loire Valley (da Vinci’s hometown), a specialty cocktail in tribute to da Vinci’s “Age of Flight,” and a ticketed da Vinci-themed “wine and canvas night” at the Chef’s Table, giving guests a chance to paint their own work of art. Owned by ECD Company and managed by SMASHotels, Hotel EMC2 offers 195 guest rooms, over 4,800 square feet of flexible meeting space and was recently named one of the “12 Best Designed Hotels Opening This Year” by Architectural Digest. The Albert, which features over 12,000 carefully selected science novels lining the walls, was also recently named one of “The World’s Best Looking Library Bars” by the magazine and offers groups behind-thescenes dining experiences in its intimate 20-seat open kitchen. hotelemc2.com

The perfect backdrop for your next event, Lake County offers meeting spaces that are both scenic and unique— from mansions and theaters, to vineyards and beaches. Not to mention 60 hotels and 3 resorts. Take your pick.

VisitLakeCounty.org/meetings

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REGIONAL NEWS

Hotel Chicago West Loop Announces New General Manager Jean-Luc Laramie has been

appointed general manager of the Hotel Chicago West Loop. At just 31, Laramie is one of the youngest general managers in Chicago. In his new role, the Virginia native will oversee operations of the independent, dual-purpose boutique property—known for its eccentric art initiative—while expanding the hotel’s relationship with millennial travelers. “This is not your typical hotel,” says Laramie. “While we may not have all the bells and whistles, we have a colorful culture that cannot be replicated. It’s exactly the sort of thing today’s contemporary traveler appreciates.” The 116-room hotel serves as a full-functioning gallery with a permanent collection of 2D media displayed throughout the property in addition to unique exhibitions like guest room street murals painted by urban artists. A rotating gallery currently features therapeutic artworks by patients with catastrophic impairments from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Though Laramie is a first-time general manager, his passion for hospitality runs deep. Laramie began his career with a manager-intraining program in Amman, Jordan. After returning to the United States, Laramie studied Hotel Management at Kendall College

while working as a bellman. After graduation, Laramie rose through the ranks in a variety of positions, from concierge to operations manager. His strength is interacting with guests, making them feel welcome, and finding solutions that work for both them and the property. “We are excited that Jean-Luc is now leading the team at Hotel Chicago West Loop,” says Michael Payne, EVP of Operations for Portfolio Hotels & Resorts. “His passion for hospitality and understanding of the Millennial guest is a perfect match for this colorful boutique hotel that celebrates Chicago’s artistic essence.” hotelchicagowestloop.com

360 Destination Group Welcomes New Director of Marketing 360 Destination Group, a leading full-service destination management company, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Carlisle as director of marketing. In this new role for the company, Carlisle will be responsible for the company’s overall brand go-to-market strategy, partner marketing, sales enablement, lead generation, and marketing communications. “With more than 13 years of marketing, sales and management experience, Carlisle has a proven track record of driving business results through innovative campaigns and building high-performance teams in the hospitality industry,” says Shelly Archer, manag-

ing partner. “Her relentless focus on creating alignment between sales and marketing will be a key enabler in our ability to prove that event design impacts program effectiveness and return with our planners, partners and future clients.” Before joining 360 Destination Group, Carlisle lead the marketing team for Choose Chicago, the destination management organization for the city of Chicago. 360dg.com

Local PRA Members Earn DMCP Certification PRA, Inc., a leader in the business events industry, has announced that two local team members have earned the Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designation by the Association of Destination Management Professionals International (ADMEI). April Starkloff, event producer, PRA Chicago and Stephanie Wright, senior experience designer, PRA Chicago have both earned their DMCP designation, demonstrating the highest level of knowledge and commitment to the destination management profession. To earn the DMCP designation, individuals must have significant experience in the field, active involvement in continuing education programs and have passed an exam that covers all aspects of destination management. “We place high value on continuing education of our team at PRA. This DMCP certification reinforces PRA’s commitment to developing our team to deliver best in class service to our clients,” says Tony Lorenz, CMM, CEO, PRA. pra.com

AWARDS»

RACVB Honored At State Tourism Conference

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) earned two awards at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, honoring excellence in the Best Branding Initiative category and the Best Cooperative Partnership category. RACVB’s Bring Your Game 2 Rockford (BYG2RKFD) sports marketing campaign, winner of the Best Branding Initiative award, featured the Rockford region’s local multiuse facilities and local notables including Fred VanVleet and Nicole Briscoe, while the organization’s Best Cooperative Partnership win honored events that took place throughout summer 2018 for the Rockford Peaches’ 75th Anniversary. “We are honored to accept these awards on behalf of the great communities we serve and would like to thank our area partners for their support and commitment when working on community-wide events and program. With these invaluable partnerships, we are able to produce award-winning work and results,” says John Groh, RACVB president/CEO. gorockford.com

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P H O T O S : R A C V B ; ( O P P O S I T E ) B L A C KO A K T E C H N I C A L P R O D U C T I O N S

PEOPLE NEWS»

P H O T O S : R A C V B ; ( O P P O S I T E ) B L A C KO A K T E C H N I C A L P R O D U C T I O N S

VENUE NEWS»

Cleve Carney Art Gallery Expansion Proposal Approved

VENDOR NEWS»

Kehoe Designs Launches BlackOak Technical Productions

Chicago-Based PRA Acquires Koncept Events

Kehoe Designs, an award-winning event design and décor company, has launched a new technical production division to further service the events industry. BlackOak Technical Productions, a fullservice technical production company, provides innovative lighting, audio, video and staging services. BlackOak started in 2012 as an internal division of Kehoe Designs and will now draw on years of experience to produce high-profile events across the country. Currently the division services meetings, conferences, celebrations, weddings and experiential activations. Industry veteran Adam McCarthy, who established Kehoe Designs’ lighting department, has been named the new managing director for BlackOak. “We’ve built a talented team of dedicated, design-centric producers who possess the warmth and approachability to be able to guide our clients in taking a fresh approach with the technical production at their highest profile events,” says McCarthy. “Establishing a new, independent division demonstrates Kehoe’s commitment to specialization and its focus on simplifying the client experience. Clients can now retain human-first, design focused technical production, independent of Kehoe Designs.” blackoak.tech

PRA Business Events, Inc., has acquired Koncept Events, a sector leader in South Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. Founded in 2007, the award-winning Koncept Events team will now operate as PRA South Florida and continue to specialize in event design, transportation solutions, entertainment and interactive activities in South Florida and Caribbean markets. Koncept Events leadership Hillary Smith, CMP, CSEP and Angie Nelson will continue in leadership roles within the PRA system. “Our team takes enormous pride in the successful business we have built over the last 12 years, to a strong position in a highly competitive market space. We have grown and thrived through ingenuity, tireless persistence for perfection, and dedication to our craft. As part of the PRA family, we will continue our devotion to our clients, our partners, and each other, through one-of-a-kind experiences,” says Smith. “As a leader in a highly competitive landscape, Koncept Events has always brought their A-game to our sector of the business events industry. Koncept Events, now operating as PRA South Florida, delivers an even stronger solution from our sector in the important Florida market, and beyond,” says Tony Lorenz, CEO of PRA. pra.com

The College of DuPage (COD) Board of Trustees has authorized the creation of permanent expansion plans for the Cleve Carney Art Gallery on the COD’s Glen Ellyn campus. The expansion could increase the one-story, 1,850-square-foot gallery’s size by approximately 1,000 square feet, allowing for an estimated 78 more people to move through the space each hour. The expansion could also include an investment in a museum-grade security system and atmospheric updates to allow for the future presentation of large-scale exhibitions, including the most comprehensive exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s work displayed in the Chicago area since 1978. “The upcoming Frida Kahlo exhibition offers the Cleve Carney Art Gallery an incredible opportunity to present a significant body of work from one of the greatest artists of the 20th century,” says McAninch Arts Center Director Diana Martinez. “This opportunity will place College of DuPage on the national stage, and display our investment and leadership in growing the cultural landscape of DuPage County.” The expansion may also allow the gallery to have a space dedicated to both display and present educational programming for its permanent art collection, which is made up of over 800 works from artists like Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec, Miró, Warhol and more. Funding for the gallery is provided by the Cleve Carney Art Gallery Endowment Fund which supports vital programming including artist engagement opportunities for community members and students. clevecarneygallery.org

IL.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

SNAPSHOTS MPI-CAC NEXT ’19

MPI-CAC NEXT ’19 4

On March 6, nearly 200 meeting planners, event producers, experiential design experts and vendor partners gathered at Loyola University Chicago’s Damen Student Center to talk cutting edge tech trends, explore new educational topics and connect with friends old and new. Attendees heard from an impressive group of industry influencers, educational experts and thought leaders on topics like harnessing the power of memory, the science of emotional intelligence, emergency planning for special events, nuerodiversity at events and the art of executing high-impact business meetings at the full day annual conference.

1. Tom Weber. 2. Jeff Durocher. 3. Kyra Popp. 4. Kara Ferguson. 5. NEXT Conference Committee: Emily Yao, Rebecca DeLuca, Meg Palm, Cindi Weber, Jessica Lindberg, Andrew Brode, Jill Brown and Al Zara. 6. Martin Lawrence and Ryan Campbell. 7. David Fisher. 8. Matt Getz. 9. Colleen Brzozowski. —Photos courtesy of Edward Fox Photography & Video, edwardfox.com

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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 ARTURO GOMEZ

ILM+E: How did you get involved in the hospitality and nightlife industry? AG: My first hospitality gig was at a nightclub in Chicago called the Dragon Room. That’s actually where I met my business partner, Billy Dec. We realized very quickly that we had a lot of the same passions and interests in terms of how we wanted to run businesses and what we wanted the customer experience to be like. We continued on a path for the last 20 years, building and owning restaurants and nightclubs, including The Underground. ILM+E: You briefly left The Underground to pursue a couple of independent projects. Could you tell us a bit about them? AG: The first is Big Game Air, which is a luxury game day travel company. We create custom packages on private jets for groups to go to sporting events around the country. The second is Evoke Agency, which is a consulting agency focused on marketing, lifestyle and hospitality. We have clients across different industries. We’re doing everything from very specific hospitality-focused operational strategies to marketing. ILM+E: Do these projects inform the work that you do at The Underground and vice versa? AG: Yes, definitely. There are a lot of new trends and behavioral things I’ve seen happening on both the agency and highend luxury experiential sides of the business that have really brought new clarity and focus to the things that we’re doing at The Underground.

LESSONS IN PASSION AND PRIORITIZATION

Nightlife and hospitality guru Arturo Gomez returns to The Underground with a few new enterprises under his belt. BY JOSEPHINE WERNI

ILM+E

| SUMMER 2019

ILM+E: What is your favorite kind of experience to create? AG: That’s so hard to answer. I really find a lot of enjoyment across the board. It can be as simple as producing a birthday event for a client or as crazy as doing an international trip on a private plane that’s at the absolute highest level of luxury. Oftentimes, it’s the littlest things. As long as people are smiling, I’m smiling.

Get Connected THE UNDERGROUND theundergroundchicago.com | 312.644.7600

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: You’ve clearly got a lot going on—how do you stay organized and productive? AG: For me, it’s having my calendar very strictly organized and making sure I’m tackling the things that I find real value in and that will have the highest impact. Each night, I establish the goals for the upcoming day. If I can get beyond the goals for the upcoming day, I’ll move onto the upcoming week, and if I get through the upcoming week, I’ll get into the upcoming month. I’m also up roughly at 4:30 a.m. most days.

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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Illinois Meetings + Events Summer 2019

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