Illinois Meetings + Events Summer 2023

The St. Regis Chicago

Illinois Beach Hotel Doubletree Mundelein Hyatt Regency Deerfield Embassy Suites Deerfield

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Wealth of Health

» SINCE THE WINTER OF 2020 when the last recent issue of Illinois Meetings + Events was published before a COVID-19-induced hiatus, the world has changed dramatically. It is now time to reintroduce the magazine to this evolved event landscape. It also seems clear now, given what the world has been through in the last few years, that most planners are aware that meeting-goers prioritize physical and mental health. With this in mind, some industry pros will book events at hotels with spas (including The St. Regis Chicago, which is featured in this issue) that offer ways for attendees to indulge in self-care spa treatments. Other planners make sure that hotel fitness centers are robust, events include time in natural settings, and fun runs and yoga sessions are scheduled. However, there’s another way to promote attendee health and have a blast: Let’s call it “Rent-Some-Health.”

For instance, companies such as Rock The Bike in Oakland, California, will loan groups stationary bikes that can recharge eight smartphones at once, another that powers a blender to make a smoothie as you pedal, and a third that churns ice cream—and the company can ship bikes to venues all over the country. Meanwhile, Chicago-based Kehoe Designs, a full-service event decor design and staging agency that promotes a healthy work culture and shares this value with clients, staged the Love Yourself Fitness & Networking Event at The Geraghty event center in Chicago a few years ago. The event featured kettlebells as centerpieces, healthy eats and drinks from local vendors, hair braiding, massages, and an intense workout with trainers from Barry’s Bootcamp.

Another example is the Clowning Around/Celebration Authority company in Mundelein, which offers an aromatherapy bar, an oxygen bar, make-your-own stress balls, and foot massagers—along with a whole lot of inflatable event enhancements. Drinking healthily is also something easy to integrate into your event. Wolfgang Puck Catering, with kitchens in Chicago, offers spa-water hydration stations brimming with fruit- and herb-infused water, and combinations that enhance immunity and metabolism. Shepherding in bring-your-own-bottle refillable water stations keeps attendees well-hydrated and is good for the environment.

In this relaunched issue of Illinois Meetings + Events, you will discover numerous venues where you can put in motion your Rent-Some-Health ideas. Showing empathy for your attendees’ well-being through thoughtful and fun meeting add-ons will be rewarded with loyalty to your event for years to come.

TODD R. BERGER Senior Editor tberger@greenspring.com

PHOTO: DARIN KAMNETZ

meetingsmags.com/illinois

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES LOUISE ANDRASKI 608-873-8734 | LANDRASKI@GREENSPRING.COM

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REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612-371-5849 or email danderson@greenspring.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations,

IT’S TIME TO GET PERSONAL

Customized event experiences encourage happier, more engaged attendees

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

» WHETHER IT’S A LARGE-SCALE CONFERENCE with hundreds in attendance or an intimate teambuilding retreat for co-workers, it’s important to provide personalized meeting itineraries that cater to guests’ preferences, values, and interests. The International Association of Conference Centers reports that there has been increased personalization of attendee experiences in recent years with 80% of meeting planners reporting that their jobs involve more experience creation than two to five years ago.

Attendees not only want to spend their time at a conference learning and connecting, but they also want to engage in sessions and activities that align with what matters to them—from a lecture on branding or mindfulness to activities like hiking or wine tasting during prearranged free time.

Dreamforce, an annual user conference in San Francisco, California, brings industry pioneers, thought leaders, and internet technology professionals together for a weekend of lectures and networking. The event incorporates guided meditation and mindfulness sessions for attendees to align their mental and physical well-being with their conference goals. After all, a content attendee is a more engaged attendee. salesforce.com

Maritz Global Events, based in St. Louis, Missouri, uses a team of consulting experts to personalize events from a portfolio of 20-plus event attendee personas—created from a combination of event strategy and behavioral research—that helps planners anticipate, visualize, and align with the motives of potential event-goers. maritzglobalevents.com

Mystery Trip, an event-planning company based in Los Angeles, creates mystery itineraries that are kept secret from attendees until they arrive for the activity. Each itinerary is custom-made for guests based on a survey taken during the initial kick-o meeting to determine what the group is most interested in doing. Examples include taking a team from Netflix to Gri th Park in Los Angeles to film a mock ’90s sitcom intro. mysterytrip.com

Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

Meeting attendees enjoy customized activities by Mystery Trip.

Fun to Play With

When most people consider inflatables for events, their minds often go right to water slides—and there’s nothing wrong with that. But Mitch Dicker, owner of the Clowning Around/Celebration Authority in Mundelein, thinks more broadly, and he will gladly rent you any of the 500 different interactive inflatables his company offers.

“The nice part about inflatables from a meeting planner’s perspective is [inflatables] really serve two main purposes,” Dicker says. “One, [inflatables] create a nice, fun, wow factor when guests first walk in. Instead of seeing a little table or video game, they see a big, interactive, fun inflatable. And two, they’re real engaging and fun to play with.”

The Clowning Around/Celebration Authority, which serves the entire Chicago region, has inflatable ax throwing,

soft-tip bow-and-arrow games, bungee jumping, gladiator jousting, bouncy boxing, mechanical bull riding, and a mechanical surfboard.

“We have another one that’s called ‘Inflatable Armchair Quarterback’ [where] people sit on an armchair you’d find in a person’s family room,” Dicker says. “Our technician controls the chair and wiggles it. [At the same time,] the

person holds a football and tries to throw it into a target.” Inflatables are also a relative bargain. Dicker’s offerings generally range from $200 to $2,000, and include delivery, setup, staffing, sanitation, and takedown. Attendees are sure to be jumping for joy and bouncing with glee. –Todd R. Berger

celebrationauthority.com

HEAPING SCOOPS OF FROZEN TREATS

» THE MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago will bring out the inner child in each of your attendees. It is a sweet venue option with its all-you-can-eat ice cream, signature cocktails in the speakeasy bar, and sprawling space with 12 immersive installations.

“When you visit the Museum of Ice Cream, you rediscover the kid in you, bringing back the awe and imagination that lies in all of us,” says Erin Levzow, chief marketing officer at the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago. “The museum is designed to inspire human connection and imagination, which is the perfect feeling for corporate and nonprofit events.”

The museum’s brand experience managers help plan events. Groups can opt to buy out the entire museum in a premium package called the Ultra-Private Party/Scooper-Duper Premium Party/Ice Cream Extravaganza staffed with “playmasters” and a smorgasbord of ice cream. For larger events, the speakeasy bar can be reserved with unlimited drinks. “There is no other place like the Museum of Ice Cream,” Levzow says. –Todd R. Berger

museumoficecream.com

Soak Up the Sun in Lake Geneva

With picturesque lakes, palatial homes, and first-class meeting facilities, the Wisconsin border town is a haven for groups

Residents of Chicago have been vacationing in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, since the late 1800s. Located on the northeast shore of Geneva Lake, the area became known as the “Newport of the West” for its palatial mansions and lavish summer homes that were built along the lakeshore by wealthy Chicago families. Today, Lake Geneva is still a popular summer playground for Illinois residents looking to soak up the sun, go boating, or hit one of the nearby golf courses.

LOCATION: Lake Geneva in southeastern Wisconsin is just 10 miles north of the Illinois border and about 75 miles northwest of Chicago. The area around Geneva Lake includes the lakeside communities of Williams Bay and Fontana. Two other lakes—Delavan Lake and Lake Como— are also nearby.

HISTORY: The Potawatomi tribe that inhabited Lake Geneva until the early 19th century named Geneva Lake “Kish-WayKee-Tow,” which means “clean water.” Around 1835, government surveyor John

BY DANIELLE LETENYEI

Brink renamed the town after his hometown of Geneva, New York. After a massive fire destroyed much of Chicago in 1871, many Chicagoans relocated to a Lake Geneva summer camp while their homes were being rebuilt. Several also built stately homes in the area.

HOTELS: Lake Geneva and the surrounding communities are dotted with several self-contained resorts with fine dining, day spas, and golf courses, including Geneva National Resort & Club, The Abbey Resort, and Delavan Lake Resort. Many also provide meeting and event space. The area has 14 hotels with a total of 1,322 guest rooms.

VENUES: Gather at The Riviera Ballroom, which is owned and operated by the City of Lake Geneva on the shores of Geneva Lake. Heather Jones, director of event sales at The Riviera, says she often partners with Lake Geneva Cruise Line so event attendees can take a break to cruise on the lake.

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers 62,000 square feet of conference space to accommodate up to 1,800 guests.

The 1,300-acre resort grounds include the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, Well Spa + Salon, and two 18-hole golf courses. Located 10 miles outside of Lake Geneva on the shores of Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn Resort boasts a 250-acre championship golf course and full-service day spa and salon.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Lake Geneva is a quaint small town with many shops to explore and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or sip your favorite cocktail. To see the spectacular mansions around the lake, hike part of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path. Along the path, you’ll find the Yerkes Observatory, home to the world’s largest refracting telescope.

If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures has several attractions to get your attendees’ hearts pumping. Besides a zip lining course, the 100-acre property has a climbing tower and 12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.

visitlakegeneva.com

Clockwise from above left: The Riviera Ballroom; Lake Lawn Resort; Lake Geneva Cruise Line; The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Presenting the Best Carry-Ons

When taking to the skies for a meeting or event in a distant city, you will need a carry-on to hold your pantsuits, starched shirts, toiletries, and, quite possibly, digital projector. Illinois Meetings + Events looked at the best options for discerning travelers.

BEST OVERALL

Away » The Carry-On

The Carry-On from Away has a dent-proof polycarbonate shell, leather details, a waterresistant laundry bag, a TSA-approved combination lock, and an interior compression system. The 360-degree spinner wheels glide down the jetway, and The Carry-On meets most airline carry-on standards for less than $300. The Bigger Carry-On offers more room for your business attire. awaytravel.com

BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Target » Open Story Hardside Carry-On Suitcase

Available in black, denim blue, dark green, and champagne, the 21.5-inch Open Story Hardside Carry-On Suitcase from Target checks all the boxes at less than $200. With a hard-shell exterior made of a sturdy polycarbonate and mesh interior compartments, this budget option is compatible with almost all airline carry-on standards. It is also available in a 29-inch size. target.com

BEST SPLURGE-WORTHY

Rimowa » Original Cabin Carry-On Aluminum Suitcase

At $1,400, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On Aluminum Suitcase will appeal to travelers with high standards. In addition to the metal shell exterior, the Rimowa has a lifetime warranty, cotton interior, metal zippers, multiwheel roller system, adaptable interior divider, TSA-approved locks, and sturdy telescoping handles. When cost isn’t a concern or you wish to protect breakable tech, the Original Cabin Carry-On is the suitcase for you. rimowa.com –Todd R.

Berger

‘THERE’S NEVER A BAD TIME FOR A DOUGHNUT’

One of the first questions asked of Jeff Woelker, owner and founder of Chicago-based Underground Donut Tour, for this story was, “Chicago’s a cold-weather city, so do you offer doughnut tours year-round?”

“The fun thing about doughnuts is there’s never a bad time for a doughnut,” Woelker says. “If it’s cold weather, we have a hot coffee and a doughnut. If it’s hot out, you have an iced coffee and a doughnut.”

The 2-mile tours visit four of the top independent doughnut shops downtown, stroll to River North, and finish near the Magnificent Mile. During the tour, doughnuts are all you can eat, and a hot or cold drink is included. Tours can accommodate groups up to 20 people.

Woelker explains the attributes of the tours for groups. “We have fantastic doughnuts. Doughnuts are just something that make people smile, which is awesome. [And] our guides are just fantastic storytellers. We find a way to have a lot of fun, to make it really casual, and really easy.”

Tours run Thursday through Sunday at 9 a.m., with additional tour times on Saturday and Sunday at noon. Underground Donut Tour can customize tours for groups. –Todd

undergrounddonuttour.com

R. Berger

MEETING WITH ABRAHAM LINCOLN— PRESIDENT AND ROCK STAR

There is no place more infused with the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln than Springfield. The future president served in the Illinois General Assembly beginning in 1834, representing Sangamon County, with Springfield as the county seat. At the time, the state capital was in Vandalia, located 75 miles southeast of Springfield. However, Rep. Lincoln and a group of fellow representatives and senators—who were all over 6 feet tall and collectively known as the “Long Nine”—maneuvered a bill through the legislature to move the capital to Springfield. The bill passed, and, thus, the future president also moved to Springfield, in 1837.

Mary Todd, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, moved to Springfield in 1839 to live with her sister, Elizabeth Edwards, who married a son of a former governor of Illinois. She lived at what is today known as Edwards Place, a mansion that was the social center of the new capital. It was here where she met Lincoln.

“You’re not going to be able to go pretty much anywhere else in the world and have Lincoln as your backdrop,” says Terry Truman, sales manager at Visit Springfield. Illinois Meetings + Events highlights three of Springfield’s most evocative Lincoln event sites.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

The presidential library and museum, which are in neighboring buildings on North Sixth Street, immerse gatherings in the history of the country’s 16th president. The plaza in the museum’s rotunda, suitable for receptions up to 300 people, showcases a replica of the White House in the 1860s and a recreation of Lincoln’s boyhood log cabin. “As presidential libraries and museums go, it’s second to none,” Truman says. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

EDWARDS PLACE

Today, the place where Lincoln and Todd first met is a painstakingly restored spot for elegant gatherings of up to 50 people. The showpiece of the antebellum mansion is the courting couch Lincoln and Todd sat on while the young legislator wooed the socialite. Apparently, his endearing words swayed Todd—the couple married at Edwards Place in 1842. Visit Springfield can arrange to have Lincoln reenactors attend your event at the mansion. “Lincoln’s just like a rock star,” Truman says. “Everyone wants their picture taken with him.” edwardsplace.org

OLD STATE CAPITOL

The Old State Capitol is a replica of the Illinois capitol building from 1840 to 1874, where Lincoln served as a legislator until he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846. Lincoln, when running for the Senate in 1858, gave his “House Divided” speech on the site in which he asserted, “I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.” The building, with a capacity for 150 attendees, is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen later this year. visitspringfieldillinois.com –Todd R. Berger

President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln reenactors chat on the front steps of Edwards Place in Springfield

Food on the Move

Take advantage of the creativity and convenience offered by Chicago’s most delectable meals on wheels

BY PAMELA DITTMER MCKUEN

» FOOD TRUCKS have roamed neighborhood streets and county fairs for generations, even before the iconic Good Humor ice cream fleet proliferated in the 1920s. Today, these mobile eateries are more popular than ever for events, boosted in part by seasoned chefs who entered the marketplace with upgraded menus and by pandemicinduced preferences for gathering outdoors. The trucks are often tricked out with bodacious branding and serious razzle-dazzle, which only add to the merriment.

In the greater Chicago area, the food truck scene is bustling and varied. Illinois Meetings + Events found tantalizing all-day options, from breakfast through dessert. Among them are American, global, pizza, barbecue, vegetarian, and kosher cuisines. Whether you hire one food truck or a dozen for your event, you’re sure to delight your attendees with a sumptuous menu in a memorable environment.

Soul & Smoke’s Prime Brisket Sandwich; Below: Chicago Food Truck Hub at an event for C.H. Robinson

ALL FIRED UP

Neapolitan-style pizza was barely known in Chicagoland when Billy Bricks opened its first pizzeria in Lombard in 2005. The company, which specializes in thin-crust pizza quickly baked in wood-fired brick ovens, has since grown to nearly a dozen dine-in locations and two food trucks.

The Billy Bricks on Wheels trucks, launched in 2017, are equipped with ovens that burn at 900 degrees. One truck, named Wheels I, is designed with a glass side so guests can watch the chefs at work while they wait for their orders. However, they don’t wait long—it takes three minutes to make a Billy Bricks pizza, from stretching the dough to handing the finished product to the guest, says Ric Gruber Jr., general counsel and an owner at the Wheaton-based company.

“With our mobile units, we are able to serve fresh food to a tremendous [number] of people in a short period of time,” he says. “We’ve done up to 300 or 400 people in an hour, and the food is restaurant quality.”

Wood-fired pizza is the menu mainstay, and gluten-free dough is always on hand. With advanced notice, Billy Bricks on Wheels can also provide a wide range of appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, and desserts, along with vegetarian, kosher, and halal selections. “Our spinach-dipped toasts, which are like crostini with our spinach dip on it, are awesome,” Gruber adds.

RIGHT ON ’CUE

Chefs D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick of Soul & Smoke in Chicago came into the food truck business with impressive bona fides. Carter attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, and they both have pedigrees in the city’s finest dining establishments. About a decade ago, the married couple and business partners began cooking for pop-up events and underground dinners, which led to high-end catering for private events.

When the pandemic hit, they pivoted. Without the ability to serve face-to-face gatherings, they bought the first of their two food trucks and focused on gourmet, smoky barbecue, reminiscent of the bountiful Sunday dinners Carter helped his grandmother prepare on the city’s South Side. Their successful efforts led to a brick-and-mortar restaurant and two kiosk locations at Time Out Market and at a food hall in the West Loop.

Soul & Smoke’s bestsellers are brisket, rib tips, pulled pork, and pulled chicken, all satisfyingly smoked and accompanied by the chef’s signature barbecue sauce. Side offerings include a creamy, three-cheese macaroni and cheese, plus red beans and rice, collard greens, apple slaw, and cornbread muffins. For non-meat eaters, vegan smoky joe sliders are prepared with a plant-based alternative.

“Brisket is always at the top of the barbecue food chain,” Bublick says. “But we have a full kitchen on our food trucks, so the sky is the limit.”

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

At a young age, Ramon Torres III could often be found near his grandmother as she taught him the recipes from her native home in Michoacán, Mexico. Those warm family memories inspired him to found Aztec Dave’s Food Truck & Cantina with his father, Ramon Torres Jr., and brother, David Torres, in 2015.

“I always had a passion for cooking, and I wanted to do something we could grow upon,” says Torres. “Helping our grandmother in the kitchen is the story behind everything we do.”

Two more food trucks followed the first one, and in 2021 the Torres family opened a restaurant in Humboldt Park on the northwest side of Chicago. The menu on Aztec Dave’s regular route includes tacos, tortas, burritos, and other traditional Mexican street food favorites with steak, pork, chicken, and vegetarian options. Food truck catering menus can be more extensive and tailored to an event.

Billy Bricks on Wheels

“It’s a lot of home comfort food elevated in a modern way,” he says. “It’s all homemade and fresh daily, from flame-grilled meats to original salsas. Our pineapple habanero salsa [is one] you won’t find anywhere else.”

CREATIVE CONFECTIONS

Look for the brightly hued, white-and-pink food truck, and you will find pastry chef Anna Wu. Her mobile catering business, A.Sweets Girl, specializes in cupcakes and other heavenly confections. She bakes everything herself in the wee hours of the morning, always in small batches and made from scratch.

Wu has been at the window—and behind the wheel—of her Chicago-based food truck since 2015. After attending pastry school, she worked for a bakery and a restaurant while freelancing on the side. Her orders mounted up, and she eventually looked for a way to start her own business. Food trucks were becoming more and more popular, and she liked the independence and flexibility they afforded— so she bought one.

On her regular route, the menu lists a dozen different cupcake flavors, including gluten-free chocolate and vanilla varieties. Each one is artfully frosted and decorated

with sprinkles, chocolate curls, fondant cut-outs, or other trimmings, depending on the recipe. Her most popular cupcakes are the S’mores, which are topped with a torched homemade marshmallow; and the coffee-laced Caramel Cafe, which is crowned with caramel drizzle. The Matcha Tea cupcake is also a fan favorite. To accompany her sweet treats, she offers coffee, tea, cocoa, and fruit juices.

Wu also caters custom cakes, cake pops, cookies, and other baked goods. She happily tailors meeting planner orders to match a vibe or theme, perhaps with themed colors or sugary corporate logos.

ONE-STOP SHOPPING

A full-service event management agency, Chicago Food Truck Hub connects meeting planners with mobile caterers and related services. In addition to guiding their clients through a roster of more than 100 different food truck and food cart vendors and dozens of cuisines, the Chicago-based company can handle staffing, entertainment, furniture rental, lighting, games, on-site management, and much more.

“Anything that touches on the event that is specific to the client is something we can package under the same contract

or invoice,” says Jamie Billow, founder of Chicago Food Truck Hub.

When Billow started the business nearly a decade ago, he focused solely on the burgeoning niche of food truck catering. He was quickly met with requests for tangential services like cocktail bars, tents, and high-top seating, so he added those capabilities and others to offer endto-end customization.

“Food trucks are a great opportunity for guests and attendees to enjoy food or a meal but to do so in an environment that is also part of the experience,” he says. “It’s a visually exciting enhancer.” When attendees step up to a truck window and interact with the chefs, they can exercise their preferences for seasonings and portions more than they can with buffet lines or sit-down dinners, he says.

“Instead of choosing the fish or chicken option, or the fish or steak option, they are able to say, ‘Put on extra giardiniera,’ or ‘Hold the mayo,’” he continues. “Food trucks are most often a made-to-order experience.”

asweetsgirl.com

aztecdaves.com

billybricksonwheels.com

chicagofoodtruckhub.com

soulandsmoke.com

From left: Anna Wu of A.Sweets Girl; Aztec Dave’s Asada Torta

WhirlyBall

773-896-7129 | WhirlyBall.com

WhirlyBall is perfect for your fast-paced team-building events, business presentations, company outings, or staff celebrations. It isn’t just a game, it’s an experience!

New to WhirlyBall? It is a combination of basketball, lacrosse, and hockey played in souped-up bumper cars called Whirly Bugs. Teams of five face off in a 10-minute game of heart-pounding, fist-pumping action. Each team tries to shoot a whiffle ball at a target that hangs 10 feet from the floor. No speed, strength, or agility required. It is the most fun you can have going 4 miles per hour.

Each spacious venue features WhirlyBall courts, bowling lanes or multilevel Laser Tag arenas, multiple private bars, VIP private bowling lanes, divisible event spaces for up to 250 with built-in presentation packages, ample parking, and private terraces—perfect for entertaining business clients or your next team outing. WhirlyBall features the Pivot Room— an in-house restaurant concept with a chef-driven menu and a craft beer bar with over 24 taps. The Pivot Room offers a relaxed, yet elevated dining experience featuring fresh takes on classic American fare.

FUN FUN

PHOTOS: WHIRLYBALL

MOST YOU CAN HAVE GOING 4 MILES PER HOUR!

Slam Dunk Meetings

Score big with your attendees at one-of-a-kind sports venues across Illinois

» SPORTS STADIUMS are more than just a place to watch your favorite baseball, basketball, football, or hockey teams play. They can also be used for events, concerts, trade shows, and meetings. By diversifying the use of space, stadiums and arenas earn business in the offseason. For attendees, meetings at sports facilities can provide an exciting behind-the-scenes look otherwise not accessible during a game. If you’re looking for a unique space for your meeting, several sports venues around the state provide flexible space for your event.

The United Center in Chicago is home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. The United Center also hosts over 200 events each year. While the arena floor is best suited for significantly larger events that draw in 10,000 to 13,000 people, the arena’s Atrium and Concert Club are perfect venues for groups under 1,000. A famous statue of former NBA great Michael Jordan stands inside the Atrium, and the space’s 15,795 square feet

BY DANIELLE LETENYEI

has standing room for 2,600 guests. Seated events can be configured to accommodate 640 to 800 attendees. The Concert Club is best for private dining events or cocktail receptions for up to 250. The space also features a small stage, full bar, and flat-screen televisions. Levy Restaurants provides catering for events at the United Center, and attendees can also get a tour of the team locker rooms as an add-on. “We offer a more unique experience than hotels,” says Jerry Goldman, vice president of booking at the United Center. “It’s definitely a niche experience.”

Fans of MLB’s Chicago Cubs can get close to the action by hosting their meeting or event at the new American Airlines Conference Center in Chicago. The event space is located next to Wrigley Field and Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, and offers three main rooms that are named after three of the four bases in baseball. The First, Second, and Third Base rooms can be used individually for up to 15 attendees each or combined into

Statue of Michael Jordan in United Center’s Atrium

one larger 2,536-square-foot space for up to 160. The Homeplate Room has an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the baseball field, and it can accommodate up to 206 people.

Outside Chicago in the state capital city of Springfield, the Bank of Springfield Center offers 79,000 square feet of space to host everything from large conventions to small meetings or workshops. Originally built in 1979, the arena underwent renovations and expansions in 2010. The building has 16 meeting rooms and two terraces perfect for cocktail parties, and the 9,100-square-foot ballroom on the lower level can be partitioned into four smaller rooms. During the warmer months, events can be held on the plaza. The Bank of Springfield Center is a popular venue for nonprofit organizations and associations because of its proximity to the state capitol building. “We host a lot of lobby days where there will be an event here in our main hall with a small session, and then [the attendees] march to the Capitol,” says Jill Tavine, director of event services at the Bank of Springfield Center. In April, the arena hosted events for the Student Nurses Association of Illinois and Illinois Realtors.

To the northeast on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus in Champaign is the State Farm Center, the third-largest arena in the state and home to the University of Illinois men’s and women’s basketball teams. A $170 million renovation of the center was completed in 2016, adding more meeting space to

the venue. The arena floor offers 27,000 square feet of flexible space that can host up to 115 individual booth spaces. The site’s Traditions Club offers 9,100 square feet of space, perfect for business meetings, receptions, and parties. It has two full-service bars, a patio space overlooking the main area, and televisions. Decked out in in the university’s signature orange decor, the Orange Krush Club and Legacy Club can each accommodate 286 guests and have full concessions.

Originally opened in 1981, the BMO Center in Rockford underwent a multiphase renovation in 2021. The center attracts about 400,000 people yearly for concerts, family shows, and events like Monster Trucks shows and Arenacross. It is also the home to the Rockford IceHogs hockey

team, an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The main floor offers 31,702 square feet when the seating is retracted, accommodating up to 7,000 people. The BMO Center also has four other spaces to host smaller gatherings. The Stage has a capacity of 50 people, the Club Lounge can hold 120, the Party Deck can host 200, and the Boardroom has space for 14. There are 10 Executive Suites that, when combined, can accommodate 250 people. The BMO Center has all you need for a meeting, says Bethany Bohn, director of marketing and private event sales at the BMO Center. “Everything is really able to happen in-house. We’re able to provide ushers, servers, everything all encompassed in one,” says Bohn. americanairlinesconferencecenter.com

Left: American Airlines Conference Center’s second-floor terrace next to Wrigley Field; Below: A college fair at BMO Center in Rockford

Get to know the hottest new venues, dining hot spots, and experiences throughout Illinois

BY SHELBY DEERING

The

PRAIRIE STATE

PHOTO: (OPPOSITE)

C TYSON PHOTOGRAPHY

AT ITS HEART,

an event is never simply just an event. It’s an experience that plucks guests from their day-to-day lives and transports them to someplace else, whether it’s a short trip to Italy through one of Chicago’s Mediterranean restaurants or a luxurious meeting room evoking opulence.

Luckily, many Illinois venues not only offer great food and sizeable spaces, but also provide immersive experiences and ambience that won’t soon be forgotten. To capture this feel and to hold your meeting or event at a fresh location, check out Illinois Meetings + Events’ showcase of some of the recent and upcoming new venues, renovations, and expansions throughout the Chicago region and beyond.

Fanciful Hotels

With Waldorf Astoria locations found in far-flung destinations like Thailand and France, you can expect an intercontinental vibe brimming with luxury at the Chicago hotel. Featuring a top-tobottom refresh that was completed last November, Waldorf Astoria Chicago now sports updated guest rooms and suites, enhanced spa experiences, and a new lounge and restaurant. For events, take advantage of the private dining spaces and culinary and cocktail programs that depart from standard event offerings.

Catie Walsh, director of sales and marketing, puts it best when she says, “Not only do our traditional venues blend seamlessly with iconic Waldorf Astoria

service, but combining events with our elevated accommodations, spa, and dining experiences [also] allows meetings and event attendees to have a holistic stay experience from start to finish.”

If you’ve ever imagined living in one of those industrial lofts in a historic factory, now’s your chance with Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center. First opened in 2020, the hotel is a far cry from the once-vacant 1913 building with its 160 guest suites, two restaurants, a locally owned coffee shop, a fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, a golf simulator, a game room, and over 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Kelly Plath, director of sales, and Vinny Bucci, general manager,

note that, “We are welcoming guests looking for a more full-service experience that they just aren’t able to get anywhere else in Rockford.”

Opening its doors this past January, Aloft Chicago Schaumburg is a Marriott hotel that’s bursting with bright colors and urban accents. The chic hotel also features 3,297 square feet of flexible meeting space, not to mention its Re:mix Lounge and WXYZ Bar, where guests can take in live music. General Manager Carmie Antongiovanni says the hotel is ideal for “today’s tech-savvy clientele,” with plug-in stations, Bluetooth speakers, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

And last, but certainly not least, there’s The St. Regis Chicago, which debuted this May. The much buzzed-about hotel is within the third-tallest building in the city, taking your guests to (literal) new heights. Step into a land of luxury spotlighting 10,495 square feet of premier event space, like the 4,721-square-foot Astor Ballroom. Additionally, each attendee has access to the 24-hour signature St. Regis Butler Service. Ashley Ochse, director of catering and group sales, adds, “Our team is dedicated to crafting bespoke and experiential meetings and events experiences for clients.”

Dreamy Eateries

Food is always a surefire way to instantly transport meeting-goers to another place, and by holding your meeting or event at a restaurant, you can do just that. Take, for example, Chicago’s Fioretta, which opened in April. Packed with Italian American eats, the 30-seat private dining space feels like a world unto itself, dressed in blue velvet drapery, wraparound banquettes, hexagonal mirrors, and warm sconces, as Lucas Stoioff, cofounder of DineAmic Hospitality, describes.

Or there’s Kindling Chicago. It opened earlier this year and is continually wowing guests through its 17,000 square feet of varied dining atmospheres, two bars, games, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soon, it’ll add a second-floor outdoor terrace to its offerings. With “fire cooking”

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center

as its claim to fame, Abbey Arp, senior event sales and catering manager, adds that the restaurant also features The Birch, a reservation-only, boardroominspired private dining room that seats 10 and offers a prix fixe menu.

Perhaps vino is more your thing, especially if you and your attendees want to sip wine and socialize in a warm, inviting space. In this case, plan your event at Chicago Winery. Debuting last November, the winery has space to spare, including the 1,100-squarefoot private dining room, the 3,000-square-foot main event space, and the 2,100-square-foot terrace, shares Rachel Sackheim, chief revenue officer. She also says, “While not every event will call for it, we have the option to incorporate team-building activities, centered around our winemaking, which add a truly unique twist to any event.”

Maybe you want to take attendees on a trip that’s out of the bustling city. Head to Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills when it opens in early 2024 with an 11,000-square-foot restaurant space, a wine wall, and of course, steaks galore. The 2021-built restaurant The Graceful Ordinary is in St. Charles and presents an “elevated tavern” feel, as co-owner and Event Manager Megan Curren describes it.

Thomas & Dutch in Evanston opened this past March and resides in the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, the oldest hotel in the city, according to the cofounder of the restaurant, Thomas (TJ) Callahan.

Imaginative Venues

Completing renovations in April, Chicago’s Morgan Art Complex offers a whopping 150,000 square feet of space and refreshed visuals in its centuryold building. The main venue expanded to nearly twice its size, and a smaller space called the Westwing was added as well. Additionally, flooring has been replaced throughout, and an ADA-compliant elevator has been installed. Featuring striking art crafted by notable artists, it’ll be as if you’re also taking your attendees to an art museum.

“Because we are new to the venue pool, we are unique and new to guests,” says Executive Director Beth Peterson. “Our newly renovated venue is truly perfect for meetings and events because it’s highly customizable and versatile, allowing your event to come to life in the exact way you would like it to come together.”

This September, look forward to a venue that will give guests an unforgettable experience out in the country. Haven on the Farm will be a Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” dream

come true, with 10 stunning acres just outside of Peoria. A 100-year-old home and carriage house will flank the 7,000-square-foot barn, complete with salvaged lighting and an antique bar. Displaying rich history and farmhouse aesthetics, the venue is sure to create down-on-the-farm ambience for any event. Founder Ashley Wurzer puts it best when she says, “Haven on the Farm is all about an experience.”

Inspiring Experiences

Sometimes, a meeting and dinner doesn’t feel like quite enough. You want to treat attendees to an experience they’ll always remember and provide Instagram-worthy visuals to boot. For a teambuilding activity, meeting, or event that will truly take your guests places they won’t forget, consider these one-of-a-kind venues.

Consider Color Factory Chicago, an interactive art museum that is splashed in every hue of the rainbow. Completed last June, the impressive exhibit took three years to build. It has 20,000 square feet of space filled with whimsy, from the Chicago River-themed ball pit, confetti raining from the ceiling, and a built-in photo system that captures professional-quality photos of guests at 12 different locations throughout the exhibit.

“Custom-made sweets and treats from local vendors allow guests to engage all their senses,” adds Alannah Henry, event sales manager. She continues to say that planners can customize the space and the experience as much or as little as they would like, “with confidence that the event will be uniquely memorable and highly photographable.”

Whether it’s team building through making your own wine, sitting in a ballroom bedecked with crystal chandeliers, admiring beautiful farmland, or diving into a ball pit, the theme remains the same— a meeting or event should make meeting-goers feel relaxed, delighted, and even whisked away to an experience that’s everything but every day.

chiwinery.com

colorfactory.co

fiorettasteak.com

havenonthefarm.com

hilton.com

kindlingchicago.com

marriott.com

morganartscomplex.com

perryssteakhouse.com

waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) DINEAMIC HOSPITALITY; ANTHONY TAHLIER; THE FIFTY/50 GROUP/PAUL GLINSKI; SCOTT BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY; COLOR FACTORY

Clockwise from above left: Fioretta in Chicago; Gathering space at Chicago Winery; Private dining room at Kindling Chicago; Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s renovated Peacock Lounge; A group dinner at Color Factory Chicago

Nourishing the Mind in Hospitality

The industry is making strides toward a healthier work culture

In all professional enterprises, workplace stress is a common cause of mental health concerns—and the hospitality industry is no exception. According to the 2021 Mind the Workplace report by Mental Health America (MHA), the hospitality industry ranked as one of the top three unhealthiest industries in terms of overall health, financial health, burnout, supervisor support, and mental health outcomes—no doubt heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s also important to note how the pandemic fostered an uptick in mental health discourse in the workplace and encouraged industry leaders to better support the mental well-being of staff.

Mental Health in the Industry

Hospitality professionals tend to work unusual hours, which can lead to exhaustion and stress (FHE Health).

Nearly two-thirds of supervisors feel their role has become more di cult since the start of the pandemic, and many feel ill-equipped to provide helpful mental health support to team members (Lyra Health).

Six Action Items for Employers to Support Mental Health (Lyra Health)

1 Supervisors need to listen to employees’ concerns and encourage dialogue around mental health.

of survey respondents are comfortable talking about their mental health challenges at work compared to 23% in 2021.

3 Provide easier access to treatment options for major mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2 Ensure e ective care. On-the-job productivity is 27% higher among employees who received evidence-based treatments.

A study by Cohen Veterans Network and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing reports that 74% of surveyed Americans don’t believe reliable mental health services are accessible to everyone due to the following barriers:

High cost and insu cient insurance coverage

Limited options and long waits

Lack of awareness

5 Give managers the training and resources needed to support team members.

4 Support the mental health of employees’ families.

6 Design a positive and supportive work environment to combat burnout.

provide A Well-Rounded Benefits Program

According to MHA, the following perks are associated with the healthiest workplaces across industries:

Open-door policies and relaxed work environments

Pet-friendly o ces, on-site mental health services, and complimentary massage therapy

Opportunities for professional growth

Four out of five employers o er employee assistance programs to support mental health and assist with other issues that impact work and home life (America’s Health Insurance Plans).

SURFING THE SKIES

Delta Air Lines now offers free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights, making it the first major airline in the U.S. to offer free in-flight internet access. In a partnership with T-Mobile, over 500 aircraft serving Delta’s most popular routes, such as flights to Chicago, Boston, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, are outfitted with fast-streaming satellite connectivity.

“Our vision has long been to deliver an experience at 30,000 feet that feels similar to what our customers have available on the ground,” Delta Airlines CEO Ted Bastian says in a prepared statement.

Customers can determine if their flight has free Wi-Fi by a sticker near the airplane’s boarding door and can connect to the service via their SkyMiles account. delta.com –Eliana

Kinzer

Many Hands Come Together at Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park will be a celebrated site when completed in 2025. However, it’s not only a celebration of America’s 44th and first Black president—it will also honor the remarkable citizens of the South Side, where First Lady Michelle Obama grew up and President Barack Obama got his start as a community organizer in the 1990s. The Obama Foundation is overseeing the construction of the presidential center.

“The center is being built with intentionality to ensure the space is welcoming, inclusive, and incorporates both indoor and outdoor spaces for visitors and community members to enjoy,” says a spokesperson for the Obama Foundation. “The center will be more than a library—it will be an experience that inspires visitors to learn and empowers them to take action in their communities.”

Designed by New York City-based architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, the form of the eight-story museum will suggest upward movement, inspired by the spirit of creating remarkable things from the grassroots. The design of the building also symbolizes four hands coming together—an acknowledgment that the hands of many people shape a place.

The 225,000-square-foot Obama Presidential Center also will host a variety of events. “The Obama Presidential Center will be a space for everyone and for everything,” says the foundation’s spokesperson. “Events will be a big part of convening folks at this site.” –Todd

obama.org

R. Berger

PHOTOS: OBAMA FOUNDATION; DELTA AIR LINES; (OPPOSITE) ADOBE/TOSCA66; TOPGOLF

Explore the Charm of the Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk on the southern bank of the Chicago River spans more than a mile from Lake Michigan to Lake Street, offering a pedestrianfriendly environment through the heart of the city. While walking the riverwalk, meeting-goers will come across charming nooks, airy cafes, wineries and bars, public art, landmarks, museums, and numerous water-based activities. This vibrant and charming pedestrian promenade offers groups a delightful way to soak up the city’s culture, history, and architecture, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the river and skyline.

For attendees looking to explore the Riverwalk from the water, a range of boat tours are available. These include the glass-enclosed Odyssey Chicago River, the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, Shoreline Sightseeing, and Wendella Sightseeing Co. Inc. For a more unique experience, groups can try Island Party Boats, Chicago Cycleboats, or the ecoconscious Chicago Electric Boat Co.

The Riverwalk also features permanent and rotating public art by leading contemporary artists, such as a mural by Kate Lynn Lewis and portraits of Chicagoans by street muralist Don’t Fret. Attendees can also view Ellen Lanyon’s Riverwalk Gateway and Carolyn Ottmers’ Allium sculptures. The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Plaza is a tranquil spot for a timeout from the bustling city. The Riverwalk’s crown jewel is Art On The Mart, the largest digital art projection in the world, covering 2 1/2 acres of The Merchandise Mart’s river-facing facade.

Food and drink options on the Riverwalk are plenty, with something to suit every taste. City Winery is a popular spot with a spacious waterfront patio, which serves signature wines on tap paired with a cheese plate. Tiny Tapp & Cafe features casual bites and cocktails, Island Party Hut brings the tropical vibes, The Northman Beer & Cider Garden has locally made ciders, and the new Community Marketplace features Chicago-based women- and minority-owned vendors. In addition to its restaurants, the Riverwalk also features several boutique shops and artisanal markets where meeting-goers can pick up unique gifts and souvenirs.

The Chicago Riverwalk is a must-visit destination for groups looking to experience what the Windy City has to offer. So, grab a comfortable pair of shoes and get walkin’.

chicago.gov

HIT THE LINKS IN SCHAUMBURG

» TOPGOLF Chicago-Schaumburg, established in 2019, allows everyone from golf novices to seasoned pros to play iconic courses, including California’s Pebble Beach Golf Links, St. Andrews Links in Scotland, and Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia. The high-tech sports entertainment complex can host team-building events and networking gatherings for up to 1,000 people.

“Our team-building activities are designed to really help build trust and collaboration, and to challenge a team to think strategically,” says Gigi Wagner, Topgolf Chicago-Schaumburg’s director of sales. “The experience can be as fun and light or as competitive as [meeting-goers] would like it to be.”

The venue has 102 golf bays on three floors with top tracer technology to keep track of every shot from a chip in each ball, a 28-foot projection TV in the main bar area, and a chef-driven menu from Executive Chef Matthew Beck. In addition to the indoor spaces, groups can gather on the outdoor veranda and on the patio next to the Mezzanine Lounge. Large groups can buy out the entire venue. –Todd R. Berger

topgolf.com

Kinzer

A Celebration of Winners

In February, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Greater Midwest Chapter hosted its annual awards ceremony honoring dedicated volunteers from 2022, in the International Ballroom Foyer at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. The event included the announcement of the winners and a networking reception, with Beatmix Music of Northbrook providing a solo guitarist and MK Event Photo setting up a Party Cube Inflatable Photo Booth and Social Sharing Station to entertain guests.

1. Roz Stuttley 2. Rosalind Dixon and Jennifer Needham 3. Ariel Litewka and Margie McCartney 4. Jeff Gassaway, Jessica Tillett, Amy Frazer, Anthony Molino, Scott Litch, and Colleen Bingle

5. Jon Robinson 6. Tanya Almond, Kelly Amig, and Deene Alongi

7. Bonnie Stetz and Cindy Schuster

8. Jessica Tillett, Scott Litch, and Rachael Haave

To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact tberger@greenspring.com

SNAPSHOTS PCMA Greater Midwest Chapter Annual Awards Ceremony

Industry Tıps & Trends

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO MEET

YOU NEED A PLACE TO INSPIRE. TO CONNECT. TO TOAST TO A JOB WELL DONE... FIND JUST WHAT YOU NEED AT VISITEFFINGHAMIL.COM

The Sophisticated Storyteller

Last summer, Dustin Arnheim returned to the city to head up sales and marketing for Choose Chicago, a role he quietly champions

BY TODD R. BERGER

Some 21 years ago, Dustin Arnheim started in the hospitality industry at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago as a corporate management trainee for Hyatt Hotels Corp. A selfdescribed introvert, Arnheim pursued positions in sales that often attract extroverts, first with Hyatt, then with Visit Indy in Indianapolis, Indiana, and with Visit Baltimore in Maryland. Now that he has come back to Chicago, this time as senior vice president of sales and services at Choose Chicago, Arnheim embraces his role while staying true to himself.

“I’m in a very high-paced job that I love, but I also need some downtime to just recharge,” Arnheim says. “Family time is so important to me; I love playing games with my kids, and I savor the opportunity to just grill out and have good old-fashioned family fun.”

However, it’s certainly not all downtime for Arnheim. He has lofty goals—under the leadership of Lynn Osmond, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO, Arnheim has launched a sales strategy, with the goal of booking nearly 2 million hotel room nights in 2023. “We are working to become more sophisticated storytellers of Chicago as we sell the city,” he says. “We are telling a new Chicago story, which will provide us the opportunity to get out there and highlight the beauty of our city, the beauty of our neighborhoods, and the diverse culture that we offer.”

With Chicago hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Arnheim believes next year will be an incredible opportunity to share the city’s rich history. “I think the dynamics of this city are so intriguing, and we have so much to offer,” he says. “Chicago has everything, and I cannot wait to showcase our city on the highest stage next year.”

Although the city is important to Arnheim, it’s not the only thing that influences him. “One of the things that shaped me as a leader today was helping my son through his battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome [a rare nerve disorder that often causes paralysis],” Arnheim notes, emphasizing the impact that his son’s three-month battle with the disorder had on his life.

Arnheim adds, “My former leader, Al Hutchinson, who is president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, taught me the importance of leading with your heart. I try to bring that into everything I do day in and day out, and really just bring the human perspective to the job.”

PHOTO: TOM MICHAS

Dustin Arnheim

MeeTiNg spAces aNd so mUch moRe.

Sure, Boise has inspired meeting spaces for all kinds of events, large and small. But unlike other cities, you’ll also find award-winning restaurants, a scenic river, mountain trails and vibrant culture just steps from your venue.

Start planning today at Visitboise.com/meetings