Winter 2020 ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURE
DEPARTMENTS
14
4 EDITOR’S LETTER
Road Trip: Wisconsin
12 DESTINATION From state-of-the-art expo centers to revitalized spaces teeming with character, Chicago Southland offers unique options for events. By Maura Keller
Abuzz with a new wave of tourism, world-class events and a revitalizing building boom, there are plenty of new and noteworthy venues to discover across the border. By Megan Gosch
32 PEOPLE PROFILE Chicago-based planner and stylist Rachel De Marte brings the fun to design- and food-focused events. By Megan Gosch
MEETING NOTES 7 BYO BARTENDER In-hotel wine, beer and cocktail taps are bringing the bar right to your room. By Kassidy Tarala
8 BEYOND THE BORDER The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers a secluded setting for the ultimate seaside retreat. By Megan Gosch 9 MEETING MUNCHIES BomboBar offers a menu chock-full of customizable sweet and savory options. By Megan Ekstrand
10 NEW VENUE SPOTLIGHT A West Loop favorite offers a bright, plant-filled escape for private events. By Megan Gosch
11 RESTAURANT REC Pisolino serves up refined Italian classics and custom event offerings. By Megan Gosch
11 TEAM-BUILDING Native 312 Events helps groups flex their creative muscles with graffiti workshops. By Kassidy Tarala
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INDUSTRY UPDATES 24 INFOGRAPHIC CWT Meetings & Events’ 2020 Future Trends Report identifies key developments in the industry and projects growth in 2020. Research courtesy of CWT
ON THE COVER M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // W I N T E R 2 0 2 0
INSIDE
26 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local industry. Compiled by Megan Gosch
30 SNAPSHOTS
Photos from Chicago’s Hospitality Fest 2019
A bevy of new and noteworthy venues awaits just across the border. {14}
In the midst of a statewide renaissance, explore plenty of Wisconsin’s new event offerings on page 14. Illustration by Traci Zellmann.
P H OTO : K I M P TO N J O U R N E Y M A N H OT E L
10 SIGNATURE DRINK Pink Spritz, courtesy of Bad Hunter
| WINTER 2020
11/22/2019 11:34:10 AM
