ILM+E | WINTER 2020

Winter 2020

ILLINOIS MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

4 EDITOR’S LETTER

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

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 SIGNATURE DRINK Pink Spritz, courtesy of Bad Hunter

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

FEATURE

14

Road Trip: Wisconsin

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

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

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

Compiled by Megan Gosch

30 SNAPSHOTS

Photos from Chicago’s Hospitality Fest 2019

MEETINGSMAGS.COM // WINTER 2020

INSIDE

A bevy of new and noteworthy venues awaits just across the border. {14}

ON THE COVER

In the midst of a statewide renaissance, explore plenty of Wisconsin’s new event offerings on page 14. Illustration

by Traci Zellmann.