Illinois Meetings + Events Fall 2023/Winter 2024

Spa Solace

Help attendees relax at standout spa resorts

Cherishing Chicago

Gina Speckman thrives in the Windy City

Catering Reimagined

Caterer creativity flourishes across the state

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // F A L L 2 0 2 3 W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

A WINTER

Wonderland GALENA GATHERINGS SHINE IN THE WINTERTIME

CVB Showcase A handy guide for choosing host cities

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Miguel Cancel Carpenter

It’s the people that make the place.

When was the last time you received exceptional service?

It probably stands out, because it is rare. That’s what makes it memorable. Our goal is simple, to be the best convention destination in the world. To do that, you need exceptional people delivering exceptional service in every facet of the organization.

We invite you to see for yourself. HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

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Meet you in Detroit

TM

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UU NN I TI T EE ! A! A NN DD ! U! U NN WW I NI N DD With With 16 16 unique unique beach beach neighborhoods neighborhoods along along 2626 miles miles of of sugar-white sugar-white sand sand and and turquoise turquoise water, water, South South Walton Walton is is thethe ultimate ultimate event event destination. destination.

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Contents In Every Issue //

4 Editor’s Note 8 Meeting Notes

Take your next meeting from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas

FAL L 20 23 / WINTER 2 02 4

18

Feature //

Revitalize & Renew

BY PAMELA DITTMER MCKUEN

Spa resorts across Illinois reduce stress for attendees— and meeting planners

12 Meet+Eat

These creative caterers prepare delectable dishes while putting on a show

14 Destination

Historic and picture-perfect, Galena welcomes groups to its riverfront downtown

22 Industry Update

28 People Profile

A self-described ‘people person,’ Gina Speckman loves promoting Chicago’s North Shore

Spa Solace

Help attendees relax at standout spa resorts

Cherishing Chicago

Gina Speckman’s passion for the Windy City Shines through her work

Catering Reimagined

Caterer creativity flourishes across the state

M E E T I N G S M A G S . C O M // F A L L 2 0 2 3 W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

A WINTER

Wonderland GALENA GATHERINGS SHINE IN THE WINTERTIME

CVB Showcase A handy guide for choosing host cities

On the Cover

Snowy Galena harbors small-town ambience for attendees PHOTO COURTESY VISIT GALENA

Spa patron at the Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club in Chicago

A culinary creation from Catering by Michaels

12

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Catering by Michaels

Discover the latest updates through our Illinois news

4 IL M+E » FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

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Cuneo Mansion and Gardens

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Doubletree Mundelein

We bring more to meetings

Hyatt Regency Deerfield

Book your next meeting in Lake County, Illinois and get an amazing location with uniquely designed venues and meeting spaces.

From full-service hotels and resorts to open and natural areas, let us guide you. Make your next meeting a success in Lake County.

Discover more at VisitLakeCounty.org/meetings.

Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Catering by Michaels

CENTRE’D AROUND YOU. Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown, Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures.

• Convenient downtown location • Seven minutes from the airport and numerous direct flights • Surrounded by restaurants, breweries and nightlife • Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance • Nearby outdoor activities include hiking, rafting, biking and more

BoiseCentre.com

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EDI TOR ’ S N OT E

The Technologist Bandwagon

meetingsmags

TODD R. BERGER

Senior Editor tberger@greenspring.com

PHOTO Darin Kamnetz

meetingsmags.com/illinois

» ILLINOIS MEETING PLANNERS have a lot on their minds. They might at various moments be planning programs, booking keynoters, seeking out and contracting venues, budgeting, and keeping stakeholders informed about their progress. But what about event technology? Certainly, apps, websites, virtual platforms, and technical execution on-site are critical for most events nowadays. However, according to event ticketing platform Billeto, only 20% of meeting planners feel they really know how to use their event tech. In this reality, especially for larger events, the increasingly common answer to this conundrum is hiring an event technologist.

You might ask, “Can’t information technology or the website team handle the tech?”

To answer these questions, let’s look at what an event technologist can do for you. Sure, they can help with app/website development and systems management, but where they really shine is in data analytics, vetting platform options, choosing and managing registration software, integrating event databases, tracking and analyzing event data after the event, communicating with vendors, and assessing event performance.

Plus, within your organization, you likely have people who specialize in attendee management, marketing, design and production, and sponsorship and exhibit sales.

When you think about the outsize role technology plays in the success of your event, including touching aspects of all the other specialties you have working your event, it really becomes clearer that an event technologist is not a luxury, but a critical member of your team.

In addition to technical expertise, event technologists increase return on investment by enhancing data collection, analyzing it, and making recommendations based on their conclusions. They also can help you keep to budgets by assessing audiovisual providers and event platforms, and recommending the best ones that also offer cost savings.

Despite these benefits of an event technologist, a Cvent poll showed only 24% of organizations in its survey had a dedicated event technologist on staff. But as we look forward toward emerging event technologies like artificial intelligence and evermore technologically complex events across industries, as well as the cost and stress savings from an event technologist’s work, this percentage will rise. Meeting planners who embrace the role on their staffs will likely thrive as technology inevitably evolves.

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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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Our Accessibility Guide and more at raleighconvention.com Our Accessibility Guide and more at raleighconvention.com

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M E E TI NG NOTE S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

PRIORITIZE GIVING BACK Incorporating philanthropy into meetings and events gets attendees more involved in activities and better connects them with local communities

W

hen it comes to developing the itinerary

a portion of the event fees to. Marriott International

for a business event or gathering of

partnered with the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott

colleagues, adding a philanthropic ele-

Foundation to donate a joint $550,000 to the

ment promotes team building and bonding among

American Hotel & Lodging Association’s No Room

attendees, gives back to the resident communities

for Trafficking Fund to provide support and stability

of the host destination, and encourages connection

to human trafficking survivors.

between visitors and locals. And this sort of element

Incorporate a volunteer program into the event

can take several forms—from volunteering and donating

organization. The Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo held

excess food to givebacks, auctions, and more—making

at the Extraco Events Center in Waco attracted more

it accessible for all types of events.

than 230,000 visitors last year, and it took more

If you’re looking to emphasize environmental and

than 500 volunteers to help manage the logistics.

food conservation in the host city of your event, con-

Volunteers not only help lower costs, but they also

sider partnering with nonprofits like Denver-based

make an event run more efficiently and provide a

We Don’t Waste to recover and reuse uneaten food

strong support system for the event. Or, give your

and snacks to feed people in need rather than throw-

attendees a chance to volunteer themselves with day-

ing it away. We Don’t Waste will pick up the unused

long activities like tree planting

food from event venues and catering companies to

or working on habitat improve-

redistribute to food pantries, schools, and more.

ment projects at Washington’s

Consider organizing a giveback by selecting a nonprofit or other philanthropic organization to donate

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.

ahla.com hotfair.com marriott.com mtsgreenway.org wedontwaste.org

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) We Don’t Waste, Steven Smith, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

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VINO ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI » IF PLANNERS ARE looking for a spot

Capturing Chicago

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Adobe/Alex, Adobe/Andrew Hagen

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) We Don’t Waste, Steven Smith, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

View from The Ledge at the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago

» WHEN ATTENDING AN EVENT, people will want to capture the moments in photos as they explore the host destination. In Chicago, there are several great Instagrammable spots at which planners can incorporate a stop or for attendees to explore on their own between meetings.

See the historic Begin Route 66 sign in downtown Chicago, which marks the start of the fabled highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, California. The sign is located on East Adams Street just west of its intersection with Michigan Avenue, directly in front of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Get sky-high shots with a visit to The Ledge, a glass-enclosed balcony on the 103rd floor of Chicago’s Willis Tower that extends 4 feet beyond the tower’s walls. Photographs taken here will feature sprawling views of much of the city and Lake Michigan.

Grab a bite and a photo at Chicago’s 2d Restaurant. It will feel like you’re stepping into a comic book as the restaurant’s interior is entirely hand-painted in black and white by local artist Mia Larson. There are 3D elements depicting sites in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, sprinkled throughout the artwork that really brings it to life.

For mural lovers, stop by Joe Miller’s “Drip It Like It’s Dot” mural on Chicago’s Randolph Street. Full of brightly colored dots in the shape of multiple layered circles, it’s sure to make any photo op pop. –Amanda Christensen

to bring their group together away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago, consider heading west to host an event at one of several wineries and vineyards along the mighty Mississippi River. From Nauvoo down to Quincy, the river valley area is a hot spot for groups to gather and sip amid sprawling fields of grapevines.

Open year-round, Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery in Nauvoo offers a few different event spaces on-site. Gather in the Wine Barrel Bar or out on its patio (weather permitting), both of which seat up to 25 attendees. For an event of up to 50, planners can choose to host in the main winery building as well.

“We offer tastings of all our wines, short self-guided tours of our winery, and a lot of history of our area,” adds Brenda Logan, co-owner of the property with Kelly Logan.

There is also a bed-and-breakfast across the street for overnight stays of up to 20 people.

Also in Nauvoo, Press House Winery opened in 2019 and has a tasting room capacity of up to 50 attendees. With its rural locale, the property also boasts stunning outdoor space for larger events up to 200 people, and though the property closes from mid-December through mid-March, it will reopen for an event with advanced notice.

Attendees can enjoy Press House’s fanfavorite wines including its sweeter Harvest Concord, the semidry Cherry Reserve, or the semisweet Cranberry Blush.

Farther south is Spirit Knob Winery in Ursa, run by Matt Schulte and his wife, Karen. The property offers venue rentals for events from fundraisers to company parties. And just south of downtown Quincy, Pointe D’Vine Vineyard & Venue is home to a tasting room, The Hilltop Reception Room, its Ancestral Barn, and the vineyard. Gather groups of 20 to 300 people for team building, seminars, corporate picnics, and everything in between. –Amanda Christensen nauvoowinery.com pointedvine.com presshousewinery.com spiritknobwine.com

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis, Missouri; Right: An aerial view of St. Louis

Look to the West

St. Louis offers an ideal meeting destination just beyond the Illinois border

L

ocated about an hour and a half southwest of Springfield, just over the border into Missouri, sits the eclectic metropolis of St. Louis. Commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis is home to a plethora of venues, restaurants, and tourism hot spots for your attendees to enjoy year-round. From its beautiful parks to its iconic skyline, St. Louis offers the perfect backdrop to charm and inspire meeting-goers at your event.

VIBE: Kitty Ratcliffe, president of Explore St. Louis, says the city is best known as a place of kindness. “Everyone is welcoming, everyone is helpful or wants to be helpful,” she explains. “And they’re just genuinely glad they are here in our city, and that makes people feel really good.”

A city of innovation, St. Louis draws heavily on its culture around technology and creativity, Ratcliffe notes.

TRANSPORTATION: There are several airports around St. Louis, but the largest is St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

The city itself is bisected by Interstates 44, 64, 70, and others, offering easy access around St. Louis and between Missouri and Illinois. The St. Louis Metro Transit system serves the public via bus and light rail.

HOTELS: St. Louis is home to 8,000 hotel rooms downtown and about 38,000 in the metro area, Ratcliffe says. “We have a number of large hotels that have 600 or more hotel guest rooms, and then a comparable amount of meeting space for that,” she says. “The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, the Marriott St. Louis Grand, the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, and the St. Louis Union Station Hotel are some of the largest. Those are downtown, but we also have a number of large hotels outside of downtown in other neighborhoods like the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton and others.”

MEETING VENUES: The largest event venue in St. Louis is the America’s Center Convention Complex, which is located downtown. Both a convention center and a stadium, the complex is home to 502,000 square feet of exhibit and gathering space, 80 meeting rooms, a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, the 67,000-seat Dome at America’s Center, and the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre.

Ratcliffe says St. Louis can host large events of up to 80,000 attendees.

RESTAURANTS: Ratcliffe adds that St. Louis is home to several culinary standouts suitable for group dining. Acero—which

offers traditional Italian fare made from locally sourced ingredients, dubbed “Midwestern Italian”—has a private dining room that accommodates 40 to 50 people. The famous Ruth’s Chris Steak House, she says, is also an option, offering two private dining rooms, customizable menus, and state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities.

MUST-SEES AND -DOS: Beyond the boardroom, St. Louis is bursting with many attractions and hidden gems perfect for eventgoers to explore.

“For people who are attending meetings and events and have a little free time, we have an extraordinary array of activities that are very reachable geographically, very affordable, and world-class,” Ratcliffe says. Most notably, the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch in Gateway Arch National Park offers unbeatable views of the sprawling city. Union Station, a decommissioned train station built in the 1890s, is now a hotel and entertainment complex.

City Museum, located downtown, is an indoor amusement park perfect for attendees and their families. explorestlouis.com

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Explore St. Louis (2), Lock Socket, Alex Maldonado Photography

BY MADELINE FUERSTENBERG

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Save Your Setup With Lock Socket

H

ave you ever been working the event registration desk, exhibiting at a conference, or waiting for your turn to present when electronic equipment gets disconnected or ripped out of a wall outlet? The new Lock Socket three-prong electrical cord lock is designed for use on sensitive equipment that needs to remain plugged into a power source. Lock Socket fits around any standard-size male electrical cord plugs and is installed by removing the original outlet screw from the wall plate, plugging in the cord, and securing the Lock Socket to the wall outlet using the provided security screws and Allen key (also known as a hex wrench).

Founder Shaant Varjabedian came up with the idea for Lock Socket after becoming frustrated with losing phone chargers around the house or when traveling, so he created the original Lock Socket for phones and tablets. The Lock Socket three-prong electrical cord was created in response to several requests from technology and health care clients. locksocket.com –Beth Buehler

BLOW THAT GLASS » TAKE GROUP ACTIVITIES in the Prairie State up a notch with Chicago’s Ignite Glass Studios. The organization offers hands-on glassblowing experiences for groups of five to 20 where attendees can create their own vases, wine glasses, pint glasses, ornaments, paperweights, and more. Weather permitting and based on availability, Ignite Glass Studios can also host events of up to 350 people in its Event Studio, Urban Garden, or Rooftop

Deck with the option to add a demonstration viewing to see an artist at work. “Our glassblowing events are designed to engage and inspire, making them perfect for team-building activities or unique social gatherings,” says Genevieve Manning, director of sales and events at Ignite. “Guided by our expert artists, you’ll learn the techniques and secrets of this ancient craft.” igniteglass.com –Amanda Christensen

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M EET + EAT Creative Caterers

Cuisine by Chicago-based Jewell Events Catering

Ingenuity on the Plate

» THESE DAYS, food is a lot more than sustenance. It’s an experience, and in the case of corporate and nonprofit meetings, eating has become an event within an event. In-person gatherings are alive and thriving once again, but this time, creativ it y is what ’s trend i n g a mon g today’s Chicagoland caterers.

Going way beyond the food that’s on the plate, area caterers are offering unique touches to their catering process, and it’s something eventgoers and planners alike appreciate. For instance, Patrick Crosson, CMP, DES, chief experience owner of Chicago-based PC Events & Experiences—who regularly plans events for upward of 500 people—thinks of his go-to caterer, Catering by Michaels, for any event that calls for a distinctive feel.

“The events team at Catering by Michaels acts as a sounding board, a creative

strategist, and a logistics partner,” he says. “Ideas aren’t generated in a silo.

Many unique and creative experiences come from a food setup or a welcome drink experience. They bring those ideas to life and make it a lot easier for our team to get our jobs done.”

There are many inventive trends that are emerging from the world of catering, and they can be experienced in and around the city of Chicago.

COOKING AS A LIVE SHOW L isa Wa re, president of Cater i n g by Michaels based in Morton Grove, says one of the more unique touches can be discovered at its buffet and action stations: live cooking in front of g uests, which she observes has become a popular trend since the Food Network has turned chefs into celebrities.

“We love action stations. They are an incredible opportunity to surprise and delight our guests and make the food an experience that adds to the event,” she says, reflecting on past successes. “Anything we can do to bring some of the food prep in front of the guests improves freshness and quality while creating ‘wow’ moments, which is a win-win.”

This is something at which Jewel l Events Catering in Chicago also excels.

Myles Bosack, director of marketing, agrees with this line of thinking, adding, “Engagement is everything.” “ We love interactive food stations, especia lly when our culinar y team is able to interact with guests,” he observes.

“Chefs are now admired like rock stars, and we love when our talented culinary team is immediately appreciated from our clients and guests on-site.”

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Jewel Events Catering, Catering by Michaels, Boka Catering Group, True Cuisine

Chicago caterers tempt attendees’ senses with these top trends BY SHELBY DEERING

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Jewel Events Catering, Catering by Michaels, Boka Catering Group, True Cuisine

CUSTOMIZABLE CUISINE Many caterers have started to recognize the importance of offering customizable options to attendees with certain food preferences, or, namely, ones with food allergies or dietary requirements.

“We are focused on creating opportunities for customization,” Ware says. “For a while, caterers were just trying to make food that would be safe for everybody, and that’s no fun. We are creating experiences where the guests can interact with the food and prepare it to their liking.”

This way, when the chefs take the time to develop delicious dishes that all guests can enjoy, it’s an effective way to make everyone feel included.

FOOD AS ART Gone are the days when caterers simply placed food on plates and went on their way.

Now, attendees can get in on the action through creative catering presentations.

For example, Andrew Root, senior sales manager of Boka Catering Group in Chicago, says one thing that best showcases its blend of culinary and artistic elements is the Graffiti Street Art Dessert Activation.

He explains how, during this immersive experience, desserts transform into “canvases for guest interaction.”

“With spray cans filled with vibrant hues of sprayable cocoa butter, attendees adorn cookies and Rice Krispie treats, which are artfully displayed on a faux white-brick wall, turning the dessert course into a dynamic and interactive art gallery,” he reflects.

Catering by Michaels is getting in on the trend, too, with a “Choco Taco station” in which chefs hand-dip and decorate dessert tacos to the order of each guest, making for personalized art they can eat.

FEASTING FOR FIVE SENSES Specializing in seasonal, chef-driven cuisine—something that, in and of itself, is a recent a nd creative trend—Duce

Raymond, managing partner of True Cuisine in Wood Dale, says they always want their guests and clients to walk away with an experience that heightens and delights all of the senses.

In other words? Eating at events is going far beyond f lavor these days. It’s a lso about what guests can see, hear, feel, and touch, and about achieving this sensor y ex perience through creative methods. For example, Root says, when creating a memorable culinary experience, Boka Catering Group relies less on external decorations and more on artistic presentation of the food itself, in a way that captivates and engages attendees.

“Our Smoke and Flame station is not just about the flavors, but also the visual and aromatic allure,” he says. “Guests are drawn into the mesmerizing display of chefs caramelizing short ribs with fiery Searzalls and thick-cut bacon under glass cloches with smoldering maple. The sight and intoxicating aroma create an atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting.”

Catering by Michaels is all about sensory presentation as well. The company well-known for its innovative food stations in which each food element of the station is paired with a presentation piece that’s hand-picked, “so the station is as beautiful as it is delicious,” as Ware puts it, touching upon the sight experience.

Whether it’s through the Sweet Baby Ray’s embellishments—which include accents of wood, brick, a nd w rought iron—or the house catering company’s modern and sleek details, which feature black granite, hammered silver, and clear melamine vessels, True Cuisine advocates “eating with the eyes,” something at which many creative caterers are now excelling, Raymond says. bokacatering.com cateringbymichaels.com georgejewell.com pcexperiences.com truecuisine.com

From above: Colorful cocktail from Catering

by Michaels; Charcuterie-style assortment

by Boka Catering Group

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DE ST I NAT ION Galena

A trolley allows for old-timey sightseeing along Main Street Galena.

Beyond the Big City

» MIDWESTERN CULTURE doesn’t get much more authentic than in a city such as Galena. Located in the northwestern corner of the state not too far from the Mississippi River, the city was a mecca for lead mining and river commerce in the mid-1800s. Back then, Galena was the wealthiest city in the state and was even larger in population than Chicago.

Today, Galena is a major tourism destination, attracting more than 2 million visitors each year. For meeting and event planners, it offers a memorable setting and unique experiences best suited for smalland medium-size groups.

PASTORAL APPEAL Galena’s rolling hills and deep valleys are a huge draw. The area wasn’t flattened by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago, like much of the Upper Midwest, leaving the steep, rugged terrain untouched. “ The scenic beaut y is what ma kes it really stand out,” says Tom Rynott, director of communications for Galena Country Tourism. “It’s an amazing backdrop for any event.” This scenic beauty is what initially attracted Julie Guy to Galena. She is a meeting planner for the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA), based in Elgin.

In 2022, Guy held a post-traumatic stress disorder retreat for about 40 first responders at Ea g le R idge Resor t & Spa, located in the countryside about 15 minutes from downtown Galena. A key objective was to provide a safe, peaceful environment for attendees, away from the chaos of a big city.

“It was fantastic,” Guy recalls. “It was mainly because of the resort. The staff there was fantastic to work with.” Based on the success of that event, she held IPPFA’s three-day annual conference for 275 members there this year as well—and attendees loved the location and the venue. “We will

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Illinois Office of Tourism, Turner Hall, DeSoto House Hotel

From hills and history to hiking with goats, Galena serves up originality for meeting attendees BY ANNE NAGRO

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be back in Galena again in 2024 because it was so well received, and the conference was sold out,” says Guy. In addition to large windows overlooking 6,800 acres, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa has 15,000 square feet of meeting space, accommodating up to 300 people, as well as 80 guest rooms and 100 home and condo rentals with one to eight bedrooms.

In winter, the resort’s seven heated igloos are popular. “We have had small groups actually meet in the igloos,” says Colin Sanderson, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “It’s great. When it’s snowing while you’re in there, it’s really cool.” Eagle Ridge also rents sleds and snowshoes for groups to enjoy as the snow falls.

Galena’s natural setting also appealed to de Novo Marketing, a company based two hours away in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Its annual two-day strategic planning and team-building retreat for 19 employees was held in September at Chestnut Mountain Resort, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River near Galena.

After a day of meetings in the 100-room resort, the de Novo team rode Alpine slides down the mountain, enjoyed a Mississippi River sunset cruise, and rode chairlifts back to the summit for a casual meal and bonfire.

Skiing and snowboarding are favorite guest activities during wintertime.

“Everyone loved it,” says de Novo Operations Director Lydia Sax, who planned the event. “In fact, Galena and Chestnut Mountain might become our go-to places for our retreats. It’s hard to find something close and unique that is accommodating to our entire team, and Chestnut Mountain checked all the boxes.”

HISTORIC CHARM That being said, downtown Galena is not to be overlooked. Its 19th-century architecture is picture-perfect. Main Street is a vibrant half-mile stretch of historic buildings housing 125 art galleries, antiques stores, boutiques, and restaurants. More than 85% of the community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

DeSoto House Hotel; Above: Event at Turner Hall

Right in the center of it all is the DeSoto House Hotel, which opened its doors in 1855 and is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. The Planning Center, a wealth management advisory headquartered in Moline, recently held an annual retreat

there, bringing in participants from as far away as Alaska. “DeSoto House was able to accommodate our group all under one roof—from the sleeping rooms to the meeting space and meals,” says Client Ser vices Specia list Ma rissa Feeha n.

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DE ST I NAT ION Galena

The hotel accommodates up to 120 people for meetings and banquets and has three restaurants and 55 guest rooms.

Overnight guests can park in the hotel’s private garage, and attendees can easily walk to the Galena History Museum, visit the home of former President and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, jump on a narrated Galena Trolley tour, or enjoy the town’s many shops and restaurants.

While private dining is popular at Log Cabin Steakhouse, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Galena Taphouse, it also can be catered at Turner Hall. This 150-yearold recently restored historic landmark is one block off Main Street and features a large open floor, stage, and balcony with 335 built-in seats.

Janelle Keeffer, foundation and marketing director at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, has held several events at Turner Hall over the years, including fundraisers, donor luncheons, meetings, mixers, and concerts.

“The community really has a lot of pride in Turner Hall,” says Keeffer, who once worked as the hall’s facilities manager.

“It’s such a beautiful venue, and it’s so unique.” She says it is the ideal place to hold a dinner presentation or cocktail reception. The ma ximum capacity at Turner Hall is 300 to 500 people, depending on the seating arrangement.

Enjoying the Galena dining scene was a highlight for the 70 employees of Per Mar Security who recently attended a threeday meeting at Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, located a mile from downtown. Newly renovated, the inn has a shuttle to take guests downtown, 76 guest rooms, f lexible meeting space, a 3,000-square-foot ballroom, and a library. It has Irish decor and even a faerie ring for outdoor events.

With employees in seven Midwestern states, Per Mar Security CEO Brian Duffy says Galena was centrally located and

PHOTOS (COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Galena Spoon Co., Amy May Photography, Tacktics Galena, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

From above: Galena Spoon Co.’s “The Mill, The Maker, and The Goat Caper” program participants; Show at P.T. Murphy Magic Theater; Horse activities through Tacktics Galena

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PHOTOS (COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Galena Spoon Co., Amy May Photography, Tacktics Galena, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Festivities at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa’s 2023 Winter Carnival

offered something for everyone, whether that was dining out, golfing, fishing, or going to the spa.

A nother way to ta ke in the town is through Galena Foodie Adventures. Up to 25 people can go on a private threehour tasting tour that makes five stops for food and drinks. The cocktail adventure, accommodating up to 15 eventgoers, is two hours long and stops for three cocktail and food pairings. The walking tours run April to December and stop at restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and coffee shops. “You really get to taste your way through Galena on a tour with us,” says Devin Ganka, owner of Galena Foodie Adventures.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES The full-service resorts in Galena are skilled at developing custom team-building

and bonding activities for groups. Independent shopkeepers, artists, and farmers also offer a variety of authentic experiences that showcase the beauty and community of Galena. This includes the intimate P.T. Murphy’s Magic Theater, a popular attraction offering private shows, and Tacktics Galena, a team-building program that involves guiding horses through groundbased obstacles (no riding involved).

“It takes team building to another level,” says Dan Sullivan, vice president of member relations at Iowa’s Dubuque A rea Chamber of Commerce, which has held events in Galena. “It’s incredible.”

Then there’s Hoof It Goat Treks, where groups walk with goats through forest and prairie, taking in incredible views on a 300-acre family farm. Hour-long treks occur year-round, weather permitting,

and can incorporate food, wine tasting from a neighboring vineyard, a bonfire, and even live music.

A three-hour program about sustainability called “The Mill, The Maker, and The Goat Caper” explores how goats help maintain the forest so the farmer can harvest trees that the maker then crafts into beautiful everyday utensils. That maker, artist Paul Pendola—who owns Galena Spoon Co.—also hosts demonstrations and wood-carving classes where small groups learn how to make wooden spoons. “What we’re doing, sharing our land and passion for it, is authentic,” says Christine Eisbach, owner of Hoof It Goat Treks. “It’s part of who we are—it’s not just what we do.” visitgalena.org

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Dana Agency, The St. Regis Chicago, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Clockwise from above left: Facial at Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Chicago; Elegant product display at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park’s Leaf Spa; Caroline Astor Suite guest room at The St. Regis Chicago; Indoor pool at Waldorf Astoria Chicago; Aerial view of golf course at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena

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& Renew

Revitalize Illinois flourishes with spa hotels and resorts that relax attendees between meetings

F

BY PAMELA DITTMER MCKUEN

or de c a de s , a t y pic a l me e ting agenda has included coffee breaks, happy hours, and perhaps a golf outing. Today, those extracurriculars often translate to smoothie bars, yoga sessions, and body massages— all because savvy meeting planners are picking up on the booming wellness trend by adding healthy programming to the mix.

The trend is only expected to continue.

About 50% of U.S. consumers report wellness as a top priority in their daily lives, according to a 2022 survey by global management consultancy McKinsey and Co. That’s a significant rise from 42% in 2020.

Furthermore, the survey reveals consumers increasingly value and seek out ways to address their wellness needs acros s va r iou s d i men sion s , such a s through fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. “If there is one good thing that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s it,” says Abbi Porter, spa director at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena.

With meeting planner clients in mind, hotels and resorts across Illinois are responding by boosting their spa and

wellness offerings. They’re upgrading their facilities, forging pa r tnerships with outside wellness experts, and creating treatment menus of therapeutic activities and experiences.

A SHIFT IN PRIORITIES

“It started about seven years ago that everybody wanted to do team-building events,” says Colin Sanderson, director of sales and marketing at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. “In the last two and a half years, the trend has gone from team building to more of a wellness event.”

“People, especially employees, have re-prioritized what is important to them,” Porter says in agreement. “They want a work culture that respects the fact that they are taking care of themselves.”

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is located in the scenic region of northwestern Illinois.

Scattered throughout the property are an 80-room inn and 150 villas and homes for rental. Its Stonedrift Spa opened in November 2022 in a stand-alone building on-site. Also on the grounds are a fitness center and four golf courses.

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“When you come out to Galena, it’s an environment unlike anything else,” Sanderson says. “We have rolling hills, beautiful farmland, beautiful little mountains, and waterfalls. When people get here, they immediately start to relax. They say, ‘I didn’t know there was a world like this.’”

At Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Anita Rahman, director of sales and marketing, also sees an uptick in the demand for wellness programming. “People are willing to meet and come together again, and that’s fantastic,” she says. “The overarching piece is that people’s well-being is at the top of everyone’s mind as it comes to attendees. The meeting planners and hotel staff who are working with them are trying to incorporate fun, innovative ways to match the purpose of the meeting.”

With 687 guest rooms and suites, the 45-story Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park high-rise is just steps from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, lush greenspaces, and vibrant Michigan Avenue. The hotel’s Leaf Spa offers nature-focused facials and body treatments, and the adjacent fitness center was recently upgraded.

“We don’t see this as a trend—we see it as a way of moving forward,” says Kelly Gasspari-Fleming, director at the Waldorf

A storia Spa & Hea lth Club at Waldorf Astoria Chicago. “Being serious about wellness programming is something that sets a lot of the hotels apart.”

The French-inspired Waldorf Astoria Chicago recently underwent a comprehensive renovation to its 214 guest rooms and suites, lobby, restaurants, and spa, with more to come next year.

The 60-story hotel is located in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood.

THE PERKS OF A HEALTHY MEETING

Meetings that include wellness programming lead to benefits before, during, and after the event. A hotel or resort with spa and fitness amenities—and integrated opportunities to enjoy them—can entice attendees to register for a conference a nd boost their overa l l satisfaction .

Interspersed throughout the agenda , activities such as a yoga class or guided m e d it a t ion he lp r e duc e s t r e s s a n d increase productivity. “ We have all been in those 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. meetings,” Sanderson says. “You have a coffee break, get back to the meeting, have lunch, get back to the meeting.

By the end of the day, you’re eit her fa l l i n g asleep halfway through it, or you don’t remember anything.

Wellness activities break it up to where you’re actually getting rejuvenated in a way. You’re more relaxed and more willing to go back to a meeting to learn.”

“If you can say to your attendees, ‘We have reserved the spa from 3 to 8 p.m., and these are the services you can book,’ people are very grateful,” says Kerri Stokes, wellness director at The St. Regis Chicago.

The St. Regis, the city’s newest spa hotel, opened last June in the La keshore East neighborhood. Its 192 rooms and suites occupy the first 11 f loors of a 101-story building, the third-tallest in Chicago. Among the amenities are a spa, fitness club, and indoor heated swimming pool. Behind the hotel is a 6-acre park with ornamental gardens and water features.

Gasspari-Fleming adds, “We’re teaching them something. For instance, the chair yoga we are doing is something they will be able to use in their offices and homes, and perhaps even teach someone they know how to relieve some stress in a 10-minute session without even leaving their office or their chair.”

PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE LEFT) The Dana Agency, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Treatment room at Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park’s Leaf Spa; Opposite: Stonedrift Spa’s relaxation room at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena

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CREATIVE WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

Need some ideas for planning a wellnesscentered event? These suggestions will get you started. Consider incorporating yoga classes on a rooftop terrace or golf green, stretching exercises, mini-Zumba classes, chair yoga, neck massages, guided meditation, crystal healing, sound baths, forest baths, nature hikes, equine therapy, wellness seminars, and fun runs. Spa treatments can be offered as an award, a door prize, or an amenity to the entire group.

Eagle Ridge arranges trail riding on horseback, as well as a no-ride equineassisted program in which participants learn to guide horses through various maneuvers. The exercises are designed to build communication and leadership skills, Sanderson says.

DeAnna Gasen, the office manager and meeting planner for the Illinois Pipes Trades Association in Springfield, says Eagle Ridge’s wide variety of activities is a big draw. A recent agenda included massages and facials with lunch and a catered open bar. The group also participated in golf outings, nature hikes, and pontoon boating on the lake.

The Herrington Inn & Spa in suburban Geneva on the Fox River features 60 European-style guest rooms and suites with oversized whirlpool tubs. Most have private balconies or patios. Guests can book a range of body and skin care treatments at the spa, or they can select from the bath menu and indulge in a signature soak in the privacy of their rooms. Spa attendants will even draw the bath. The hotel also offers amenity baskets of bath and shower products for sale.

“I had one group that ordered an amenity basket for each room, so they could be enjoyed while they were here,” says Lisa Van Bortel, director of sales and marketing.

Colleen Stenslik is the meeting planner for a credit union that holds its annual board meetings at The Herrington, where

the spa is a favorite among both attendees and their spouses. “We just prefer Geneva,” she says. “It’s more quiet. No worries about cabs or getting around, and it is always safe and very walkable. The view of the river from the rooms and meeting spaces is another fabulous part.”

MEETING PLANNER TIPS

The best advice from spa directors and sales managers is to plan ahead. Think about the types of activities you might want to add to your agenda. If you are out of ideas, they have plenty and are happy to customize them to the size and objectives of your meeting.

Planning is essential if you want earlymorning exercise classes, a smoothie break instead of coffee, or a block of time for spa treatments. The hotel may have to bring in extra instructors or therapists, or adjust their hours to account for private groups.

Consider whether you want everyone to visit the spa at the same time, or to stagger appointments throughout the meeting.

“A lot of times meeting planners don’t know what they are looking for, but they know they want something,” GasspariFleming says. And they often need to fit it within a short time period, she adds.

One of G a s spa r i-F lem i n g ’s meeting planner clients initially intended to incorporate chair massages into an event.

In discussing the matter, they acknowledged the challenge of booking one-on-one

sessions for 90 attendees during a 15minute break. As an alternative, GasspariFleming made arrangements for a group chair-yoga class led by a single instructor, which was highly successful.

“A lot of it is educating meeting planners about what we can offer, things they may not have thought of,” says Rahman.

“It might be as simple as having a break in the morning or afternoon with a neck massage, but why not take it one step further to include a spa treatment as a thank you, a recognition, or just to relax post-meeting or to prepare pre-meeting?”

“The planner really needs to key into what type of meeting they are planning and choose the venue that will best pull that off,” Van Bortel says. As an example, a group making tough decisions due to budget limitations might want a relaxed ambience away from crowds and parking restrictions—and spa retreats make the perfect add-on. eagleridge.com fairmont.com/chicago herringtoninn.com marriott.com waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com

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Choose Chicago Expects Record Hotel Revenue Year—With Caveats

T

his year is shaping up to be a record year for hotel revenue in Chicago, according to Dustin Arnheim, senior vice president of sales and services for Choose Chicago.

“We are on a great trajectory with record-setting hotel revenue in the first half of the year, and, based upon current performance and expectations for the remainder of the year, we anticipate hitting a record, too,” says Arnheim. “We’re projecting approximately $2.55 billion in hotel revenue this year.”

But despite the unprecedented revenue numbers, Arnheim says Chicago’s occupancy rates and room demand are still trailing 2019 levels. “While the revenue might be record-breaking, when you take into account adjustments for inflation, it’s not, from a profitability standpoint, anywhere close to 2019,” he explains.

Gathering space at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

“It’s important to consider as our hotels and community evaluate: It’s not always an apples to apples comparison.”

Regardless, Arnheim says Chicago is seeing event attendance both achieving or surpassing 2019’s numbers. It’s still not a full recovery, he explains, but events like the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in July performed well and broke records for that time of year. Next summer, Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention—another big draw for the city. “That has brought a lot of positive momentum going into next year,” Arnheim says.

“All eyes are definitely on Chicago.”

Looking to the future, Arnheim says there’s no crystal ball that can predict how hotel trends will ebb and flow, but he’s optimistic.

“The cities that remained open during the pandemic are a step ahead in that recovery. And those cities who played it conservatively—and rightfully so—like Chicago, just have a little bit more catch-up,” he says, noting how many people were furloughed as businesses temporarily closed during city shutdowns. “But our industry’s recovering, and that story is no different in Chicago.” choosechicago.com –Madeline Fuerstenberg

WASTE NO MORE AT THE RITZ » THE RITZ-CARLTON, CHICAGO, adopted a policy to further prioritize food waste reduction, alongside energy and water conservation, as a way for meeting planners to divert 100% of event food waste and have it repurposed into a sustainable, natural resource: compost. The hotel is even offering attendees the option to take a small bag of that compost home after the event to use in their gardens. The overall sustainability initiative is headed by the hotel’s management, Sage Hospitality, in partnership with BioGreen360, a food waste management solutions and technology company. These initiatives will also be introduced at other Sage Hospitality-managed hotels nationwide. –Amanda Christensen biogreen360.com |

ritzcarlton.com |

sagehospitalitygroup.com

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Adobe/Iuliia Sokolovska, Jack Morton Worldwide, voco Chicago Downtown

I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Adobe/Iuliia Sokolovska, Jack Morton Worldwide, voco Chicago Downtown

Guinness Brewery Comes to Chicago T

he Irish beer brand made its brewery debut in downtown Chicago in late September with the opening of Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago in the city’s West Loop neighborhood. It is now the second Guinness brewery in the U.S., with the first located in Baltimore, Maryland. “We are also one of only three innovation hubs for Guinness in the world,” says Ryan Wagner, head of marketing and national ambassador for the brewery. “We get to focus on the things that make beer and food unique—new and exciting recipes, classic styles reimagined, all with the heart and heritage of Guinness at the center of it.”

The brewery features a full-service taproom and restaurant open all week, as well as a coffee shop and bakery. At the restaurant, dine on an array of cuisine ranging from oysters and Caesar salads to chicken wings, duck udon, braised lamb, and beef stew. Enjoy a well-crafted tap list with beers like Mango Chile Ale and a Pineapple Coconut Porter, or stick with a classic and have the Guinness draught stout. The bakery serves goodies starting at 8 a.m., including cookies, croissants, and scones alongside an array of nonalcoholic beverages like espresso and chai. The property is available for private meals, receptions, and corporate and social events for groups of up to 470 people reception-style. Full buyouts are also an option and give planners and attendees exclusive access to the Barrel Room, Tap Room, and patio. A partial buyout would include just the Barrel Room. –Amanda Christensen guinnessbrewerychicago.com

LOOKING OUT FOR ILLINOIS HOTELS

Event at dual-branded voco Chicago Downtown and Holiday Inn Chicago–Wolf Point

» THE ILLINOIS Hotel & Lodging

Association (IHLA) had a busy year lobbying for measures for the benefit of the hotel industry in the state—and the fruits of some of its labors are now Illinois law.

The Illinois Executive Branch enacted 20 ILCS 665/8b, an amendment to the Illinois Promotion Act (2001), which authorizes state tourism grants through the Tourism Promotion Fund to attract major conventions to Illinois. IHLA supported the establishment of these grants, and the amendment became law on June 7.

Illinois Public Act 103-0147 gives hotel managers the right to refuse service to or cause to remove guests who use verbally abusive language toward employees or other guests. The law defines “verbally abusive language” as “any language that would reasonably be found to be threatening or demeaning.” IHLA advocated for the measure, and it became law on Aug. 29.

IHLA is also supporting Illinois SB 1442, which is envisioned to require short-term private rentals, such as those found through Airbnb, to be subject to the same laws and hotel taxes that hotels are. The bill was assigned to committee last February. illinoishotels.org –Todd R. Berger

SERVICE SHINES AT DUAL-BRANDED RIVER NORTH HOTEL » THE DUAL-BRANDED VOCO CHICAGO DOWNTOWN and Holiday Inn Chicago–Wolf Point opened a year ago, bringing a combined 521 upscale guest rooms to the idyllic location with expansive views of the Chicago River and The Merchandise Mart. The hotels’ largest ballroom accommodates up to 800 standing attendees and 400 for seated dinners. In addition to the spectacular views in the heart of Chicago, the voco/Holiday Inn staff rises above.

“I never worry about our servers when there’s an event … because things get magically taken care of,” says Michele Worth, director of sales and marketing for the hotels. “[To clients], it looks like a f lawless experience, which is all I can ask for.” ihg.com –Todd R. Berger

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Eric Perry

Production/Operation Supervisor

It’s the people that make the place.

When was the last time you received exceptional service?

It probably stands out, because it is rare. That’s what makes it memorable. Our goal is simple, to be the best convention destination in the world. To do that, you need exceptional people delivering exceptional service in every facet of the organization.

We invite you to see for yourself. HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

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Meet you in Detroit

TM

12/18/23 14:36

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CVB

S HOWCASE This handy guide to Illinois’ convention and visitors bureaus will help you find the perfect spot for your event

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 888-895-3211 | meetchicagosouthland.com GET BLOWN AWAY IN THE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, home to

Experience the

Chicago Southland

VIP Treatment

Small meetings, mid-size conferences and everything in between can find superior and unique facilities all located conveniently to anywhere in the Midwest and across the country in Chicago’s 62 South and Southwest Suburbs You’ll also get amazing service because we treat all our planners as VIPs (Very Important Planners).

V

Venues

I

Interstates & Accessibility

P

Planner Assistance & Incentive Programs

Full & select-service hotels with meeting space, unique facilities and Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center & Team Building

30 minutes from downtown Chicago, accessible from Midway & O’Hare International Airports and within a 5-hour drive of 8 states

Grant & Incentive Programs, Event Services & Itinerary Planning and Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities

Meet In The Middle!

Contact Mary Patchin, CDME, Director of Sales to discuss your next meeting!

Mary@VisitChicagoSouthland.com • 888-895-3211

MeetChicagoSouthland.com

FREE PARKING !

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Springfield, Visit Effingham

60 south and southwest suburbs of the Windy City. Planners love the mere five-hour drive from eight different states (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) plus convenient access to Midway and O’Hare international airports.

With more than 5,600 hotel rooms, including nine fullservice properties, the Chicago Southland offers unique meeting spaces and Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center’s corporate team-building facility.

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau assists meeting planners with site selection, bids and proposals, transportation coordination, registration, and much more. Be sure to ask about current incentive promotions and event services.

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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE) Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Springfield, Visit Effingham

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VISIT SPRINGFIELD 217-789-2360 | visitspringfieldillinois.com EVENT PLANNERS can make their next convention or meeting legendary in Springfield! First-class accommodations and an affordable, walkable, convenient location make this a perfect destination for any event. The Visit Springfield team understands the complexities of both large and small events. It has developed a menu of services that will help event planners pull off even the most advanced meeting with ease. Let the experienced Visit Springfield team take the stress out of planning. Attendees will be thankful their event planner chose Springfield!

FIND JUST WHAT YOU NEED IN EFFINGHAM 217-342-5310 | visiteffinghamil.com LOCATED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS—where Interstates 57 and 70 meet— Effingham offers the perfect centralized location to connect, collaborate, and create. Here, eventgoers will find 16 hotels to recharge at, more than 65 restaurants to fuel up at, and countless places and spaces to meet. However, should a meeting be held in Effingham, Visit Effingham encourage attendees to explore the people, places, and experiences that set Effingham apart. The city boasts a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and big-city amenities, so meeting-goers can get to work and leave the rest to Visit Effingham.

VISITEFFINGHAMIL.COM

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P EOPLE P ROFI L E Gina Speckman

Perks of the Business

Gina Speckman of Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau cherishes all that her job affords

BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

PHOTO Bordeaux Studios/Annette Kerstin Patko

G

ina Speckman never planned on committing more than 35 years to the hospitality and tourism industries. She earned her bachelor’s at the University of Michigan, along with a Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. While perusing for jobs as any postgraduate would, an opportunity at what was previously the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau came to fruition—and Speckman hasn’t looked back.

“Jerry Roper, my first boss in Chicago who was the CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (now called Choose Chicago), got me into this industry and was, and still is, a huge influence, even though he is no longer with us,” says Speckman. After nearly 17 years with Choose Chicago as senior director of marketing communications, Speckman moved north to accept a position as executive director of Chicago’s North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Personally, I believe it is the most scenic and beautiful area in metropolitan Chicago,” she adds. “Lake Michigan is a big part of that, but we also have lots of green space, great air and rail transportation options to downtown, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a Big Ten university (Northwestern), and all the great things that come with college towns like that.”

Beyond a passion for the work she does promoting Chicago’s North Shore as a destination for leisure and business alike, Speckman notes the added perks that make the job so attractive. “I think people are what make the travel and tourism industries special, and I am a people person,” she says. “I have made great friends, and I love to travel, so it’s a good industry for me.”

Situated at the crossroads of many major freeways connecting the Midwest to the rest of the country, along with it being the largest urban hub in the region and therefore making it a prominent destination for airlines, Chicago offers an accessibility for planners and attendees alike whether they’re flying in from nearby cities or from afar. Speckman notes, “I think Chicago’s location in the U.S. and our easy reach to millions of people in the Midwest and beyond will always be a strong draw for meetings and events.”

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PHOTO Bordeaux Studios/Annette Kerstin Patko

Meet Downtown Holland, MI Small enough to be charming, yet large enough to house

Windmill Island Gardens. On 8th Street, the historic Holland Arts

America In Bloom’s “Coolest Downtown,” Holland’s city center

Council anchors one end of downtown, and the 55,000 square

serves up three luxury hotels and an eclectic mix of meeting

foot state-of-the-art Holland Civic Center Place the other. Plus,

spaces - all within a walkable four-block radius.

with over 100 bistros, boutiques, and breweries, downtown has many smaller venues in such interesting locales as the Cellar at

Planners can choose from the Tulyp Hotel with its floor-to-

Butch’s, the muraled 205 Coffee Bar, and Warehouse 6 inside

ceiling windows, the Haworth with its blend of Italian design and

Cento Anni’s woodworking shop.

local history, and the Courtyard with its wrought iron balconies overlooking 8th Street. Or combine all three for a larger event.

The skilled staff at the Holland Area Convention + Visitors Bureau knows this amazing downtown inside and out. Let us help craft

Each houses a variety of intriguing meeting spaces right on site.

an extraordinary meeting experience and assist in marketing

At the top of the Tuylp, Piek Events offers a rooftop patio and

our small town’s big amenities. We can work with you to secure

stunning views of Holland’s scenic downtown, Lake Macatawa,

lodging, entertainment, and transportation between venues

and a hundreds-year-old windmill. On the campus of Hope

if desired. We’re also happy to provide welcome packets and

College, the Haworth Hotel has 13 meeting spaces, each an

spouse itineraries. Have your team contact the Holland Area

inviting gathering place that can accommodate various set-ups

CVB team today to begin tailoring a seamless, enjoyable event

and styles. For a smaller group, the 477-square-foot Courtyard

your attendees will always remember.

Boardroom features an oval high-top table for 15 along with tasty catering.

Beyond the hotels themselves, downtown Holland hosts an additional 15 venues all within an easy walk. Meeting attendees can stroll along the waterfront to the Celebration Pavilion at

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78 E. 8th Street Holland, MI 49423 616.394.0000 holland.org

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Your Team’s Next Experience Starts in Elkhart Lake!

38,000 square feet of elegant, state-of-the-art function space

Team-Building Activities

• Experienced Planning Partners • Aspira Spa • Lake Experiences • Multiple Restaurants and Bars

Spacious Accommodations

• World-Class Meeting Technology • Cooking School • Beautiful Suites • Low 20% Service Fee

For more information on The Osthoff Resort, visit osthoffmeetings.com or call 888.748.1136.

For more information on the Elkhart Lake area and other fine resorts, visit elkhartlake.com or call 877.355.4278.

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