Dave Irvin, concierge at the John Hancock Observatory, describes himself as a small town boy from southern Illinois who was, as he says, “blinded by the city lights” and decided to make Chicago his home.

“I got my start as a concierge somewhat by default,” he says. “After graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana, I made my way northward and eventually applied for a convention management position at the Swissotel and was offered the position of concierge.”

It was a great fit for Dave, whose hospitality background was in the travel, tourism and meeting management arena which enabled him to stay on top of everything that Chicago offers its visitors.

With the help of his mentor, the Swissotel’s Chef Concierge Yvonne Alton, Dave’s career as a concierge officially began. Since that time, he has worked as a corporate concierge and a residential concierge employed by the Trump organization where he opened the residential concierge desk for the Trump International Hotel and Tower.

Previously, he was Director of Concierge Services at the River East Art Center.

Today, you can find Dave high up on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building manning the concierge desk at the John Hancock Observatory where he welcomes and assists guests from around the globe.

“I can truly say that I love my job, and that is extremely important to be able to say that,” he says. “There is so much enjoyment to be found in showing guests what experiences our city has to offer them.”

Dave Irvin’s MyChiGuide

What else tops Dave’s “must-do” Chicago list? Taking in a show in Chicago’s central theater district ranks up there, but he also highly recommends visiting one of the city’s many store-front theaters as their productions are entertaining, varied and fascinating. “If you have not had the opportunity to see a performance by the Neo-futurists I would certainly recommend a visit,” he says.

A foodie, Dave loves to assist guests with dining reservations and advising them on where they can eat their way around the world. “Truly, Chicago has a fine restaurant for every imaginable type of cuisine.”

“I am also fascinated by our city’s architecture and design and have taken most of the architectural tours offered in the city so I truly enjoy sharing my insider’s perspective and passion with my guests.”

And what better time than now to visit Dave at the John Hancock Observatory as Skating in the Sky has returned!