Illinois Tourism on the Rise

Posted on June 22nd, 2011 by

In a recent article published by the Chicago Tribune, statistics show that Illinois tourism rates jumped 5% in 2010. The state generated $29.3 billion in tourism, which translates to a $2.2 billion raise from 2009.

Gov. Quinn said the rising revenue has also supported several thousand jobs throughout the state. “With our world-class destinations and accessible locations, more people from around the world are coming to Illinois and staying longer,” he said to the Decatur Tribune.  Over the last year, the travel industry created near 300,000 Illinois jobs, and the state hosted more than 1,000,000 international visitors.

While Chicago tourism rates were a bit on the downslide (dropping by almost 1%), the city is still fairly optimistic, as its 7.4% increase in overnight leisure travel surpassed the national 6.6% average. And, Chicago still remains as the state’s largest tourist attraction, drawing in 38.1 million of Illinois’ 84.7 million visitors last year.

In fact, the city is working to become more of an international travel and winter destination.

“Even when it’s cold, we still have the music, theater and great restaurants,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, Don Welsh.

In 2010, the city ranked as the 10th most popular city for international travelers. The 1,134,000 visitors represented a 2% increase from 2009.

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McCormick Business on the Rise

Posted on August 15th, 2010 by

Well, it seems as though the gambles were correct. Amidst the controversial decisions regarding labor and contractors at McCormick Place, business is bouncing back.

This week, the Chicago Sun Times reported that six major trade shows have recommitted to McCormick Place, and three large new shows have signed on. Experts predict that more and more shows will be adding onto the McCormick docket.

What makes the difference? Cost to the exhibitors. In previous years, electricians and in-house contractors were required to assemble booths, hookup electricity, and more, all at high cost. With new policies allowing companies to provide their own technical staff, presenters are able to keep costs down.

Though it reduces the funds going into the technical support staff at McCormick Place, there are many benefits. With the new and returning clients to be announced in the next 60 days, estimates show that the contracts will carry about $700 million in direct spending to the city and state.

So whether or not you support the policy changes, at least there is a business boo as a result. Finally, some good economic news.

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Tips for Air & Water Show Viewing

Posted on August 15th, 2010 by

If you’re in the hospitality industry, today is a big day. People from across the country have gathered for the amazing Chicago Air & Water Show. Yesterday was a huge hit, and plenty of fans gathered along the shore.

Despite the heat today, the crowd promises to be even bigger. So how can you help your clients or guests experience the show comfortably? Here are a few different options.

Frugal

The show is free, so the determined don’t need fancy passes to see the show in all its glory. Direct your guests to take the brown line to Sedgwick and meander towards the lake. Take up a spot on the North Avenue beach, and enjoy! Remind them to bring plenty of water and sunblock.

Splurge

To experience the show in a bit more comfort, encourage people to try one of the great cruises from Navy Pier to get a great view of the show. Tickets range from $45 to $65, and many include a meal or drinks. Learn more here.

High Roller

For those looking for the elite experience, they can do no better than the Signature Room at the John Hancock Observatory. For $100, they get the best possible view of the show with all the comfort of being at home. Tickets include a gourmet buffet and an open bar.

The Air & Water Show finishes today at 4 p.m. Enjoy!

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Perhaps a Custom App for your Business?

Posted on July 31st, 2010 by

This post was originally seen on www.socialmediabeast.wordpress.com.

Talk about leveling the playing field! App Inventor is a new product from Google Labs that allows a novice, even a teenager, to create a simple app for an Android phone. This makes me think back to the day when Brightcove was the only free portal that allowed you to build and create a video console with compressed video. Pick your colors, select a template, add in some snazzy tabs, a logo and the uploading could begin. I built one of the first web video players, before there was a YouTube and before Vimeo, BlipTv or Viddler existed. Then, the floodgates opened.

App Inventor will lead the way in a similar manner. Just as filming video went from needed a broadcast crew, with shooters, producers, sound guys and grips to the Flip, building and creating apps, once the domain of API savvy techies, is now opening up to the masses. And as more business moved to the mobile space, the world of apps is sure to continue growing. While the iPhone4 is getting ripped in the press, and has it’s downside, it has also catapulted the App culture by providing a folder/organizational system for Apps that the 3GS didn’t have. The fact that we even need a system like this is telling. Apps are becoming the new “micro-sites”, with easy access on phones, e-commerce capabilities and even gaming.

It’s another blossoming form of social media and networking and likewise, it developing and maturing at warped speed. Get the RSS for our blog and we’ll keep you p to date. Better yet, follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @socialmediabeast. What do you think of all this app development? Will Android beat out the iPhone after this iPhone4 blunder?

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The Next Generation of Hospitality Insiders

Posted on July 31st, 2010 by

Last weekend, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation awarded scholarship to 46 students to pursue careers in hospitality. Totalling over $64,000, this program seeks to attract interested and career-minded folk to ensure that they can achieve their goals in this exciting field.

Scholarship recipients will be attending the following schools: Art Institute of Atlanta; Baker College; College of DuPage; Culinary Institute of America; DePaul University; Dominican University; Elgin Community College, Illinois Art Institute; Johnson & Wales University; Joliet Junior College; Kendall College; Kirkwood Community College; Robert Morris University; Sullivan University; Washburne Culinary Institute; and Western Illinois University.

Since 1973, the IRAEF has provided over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships, and runs a mentorship program as well. If you want to learn more or get involved, visit their website for details. Taking care of the next generation is a responsibility we all share, and the IRAEF is doing fantastic work!

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Congrats Chicago!

Posted on July 9th, 2010 by

Let’s hope they are correct. Travel + Leisure magazine just came out with their Worlds Best Awards 2010 readers’ poll. and we did pretty well!

Out of all the cities in the U.S. and Canada to visit, we were selected as Number 4 (behind NYC, San Francisco, and Charleson SC).

And to top even that, the top-ranked large city hotel in North America is none other than our own Trump International Hotel & Tower.

Go Chi-Town! Now you have even more to brag about when you are touring guests through the city.

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Plan Your Meeting Chicago

Posted on June 30th, 2010 by

Did you miss the June 17th PYM Live conference? If so, you still can benefit from this great event.

Plan Your Meetings is a great resource for anyone in event or meeting planning (as the name would suggest). It acts as a social resource and publishes an annual magazine with tips, ideas, and thought-provoking articles about the ever-changing industry.

The forum centered around the latest issue of the magazine, which is available here. Check it out and get involved. PYM can help you take your business to the next step!

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Do We Have A Sense of Humor?

Posted on June 1st, 2010 by

So far, no visible backlash on the web, but Philly has taken a stab at us.

The ad shown to the right appeared on www.visitphilly.com, and methinks the fans are getting a little ahead of themselves, especially since they lost the first game in the series. As I write this posting, we are in the middle of game 2 with nothing on the scoreboard, but our beloved hawks are fighting!

Lack of outrage to this ad doesn’t by any means imply that blackhawk fans are apathetic. If you’re curious, go to twitter and search hashmarks #blackhawks or #stanleycup to see how active everyone is on this topic!

I think Chicagoans are taking the high road. Less trash talk, more product. It’s a good strategy. Go Hawks!

Update at 8:55 p.m., Blackhawks just scored two back to back goals bringing the score 2-0. Heck yeah, hawks.

Update at 10:00 p.m., Blackhawks just won Game 2. I’m just sayin’… I’d rather win than have clever ads.

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Chicago Website Gets a Facelift

Posted on June 1st, 2010 by

Visited www.explorechicago.org lately? It’s a whole new world. Only a week old, this new version of the website is beautiful to look at, and a great new resource for tourism professionals and tourists alike!

Take the time to check out all the new features. Neighborhood profiles abound, as well as tips on where to eat, sleep, and play. If you work for a business within the hospitality industry, check out your listing!

For all those concierges out there, this is a great new resource for you in your work. You can help clients find restaurants by neighborhood or type of food, and printable maps with lots of choices are readily available. Use the trip planner to create detailed itineraries as well!

All of this is just in time for the summer season. Well done Chicago!

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Outdoor Dining Advertising Opportunity

Posted on May 12th, 2010 by

Today is a little gray, but the weather is trending towards summer. Soon, you’ll all be hounded for recommendations on your favorite outdoor eating and drinking spots.

Concierge Preferred is listening. Starting in June, we’ll be featuring an Outdoor Dining Directory in our print magazines and online at www.conciergepreferred.com.

If you work with an alfresco dining spot, consider advertising with us! Get your location in the hands of tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Seize the day and contact CP at (312) 360-1770 or email Jim Gilligan for rate quotes and further opportunities.

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