More Developments at McCormick Place
Posted on May 10th, 2010 by Adam Marks
For better or for worse, things are definitely changing at McCormick. In response to decreasing sales, state government is taking steps to reduce costs for exhibitors at McCormick. As reported, exhibitors would not be required to hire union members to setup or take down. They can even do it themselves.
In other news, the management of McCormick will likely be on the way out, replaced by a trustee and a board of directors.
Needless to say, there are a lot of Chicagoans who will be hurting as a result of these changes. Let’s hope that the gamble works and business picks back up. If more people come to McCormick, we all win.
The bill that outlines these changes was approved nearly unaminously on Friday by the senate, and it now goes to the governor. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
Tags: Chicago Office of Tourism, Chicago Tourism, Illinois Tourism, McCormick Place, Trade Show
CP Convention and Trade Show a Success
Posted on April 30th, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
Hundreds of concierge, professionals and professional networkers came out to the Crystal Ballroom at Navy Pier on Tuesday afternoon, for the 9th Annual Concierge Preferred Convention and Tradeshow. The event provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to become immersed in some of the businesses that have become, or remained, extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. About 100 exhibitors represented area restaurants, attractions, retail and service businesses, all of which were handing out generous samples which meant every guest left with a full stomach and a full bag of swag! Most restaurants also paired creative cocktails with their bites, creating an almost party-like atmosphere.
But it was time to get down to business too. The seats were filled for the CP Buzz! sessions that took place throughout the day, which included valuable social media marketing information from Laura Levy of Social Media Beast. Most of the CP team was on-site to chat it up with the attendees too, including President and Publisher Tim O’Malley (pictured below), VP of Sales and Advertising, Jim Gilligan and Director of Content and Editorial, Kelly Williams.
The National Concierge Association held its annual silent auction and raffle, showcasing exciting events, attractions and dining experiences around town. All proceeds went directly to the Chicago Chapter of the NCA. The festivities didn’t end with the trade show at 7 p.m. An after-party took place at Howl at the Moon, where attendees flashed their badges to receive access to an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres.
A special thanks to all the participating exhibitors and volunteers from the Chicago Office of Tourism Chicago Greeters for making the trade show such a success!
Photos courtesy of Jeff Brown, All Events Photography. To view more photos from the Trade Show, visit Concierge Preferred on Facebook!
Tags: Chicago Office of Tourism, Concierge Preferred, National Concierge Association, Navy Pier, Social Media, Social Media Beast, Trade Show
Business Changing at McCormick Place?
Posted on April 29th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Even though the economy is turning around, people are most certainly still watching the bottom line. New business strategies are emerging, even in an establishment as strong as McCormick Place.
Last week, Mayor Daley spoke up about his proposed changes to the operations of the convention center. Instead of being the full-service venue that it is, Daley recommends allowing conventioneers to organize their own food, lights, etc. He proposes that McCormick should only do PR and sales.
Change is good, especially if it attracts business. Who knows if this plan will work? We’ll all have to wait and see.
Tags: Chicago Tourism, Convention, Illinois Tourism, Marketing, Tourism, Trade Show
Concierge Preferred Convention & Trade Show Takes the Stage at Navy Pier
Posted on April 23rd, 2010 by Amber Holst
If you work in the hospitality or visitor industry, you can’t afford to miss the 9th Annual Concierge Preferred Convention & Trade Show at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. The Show is designed to reinforce relationships between more than 1,500 concierge and event planning professionals, and 300 businesses that cater to Chicago’s visitors. It’s a way for those industry members to get an inside look at the best Chicago has to offer its guests. From engaging speakers to live entertainment, Concierge Preferred is sure to deliver.
The schedule of events from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. includes a series of seminars called CP BUZZ.
• 1:00 p.m. Green Tourism: Sustainable Business Practices for Success – Moderated by Bianca Alexander, Esq., Conscious Planet Media
• 2:00 p.m. Start A Social Media Revolution for Your Business – Sponsored by Social Media Beast
• 3:00 p.m. Social Media for Concierge & Planners: How to Make Your Job Easier – Sponsored by Social Media Beast
• 4:00 p.m. Live Entertainment Begins – Featuring Fernandez + Kimball, Spanish Guitars
• 5:30 p.m. First Round of NCA Silent Auction Ends (proceeds benefit the National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter Education Fund)
• 6:00 p.m. Second Round of NCA Silent Auction Ends
With an after party at Howl At The Moon available to those who present their badge from the Show, a full day of exciting and educational experiences comes to a close.
To register, click here.
Tags: Chicago Tourism, Convention, Industry Events, Silent Auction, Trade Show
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