Illinois Meetings + Events' 2009 Readers' Choice Best Of Awards

Revealing our 2009 Best of the Industry award winners is always the most exciting moment of our editorial year. These top picks, selected by our readers, include suppliers, entertainers, venues and attractions. Congratulations to all our winners! (Click here to view photos from the party.)

Editor's Picks (By Lauren Hurley)

CVB Outside Chicagoland
Dupage CVB
Just a few miles west of Chicago, DuPage County offers accessibility and affordability. The DuPage CVB is eager to educate planners on the area's top-notch accommodations and event spaces; theater, concert and sporting venues; world-class dining and pristine parks. Visit the CVB's website to check out visitor guides, maps and facility searches, and sign up for the Destinations DuPage e-newsletter to take advantage of the seasonal campaign offers in the area. (Oak Brook/800.232.0502/www.dupagecvb.com)

Creative Agency
Fig Media
Whether they're snapping photos, shooting video or mastering the turntables, the team behind Fig Media loves showing off its many talents. The boutique agency offers an interesting mix of creative services including event photography/ videography, DJ's and even Web and graphic design services. Many of the team members are multi-talented and can be found behind the lens or behind the DJ booth at any given event. Fig also boasts and impressive client roster from ISES and NACE to the Lookingglass Theatre and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. (Chicago/773.338.1334/www.figgy.net)

Private Dining Room
The Hangover at ROOF at theWit Hotel
Perched on the 27th floor of theWit hotel, this floating private room is sure to impress guests. The 23-by-18-foot room features glass walls facing to the east and the south giving the impression of being suspended in mid-air over the city. Whether dining on top of the world or conducting a VIP meeting, this special room offers a spectacular perspective. Take advantage of ROOF's catering menu featuring Italian-style small plates from Chef Todd Stein. (Chicago/312.239.9501/www.thewithotel.com)

Unique Meeting Venue
Mars Gallery
Tucked away in Chicago's meatpacking district, Mars Gallery specializes in contemporary pop art and outsider artwork. This turn-of-the-century warehouse loft has long been an epicenter of Chicago's underground art, music and film scene, and is now available for private meetings and events. The 3,500-square-foot, bi-level gallery holds 150 for receptions or 70 for dinners. (Chicago/312.226.7808/www.marsgallery.com)

Readers' Choice:

Attraction (includes fairs/festivals)
THE WINNER IS:
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, an annual music festival in Chicago's Grant Park, features dozens of performing acts and often draws sellout crowds numbering more than 200,000. Now entering its sixth year in the city, Lollapalooza has become one of Chicago's signature musical events and offers plenty of corporate sponsorship opportunities. Plus, a portion of every ticket purchase benefits the Parkways Foundation, which works to enrich Chicago's many neighborhood parks. (Chicago/888.512.SHOW/www.lollapalooza.com)
RUNNERS UP // Navy Pier; Taste of Chicago

Convention & Visitors Bureau
THE WINNER IS:
Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
Now it's even easier for planners to work with the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB), thanks to its newly redesigned website. For planners considering Chicago as a destination, the CCTB touts the city's world-class assets; for planners who've already taken the leap, there's an easy-to-access destination marketing kit, interactive map and more. The CCTB's sales and marketing staff is ready to share Chicago's dining and shopping hotspots, as well as its museums, attractions and notable architecture. (Chicago/312.567.8500/www.choosechicago.com)
RUNNERS UP // Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Destination Management Company
THE WINNER IS:
Chicago Travel Consultants Inc.
Founded in 1989, Chicago Travel Consultants Inc. is a destination management company that offers a multitude of transportation and meeting management services. From large theme events, gala dinners, product launches, tours and teambuilding activities to picnics, theater, sporting events, boat cruises, golf outings and dine-a-rounds, CTC operates approximately 250 programs annually. The programs range in size from 20 to 100,000 attendees, but CTC's attention to detail doesn't waiver. In fact, it's the only accredited destination management company in the state of Illinois. (Chicago/773.880.5878/www.ctcdmc.com)
RUNNERS UP // In the Loop-Chicago; On the Scene

Audio/Visual/Visual Presentation Provider
THE WINNER IS:
The AV Department Inc.
Truly a full-service audio-visual company, The AV Department Inc. supplies on-site sound, projection, lighting, and video and recording equipment. The company, which specializes in small- to medium-sized events, also offers corporate trade show support and has expertly trained staffers ready to setup, operate or tear down equipment. In addition, The AV Department rents audio-visual equipment to companies throughout Chicagoland and the region. (Lemont/630.243.0500/www.avdepartment.com)
RUNNERS UP // The Meetinghouse Companies; Frost

Entertainment (performer or talent agency)
THE WINNER IS:
Standing Room Only Orchestra
Standing Room Only Orchestra offers event planners plenty of options. From a 12-piece or ninepiece orchestra to a seven-member or six-member band, Standing Room Only has plenty of ways to keep guests entertained. They'll even take care of the introductions, toasts and announcements. Need something different? Book Standing Room Only's string quartet or jazz trio to play during a cocktail or dinner hour. (Plainfield/630.771.0212/www.onthedancefloor.com)
RUNNERS UP // Just for Fun Entertainment & Events Inc.; Rich Daniels/The City Lights Orchestra

Banquet/Reception Venue
THE WINNER IS:
Galleria Marchetti
Nestled in the heart of the city, Galleria Marchetti features elegant outdoor courtyards, a four-season tented pavilion and two indoor dining rooms, including the recently renovated Galleria room. Founded by the late Joe Marchetti, the venue has been a Chicago tradition for more than 15 years; in 2009, it hosted a variety of corporate events, including the annual PAWS fund-raiser. Galleria Marchetti offers a full-service kitchen and experienced bar and wait staff, as well as recently expanded special event menus. (Chicago/312.563.0495/www.galleriamarchetti.com)
RUNNERS UP // Catalyst Ranch; River East Art Center

Boats/Cruises/Charters
THE WINNER IS:
Red Witch
The Red Witch, a 77-foot double-masted schooner with a signature crimson hull, is the flagship of Lakeshore Sail Charters. The Red Witch can easily accommodate private events ranging from seven to 49 passengers, making it a favorite among meeting and event planners. Corporate teambuilding activities are available onboard the Red Witch, as well as sunset or skyline cruises. The Red Witch docks near the loop at Burnham Harbor, conveniently adjacent to McCormick Convention Center and the museum district. (Chicago/312.404.5800/www.redwitch.com)
RUNNERS UP // Odyssey; Kanan Cruises

Florist
THE WINNER IS:
The Meetinghouse Companies Inc.
In touch with the latest trends, The Meetinghouse Companies' floral design team creates one-of-a-kind arrangements to complement many types of events. From sustainably produced, environmentally friendly designs to custom-branded creations, The Meetinghouse Companies' floral decor is designed to support the overall look and image of clients' special events. The Meetinghouse Companies is a fullservice company that also provides scenic décor and event technology and is certified as a woman-owned business. (Elmhurst/630.941.0600/www.meetinghouse.com)
RUNNERS UP // Botanicals Inc.; Blumen Floral & Event Design

Event Décor
THE WINNER IS:
The Meetinghouse Companies Inc.
The Meetinghouse Companies provides the ultimate in event décor options, thanks to a 32,000-square-foot design center where clients choose from an impressive collection of scenic elements, stage sets and furniture. The Meetinghouse Companies' event technology department enhances these selections with lighting, sound and special effects, while its floral design specialists offer show-stopping details. This fully integrated, cost-effective approach delivers unique, innovative event decor for The Meetinghouse Companies' clients, which include Fortune 1000 clients around the globe. (Elmhurst/630.941.0600/www.meetinghouse.com)
RUNNERS UP // Kehoe Designs; Ivan Carlson & Associates

Hotel with Meeting and Event Space (more than 400 guest rooms)
THE WINNER IS:
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Luxurious and convenient, the Chicago Marriott Downtown is perfectly positioned along the Magnificent Mile. With 65,000 square feet of meeting space, including on-site exhibition areas, 60 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom that seats 2,200, it's obvious why the Magnificent Mile Marriott is a favorite among meeting planners. Plus, the hotel is within easy walking distance of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, as well as big-draw attractions like Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium. (Chicago/312.836.0100/www.marriott.com)
RUNNERS UP // InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel; Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Golf Club
THE WINNER IS:
Crane's Landing Golf Club
Crane's Landing Golf Club has earned its reputation as the premier golf course in Illinois. Designed by famed architect George Fazio, the course opened in 1975. Today, the demanding par 70 course is spread
across more than a hundred acres fronting the Des Plaines River. The rolling woodlands and scenic vistas of Crane's Landing are a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and the adjacent Lincolnshire Marriott Resort offers an all-inclusive retreat within easy reach of the city's airports and attractions. (Lincolnshire/847.634.5935/www.craneslandinggolf.com)
RUNNERS UP // Ruffled Feathers Golf Club; Eaglewood Resort & Spa

Historic Venue
THE WINNER IS:
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center was the nation's first and most comprehensive free, municipal cultural venues. Today, it continues to provide a free showcase for hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, as well as art exhibitions, theater events, lectures and films. Initially debuted in 1897 as Chicago's first central public library, the iconic building features luxurious building materials like mother-of-pearl, rare imported marbles, Favrile glass mosaics and the world's largest stained glass Tiffany dome, which spans nearly 40 feet. (Chicago/312.744.6630/www.chicagoculturalcenter.org)
RUNNERS UP // Wrigley Field; Tribune Tower

Catering Company (on- or off-site)
THE WINNER IS:
Tasty Catering
For more than 20 years, Tasty Catering has partnered with some of Chicago's brightest corporate stars to create memorable occasions. This family owned and operated company is a full-service caterer with on-staff experts to help develop themes, décor and entertainment, as well as event coordination. From tent, table and chair rentals to daily corporate catering deliveries, Tasty Catering is a onestop catering solution. (Elk Grove Village/847.593.2000/www.tastycatering.com)
RUNNERS UP // Blue Plate; Food for Thought

Venue Outside Chicagoland
THE WINNER IS:
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Just 90 minutes from O'Hare Airport, Grand Geneva Resort offers more than 60,000 square feet of flexible function space to accommodate up to 1,500 guests. From well-appointed boardrooms to a cozy ski chalet, the perfect setting for nearly every kind of meeting is sure to be found. Full-time tech support helps make sure meetings go smoothly. There are even on-site teambuilding programs incorporating a 35-foot indoor climbing wall and more. (Lake Geneva/800.558.3417/www.grandgeneva.com)
RUNNERS UP // Pheasant Run Resort; Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort & Conference Center

Transportation (limo, motorcoach, taxi, shuttle)
THE WINNER IS:
Windy City Limousine
Not only is Windy City Limousine the official transportation provider for the Cubs, White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Harpo Studios and Make-a-Wish, it's also a favorite of professional meeting and event planners. The company's large fleet of sedans, SUVs, limos, specialty vehicles and buses serves metro Chicago with 24-hour-a-day ground transportation. Windy City Limousine can even arrange a ride in other U.S. locations, and guarantees riders will experience the same great service. (Franklin Park/847.916.9300/www.windycitylimos.com)
RUNNERS UP // Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.; Your Private Limousine

Rental Service Provider
(tables, linens, tents, etc.)
THE WINNER IS:
Classic Party Rentals
For more than four decades, Classic Party Rentals has been the go-to supplier for event planners. The company's massive inventory includes tents, canopies, tables, centerpieces, linens, dinnerware and more. Whether it's a society soiree, executive event or employee luncheon, Classic Party Rentals also provides event consultation, location recommendations, professional staffers and on-time delivery and pick-up. (McCook/708.485.8010/www.classicpartyrentals.com)
RUNNERS UP // Hall's Rental; Tablescapes

Hotel with Meeting and Event Space
(less than 400 guest rooms)
THE WINNER IS:
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
The Marriott Oak Brook Hills hotel is an IACC-certified meeting center where planners will find updated, technology-rich meeting facilities as well as the resort amenities one would expect to encounter at a luxury hotel. The venue recently completed a $15 million renovation and received the prestigious Audubon Certification. Many of the hotel's meeting spaces overlook the expansive waterways and greens of the site's award-winning Willow Crest Golf Course. (Oak Brook/630.850.5555/www.marriott.com)
RUNNERS UP // Trump International Hotel and Tower; Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

Teambuilding Facility/Organizer
THE WINNER IS:
Corporate Event Interactive
Corporate Event Interactive energizes corporate meetings and events by producing creative, customized and well-structured interactive, teambuilding experiences run by professional facilitators, emcees and event staff. Program categories include socially responsible events, adventure hunts, themed team challenges, casino and video horse racing receptions, experiential workshops, leadership retreats and a variety of other interactive experiences. Corporate Event Interactive provides programs in Chicagoland and across the nation. (Chicago/312.540.1000/www.corpevent.com)
RUNNER UP // Windy City Fieldhouse

Photography/Videography
THE WINNER IS:
Promax Productions Inc.
Photographer Michael Saukstelis' unobtrusive approach affords opportunities to capture stunning images. Whether he's photographing a corporate party, executive event or sales meeting, Saukstelis has a reputation for delivering excellence. In addition to corporate work, Saukstelis--the founder of Promax Productions--also offers wedding, family and destination photography. (Romeoville/866.293.1660/www.promaxproductions.com)
RUNNERS UP // Edward Fox Photography; Kari Skaflen

Conference Venue
THE WINNER IS:
Eaglewood Resort & Spa
With more than 37,000 square feet of versatile meeting areas, Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a variety of eventfriendly configurations. The IACC-certified function space includes breakout rooms, a ballroom, amphitheater, outdoor terrace and more. Meeting rooms are appointed with high-end ergonomic chairs, natural lighting, high-speed Internet access and all-day break stations. Customized packages can be inclusive of dining, refreshments, meeting space, entertainment, golf and teambuilding exercises. Eaglewood also has an A/V department on site to help with audio or visual requirements. (Itasca/630.773.1400/www.eaglewoodresort.com)
RUNNERS UP // Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus