Event Profiles

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con shows its true colors as a fan-favorite event.

Hello Readers,

Fresh off her Chicago N.I.C.E. award for Best Not-for-Profit Event in 2017, event planner Mindy Loughead (of Perfectly Planned Events) has worked her magic again in a memorable fundraiser for the Home Care Physicians/House Calls program for the Western Region of Northwestern Medicine.

It was the day no one thought they would see happen—at least in this lifetime. On Nov. 2, the eternal underdogs the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series Championship, ending a 108-year wait and gaining a whole lot of new appreciation and fans as a result. Just 10 weeks later they would celebrate yet again at the annual fan convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, which was an undeniable success thanks to the quick actions of a team of event producers.

Ten years ago, when Jeff and Julie Jenkins wanted to raise money for their local Chicago park, they turned to something they knew best: the circus. 

Meeting Professionals International, the official sponsor of Smart Monday, has added five new programs to the inaugural day of IMEX America.

Paws for a Break

MPI is teaming up with Love Dog Adventures—a Las Vegas animal-assisted therapy program. Designed as a stress-reducing activity, several dogs will be present during Smart Monday for attendees to cuddle with. These puppy sessions are quickly becoming a hot new trend and have been featured in a number of World Education Congresses. Puppy Cuddling is sponsored by Visit Norfolk.

New York has the ball, Sydney has the Bridge, and this year, Chicago had the Star. And at midnight on New Year’s Eve, when that giant sparkler roared 360 feet into the night sky, it not only marked the start of 2016 but also a new initiative to boost winter tourism in Chicago.

Hello readers,

Hello readers,

A hearty congratulations to the esteemed group of N.I.C.E. Award Winners that were feted at the 15^th annual celebration on April 12. The N.I.C.E. Awards recognizes Chicagoland members of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) and ISES (International Special Events Society) in the areas of event planning, catering, entertainment and creative and support services.

Q&A With Event Director Jaime McAuley

Hello readers,

If you’re hungry for deals, there’s plenty to be had in Chicagoland this month.

Meet Chicago Northwest has announced its Restaurant Week 2016 program running through February 28. This is the third annual food feast from the destination marketing organization that covers Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood and Wood Dale.