The Marriott Theatre Debuts “Always Something There,” a New 1980s Jukebox Musical
Experience the world premiere of Always Something There, a heartfelt 1980s jukebox musical now playing at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through Aug 10.
Nick Conley on Designing Creative Events That Deliver Exceptional Experiences
“What is possible?” That is a question Elevoque’s Senior Event Designer, Nick Conley, asks when merging a client’s vision for an event with their budget, available resources, and, of course, his skills. Event planning is often thought of as a fun or lighthearted job,...
Arrive in Style: The Chicago Water Taxi
Written by Amanda Martin When warm weather hits, Chicago gets excited. Restaurants and bars pack their patios and rooftops all summer, but getting around the city during peak season can be stressful. Enter: the Chicago Water Taxi. Less of a commitment than a full-on...
Puttshack Skokie: New Mini Golf Event Venue Opens at Westfield Old Orchard
Puttshack Skokie is a 30,000-square-foot experience-driven destination that combines interactive mini golf with really tasty food & drinks, and great service. Whether you're planning a holiday celebration, client appreciation night, or a team-building experience,...
2025 Guide to Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago & Beyond
Discover where to celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago and the Midwest with our 2025 guide. Explore festivals, concerts, museum events, family activities, and powerful tributes honoring Black culture and freedom.
The Marriott Theatre Debuts “Always Something There,” a New 1980s Jukebox Musical
Experience the world premiere of Always Something There, a heartfelt 1980s jukebox musical now playing at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through Aug 10.
Nick Conley on Designing Creative Events That Deliver Exceptional Experiences
“What is possible?” That is a question Elevoque’s Senior Event Designer, Nick Conley, asks when merging a client’s vision for an event with their budget, available resources, and, of course, his skills. Event planning is often thought of as a fun or lighthearted job,...
Arrive in Style: The Chicago Water Taxi
Written by Amanda Martin When warm weather hits, Chicago gets excited. Restaurants and bars pack their patios and rooftops all summer, but getting around the city during peak season can be stressful. Enter: the Chicago Water Taxi. Less of a commitment than a full-on...
Puttshack Skokie: New Mini Golf Event Venue Opens at Westfield Old Orchard
Puttshack Skokie is a 30,000-square-foot experience-driven destination that combines interactive mini golf with really tasty food & drinks, and great service. Whether you're planning a holiday celebration, client appreciation night, or a team-building experience,...
2025 Guide to Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago & Beyond
Discover where to celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago and the Midwest with our 2025 guide. Explore festivals, concerts, museum events, family activities, and powerful tributes honoring Black culture and freedom.
Welcome Back, Chicago
Dear Industry Professionals: As the Creator of Chicago Planner Magazine, I am excited to welcome you all back. On Friday, June 11, 2021, Mayor Lightfoot announced that Chicago would officially be fully reopened. With vaccinations well-distributed, and summer...
City Loosens Restrictions for Dining & Venue Capacities
On Monday, September 28th it was announced that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will be easing restrictions on indoor spaces, allowing bars and restaurants to be at 40% capacity. According to the Chicago Tribune, "Chicago bars that don’t serve food will be allowed to...
Wells St. Market to Close This Friday, September 18th
In a statement released today, Wells St. Market announced it was closing this Friday, September 18th. The food hall will have its final service, offering specials and freebies to thank their patrons for all of the love and support over the past few years “From all of...
Businesses You Can Support Now: Chicago Planner’s #HospitalitySpotlight
We know that COVID-19 has hit the events industry hard, and so we are doing an Instagram takeover to support our Chicago Events Community. We will continually add those we're supporting to the list below and be sure to follow us on Instagram @ChicagoPlannerMag via...
Networking During an Isolation Crisis
It is challenging to know the best way to approach doing business while remaining sensitive to the seriousness of this situation. Here are a few ideas on how to effectively network during an isolated crisis.
How To Keep Planning Your Wedding During COVID-19
Many couples are unsure of how to move forward with their wedding plans during COVID-19. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track throughout the process.
Stella Artois is Giving $30,000 towards the Wedding of a Lucky Couple Affected by COVID-19
Photo by @Wedding_Photography Times are tough, and COVID-19 has caused countless couples to be heartbroken over delays and cancellations of their weddings. Knowing this, Stella Artois is hoping to add a silver lining for one lucky couple with their "Far From You, But...
5 Tips for Booking Celebrity Talent
This past Sunday marked one of the biggest events in the US: The Oscars. We still have celebrity fever, and so we got some great tips from entertainment and event industry expert Brett Ihde, CPCE, on how to add celebrities to your next event. Brett has managed tours...
Build Up Your Resources: Add V.I.P. Valet Services to Your Vendor List
There are many aspects to planning events, and some are more obvious than others. But what sets good planners apart from the best planners is the ability to manage and be prepared for more than just the space, food, music and decor. The best planners know that...
Creating Beautiful Invitations and Save the Dates for a Wedding with basic invite
*Sponsored Content from basicinvite.com As many of us in the events industry know, it's engagement season and there are a variety of events are planned around an upcoming wedding. From engagement parties to bridal showers, a save the date for a wedding and even...
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Join Us Monday, Dec 15th!
Hear from Rose Horcher O’Connor, VP of Client Services at Choose Chicago and Hannah Loftus, VP of Research at World Business Chicago about the trends, major events and conventions, and economic indicators that will shape Chicago in 2026. Gain insights into demands, growing sectors, opportunities for your business, and what to expect in the year ahead.