
Lakefront Venues to Host Your Next Event in Chicago: From Beachfront Bashes to Skyline Views, These Waterfront Locations Offer Unforgettable Backdrops
Nothing says summertime in Chicago like Lake Michigan! The lakefront delivers some of the most dynamic venues in the city including the coveted rooftops and sandy beach clubs. Whether you want prestige, ease, or a little bit of both, we've compiled a list that...

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,...

Lakefront Venues to Host Your Next Event in Chicago: From Beachfront Bashes to Skyline Views, These Waterfront Locations Offer Unforgettable Backdrops
Nothing says summertime in Chicago like Lake Michigan! The lakefront delivers some of the most dynamic venues in the city including the coveted rooftops and sandy beach clubs. Whether you want prestige, ease, or a little bit of both, we've compiled a list that...

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,...

New Chicago Event Venue: Electric Shuffle Brings Tech-Enhanced Group Experiences to River North
Electric Shuffle Chicago opened on May 2nd in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. This 7,000-square-foot venue merges immersive gaming with hospitality-forward experiences that are ideal for corporate outings, client-facing events, team-building, and all...

Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and Beyond: Where to Go, What to Do, and Where to Stay
Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the beginning of summer. Whether you're in Chicago or looking for a quick getaway nearby, there’s no shortage of exciting activities, delicious food, and memorable experiences. From indulging in Chicago’s...

Social Media Content Ideas for Hotels, Restaurants, Venues & Event Vendors
In today’s digital-first world, a strong social media presence is essential. Whether you're a hotel, a restaurant, a venue, a caterer, or an event vendor, how you show up online influences how potential clients and customers view your brand. With so much noise on...

Event Planner Pricing Guide: How to Set Your Rates and Charge What You’re Worth
Deciding how much to charge as an event planner can feel tricky, especially if you are just starting out. Even if you are a seasoned planner, it’s still wise to revisit your pricing to make sure you remain competitive while also being compensated appropriately. No...

ILEA Spark Awards 2025 Winners
Each year, the ILEA Chicago Chapter Spark Awards honor the creativity, innovation, and excellence of the city’s event and hospitality professionals. From breathtaking décor and immersive culinary experiences to powerful fundraisers and corporate celebrations, this...

How Wedding Planners Can Successfully Design Destination Weddings, Micro Weddings, and Elopements in 2025
Weddings have never been a one-size-fits-all affair, and in 2025, that truth has never been more apparent. The modern wedding landscape is defined by flexibility, personalization, and intentionality. Couples are breaking free from traditions, opting instead for more...

Event Industry News Updates for Friday, April 25, 2025: New Venue Openings & Events Starting Today
Here's what's new in event industry news this week around Chicago. AMC Roosevelt Collection 16 Opens Today in the South Loop AMC has purchased the ICON Theater located in the Roosevelt Collection Shops and will open some of its theaters today. The most exciting...

The Ultimate Venue Walkthrough Checklist for Event Planners
As an event planner, one of the most common things you will do is tour venues. Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, a wedding, or a private social celebration, the walkthrough is your chance to uncover all the details that can make or break your event. Every...

How to Break Into the Event Planning Industry: Tips for Landing Your First Role
If you've ever dreamed of working in event planning, you're not alone. The event industry is known for its excitement, creativity, and endless opportunities to work on amazing things ranging from media and marketing experiences to corporate events and trade shows and...

U.S. Travel Trends 2025: How Tourism Businesses Can Adapt to Shifting Behaviors
This week in industry news, travel and tourism dominate the headlines, revealing a stark contrast between global optimism and domestic caution—while international tourism forecasts for 2025 remain strong, U.S. travel trends are marked by hesitation. Global Travel on...