From Startup to Catering Industry Leader: Jodi Fyfe on 15 Years of The Paramount Group
In 2012, Chicago Planner Magazine interviewed this new, up-and-coming catering company called Paramount Events. From the get-go owner Jodi Fyfe showed heart and determination to have delicious, sustainable food that create incredible events. Now, we're checking in...
Where to Celebrate National Oyster Day 2025 in Chicago and the Suburbs
Oyster lovers, get your slurp on because National Oyster Day is coming up on Monday, August 5, and restaurants across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are celebrating with delicious deals, inventive toppings, and chic seafood specials. From $2 happy hour...
5 Kid-Friendly Venues in Chicago
Color Factory Chicago Color Factory is more than a museum — it’s a joyful, immersive art experience that brings the magic of color to life through multi-sensory installations, interactive rooms, and thoughtfully curated moments. Recently voted the #1 Immersive Art...
Restaurants and Hotels: How to Win Holiday Bookings With Strategic Food and Beverage Offerings
Make it easy for planners to book your hotel, restaurant, or food business with menus that event they will love! The holiday season is the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year, but only if your menus and packages make it easy for event planners to say yes....
The Quiet Shift from Leading Events to Leading Teams
A Thought Leadership Piece by Joey Rodriguez Event planners are leaders. We orchestrate chaos, juggle a thousand moving parts, and somehow make it all look effortless. From the outside, we’re the ones with the clipboard and the calm smile. But somewhere along the way,...
From Startup to Catering Industry Leader: Jodi Fyfe on 15 Years of The Paramount Group
In 2012, Chicago Planner Magazine interviewed this new, up-and-coming catering company called Paramount Events. From the get-go owner Jodi Fyfe showed heart and determination to have delicious, sustainable food that create incredible events. Now, we're checking in...
Where to Celebrate National Oyster Day 2025 in Chicago and the Suburbs
Oyster lovers, get your slurp on because National Oyster Day is coming up on Monday, August 5, and restaurants across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are celebrating with delicious deals, inventive toppings, and chic seafood specials. From $2 happy hour...
5 Kid-Friendly Venues in Chicago
Color Factory Chicago Color Factory is more than a museum — it’s a joyful, immersive art experience that brings the magic of color to life through multi-sensory installations, interactive rooms, and thoughtfully curated moments. Recently voted the #1 Immersive Art...
Restaurants and Hotels: How to Win Holiday Bookings With Strategic Food and Beverage Offerings
Make it easy for planners to book your hotel, restaurant, or food business with menus that event they will love! The holiday season is the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year, but only if your menus and packages make it easy for event planners to say yes....
The Quiet Shift from Leading Events to Leading Teams
A Thought Leadership Piece by Joey Rodriguez Event planners are leaders. We orchestrate chaos, juggle a thousand moving parts, and somehow make it all look effortless. From the outside, we’re the ones with the clipboard and the calm smile. But somewhere along the way,...
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...
Best Easter Brunch Spots in Chicago for 2025
Looking for the perfect place to celebrate Easter brunch in Chicago this year? Whether you’re planning a family-friendly outing with the Easter Bunny, craving a luxurious rooftop buffet, or seeking a festive Easter brunch cruise on Lake Michigan, Chicago has a wide...
How Event Planners Can Build a Trusted Vendor List
Want to fast track your own list? Visit our directory. The most successful event planners have a trusted network of vendors, from caterers and florists to photographers, AV technicians, and beyond. A planner’s vendor list is essential to creating premium client...