How to Put Together a Panel & Source Speakers: Thought Leadership with Eva Penar
Eva Penar shares her expert tips on sourcing speakers and designing panels that spark connection, engage audiences, and deliver lasting impact.
What You Need to Know for the Chicago Air & Water Show 2025
The roar of jet engines over Lake Michigan signals one thing: the Chicago Air & Water Show is back. As one of the city’s most iconic summer events, it draws millions to the lakefront every year for a breathtaking blend of aviation stunts, parachute jumps, and...
25 Fun Event Venues in Chicago You’ll Want to Book for Your Next Party
From arcade bars and bowling lounges to rooftop shuffleboard and escape rooms, discover 25 fun event venues in Chicago perfect for parties, team outings, and group activities perfect for corporate and social events. Find unique spaces that make planning your next celebration effortless.
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...
How to Put Together a Panel & Source Speakers: Thought Leadership with Eva Penar
Eva Penar shares her expert tips on sourcing speakers and designing panels that spark connection, engage audiences, and deliver lasting impact.
What You Need to Know for the Chicago Air & Water Show 2025
The roar of jet engines over Lake Michigan signals one thing: the Chicago Air & Water Show is back. As one of the city’s most iconic summer events, it draws millions to the lakefront every year for a breathtaking blend of aviation stunts, parachute jumps, and...
25 Fun Event Venues in Chicago You’ll Want to Book for Your Next Party
From arcade bars and bowling lounges to rooftop shuffleboard and escape rooms, discover 25 fun event venues in Chicago perfect for parties, team outings, and group activities perfect for corporate and social events. Find unique spaces that make planning your next celebration effortless.
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...
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...
7 Common Mistakes Event Planners Should Avoid
In the fast-paced world of event planning, even a small oversight can ripple into a big problem. Whether you're planning a corporate conference, nonprofit gala, or social celebration, staying ahead of common pitfalls is critical to delivering a seamless experience....
Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago Right Now, If You’ve Never Been
Chicago is an incredible city, but if you’ve never been here, it can feel very overwhelming. Whether you are organizing a high-energy team outing, an elegant evening for clients, or just need inspiration for your next hosted experience, Chicago’s dynamic mix of art,...
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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.