
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,...

Questions to Ask a New Vendor
Photo by Cam Morin on Unsplash Whether you’re working in a different city, your client insisted on working with this company, or perhaps you’re just giving someone new a shot, it’s important to ask new vendors the right questions that will help you understand how you...

Tips Your Staff Should Know About Maintaining Your Ice Machines
Photo by Kike Salazar N Chicago is a city full of cocktails, and one of the most important components, aside from the liquor is the ice! In this article, Brittney Shader from Empire Cooler is giving us 5 tips business owners and staff should know about ice machines....

Get Your Hotel, Restaurant, or Venue More Business from Event Planners with These 4 Easy Website Updates
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash While marketing is important, once you get someone to your website, make it is easy for them to work with you. For busy planners, they want the details cleanly and clearly laid out, with minimal needs for a back and forth...

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,...

Questions to Ask a New Vendor
Photo by Cam Morin on Unsplash Whether you’re working in a different city, your client insisted on working with this company, or perhaps you’re just giving someone new a shot, it’s important to ask new vendors the right questions that will help you understand how you...

Tips Your Staff Should Know About Maintaining Your Ice Machines
Photo by Kike Salazar N Chicago is a city full of cocktails, and one of the most important components, aside from the liquor is the ice! In this article, Brittney Shader from Empire Cooler is giving us 5 tips business owners and staff should know about ice machines....

Get Your Hotel, Restaurant, or Venue More Business from Event Planners with These 4 Easy Website Updates
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash While marketing is important, once you get someone to your website, make it is easy for them to work with you. For busy planners, they want the details cleanly and clearly laid out, with minimal needs for a back and forth...

Precautions and Preparations to Think About for Planning COVID-Safe Events
While many are reveling in the relief of vaccines, we have to acknowledge that the pandemic isn’t completely over. With the Delta variant causing increased concern - particularly for those at risk ranging from children to older adults, those with health...

New Venues | July 2021
Pendry Chicago (Hotel) and Chateau Carbide (Rooftop) Photo Credit: Pendry Hotel ChicagoPhoto Credit: Pendry Hotel ChicagoPhoto Credit: Pendry Hotel ChicagoPhoto Credit: Pendry Hotel Chicago Pendry Hotels & Resorts is a new luxury hospitality brand from Montage...

How to Get a Job in Events
Starting a career in events was daunting before a global pandemic. Fear of an additional wave of the Delta variant may give some people planning pause, but now is the time to sharpen your skills and get out there. Events are already making a comeback, and after...

5 Things to do in Chicago July 2021
Our top 5 recommendations for fun activities in Chicago for July 2021
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.