
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...

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...

From Punishment to Professional: Michelle Dallas Has Become the Queen of Chicago Event Planners
Michelle Dallas | eventsmd.com | Instagram & LinkedIn @EventsMD | Facebook @michelledallasevents How do you know you’re one of the best planners in Chicago? When everyone knows who you are. I sat down with Michelle Dallas, events industry...

Questions Every Planner Needs to Ask the Venue
Image by Amy Hirschi When putting together a live event, there are necessary questions that every event planner should be prepared to ask. While they may seem obvious, it’s surprising how many little details can easily get missed. Don’t be left scrambling - these...

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...