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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
How to Build Your Vendor List
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash One of the most important things a planner can have is a solid vendor list. It's important to make sure you have reputable partners who can help you execute a great event. Building (or refreshing) your vendor list can feel...
New Chicago Restaurants Coming Soon
New venues coming to Chicago – from restaurants to the new St. Regis hotel restaurants, including a British Steakhouse making its way to Chicago, and Guinness’ new brewery opening in the West Loop
AI Headshots Don’t Have to Ruin Your Photography Business
Photo via DailyDot Kelly Baums is one of many TikTokers talking about AI generated headshots. This conversation quickly has professional photographers following with "I'm worried." But the reality is that the person who is only spending around $20 on these headshots...
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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.