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...
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...
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.
Stella Artois is Giving $30,000 towards the Wedding of a Lucky Couple Affected by COVID-19
Photo by @Wedding_Photography Times are tough, and COVID-19 has caused countless couples to be heartbroken over delays and cancellations of their weddings. Knowing this, Stella Artois is hoping to add a silver lining for one lucky couple with their "Far From You, But...
5 Tips for Booking Celebrity Talent
This past Sunday marked one of the biggest events in the US: The Oscars. We still have celebrity fever, and so we got some great tips from entertainment and event industry expert Brett Ihde, CPCE, on how to add celebrities to your next event. Brett has managed tours...
Build Up Your Resources: Add V.I.P. Valet Services to Your Vendor List
There are many aspects to planning events, and some are more obvious than others. But what sets good planners apart from the best planners is the ability to manage and be prepared for more than just the space, food, music and decor. The best planners know that...
Creating Beautiful Invitations and Save the Dates for a Wedding with basic invite
*Sponsored Content from basicinvite.com As many of us in the events industry know, it's engagement season and there are a variety of events are planned around an upcoming wedding. From engagement parties to bridal showers, a save the date for a wedding and even...
Winter 2019-2020 Issue
Where to go for New Year’s 2020, Signature Seasonal Cocktails, Doubletree partners with Diveheart, an organization for adults and children with disabilities…