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...
Restaurants and Hotels: How to Win Holiday Bookings With Strategic Food and Beverage Offerings
Make it easy for planners to book your hotel, restaurant, or food business with menus that event they will love! The holiday season is the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year, but only if your menus and packages make it easy for event planners to say yes....
The Quiet Shift from Leading Events to Leading Teams
A Thought Leadership Piece by Joey Rodriguez Event planners are leaders. We orchestrate chaos, juggle a thousand moving parts, and somehow make it all look effortless. From the outside, we’re the ones with the clipboard and the calm smile. But somewhere along the way,...
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...
Restaurants and Hotels: How to Win Holiday Bookings With Strategic Food and Beverage Offerings
Make it easy for planners to book your hotel, restaurant, or food business with menus that event they will love! The holiday season is the most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year, but only if your menus and packages make it easy for event planners to say yes....
The Quiet Shift from Leading Events to Leading Teams
A Thought Leadership Piece by Joey Rodriguez Event planners are leaders. We orchestrate chaos, juggle a thousand moving parts, and somehow make it all look effortless. From the outside, we’re the ones with the clipboard and the calm smile. But somewhere along the way,...
Creating Unique Experiences Around the World with Sandy Joyce, Head of Global Event Marketing at Discover
Sandy Joyce, Head of Global Event Marketing | LinkedIn How do you create an entirely unique experience for some of the most well-traveled people in the world? When most people think of a corporate job, cubicles and blinding hours of computer screen work come to...
Halloween & Entertainment Costume and Mask Design with Zagone Studios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI4H2b9m1gw&t=7s Everyone knows Spirit Halloween, Party City, and local spots Fantasy Costumes and Chicago Costume, but did you know a local, Chicago staple is the company that provides them along with theater and movies companies...
Destination Planning for the Future with Bethanie DeRose
Bethanie DeRose | LinkedIn In the vast industry of events, there are so many roles that many of us don’t think about. They may be under the radar, or incredibly specific. For planners, many discussions include what goes into the event, how do we make the best use of...
Best in the Game: What it Takes to be a Professional Photographer, with Dan Merlo
MerloMedia.com | 773-859-9999 | [email protected] | LinkedIn - Dan Merlo | Instagram @MerloMedia In the age of Instagram, it may feel like everyone is a photographer, but when deciding who to hire, it’s about more than just an eye-catching picture. If...
New Venues from August & September 2021
21c Museum Hotel 21c Museum Hotel does more than just display a local artist in the lobby. This hotel is true to its name, creating a unique atmosphere which is generated by taking their art seriously. Their team describes the space as an "art museum with sleeping...
Virtual Event Feature: 2021 Walgreens Virtual Leader Meeting
Event Overview Event dates: August 30-31, 2021 Event Purpose: Internal Leadership Meeting Attendee Count: 2,000 Virtual Platform Used: Zoom A/V Partner: Resolution Digital Studios Event Summary: More than 2,000 Walgreens team members joined the 2021 Walgreens Virtual...
How to Deal with Difficult Clients
While clear communication lays the ground work for good client relationships, that doesn’t mean you won’t still run into trouble. Here are some ways to help you navigate even the most challenging of client expecations.
How to Network on Social Media
Last year we all had to retreat from our usual interactions, which removed opportunities to meet new people. While the virus is still in flux, the idea of networking remains challenging. There’s nothing quite like walking into a room and striking up...
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...
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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.