New Chicago Event Venue: Electric Shuffle Brings Tech-Enhanced Group Experiences to River North
Electric Shuffle Chicago opened on May 2nd in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. This 7,000-square-foot venue merges immersive gaming with hospitality-forward experiences that are ideal for corporate outings, client-facing events, team-building, and all...

Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and Beyond: Where to Go, What to Do, and Where to Stay
Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the beginning of summer. Whether you're in Chicago or looking for a quick getaway nearby, there’s no shortage of exciting activities, delicious food, and memorable experiences. From indulging in Chicago’s...

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...
New Chicago Event Venue: Electric Shuffle Brings Tech-Enhanced Group Experiences to River North
Electric Shuffle Chicago opened on May 2nd in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. This 7,000-square-foot venue merges immersive gaming with hospitality-forward experiences that are ideal for corporate outings, client-facing events, team-building, and all...

Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and Beyond: Where to Go, What to Do, and Where to Stay
Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the beginning of summer. Whether you're in Chicago or looking for a quick getaway nearby, there’s no shortage of exciting activities, delicious food, and memorable experiences. From indulging in Chicago’s...

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...

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...

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...