Chestnut Ridge, NY (May 4, 2009)—MC², a nationally recognized exhibit and event marketing company, today announced that Steven Phillips has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Strategy. Mr. Phillips will lead a range of strategic initiatives at MC² designed to enhance its offerings and deliver greater value to its clients. He will also work closely with creative and marketing teams to develop new business opportunities.

As executive vice president of strategy, Phillips will develop disciplined and integrated approaches that turn the broad promise of event marketing into focused, effective business practice.

“We have known and worked with Steven for many years,” said MC² CEO Gary Benson, “MC2 is pleased to add his unique blend of strategic marketing expertise and creative talent to our team.”

Over the course of a 25-year career, Phillips has conceived innovative marketing programs and staged one-of-a-kind experiences internationally for the world’s leading brands; reaching consumers, customers, internal teams, business and channel partners, as well as members of the media. He has led creative and experiential strategies on a wide range of projects including, Olympic hosting program for IBM, global launches for leading pharmaceutical firms, a world premiere for Universal Studios, and Canon’s 150,000 square-foot, proprietary exhibition, Canon Expo.

“It’s no secret that competition today is keen and effective marketing demands ever more creative and sophisticated solutions,” added Mr. Benson. “Mr. Phillips is ideally qualified to bring those two pieces together for the benefit of MC2 and the companies we serve.”

Prior to joining MC2, Phillips was a partner and senior vice president at MJM Creative Services (a WPP agency). In this role, he was responsible for creative leadership for MJM marketing and strategy, including coordination with other WPP agencies for joint new business opportunities.

MC² is a nationally recognized leader in the exhibit and event marketing industry. The company specializes in design, production and management of integrated marketing programs including events, exhibits, permanent and mobile environments and executive briefing centers. MC² rental exhibit system, EcoFlex, is a green alternative to custom exhibit rentals.

Headquartered in Chestnut Ridge, NY, MC² has 10 locations throughout the United States and alliances around the world to serve such customers as Canon USA, Samsung Electronics, Michelin North America, Cisco Systems, Fuji, Rubbermaid and FedEx.

For Chicago’s guide to exhibit companies and event services, visit Hereschicago.com

• The Relief of Belsen film

, Chicago’s online resource for Chicago meetings and events.

Chicago Event Production Services

To round out your event, Chicago Event Production Suppliers offers complete production services to keep your audience engaged and to make your event memorable. As part of Chicago’s Planner Preferred production services, they offer the following production services in Chicago:

Develop concepts and ideas
Write scripts and speeches
Handle staging and room decor
Coordinate lighting, sound, video projection, and technical support
Design and execute speaker support slides, multi-image productions, film, and videotape
Coordinate live business theater incorporating performers, music, original lyrics, choreography, and special staging and effects
Speech coaching, media training, and progressive learning programs
Provide access to effective and economical teleconferencing and distribution systems

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Directory of all Chicago Event Production Companies

HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® 2009 Event Series Announced
Mid-America and West Shows Add Event Technology Expo™

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announces the dates of its 2009 Affordable Meetings® Conference & Expositions, a trio of highly-acclaimed events that attracts more than 3,500 motivated planners from all sectors who attend looking for quality resources and education to enhance their meetings and events.

Due to the overwhelming response from attendees and exhibitors at the debut Event Technology Expo™ (ETE) at the 2008 Affordable Meetings National, ETE will return in 2009, and will be expanded to include an ETE component on the show floor and educational sessions at all three shows. HSMAI’s Event Technology Expo addresses all aspects of technology as it relates to tradeshows, meetings, and special events. Also, HSMAI’s Hotel Sales Strategy conference is being held March 31, 2009, in conjunction with Affordable Meetings Mid-America.

The 2009 HSMAI Affordable Meetings series schedule is as follows:

Affordable Meetings® Mid-America
April 1 — 2, 2009
Navy Pier
Chicago, Ill.

Affordable Meetings® West
June 10 — 11, 2009
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
San Jose, Calif.

Affordable Meetings® National and Event Technology Expo (ETE)
September 9 — 10, 2009
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

“In today’s economic climate, planners are seeking affordable options that still offer great value for their meetings,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “The 2009 series will offer a diverse selection of vendors and a strong educational component to help planners stay in tune with the changes in the industry while meeting their goals and staying within tightened budget guidelines.”

For exhibitors, HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings offers the opportunity to connect with an exclusive group of planners. More than 56% of Affordable Meetings planners do not attend any other trade show.

Margarita G. Muselli of InterContinental Hotels Group, Latin America, a new division created exclusively for Latin America, attended Affordable Meetings Mid-America with a blank database in 2008. “My mission was to find new clients with potential for Latin America. At the show, we were able to zero in on prospective clients, leaving with a solid list of contacts for immediate follow-up after the show.”

Planners note that in addition to finding quality resources to enhance their meetings and events, value comes out of the broad range of educational sessions offered at each conference. 2008 sessions focused on green options and new techniques to incorporate technology into meetings.

Attendees represent meeting and event planners from a variety of organizations, with a majority representing corporate, association and independent sectors, and the balance from government, non-profit, education, religious and medical/healthcare organizations, trade show management and the military. Attendance at HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings is free-of-charge for qualified meeting planners.

Attendee information for HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings is available by calling 1-866-470-6605, emailing affordablemeetings@jspargo.com, or visiting www.affordablemeetings.com.

For exhibitors interested in booth space, please contact Craig Baker, account manager, exhibition sales, J. Spargo & Associates, (703)679-3942 e-mail: amexhibits@jspargo.com, or visit www.affordablemeetings.com.

For more information on the HSMAI Hotel Sales Strategy Conference, visit www.hdosm.org.

About HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings® |
HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings offers attendees the opportunity to meet and do business with exhibiting companies during a unique exposition that showcases venues, products and services to help produce various types of meetings and events. Year-after-year, the highly-acclaimed trade exposition is a main attraction for attendees looking to meet and network with knowledgeable suppliers who are determined to help produce valuable meetings and assist with purchasing decisions. Exhibitors represent hotels and resorts, university conference centers, unique meeting sites, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation companies, trade publications, software and audio/visual businesses, and other meeting and convention suppliers. HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings is owned and presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International Americas region and managed by J. Spargo & Associates. Visit www.affordablemeetings.com or email affordablemeetings@jspargo.com for more information.

About HSMAI |
HSMAI is the hospitality industry source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, and bringing together customers and members at annual events, including HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings®. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, Va. 22102; (703)506-3280; fax (703) 506-3266, or visit the website at www.hsmai.org.

Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s meetings and events resource directory for meeting and event planners is a marketing partner of HSMAI Affordable Meetings Chicago.

Threats of federal regulation and sensational coverage are creating a paralyzing environment where companies across the country are canceling meetings and events for legitimate business purposes.

After three strong years, Chicago’s downtown hotels are facing tougher times as businesses cut travel budgets and tourists stay home. Because more businesses and groups are canceling meetings at hotels or spending less on food and drink, hotel owners are looking for ways to cut costs.

Business-related travel – including meetings, events and incentives – is a vital part of our national economy and essential to sustaining well-paying American jobs, the health of large and small businesses and the solvency of public services supported by federal, state and local tax-revenue. Broadly, business travel creates 2.4 million jobs, injects more than $240 billion into the national economy annually and generates $39 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

Specifically, meetings and events:

Create 1 million jobs to the American workforce in local communities – from big cities to small towns – across the United States.

Many of these jobs support working families in the hospitality and food service industries.

Generate $27 billion in wages for hardworking Americans that are critical to local economies across
the United States, and can play a critical role in our nation’s economic recovery.

Provide $16 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state and local level.

Contribute $101 billion in spending to the U.S. economy.

Support over 200 local convention centers around the county

Are responsible for nearly 15 percent of all travel in the United States.

When businesses cancel productive meetings and events, the American worker and local communities from coast-to-coast are the unintended victims.

Without the jobs generated by meetings, events and incentive travel, the current unemployment rate of 7.6 percent would rise to 8.2 percent and cost the average American household an additional $136 in annual taxes.

Critics have mislabeled many meetings and events as unnecessary and frivolous – causing companies that have received federal government support and many that have not – to cancel planned and future activities.
Whether a company has received emergency government lending or not, its inclination is to avoid the prospect of being ridiculed like AIG, Wells Fargo and others.

No region of the country is immune to the economic impact of canceled meetings, events and incentive programs. American workers and local communities pay the price as meetings, events and incentives decline.

The U.S. Labor Department reported a loss of nearly 200,000 travel related jobs in 2008 and Department of Commerce data predicts a loss of an additional 247,000 travel-generated jobs in 2009.

The meetings and events component of business travel is responsible for nearly 15 percent of all travel in the United States, drives $101 billion in spending, generates one million jobs and creates $16 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state and local levels.

Without the one million jobs generated by meeting and event travel, the unemployment rate in the United States would jump from 7.6 percent to 8.2 percent.

As meetings and events decline, local communities – nearly all of whom are dependent on visitor taxes – struggle to pay for essential services such as education, public safety and social services.

Business travel and events are a smart and cost effective way to retain and develop employee talent, generate ideas and share knowledge that drives future business growth.

Meetings, events and incentives are essential tools for companies to strengthen business relationships; align and educate employees and customers; and reward business performance. Members of Congress share this practice when convening their annual retreats at resorts outside Washington, DC

Incentive programs are two to three times more effective than cash at motivating employee performance. Companies can spend less on incentive travel than on cash compensation to achieve exceptional productivity from employees.

The recipients of incentive travel programs are typically hardworking middle class Americans who have earned trips for their exceptional performance.

According to a recent survey of Fortune 1000 Chief Marketing Officers, meetings and events provide the highest return on investment of any marketing channel.

Companies using taxpayer dollars must abide by best practices for meetings, events and incentives.

Companies that have received emergency government lending have an obligation to operate in a transparent and accountable fashion.

The travel community has addressed an urgent public need by developing clear, workable guidelines designed to ensure responsible business travel practices within companies that have received emergency government lending.

Additional punitive policies to limit meetings, events and incentive travel will unite business, labor and local government leaders in opposition.

The demand for face to face meetings is strong and the importance of having them is greater than ever in our history.  For example, within one week of sending the invitation for our Here’s Chicago Meetings and Hospitality St. Pat’s BASH event taking place on March 2, 2009 we are at capacity with the most meeting and event professionals registered in the history of this event with over 400 registered attendees and another 100 on the waiting list. 

“Business, Meetings and Incentive Programs are what built this economy” and “Our industry is being punished for the mistakes of a few”

“In Obama’s defense, I don’t believe he knows that the meetings industry contributes to “mainstreet”, the exact market he is trying to help. Bus boys, waiters, bellman, sedan drivers, etc.” says Jim Grillo, CMP of Hereschicago.com. 

Meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and incentive travel generated $122.3 billion in direct spending in the United States last year, according to the Convention Industry Council’s Economic Impact Study, released in September. Corporate meetings and events comprised one-third of that, or $40.3 billion; association events accounted for the rest.”

The industry employs 1.7 million people on a full-time basis, and is the 29th-largest contributor to the country’s gross national product.

Looking at types of meetings, conventions and exhibitions account for $67.9 billion, or 55.5 percent, of the total direct spending pie. Corporate and association meetings generated $48.1 billion in spending, or 39.4 percent of the total, while incentive travel made up the remaining 5.1 percent, generating $6.2 billion in spending. (Conventions and exhibitions are defined as events where exhibitions make up the largest component of the meeting, while meetings have a larger meetings component.)

The largest share of the convention and exhibition dollar, 35 percent, is spent in hotels. The rest is widely distributed throughout local economies, with 24 percent spent on air transportation, 14 percent in restaurants, and 12 percent on business services.
 
It is our responsibility today to communicate the positive messages from our industry and how we all directly contribute to the future growth of our economy.
 
Let’s make history together,
 
Jim Grillo, CMP
President
Hereschicago.com
Chicago’s Meetings and Events Resource Directory
 
Emmy Award Winner, Alternate Media/News 2008
Hall of Fame Supplier, Illinois Meetings & Events 2008
President, Meeting Professionals Internatio, nal Chicago 2003-2004
President, Hospitality, Sales & Marketing Assn of Ill. 2001-2004
Committee, Meeting Professionals International 2004-2008
Mentor/Ambassador, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, 2000-2002
Member, MPI International Student Advisory Council 2008-2009
 
For a P.R. Toolkit, visit the U.S. Travel Association (USTOA)

The awards honor the dedication and creativity of event professionals who have earned the respect and admiration of their clients and peers. The award winners were selected through an online reader poll. The winner are:

Best Attraction – Navy Pier
Best Audio-Visual – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Banquet/Reception Venue – Tie between Galleria Marchetti and River East Art Center
Best Boats/Cruises/Charters - Kanan Cruises
Best Caterer – Blue Plate Catering
Best Conference Venue – Gleacher Center
Best Convention & Visitors Bureau – Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau
Best Destination Management Company – On the Scene
Best Eco-Friendly Supplier – Greg Christian Catering and Events
Best Entertainment – Just for Fun Entertainment and Events, Inc.
Best Décor – Kehoe Designs
Best Florist – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Golf Resort – Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Best Historic Venue – Chicago History Museum
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (less than 440 rooms) – The Blackstone Hotel
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (more than 440 rooms) – Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Best Photography/Videography – Tie between Promax Productions and Studio T Photography
Best Rental Service – Classic Party Rentals
Best Teambuilding Facility/Organizer – Corporate Event Interactive
Best Transportation – Windy City Limousine
Best Unique Venue – Chicago Illuminating Company
Best Venue Outside Chicagoland – Pheasant Run Resort
Editor’s Pick Best Event Décor – Ivan Carlson & Associates
Editor’s Pick Best New Intimate Event Space – Vertigo Sky Lounge
Editor’s Pick Best Casino – Horseshoe Casino Hotel
Editor’s Pick Best Experimental Event Expert – Minding Your Business

New this year, Illinois Meetings + Events magazine recognized its first-ever Hall of Fame, chosen by the magazine’s editorial advisory board.

Lifetime Achievement – Bill Pry, Partner – BBJ Linen
Best Special Events Planner – Andrew Schorr, President and Principal – In the Loop
Best Meeting Professional – Kimberly LaBounty, President – Apex Management & Special Events Inc.
Best Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional – Justin Rhodes, Associate – Corporate Events for Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago
Best Supplier – Jim Grillo, President – hereschicago.com
Best Up-and-Coming Supplier – Renee Barricklow, Event Producer – Kehoe Designs, Chicago

“We are pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of these organizations and individuals to the meetings and events industry, which plays an important role in Illinois’s vitality and economy,” says Lauren Hurley, editor of Illinois Meetings + Events magazine.

Thank you to our event partners; Underground, The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. and Classic Party Rentals.

Illinois Meetings + Events magazine is one of eight regional meetings and events magazines published by Tiger Oak Publications, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn.  The idea-driven magazine focuses on the issues facing today’s meeting and event professionals in Illinois and beyond and looks to address all aspects of the industry through in-depth feature stories, insightful departments and helpful news and updates on tips and trends. For more information and to view photos from the event, visit www.ilmeetingsmag.com.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planner resource guide featuring Chicago’s top Planner Preferred vendors for Chicago meetings and events.

Dance All Night! offers a wide range of well-maintained equipment for rental – everything from wireless microphones to theatrical lighting to Chicago party rentals.  Dance All Night has over 25 years of experience providing audio visual rentals, projection, lighting and corporate entertainment for corporate events, small and large meetings in most Chicagoland conference centers, convention centers and meeting spaces.  Moreover, with Dance All Night! you’ll pay the same rate for up to a weekly rental that other companies charge for JUST ONE DAY! You won’t find a better deal anywhere on equipment rentals to include microphones, speakers, lighting, projection systems and more.

Wireless Microphone System Rentals
Dance All Night! offers excellent wireless microphone systems from names such as Countryman and Yamaha. We can service your rental needs in the Chicago area and beyond – we rent from coast to coast!

Sound System Rentals Sound System Rentals
Sound systems from Dance All Night! will keep your event hopping! We stock power amplifiers, CD decks, source mixers, power mixers and speakers from first-rate manufacturers.

Video Projection Rentals Video Projection Rentals
With our video projection systems, you can screen a movie, play a video game or present a corporate image piece. Dance All Night! has whatever you need – video projector, monitor, projection screens or video recording equipment – to add a visual spark to your next event.

Video Effects Rentals Video Effects Rentals
Add visual dazzle to your next gathering with a video effects mixer from Dance All Night! Featuring more than 200 special effects, our mixers are sure to enhance your dance party or other event.

Theatrical Lighting Rentals Theatrical Lighting Rentals
Dance All Night! has an extensive inventory of theatrical lighting available for rental – including NSI Lighting Systems, 24 and 12 channel light board systems, ETA lighting systems and lighting support systems. All rentals come with spare bulbs, color frames and filters.

Party Lighting and Effects Rentals Party Lighting and Effects Rentals
Pump up the party with lighting and effects from Dance All Night! We offer strobes, black lights, lasers, beamers, fog machines, confetti cannons and more! Neon lighting, custom lighting and outdoor lighting options are also available.

Entertainment & Party Rentals Entertainment & Party Rentals
Dance All Night! is your ultimate party supply source. We offer everything from the basics like tables, chairs, tents and power generators to items that add extra elements of fun to your event like moonwalks, fun food machines (cotton candy, popcorn, sno-cones, etc.), theme props and décor. We even have live entertainment – musicians, jugglers, clowns, face painters, caricature artists, mimes, stilt walkers, magicians and more!

Dance All Night is a Planner Preferred Party Equipment Rentals Company on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planning resource directory.

Visit Hereschicago.com for a full list of Chicago’s Planner Preferred for Party Rentals  Party Equipment Rentals  Chicago Chicago Companies that specialize in Party Rentals and Wedding Rentals for Parties, Wedding and Events featuring Planner Preferred Party Equipment Rentals Chicago, Wedding Rentals Chicago, Party Rentals Chicago for your next special event in Chicago

Gleacher Center Chicago Conference Center
450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
312-464-8787

The Gleacher Center was designed in collaboration with the Chicago Graduate School of Businesses world-class faculty to provide the best learning environment available.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Chicago Marriott Downtown Conference Center
540 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-836-0100

Certainly any hotel claiming a Magnificent Mile address should live up to its name. And after a $36 million total renovation, the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile achieves exactly that. Drawing from the context of the city itself – hustle and bustle balanced by the calming effects of natural elements – this newly transformed hotel offers a stunningly stylish, energetic and contemporary vibe. Here, business and entertainment intersect in a multidimensional setting that inspires guests to engage, relax, retreat, work and play.

The Meadows Club Conference Center
2950 W. Golf Road
Rolling Mdws, IL 60008
847 640 3200

The Meadows Club is fast gaining critical acclaim and recognition as North-west Chicago’s premier full service Convention and Banquet facility. Since its opening in May 2007, the facility has hosted several quality events- cultural, corporate, weddings and fundraisers. The state of the art technology, elegant décor, outstanding food and impeccable service has made it one of the most sought after venues in the Chicagoland area.

The Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre
2401 West Higgins Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
847 884 7000

Located just minutes west of Woodfield Mall and in very close proximity to I90 at the Barrington Road exits, The Stonegate is the NW Suburbs premier conference and banquet facility featuring 17,000 sf of flexible function space highlighted by an 8,200 sf ballroom with 20 foot ceiling and a 3,600sf Lakeside Pavilion (tent). The availability of an in-house A/V company with on-site technician is a unique feature and provides a tremendous benefit to meeting/event planners.

Pheasant Run Resort & Spa
4051 East Main St.
St Charles, IL 60174
800 474 3272

Located at Chicago’s doorstep and within easy reach of O’Hare International and Midway Airports, the resort is set on 250 beautiful rolling acres in historic St. Charles. With 473 spacious guest rooms, fantastic entertainment options and more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and conference facilities, the resort is the perfect setting for corporate retreats, distinctive tradeshows, training sessions and conventions. With luxurious guest rooms, extensive meeting and conference facilities, exceptional entertainment and cuisine, two outstanding golf courses and a renowned spa, the resort is the perfect setting for a family vacation, weekend getaway, corporate retreat or exquisite wedding.

Catalyst Ranch Chicago Conference Center
656 W. Randolph
Ste. 3W
Chicago, IL 60661
312 207 1710
 
Catalyst Ranch is Chicago’s most inspiring and green venue for sparking creativity and innovation! We’re located in a vintage loft with high ceilings, lots of natural light and comfy furnishings. The 5 extra large rooms and 2 mini conference rooms delight and inspire meeting goers for corporate teams seeking innovative solutions to solve today’s business challenges. Escape from the everyday without leaving the city - take a retreat from your usual routine! One trip & you’ll be hooked. Voted “Best Unique Venue” by Illinois Meetings and Events.

Navy Pier Chicago Convention & Conference Center
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312 595 5053

The historical Grand Ballroom, Lakeview Terrace and Rooftop offer a unique backdrop for events up to 3,000 people. Navy Pier’s 170,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space along with 36 meeting rooms offer plenty of options for all types of events. All of this located on the lake front and minutes from downtown Chicago. A Chicago Convention Center and Conference Center.

DuPage Expo Center
4050 East Main St
St Charles, IL 60174
866 239 3976

Welcome to DuPage County’s Newest Exposition Center. Now Open for Trade Shows and Events in St. Charles, Illinois. Trade shows and events have found a spacious new home at the DuPage Expo Center.  With more than 23,000 sq. ft. of column-free carpeted space and acres of professionally maintained grounds, DuPage Expo is the perfect venue for trade shows, product launches, large meetings and special events.
                              
Located in St. Charles, Illinois, the expo center is less than an hour from Chicago, near all major airports and is located on the beautiful 300-acre campus of luxurious Pheasant Run Resort and Spa.  DuPage Expo is conveniently located on a major thoroughfare (Main Street/Route 64/North Avenue) with easy entry and exit.

Visit Here’s Chicago’s Directory of all Chicago Conference Centers & Chicago Meeting Facilities

Here’s Chicago’s Planner Preferred Full-Service Set Design and Staging Companies in Chicago including Event Production/Audiovisual Services (A/V), Set and Stage Designers/Construction, Full-Service Set Design and Staging Companies and Chicago’s best meeting and event planners.

The Meetinghouse Companies Inc.  Planner Preferred!
781 North Church Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630.941.0600

The Meetinghouse Companies is a full-service event design and production company with in-house capabilities including scenic decor, event technology, business theater, and floral design. Based in Chicago, the Meetinghouse Companies serve Fortune 1000 clients around the world. Combining innovative design and creative messaging with the utmost attention to detail, the Meetinghouse Companies produce fully integrated, cost-effective events that deliver exceptional results. Click here to view more details and contact information

Ivan Carlson & Associates Planner Preferred!
2224 West Fulton
Chicago, IL 60612
312.829.4616

Ivan Carlson & Associates specializes in scenic design, themed decor, stage sets and creative event design for corporate special events. We operate a 40,000 square foot facility on Chicago’s west side that is home to dynamic props, intriguing themed decor, unusual set pieces and an array of scenic design elements. ade shows and meetings. Click here to view more details and contact information

M&M, The Special Events Company Planner Preferred!
493 Mission Street
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630.871.9999

M&M is essentially an extension of your event team, providing: Tenting, Tables & Chairs, Linen, Table Settings, Décor, Floral and more! With more than 150,000 square feet of event equipment and over 150 event professionals, fleet drivers and installers, M&M works closely with you making your events a spectacular success! Click here to view more details and contact information

Absolute Production Services Planner Preferred!
9827 W. Farragut Street
Rosemont, IL 60018

Absolute Production Services is a full service event, meeting, seminar, and exhibit production company. Since our inception over 13 years ago, APS has established itself as a leader in the production industry. Our services range from a straightforward corporate meeting to a remote concert in the Blue Ridge Mountains with an attendance of 30,000 people and include the single largest simulcast in promotional marketing history, managing over 200 industry professionals simultaneously in 45 markets. Our success has been possible due to our relentless focus on the three cornerstones that define our company: Our People, Our Process, and Our Relationships. Click here to view more details and contact information

Total Event Resources Planner Preferred!
1920 Thoreau Drive
Suite 105
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847.397.2200

Under the leadership of President Kathy Miller, Total Event Resources has worked with Fortune 500 companies and associations nationwide in the management and production of their major events, trade shows and meetings. Known for our creativity, attention to detail, vast resources and commitment to success, we’ve built our business on staying at the forefront of innovation within the meetings and events industry. Click here to view more details and contact information

Below are some additional options for Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies in Chicago including Event Production/Audiovisual Services, Set and Stage Design/Construction, Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies for company meetings, corporate events, large outdoor events, in house hotel events, Chicago conference centers, Chicago convention centers and more.

Event Architects
311 West Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Event Creative
311 West Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Five-Star Audio Visual
550 North Commons Drive, Suite 101
Aurora, IL 60504

Freeman Company Chicago
5040 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60644

Kobotech Inc.
8 South Michigan Ave., Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60603

Plexus Productions LLC
821 Sivert Drive
Wood Dale, IL 60191
630.860.2948

Redline Event Services Inc.
4932 West Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

Ronsley Special Events
1200 North North Branch St.
Chicago, IL 60622

SCS Productions
28 Congress Circle West
Roselle, IL 60172

Stage Right Inc.
13610 Boulton Blvd.
Mettawa, IL 60045

Stellar Productions Inc.
1201 Laura Lane
Lake Bluff, IL 60044

Williams/Gerard Productions
420 North Wabash, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Hereschicago.com for all of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies in Chicago including Chicago’s Top Event Production/Audiovisual Services, best Set and Stage Design/Construction, Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies for company meetings, corporate events, large outdoor events, in house hotel events, Chicago conference centers, Chicago convention centers and more.

DuPage Expo Center, St. Charles Illinois Conference Center
Trade shows and events have found a spacious new home at the DuPage Expo Center. With more than 23,000 sq. ft. of column-free carpeted space and acres of professionally maintained grounds, DuPage Expo is the perfect venue for trade shows, product launches, large meetings and special events.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, St. Charles, Illinois Conference Center
Located at Chicago’s doorstep and within easy reach of O’Hare International and Midway Airports, the resort is set on 250 beautiful rolling acres in historic St. Charles. With 473 spacious guest rooms, fantastic entertainment options and more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and conference facilities, the resort is the perfect setting for corporate retreats, distinctive tradeshows, training sessions and conventions. With luxurious guest rooms, extensive meeting and conference facilities, exceptional entertainment and cuisine, two outstanding golf courses and a renowned spa, the resort is the perfect setting for a family vacation, weekend getaway, corporate retreat or exquisite wedding.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, Illinois Conference Center
The Meadows Club is fast gaining critical acclaim and recognition as North-west Chicago’s premier full service Convention and Banquet facility. Since its opening in May 2007, the facility has hosted several quality events- cultural, corporate, weddings and fundraisers. The state of the art technology, elegant décor, outstanding food and impeccable service has made it one of the most sought after venues in the Chicagoland area.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
Gleacher Center, Chicago, Illinois Conference Center
The Gleacher Center was designed in collaboration with the Chicago Graduate School of Businesses world-class faculty to provide the best learning environment available.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
Catalyst Ranch, Chicago, Illinois Conference Center
Catalyst Ranch is Chicago’s most inspiring and green venue for sparking creativity and innovation! We’re located in a vintage loft with high ceilings, lots of natural light and comfy furnishings. The 5 extra large rooms and 2 mini conference rooms delight and inspire meeting goers for corporate teams seeking innovative solutions to solve today’s business challenges. Escape from the everyday without leaving the city - take a retreat from your usual routine! One trip & you’ll be hooked. Voted “Best Unique Venue” by Illinois Meetings and Events.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois Conference Center The historical Grand Ballroom, Lakeview Terrace and Rooftop offer a unique backdrop for events up to 3,000 people. Navy Pier’s 170,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space along with 36 meeting rooms offer plenty of options for all types of events. All of this located on the lake front and minutes from downtown Chicago. A Chicago Convention Center and Conference Center.

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers

The Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre, Hoffman Estates, Ill Conference Center Located just minutes west of Woodfield Mall and in very close proximity to I90 at the Barrington Road exits, The Stonegate is the NW Suburbs premier conference and banquet facility featuring 17,000 sf of flexible function space highlighted by an 8,200 sf ballroom with 20 foot ceiling and a 3,600sf Lakeside Pavilion (tent). The availability of an in-house A/V company with on-site technician is a unique feature and provides a tremendous benefit to meeting/event planners

Visit Here’s Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning, Chicago Conference Centers
 
For a complete guide to Chicago Conference Planning Resources, Conference Planning and Chicagoland Conference, Convention and Meeting Space, please visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings and Events Planning Guide featuring Chicago’s Planner Preferred Conference Centers and Meeting Spaces.

Cubby Bear is a 30,000 square foot unique Chicago venue that specializes in Cubs outings, but can accommodate birthday, corporate and social events ranging from 20-1200 guests. We offer three large private party rooms, each with their own bar, washroom, sound system and numerous plasma TVs. We are experienced with all types of groups and love working with Chicago convention groups who are planning their conferences in Chicago.  We work with convention and conference planners through every detail of planning opening night and closing night events.  Groups of all types love us because the Cubby Bear is a true Chicago experience.  Cubby Bear offers a fun, casual atmosphere and has the perfect layout for large events in Chicago.

Cubby Bear is on of the most unique Chicago sites, venues, locations, spaces!

Total Capacity of Venue:
1200

Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes

Unique views?
Wrigley Field, “Home of the Chicago Cubs” and the Wrigley Field Marquee

Our most Important Target Market is?
Large companies looking for a venue to host meeting, events or corporate parties.

We are most proud of our ability to?
Accommodate all requests, large and small to make your event memorable.

We are famous with customers for our ability to?
Cubby Bear provides “one-stop shopping” for event planning. We can coordinate all the details from food and transportation to the intimate details that make Cubby Bear unique.

Unlike our competition, we offer customers?
Cubby Bear offers a great corporate location for meetings, and we are located in the heart of Wrigley. We have on-site parking, and three private party rooms that include their own bar, washroom, sound system and brand new plasma TVs.

We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best?
Customer Service! Our staff is trained to make sure all aspects of your event run smoothly from the planning to execution of the event.

Our company enhances customer lives by offering?
A unique venue with an amazing view of the world famous Wrigley Field.

We offer our customers the best?
We provide the best unique event venue in Chicago for meetings, convention groups, conferences, large groups for opening night and final night events, corporate outings and holiday parties.

Recent Clients:
Please call for a list of clients

Awards/Achievements:
2008 Best Sports Bar-Timeout Chicago 2007 7th Best Sports Bar in America voted by Sports Illustrated

Consider the Cubby Bear Chicago if you are seeking:

Convention Party Space in Chicago
Unique Chicago Venues for Conference Group
Bars near Wrigley Field, the “Home of the Chicago Cubs”
Cubs bars for group outings
Wrigley field bars for corporate events
Private events Space for Cubs Outing
Venue for your group
Chicago places to have a client outing
Private parties and spaces around Wrigleyville Chicago

For more information, read our reviews from event planners and to contact Becky Mormann, Private Event Manager of Cubby Bear Chicago, visit Cubby Bear Chicago.

If you are an association or conference manager/plannerseeking a place to have your next conference or convention opening or closing night party, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s convention and conference planner featuring Chicago event spaces, places, sites and locations.