Chicago Meetings Industry Update
First, we want to give a special thank you to the shows hosted in Chicago in October, including Neuroscience 2024, 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2024 Annual Meeting, SWE 2024 The Annual Conference of Women Engineers, and more. We’re excited to host your meetings and events in Chicago!
One Off Hospitality, the acclaimed collective behind renowned Chicago restaurants like Blackbird and The Publican, has launched a new venture: One Off Hospitality Events & Catering. Officially opened on October 24th, the 12,000-square-foot venue in West Town will offer full-service event production, featuring seasonal menus from celebrated chefs and curated craft cocktails from The Violet Hour. Led by industry veteran Michelle Krage, this expansion aims to elevate the events industry with chef-driven culinary experiences for gatherings of all sizes.
O’Hare International Airport Welcomes New Concessions to Terminal 5! The new offerings include the first airport locations for popular dining spots and a luxury retail store, with a strong emphasis on local and minority-owned businesses. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience and support diverse entrepreneurship at O’Hare. The new concessions (Chick-Fil-A, Protein Bar & Kitchen, K & K Coffee LLC, RGMA, and Blue Daring) are one of the final pieces of the $1.3 billion expansion and modernization of Terminal 5, which opened in early 2023. Work on a new, six-story parking garage for the terminal is underway and on track to be completed this fall.
Speaking of airports, Mayor Brandon Johnson and city officials unveiled new public art installations at Midway International Airport, featuring works from the City of Chicago’s Public Art Collection. The exhibition celebrates the city’s diversity and cultural impact, showcasing artists like Jonathan Michael Castillo and Steve Musgrave.
Toro Chicago, the latest venture from renowned Chef Richard Sandoval, opened at the Fairmont Chicago, bringing Pan-Latin cuisine to the city. Inspired by diverse Latin American traditions, the restaurant features dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a unique cocktail program and a commitment to authentic flavors, Toro Chicago aims to deliver an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Latin America.
Boleo at the Kimpton Gray Hotel has unveiled a refreshed design by Los Angeles-based interior design studio Magali Sonterre, celebrating authenticity and craftsmanship. The transformation features a calming neutral palette and traditional elements like woodworking and metalwork, creating a contemporary atmosphere that reflects the soul of Latin America. Guests can enjoy a Pan-Latin dining experience with dishes by Executive Chef Luis Silva, innovative cocktails, and community events like monthly Salsa Nights, making Boleo a vibrant gathering spot in downtown Chicago.
Lastly, Chicago Theatre Week is right around the corner! It will take place from February 6-16, 2025, with opportunities to see a variety of productions. Last year, over 18,000 tickets were sold, highlighting the event’s role in attracting new audiences to Chicago’s vibrant theater scene. Tickets go on sale in January!
Current/Upcoming Events
- October 18 – November 3: Chicago Fall Fest
- November 8-21: 30th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival
- November 14-24: Chicago Japan Film Collective 2024
- November 22: Christkindlmarket opens (Daley Plaza and Aurora)
- November 22: City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony
- November 23: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- November 28: Thanksgiving Day Parade
- November 30: Small Business Saturday
