1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. hotel

2
Hospitality
Suburban hospitality industry set for solid season
By Anna Marie Kukec
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
[email protected]
Good weather, increased consumer
spending, and flexibility in scheduling
meeting dates have been boosting the
suburban hospitality industry.
Compared to last year, the demand
for hotel rooms is expected to be
greater, said Marc Gordon, director of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging
Association.
“But a large number of new hotels in
the market should offset the increase
in demand,” said Gordon. And rates
for rooms is expected to increase,
so revenues should be the same or
slightly better than last year, he said.
Besides hotels, convention centers and restaurants have seen a small
but favorable uptick in revenues so far
this year. While the region still hasn’t
totally recovered from the Great Recession, it has continued to show good
signs in various parts of the industry.
Among those good signs are evident in local hotels. There are 62 hotels
in the Northwest suburban region,
according to Schaumburg-based Meet
630.208.7433
DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.
Chicago Northwest. And they have all
seen a positive trend in occupancy,
said Dave Parulo, president of Meet
Chicago Northwest. Hotel occupancy
has increased from 57 percent in 2010
15 S. River Lane • Geneva, IL 60134
www.herringtoninn.com
to 66 percent in 2014. That means hotel
room revenue has increased from
about $150 million in 2010 to more
than $200 million in 2014. In 2014, 2.3
million hotel rooms were occupied,
which generated about $200 million in
hotel room revenue and contributed to
about $12 million to Illinois in the form
of the state guest room tax, Parulo said,
citing statistics from 2014 Smith Travel
Research.
Another positive sign is the growth
of the hotel industry. There are 692
new guest rooms under development
at six hotels in the area, he said. There
also are new restaurants and entertainment facilities, including Level 257
that opened at Woodfield Mall.
The Schaumburg mall is undergoing a $13 million renovation to freshen
its property. At the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center,
demand for meetings and conventions
has been steady, compared to last year,
said Lisa Timbo, general manager of
the Renaissance.
The Renaissance has been getting a
“very diverse make up of business in
our hotels, which is no different from
in past years,” Timbo sad. However,
over the last few years, meetings are
becoming smaller in size and shorter
Continued on Page 8
630.262.8371
35 N. River Lane • Geneva, IL 60134
www.riversidereceptions.com
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630.953.8880
Schaumburg
847.413.0800
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Monday, april 27, 2015
Chicago
312.467.9696
4
Hospitality
GAME ON
Taking meetings out of the office
By Amanda Quisenberry
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Daily Herald Business Ledger Writer
Corporate business leaders often look
for ways to combine work and play.
From Millennials to Generation X to
Baby Boomers, there is a unifying desire
to take traditional work out of boardrooms and into structured playrooms.
Many companies search for venues to help employees think outside
the box. Business leaders have found
that team building and idea generation
often flow better in a nontraditional
setting.
And corporate leaders are trying a
combination of strategies to keep the
younger employee engaged in ways
that may not have worked 20 years ago.
Many companies find that it may not
always be the most productive to hold
meetings in the traditional style with
employees sitting around a long rectangle table to discuss creative ideas.
The suburbs are home to exciting
venues designed to bring young and
seasoned professionals together to
strategize in the meeting room before
stepping onto a racetrack, basketball
court, bowling lane or driving range as
teammates and competitors. Here are
a few examples of what’s out there.
K-1 Speed — Addison,
Buffalo Grove
This one-of-a-kind venue is the perfect place to conduct meetings, host
events and improve company morale.
The corporate meeting rooms feature 110-inch display screens for presentations. All food and beverage
needs are met by some of the area’s
best restaurants and caterers. Kart racing events promote unity and effectiveness through team building activities.
K-1 Speed offers customized race
packages and karting events to suit
each company, including mini Grand
Prix races and competitions that pit
one driver against another. The racing events are designed to encourage
friendly competition, camaraderie and
team loyalty.
Libertyville Sports Complex
This popular corporate destination has 3,503 square feet of meeting
PhoTo courTesy of PinsTriPes, inc.
Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro in Oakbrook Center features an outdoor patio with two fireplaces on two levels.
rooms that can accommodate up to
120 people.
The indoor events center has eight
basketball courts (suitable for volleyball matches and floor hockey) and
two artificial surface fields for soccer,
lacrosse, football and baseball. The
Sports Complex also features the area’s
tallest 360-degree Climbing Mountain.
A professional staff is available to
assist with event concepts, vendors,
organizing activities, logistics and onsite operations.
Lucky Strike — Lombard
This 28,000 square foot establishment has multifaceted amenities
including billiards, full service bars and
bowling suites. According to its website, Lucky Strike Lombard offers “elegant style menus, a great location and
a fantastic staff” with “upscale party
spaces and cutting edge a/v systems.”
Pinstripes Bowling —
Northbrook, Oak Brook,
South Barrington
The expansive 40,000 square foot
dining and entertainment area features a bistro with Italian-American
B e v h o r n e / b ho r n e@d a ilyher a ld . co m
Bocce courts at Pinstripes can provide a team building option.
cuisine and wine, as well as a yearround outdoor patio and fire pit.
Bowling lanes and bocce ball courts
are available, and party rooms can
accommodate 20-600 people.
Topgolf — Naperville,
Wood Dale
This venue offers extensive food and
drink menus, upscale facilities and
competitive fun for corporate meetings and events.
Topgolf uses microchipped golf
balls, which track each shot’s accuracy and distance while awarding
points for hitting targets on the digital
outfield.
According to its website, a business meeting or event at Topgolf is “a
unique way to entertain corporate clients and colleagues in a decidedly
noncorporate environment.”
5
make your next meeting
spectacular
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for more information or to request a group RFP:
Northbrook
5000 West 127th Street
Alsip, IL 60803
708.371.7300
alsipdoubletree.com
2855 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062
847.509.7010
northbrookallgauers.com
3003 Corporate West Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
630.245.7600
hiltonlislenaperville.com
DOUBLE EIGHT HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
Alsip
Chicago
Monday, april 27, 2015
Lisle/Naperville
6
Hospitality
D A I LY H E R A L D B U S I N E S S L E D G E R
Meetings mean business in DuPage County
The tourism industry in
DuPage is alive and well,
and despite significant competition, continues to bring
billions of dollars in revenue
to DuPage County and Illinois. The DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau is
proud to be the official statecertified agency for promoting regional, national and Beth
international initiatives to Marchetti
help bolster the county’s
economy by securing new
meetings, conferences and events to
DuPage County.
While a large sports tournament
or a religious state convention might
not make the news or social media’s
“trending topics,” these types of groups
generate significant revenues for
DuPage communities, providing jobs
and directly affecting the quality of life
while saving local families over $1,300
each year in additional taxes.
The state of Illinois’ latest report
showed that tourism expenditures for
DuPage County are at the highest levels
6
ever, and DuPage continues
to rank second only to Cook
County for overall visitor revenue and expenditures.
Meeting attendees and
visitors to DuPage contributed $2.3 billion to the state’s
economy. The hospitality
industry employs more than
21,000 people. Guests to
DuPage generated $584 million in payroll and an additional $177 million in state
and local tax receipts.
Studies by the U.S. Travel Association report that:
• The meetings and events sector supports both jobs and spending in U.S.
industries, including professional
meeting organizers, venues, food and
beverage, accommodations, transportation, recreation, entertainment,
retail, travel services and more.
• The majority of direct spending is
related to meeting planning and production, venue rental and other non‐
travel commodities.
• The remainder is spent on lodging,
food and transportation.
For the 38 communities of DuPage
County and Illinois:
• 301,100 jobs are directly related
to meetings and the visitor industry, which is one of the state’s largest
employers.
• For every $1 spent on meeting or
visitor promotion, $7 is earned in state
and local tax revenue.
• The revenue generated by Illinois’
visitors each year is equivalent to the
salaries of 32,000 teachers, 30,280 police
officers or 39,000 firefighters.
The bottom line: Tourism, especially when connected with meetings,
is a valuable industry that benefits business, government and the economy.
Every convention, meeting and
event held in DuPage County offers
the opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth, prosperity and
economic fiber of the county and the
entire Chicagoland area.
By holding meetings in DuPage, outof-town guests will benefit from the
convenience, value and accessibility
of the DuPage area, and expenses are
kept low while enabling more local
members to attend.
Every business and resident can do
their part to keep tourism dollars in
their own backyard. Consider contacting the DuPage CVB if you are
responsible for planning a family/class
reunion, wedding, your child’s travel
sports tournament or even a meeting
of your civic organization.
As the county’s official travel marketing agency, the DuPage CVB works
hard to be a cutting-edge leader in
marketing DuPage County to visitors.
With our long list of complimentary services, we can be an invaluable
resource to you in finding the perfect
function space, with many affordable
alternatives to Chicago that can save
you both time and money.
You can support DuPage County’s
38 communities by letting us help you
and your group put together a great
meeting or event.
• Beth Marchetti is executive director
at the DuPage Convention & Visitors
Bureau.
Danada
house
• weddings
• corporate events
• social events
A facility of the Forest Preseve District of DuPage County
operated by The Friends of Danada.
www.danadahouse.com • 630. 668. 5392
3S501 Naperville Rd. • Wheaton, IL 60189
Photography: Timothy Whaley Photography
Monday, april 27, 2015
rich in beauty and history
7
D
I
S
C
O
V
E
R
DUPAGE
B E Y O N D
C H I C A G O ’ S
S K Y L I N E
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
What do you get when you combine the
second largest tourism revenue generator
in Illinois with one of the top state-certified
convention and visitors bureaus?
Welcome to DuPage County, where tourism is
a major economic driver and the ideal place to
hold your next meeting or event.
D I S C O V E R VA R I E T Y, A F F O R D A B I L I T Y
AND CONVENIENCE CLOSE TO HOME.
• 38 communities just 20 miles west of
downtown Chicago.
Contact the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau
for your next meeting, reunion, sports tournament
or other big event. The DuPage CVB is easy on your
budget since our services are complimentary. We can
even help with your DIY wedding!
• Over 2 million square feet of combined
meeting space.
• 16,000+ guest rooms in over 100 hotels
and resorts, all with free parking.
• Easy access to O’Hare and Midway, local
interstates and three Metra lines.
630.575.8070 | [email protected]
DiscoverDuPage.com
Monday, april 27, 2015
• World-class shopping, restaurants and
entertainment.
8
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Parties
Conference room facilities available
Monday, april 27, 2015
Two great locations
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5520 Park Place
Rosemont, IL 60018
779.368.4359
Hospitality
Continued from Page 2
in length. While this year is not yet fully
booked, the Renaissance anticipates
a steady demand for the remainder of
the year with increases in its group and
local catering business, Timbo said.
At the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook
Hills Resort & Conference Center in
Oak Brook, like many
hotels and resorts,
executives are seeking new ways to attract
leisure and business
travelers. The warm
weather over recent
weeks also has allowed Lisa
the facility to prep the Timbo
golf course and open
it as a so-called preview so members
could play 9 holes. The resort then
opened March 27, said Stefan Muhle,
general manager of the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.
And the resort also continues to
build a strong relationship with the
community, including with its Easter
Brunch, Mother’s Day brunch and a
Father’s Day BBQ, he
said.
“We’re looking to
rattle the cages a bit,”
Muhle said.
“Instead of doing
what everyone else is
doing, we’re looking
for different perspecStefan
tives, new and fresh
Muhle
ideas, and progressive
concepts which will
help us re-imagine the property over
time.”
As a direct result, the resort’s yearover-year growth has been good, he
said.
“Our repositioning efforts are beginning to pay off already and our renovation has just started. And the resort is
poised to once again be the pre-eminent destination in the Midwest, setting the standard of excellence for
meetings, social events and golf. The
property will be the most successful
operator in its marketplace, delivering
a level of personal service and product that is customer driven, reflecting
excellence and innovation.”
As for restaurants, more chain restaurants have moved into the suburbs,
offsetting the loss of some independent restaurants, said Kim McLynn,
a spokeswoman for NPD Group, a
research firm in Rosemont.
The region showed a total of 19,523
restaurants in the fall of 2014, compared to 19,609 the year before, or a
slight loss of 0.4 percent.
New restaurants included Kuma’s
Corner in Schaumburg, Dasbier Garden in Hoffman Estates, Crosstown
Hospitality TakeAways
• While the suburban hospitality
industry hasn’t fully recovered yet from
the Great Recession, various parts of
the industry are showing good signs of
improvement. And that should continue
for the rest of this year.
• More hotel rooms are being added,
which should meet growing demand at
suburban hotels. Also room rates are
increasing, which should also add more
revenue.
• Renovations at Woodfield Mall, more
restaurants coming to the suburbs,
and more hotels trying new things are
expected to attract more tourism to the
suburbs.
• Travel is also up, including more
trips being booked to warm weather
climates as well as throughout Europe
as more people apply for passports for
both leisure and business travel.
Pub & Grill in Batavia, and Favio’s Pizzeria in Geneva. Closing restaurants
included Ed Debevic’s in Lombard,
Cafe N Play in Naperville and Taco in a
Bag in West Dundee.
Then there is Bauer’s Brauhaus that
closed and then will reopen in Palatine with the new name of Schnell’s
Bauhaus.
Still, NPD Group forecasts that food
service visits will be flat later this year.
But consumers who will go to a restaurant are expected to spend more,
with an increase of about 3 percent,
McLynn said.
For the year ending in February, visits to restaurants were flat compared
to last year. Quick service restaurants,
which represents about 80 percent of
total industry traffic, increased visits by
1 percent in the period.
The quick-service hamburger locations continued to struggle with visits
down 2 percent, compared to year ago.
Consumer spending at restaurants
and food service outlets, on the other
hand, is up 3 percent, McLynn said.
As for the travel industry, more
bookings were done for the Caribbean,
Mexico and for various cruises, said
Christie Kruchten, travel consultant
for Travel Leaders in Naperville.
Ireland, France, UK and Italy also
were the top destinations so far for the
summer and fall months, she said.
Florida also remains a strong contender, but since more and more
Americans are getting passports, travel
outside of the United States continues
to climb, she said.
“Folks were only thinking of warm
places to go to,” Kruchten said. “Now
that we’ve had our first warm spell,
requests for Europe have shot through
the roof.”
Hospitality
9
CourTesy of Topgolf
New Topgolf location planned for Naperville
facility with 102 hitting bays, a full-ser- menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinvice restaurant and bars, a rooftop ter- ner seven days a week. Not to menrace, a gaming lounge and more. Each tion, the Topgolf games and atmohitting bay will feature heaters for the sphere foster interaction and fun for
winter and misters for the summer, the attendees.
an HDTV on which
Q: What size
guests can change
events can you
the channel, and
accommodate?
a ball dispenser.
A: Our capac699 W. Thorndale Ave.,
Guests just swipe
ity varies by locatheir golf club over
tion.
Topgolf
Wood Dale, IL 60191
the sensor on the
Wood Dale can
Owners: Privately Held
ball
dispenser,
welcome up to
Year business started: 2000
and a ball tied to
1,000 guests, and
their account will
Naperville can
Web address: Topgolf.com
roll out. When the
serve up to 1,200.
Number of employees: 5,300
player hits a ball,
Q:
Who
worldwide
the accuracy and
invented
distance of that
Topgolf?
shot will appear
A: Topgolf was
on the TV screen in the bay. Topgolf invented by two brothers who were
Naperville will offer all the latest tech- practicing their golf swings in Lonnology and upgrades, including new don. Boredom quickly took hold, and
games to play!
they began brainstorming ways they
Q: How do you cater to the corporate could liven up the sport and improve
their skills at the same time. They enviclient?
A: Topgolf can accommodate groups sioned a place where they could work
and events of all types, as well as bud- on their game and also have the best
gets large and small. We have tradi- time of their lives! And although the
tional meeting space, including com- idea for Topgolf came from hard-core
plete in-house AV capabilities and golfers, more than half of all Topunique breakout areas. Our catering golf guests describe themselves as
Topgolf
nongolfers.
Q: Tell us where it started and how it
has grown.
A: Our first location was built in Watford near London. Topgolf came to the
U.S. in 2005 and to Chicago in 2007.
We now have three locations in the
U.K. and 16 open in the U.S. Topgolf
plans to build 10 new locations a year
for the next three years, and we already
have 11 under construction.
Q: Tell us one unique fact about the
venue.
A: Many guests are surprised to learn
that the majority of our food is prepared from scratch daily.
Q: What else can customers expect?
A: We have year-round programming for all ages and skill levels. We
have social leagues (think softball
or volleyball, but for Topgolf), tournaments, golf lessons, theme party
nights, live music nights and more. We
also have a Summer Academy, which
offers golf instruction for kids ages
6-12. Plan to spend holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween
and more with Topgolf, too, because
we always have something special
planned to entertain our guests.
— Kim Mikus
Monday, april 27, 2015
An interview with Mary Beisemann,
director of event sales at Topgolf Wood
Dale.
Q: What is Topgolf?
A: Topgolf is the emerging global
leader in golf entertainment, serving millions of guests
annually. Players hit
golf balls containing computer microchips that track each
shot’s accuracy and
distance while also
awarding points for
hitting targets on the
Mary
outfield. Each facilBeisemann
ity offers an upscale,
laid-back experience
that features climatecontrolled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted
by an executive chef. Mix in dynamic
event spaces for groups of all sizes, and
Topgolf stands as the premier entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets the neighborhood’s
favorite hangout.
Q: You’re working on a new location.
Tell us about that.
A: Topgolf Naperville will be our flagship location in the Chicago area. It will
be a three-level, 65,000-square-foot
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Topgolf was invented by two brothers who were practicing their golf swings in London. It is now growing worldwide.
10
WHY TOURISM
MATTERS
CHICAGO NORTHWEST TOURISM SAVES YOU MONEY
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Tourism saves the average Illinois household
$1,300 in taxes each year
CHICAGO NORTHWEST TOURISM MEANS JOBS
1 in 11 jobs in Illinois are tourism related
Over 20,000 jobs in Chicago Northwest are
tourism related
8.7 jobs are created by every $1 million spent
by travelers in Illinois
$9.2 billion of payroll income was generated
by traveler spending in Illinois in 2013
CHICAGO NORTHWEST VISITORS PROVIDE TAX RELIEF
Over $2.6 billion state and local tax revenues
from tourism in 2013
Chicago Northwest visitors paid over $20 million
in state & local hotel taxes in 2014
Funding education, health care, public safety
and social services around the state
CHICAGO NORTHWEST VISITORS SPEND MONEY
Illinois visitors spent nearly $34.6 billion
in Illinois in 2013
Over 2.2 million Chicago Northwest hotel
rooms were occupied in 2014
Monday, april 27, 2015
Over 105.7 million visitors came
to Illinois in 2013
ChicagoNorthwest.com
Hospitality
11
Tourism spending sends ripples through economy
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center is a popular destination in the suburban area.
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Meet Chicago Northwest’s new logo.
Topgolf provides entertainment options for the industry.
tourism promotion funds is the awareness that tourism is something that
really isn’t relevant to us. Sure, we recognize that there is a big city down the
road that has Navy Pier and a huge
convention center. But does tourism
really matter here?
It is relevant to the 20,000 jobs in
the Chicago Northwest region that
are supported by tourism. In fact, 1 in
11 jobs in Illinois are tourism related.
Using 2013 as a benchmark, $9.2 Billion of payroll income was generated
by over 105.7 million visitors to Illinois.
It’s also relevant if you consider how
much visitors actually spend. In our
Chicago Northwest region’s 62 hotels
over 2.2 Million hotel guest rooms
were occupied in 2014. Jump out to a
larger view, we find nearly $34.6 Billion
was spent by visitors to Illinois in 2013.
Circling back to your wallet, consider that Illinois tourism saves the
average household $1,300 in taxes
each year. Tourism achieved this by
providing over $2.6 Billion in state and
local tax revenues in 2013 that helped
fund other worthwhile things like education, health care, public safety and
social services around Illinois.
Tourism funding is important in
Northwest Chicagoland and Illinois, it
keeps circle of life going.
TakeAways
• Tourism saves the average Illinois
household $1,300 per year
• More than 20,000 jobs in Chicago
Northwest are tourism related
• Tourism accounts for 1 in every 11
jobs in Illinois
• Dave Parulo is president of Meet
Chicago Northwest, a convention and
visitor bureau that markets and sells
eight Chicago Northwest communities
to provide a positive economic impact
from tourism. [email protected].
Monday, april 27, 2015
As we prepare to celebrate National
Travel & Tourism Week, May 2-10,
2015, allow me to share a few thoughts
that tie our region’s tourism to some
larger Illinois issues.
The uncertainty of the 2016 Illinois
state budget and the impact to local
communities has certainly taken center stage in the news recently. With all
the discussion surrounding pensions
and
community funding, you
may not have
considered that
the state’s budget crisis may
also impact your
wallet through
interrupting the
funding efforts
that invite visitors to spend
Dave
their cash in the
Parulo
Chicago Northwest region.
Tourism promotion is designed as
a cost-neutral circle of life. Hotel taxes
are paid by the visitor while they visit
here, making an economic impact to
our region, supporting tourism promotion for future economic impact.
And so on.
During a budget crisis, it is very
tempting to view hotel tax revenue as
a windfall from “people who are not
residents” to offset a variety of other
worthwhile projects. Unfortunately,
this reallocation breaks the circle and
leads to greater negative results that
are almost always not immediately
visible.
Like the ripples which quietly grow
around a small drop in large lake,
the impact of the disruption of tourism promotion starts quietly until it
reaches a shoreline that is your pocket.
The impact starts quietly with an
interruption, “due to lack of funding”,
for sustained digital, multimedia and
direct sales campaigns that alert families, bus tour operators and meeting planners to what our region has
to offer for fun, shopping or hosting a
convention.
As these buyers lose awareness, they
silently disappear along with the dollars that once sustained the promotional efforts that invited them to visit.
Then slipping away, not so silently, are
the jobs that our visitors supported.
The next ring, lapping a bit louder
now, is the lost spending supported
by employment. Eventually the ripple
arrives on the beach of your mailbox,
maybe in the form of an increased tax
bill.
Allowing a quiet reallocation of
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
12
Hospitality
Chicago Southland offers ideas for meeting planners
An interview with Mary Patchin,
CDME, director of sales for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors
Bureau.
Q: Tell us about the Chicago
Southland.
A: The Chicago Southland region is
made up of 62 south and southwest
suburbs near Chicago and is an ideal
meeting, seminar and convention
location, with over 5,000 hotel rooms
and a variety of traditional and alternative meeting spaces, catering to the
needs of corporate, government and
association meeting planners. Offering
a full complement of meeting venues
and services, the Chicago Southland’s
affordability and accessibility are its
greatest assets.
Q: You mentioned accessibility, how
close is the Chicago Southland to airports and downtown Chicago?
A: We are conveniently located just
minutes from Midway International
Airport and a short drive to O’Hare
International Airport and the region is
located at the junctions of Interstates
80, 90, 94, 294, 355, 55, and 57. We are
only thirty minutes to downtown Chicago with its assortments of museums, shopping and other attractions.
Q: What traditional and unique
meeting spaces does your area offer?
A: The Chicago Southland is home
“Unique among the Chicago
Southland’s meeting sites is Irons
Oaks, a corporate team building
facility. Test yourself on the highropes course or keep your feet
on the ground with many team
building exercises with certified
facilitators to build group unity.”
— Mary Patchin, CDME, director of sales
for the Chicago Southland Convention
& Visitors Bureau.
to the Tinley Park Convention Center. The convention center has 70,000
square feet of event space (58,000
contiguous) and up to 35-foot ceiling
heights. Connected to the Holiday Inn
Tinley Park, there are 202 guest rooms
on-site, including 10 suites, with 600
hotel rooms nearby.
The region also has several full-service hotel meeting facilities: Georgios Comfort Inn & Conference Centre in Orland Hills; Hilton Chicago/
Oak Lawn & Conference Center in Oak
Lawn; DoubleTree by Hilton ChicagoAlsip in Alsip; the Holiday Inn Chicago Matteson Conference Center in
Matteson and Homewood Suites by
Hilton Hotels / Elements Conference
Center. The area is also home to several unique venues for meetings and
events like Balmoral Park Race Track
in Crete, Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield
and Toyota Park in Bridgeview.
Q: What kind of activities could you
offer to groups that wanted to go offsite for an afternoon or evening?
A: Unique among the Chicago Southland’s meeting sites is Irons Oaks, a corporate team building facility. Test yourself on the high-ropes course or keep
your feet on the ground with many
team building exercises with certified
facilitators to build group unity.
Combining team building with
meetings and golf at one of over 34
courses is a frequent request of meeting planners. You can get back to
nature with an afternoon of canoeing
and exploring Lake Katherine Nature
Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos
Heights or experience 28 monumental sculptures in over 100 acres of wild
prairie swales at Nathan Manilow
Sculpture Park in University Park.
Q: How can the CVB help meeting
planners make their event a success?
A: The CVB offers a variety of services, from name tags to press releases,
micro sites and welcome signs; we are
here to work for you. We also offer a
variety of financial incentive programs
based on actualized room nights, and
a marketing matching grant for nonprofit entities.
Q: How does the Chicago Southland
hospitality industry give back to the
community?
A: The Chicago Southland hospitality
industry is helping lead the way this year
with the South-Southwest Suburban
United Way’s annual April Food Day.
The bureau and various hotels in municipalities throughout the Chicago Southland region are now collecting food to
donate to local shelters. Local food pantries estimate for food and toiletries have
more than doubled in the past five years.
While many individuals think
of food pantries during the winter months, need is typically higher
in spring and summer as donations
decrease and supplies diminish. Last
year, we as a community raised over
7,000 pounds of food locally and are
wanting to bring in more than 10,000
pounds this year.
This is a great event for us as a community to come together, help those
who are in need and make a positive
impact in our community.
— Kim Mikus
CourteSy of ChiCago Southland CVB
Balmoral Park Race Track in Crete is one of the draws to the Chicago Southland region.
13
Moraine Business and Conference Center
(708) 974-5690 [email protected]
morainevalley.edu/mbcc
11789F
9000 W. COLLEGE PKWY., PALOS HILLS, IL 60465-2478
Monday, april 27, 2015
• Conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago
• 12,000 sq. ft. of beautiful multi-purpose space with flexible seating configurations: up to 600 banquet style,
800 auditorium style, 500 classroom style
• Catering with a wide range of menu options and affordable prices
• Seminar rooms with advanced technology
• Multimedia support, on-site business services, wireless facility, pre-function area
• Close to Interstates 55, 294 and 80
• Ample free parking
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
We’re large enough to accommodate your needs, yet small enough to provide
the individualized attention you deserve.
Hospitality
14
Favorite beers
around the world
By Roberto A. Ferdman
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
The Washington Post
Host your next event with us!
• Driving Range Parties
• Golf Outings
• Meetings & Teambuilding Events
• Social & Corporate Events
• Fundraisers
Monday, april 27, 2015
Mention this ad and receive 10% off
if you book a 2015 event by May 27.
Contact our event planning team
today at 630.653.5802 or
[email protected].
26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton | arrowheadgolfclub.org
Travel the world, and you’ll find
there’s quite a bit of disagreement
about what the best — or at least preferred — beer looks like.
Sure, Americans love Bud Light (and
a lot of other watery stuff). But just
north of the border, in Canada, the beer
of choice is Bud Light’s heavier cousin
Budweiser. Down in Mexico, people
choose Corona most often. In China,
beer drinkers down a lager beer called
Snow; in India, people like a pale lager
called Kingfisher best; in Brazil, the
most popular brew is a Pilsner called
Skol; and across the ocean, in Australia,
it’s a beer called Victoria Bitter.
Beverage industry site Vinepair
culled data from market research firm
Euromonitor and corporate reports by
beer companies around the world to
come up with a list of the most popular
beers, as measured by market share.
Using that data, they created a map,
which paints a surprisingly varied picture of beer preferences around the
globe.
In North and Central America, favorites range from the well-known brands
listed above to lesser known brews like
Gallo, which is Guatemala’s favorite,
and Imperial, which Costa Ricans buy
most often.
In South America, some countries
prefer their local brews, while others
have gained an appreciation for ones
made elsewhere (sometimes, even, by
next door neighbors). Polar, Venezuela’s favorite, is brewed domestically.
And Quilmes — Argentina’s beer of
choice — was originally founded in the
country, though it now operates out of
Luxembourg and has plants all around
the world. Paraguay, meanwhile,
drinks Brahma beer, which is Brazilian, the most.
In Europe, beer preferences tend to
stay true to each country’s own brewing culture. The French prefer Kronenbourg 1664, which is owned by Denmark-based Carlsberg, but brewed in
Strassbourg, France. In Ireland, the
beer of choice is locally made Guinness. In the Netherlands, it’s Heineken.
In Italy, it’s Birra Moretti. And in Spain
it’s Cruzcampo.
In Africa, preferences include Tango
beer in Algeria, Star beer in Nigeria (where Guinness happens to be
AP File Photo
In Canada, the beer of choice is Budweiser and down in Mexico, people
choose Corona most often.
peculiarly popular), and Carling Black
Label beer, which originally comes
from Canada, is owned by global beer
giant SABMiller, and is South Africa’s
most-bought brew.
In the Middle East, popular brands
range from Gold Star in Israel to
Moussy in Saudi Arabia, Efes in Turkey, and Delster Classic in Iran, a light
beer that, according to Euromonitor,
“has been very popular among Iranian
consumers ever since its launch, to the
extent that the name Delster is now synonymous with non/low alcohol beer.”
In Asia, regional beers reign. Russia likes locally made Baltika best (the
beer accounts for roughly 40 percent of
all sales in the country, per Euromonitor). The Japanese like Asahi. Thailand
loves both Singha and Chang beer. And
Indonesia drinks Bintang beer, which is
made locally but owned by Heineken.
Across the world, beer preferences
clearly vary. People also, for the most
part, tend to favor lighter, less alcoholic brews. But don’t be fooled by all
the different brands, many of them are
now operated by one of the world’s
two largest beer companies, Anheuser
Busch InBev and SABMiller.
Anheuser-Busch Inbev, after all,
technically controls the most popular beers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico and
Argentina.
Hospitality
15
Granite City CEO on craft beer, Wrigley Field
challenges be in the next year?
A: Our challenges are the fluctuating costs of commodities and
sourcing suitable sites that meet our
criteria.
Q: What’s the hottest trend in your
industry?
A: Craft beer.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a
rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: Stay focused & stay hungry. Listen to your people. The success in the
service industry will always take root
in the details and discipline.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: “Every guest, every day.”
Q: From a business outlook, who do
you look up to?
A: The Houston’s brand.
Q: What is one interesting fact
about you or your company that most
people may not know?
A: We have a world patented
brewing process called Fermentus
Interruptus.
Q: What do you like to do in your
free time?
A: Spend time with my wife, kids,
and grandkids. And I like anything to
Robert J Doran
CEO
Granite City Food & Brewery
701 Xenia Parkway South Golden
Valley, MN 55416
Local venues: Naperville,
Schaumburg
Industry: Restaurant
Website: www.gcfb.net
do with cars and motorcycles.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: “In Search of Excellence,” by Steven Covey.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Product consistency.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: My first paying job was on a dairy
farm in Connecticut.
Q: If you could put your company
name on a sports venue, which one
would you choose?
A: Wrigley Field
— Kim Mikus
CONVENIENCE ON WHEELS
WE TAKE CARE OF THE TRANSPORTATION.
YOU FOCUS ON THE FUN!
CONCERTS
•
SPORTING EVENTS
•
RAVINIA
•
GROUP OUTINGS
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Q What’s new at your company?
A: 2015 is our year of growth. Here
is what has recently opened and what
is ahead.
• Naperville, opened fall of 2014
• Schaumburg, opened winter of
2015
Other openings slated:
• Northville, Michigan, opening this
spring
• National Harbor, Maryland,
opening this spring
• Detroit, Michigan, opening this fall
Q: What is one funny thing that has
happened to you in your career?
A: I was a “mystery guest” on the TV
show, “To Tell the Truth,” as the dean
of Hamburger University.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant
capital investments in your company
in the next year?
A: Yes and yes. As a growing company, we will continue to have exciting career opportunities for both
internal staff and external candidates.
We also continually reinvest in our
existing restaurants.
Q: What will your company’s main
MENTION THIS AD AND
SAVE 10%
ON YOUR TRANSPORTATION
Visit our website or call us
for all your transportation needs:
www.SpareWheels.com 630-377-GOES
Monday, april 27, 2015
rtation
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Group T lus people
for 10 p
16
Hospitality
Meet • Stay • Play
Lake County amenities offer options for business, leisure
By Kim Mikus
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Daily Herald Business Ledger Editor
Large corporations hosting an array
of meetings during the week and lakes,
beaches and amusement parks attracting visitors on the weekends, make
Lake County a prime destination for
tourism, experts say.
“We’re fortunate that we have the
corporate base and leisure options on
the weekends,” said Maureen Riedy,
president of Visit Lake County. “We
consider tourism a big business,” she
said, explaining that it provides more
than 10,000 jobs and generates $1 billion a year in visitor travel spending.
“These numbers illustrate how
important tourism is,” she said.
During the week, the business travel
in the area is very strong with major
players calling Lake County home,
including Aon Hewitt, AbbVie, Abbott
Laboratories and Medline Industries.
“The business travel is a major piece
of the visitor spending because of the
corporations here,” Riedy said.
There are 60 hotels in the county,
many of which cater to the corporate client during the week. The Hyatt
Deerfield, Lincolnshire Marriott, Doubletree by Hilton in Mundelein and the
Hampton Inn & Suites in Libertyville
are just a few of the popular hotels for
the corporate traveler, she said.
In addition, there are an array of
options for meetings as well.
The University Center of Lake
County Conference Center in Grayslake opened about 9 years ago and
offers stunning architecture, modern
amenities, state-of-the-art technology
and flexible space to accommodate
virtually any business event.
Loyola at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens is another popular venue for
meetings of all sizes, said marketing
and sales specialist Dephne Stojiljkocic. Loyola acquired the property in
2009 and a number of renovations and
upgrades have been done with more to
come on the historic mansion, a family home for more than a half-century.
A 5,500-square-foot pavilion ballroom was built a year ago with numerous windows over looking the adjacent
terrace and gardens. There are smaller
spaces for meetings inside the historic
portion of the mansion built in 1916 by
the Cuneo family.
The ambience can’t be matched. Old
murals hang from the walls and an old
Steinway piano still sits in the Music
Room. As done in the past, Stojiljkocic said they plan to do mansion tours
in the future to allow visitors to see the
historic home’s beauty.
There are so many options to see the
county’s natural beauty, Riedy added.
“Water is an asset that draws visitors,” she said. There are an array of
water recreation options, beaches,
water sports and fishing.
Independence Grove near Libertyville offers all of these as well as
meeting venues that overlooks it all.
Centered around a 115-acre lake, this
preserve offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Audubon
Hall, located at the highest point in the
preserve, offers a panoramic view of
the marina, lake and beach, serving as
a popular destination for meetings as
well as weddings.
“We have so much natural beauty
here in Lake County,” Riedy said.
P a u L v a L a d e / p v a la d e@d a ilyher a ld . co m
Independence Grove provides a backdrop of natural beauty for business and leisure.
B o B C h w e d y k / b chwed yk@d a ilyher a ld . co m , f ile p ho t o
University Center of Lake County on the campus of College of Lake County in
Grayslake features stunning architecture and modern amenities for meetings.
Some of the most unique meeting
venues are here in Lake County.
Mansions, theatres and vineyards, plus
60 hotels and three resorts. Take your pick.
VisitLakeCounty.org/meetings
Hospitality
17
Lincolnshire Marriott caters to small, large groups
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
10 Marriott Drive
Owners: Strategic Hotels and Resorts
Year business started: 1975
Web address: www.lincolnshiremarriott.com
Number of employees: 400
A: Over the past five years, the resort has had a series
of renovations, starting with a complete update to our
lobby. It now includes a spacious, bright great room
for people to congregate and socialize. We also added
Brew Lobby Restaurant and Bar, which includes coffee service in the mornings where we serve Starbucks
coffee. We’ve also renovated all our meeting rooms
with new carpet, vinyl, furniture, and artwork. Our
most recent renovation was a complete update to all
of our sleeping rooms in 2013.
Q: What about food options and catering. What’s
popular?
A: We have three restaurants and lounges to accommodate a variety of tastes. Brew offers innovative food
and beverage offerings in a casual setting, where we
serve our very own Honey Badger Beer. Fairfield Inn
Restaurant offers Midwestern cooking that is familiar and simple, and uses the freshest ingredients from
the area. King’s Wharf Restaurant features mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood, an array of chops and
surf and turf options. All of our restaurants and catering menus include offerings from our own 2-acre farm
located on property, where we grow much of our own
herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Q: Tell us one unique fact about the venue.
A: If I’m forced to come up with just one, I would
say the Marriott Theatre. The Lincolnshire Marriott
Resort is one of just two Marriott hotels with a live
theater on property.
The Marriott Theatre is proud to have one of the
largest subscriber bases in the country, and offers
award-winning musical theater in the round, seating
880 patrons. The theater is also celebrating its 40th
anniversary season this year.
Q: What are people in your industry talking about?
What’s trending?
A: Technology is an increasingly important part of
our business, and Marriott has introduced a number of new tools to enable our guests to make their
travel and meeting experiences easier. The Marriott Mobile App allows customers to view availability, make room reservations, and even check in and
out of their room on their smartphone. The Marriott Meeting Services App allows meeting planners to
request anything with their meeting or event conveniently with their cellphone.
— Kim Mikus
PERFEC TING THE ART OF
H O S T I N G F O R 4 0 Y E A R S.
EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE URBAN OASIS AT
THE LINCOLNSHIRE MARRIOTT RESORT.
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Kristin Duncan, general manager at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort.
Q: Tell us a little bit of history about the Lincolnshire Marriott.
A: The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort opened 40
years ago, on April 1, 1975. The
resort’s footprint has remained
essentially the same since opening,
with 389 rooms, an award winning
musical theater, and a PGA championship golf course. At the time
of opening, Lincolnshire was still
a rather rural, primarily residential area. Across the street from the
Kristin Duncan resort were corn fields and a private executive air strip. In the past
40 years, we’ve seen much development in the area, including many
Fortune 500 companies moving in nearby.
Q: Tell us what the resort has to offer when it comes
to corporate clients.
A: The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort boasts over
40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom of over 10,000 square feet. We
can accommodate events for as small as 10 people
and up to 1,000. We also have several outdoor pavilions with great views of our grounds.
Q: There was a renovation a few years ago. Tell us
about that.
• Located on 175 acres of woodlands
• Over 40,000 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space
• Grand Ballroom offers 10,080 square feet of space
• The Grand Marquee Pavilion offers 12,000 square feet of space
• 4 unique outdoor pavilions
• Multiple breakout rooms and boardrooms
• 389 recently remodeled guest rooms
• 3 on-property restaurants
• Home of the award winning Marriott Theatre
LINCOLNSHIRE MARRIOTT RESORT
10 MARRIOTT DRIVE
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL 60069
PHONE 847.634.0100
LINCOLNSHIREMARRIOTT.COM
Monday, april 27, 2015
• Crane’s Landing Golf Course- 18 hole PGA Championship
course on-property
18
Hospitality
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Lake County meetings naturally inviting
Lake County, bordered by Lake
Michigan on the east and the Chain
O’ Lakes on the west, offers unique
spaces
and
inspiring places
for
meetings,
conferences, expos,
reunions, and
team building
experiences.
Located
north of Chicago,
Lake
County boasts
Maureen riedy
more than 200
lakes and rivers and 30,000
acres of forest preserves. Events
become memorable experiences
when enhanced by elegant settings
or spectacular lake views, and options
abound for free time outdoor activities from garden walks to boating or
charter fishing for small groups.
Impress attendees with a meeting
on the stage of the Genesee Theatre,
stroll the striking gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden during a meeting break or plan a fun team building
event at the Libertyville Sports Complex complete with a rope climbing
wall.
The oldest outdoor music festival
in North America, Ravinia, serves as a
beautiful backdrop for group events.
Other unique venues include the
Cuneo Mansion & Gardens, Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Greenbelt Cultural Center, Viper Alley and
the Lake County Fairgrounds, or consider a lush golf course as the backdrop for a meeting or special event.
Built in 1927, the Genesee Theatre
in Waukegan is a magnificent, historic theater which was exquisitely
restored to its original regal splendor
and reopened in 2004.
Patrons are stunned by the beauty
of this grand venue. The theater is
available for private functions and
features auditorium style seating for
2,400. The facility offers seven lounges
for meetings and receptions of up to
200 each, and the stage provides a
unique setting for banquets of up to
150.
Discover Cuneo Mansion, influenced by Venetian-style architecture,
filled with antique furnishings, priceless artwork, and surrounded by 75
acres of formal gardens and manicured grounds.
Recently renovated by Loyola University, the Mansion now includes a
meeting and event pavilion accommodating 300 guests.
Viper Alley in Lincolnshire is a private event venue with an industrialchic atmosphere, a stage, six bowling lanes and a flexible floor plan with
catering for up to 650 people.
The Lake County Fairgrounds in
Grayslake, located within walking
distance of two commuter rail lines
to Chicago, offer many options. The
Event Center features a 62,000 square
foot expo hall and several function rooms plus the grounds provide
incredible outdoor possibilities from
corporate picnics to car shows with a
show barn, 160 acres of property and
12 acres of paved surface.
With more 8,500 guest rooms, Lake
County also offers a variety of hotels
and three resorts.
Lincolnshire
Marriott
Resort,
located on 175 wooded acres, boasts
40,000 square feet of meeting space,
an 18-hole PGA Championship Golf
Course, and the award-winning Marriott Theatre.
Illinois Beach Resort, on the sandy
shores of Lake Michigan, is a perfect setting for retreats and reunions.
Gather around a fire pit on the beach
in the evening.
KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort, with 414 guest suites, is
located near Gurnee Mills and Six
Flags Great America. The resort, with
a first-class spa and meeting space
for 20-500, combines business with
pleasure.
Having people fly in for your meeting? Lake County is 15 miles from
O’Hare Airport and 40 miles from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport.
In addition to its 700,000 residents,
Lake County is home to 30,000 businesses, including eleven Fortune
500 companies such as Walgreen
Co., Mondelez International, Abbott
Laboratories, AbbVie, Baxter International, CDW Corporation, W.W.
Grainger and more.
Lake County is also home to the
United States Navy’s only recruit
training command, Naval Station
Great Lakes.
Visit Lake County is the official
destination marketing organization
for Lake County, Illinois and offers
complimentary consulting for meetings, expos or special events. Check
out VisitLakeCounty.org for more
information.
• Maureen Riedy is president of Visit
Lake County.
serene, tranquil
setting refreshes
and restores
Courtesy of Visit Lake County
independence Grove near Libertyville offers an array of scenic settings for events.
Courtesy of Visit Lake County
Built in 1927, the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan is a historic theater, which was
restored to its original regal splendor and reopened in 2004.
Hospitality
19
Hawthorn Woods neighbors create bourbon distillery
Copper Fiddle Distillery
532 W. IL. Rt. 22, Suite 110, Lake Zurich, IL.
60047
Owners: Fred
Robinson, Jose
Hernandez
When opened:
March 15 2014
Web address:
copperfiddledistillery.com
B o B C H W e d y k / bc h w e dy k @ dai l y h e r al d. c om
Jose Hernandez, left, and Fred Robinson of Copper
Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich produce small-batch
bourbon and other spirits in their artisan distillery.
about sharing a small still in the summer of 2012.
Q: How is business going?
A: Business is going quite well. Our products are
slowly finding their way into area restaurants and
bars. With our amazing mixologist, Travis Livengood, creating incredible cocktails, and our live
music on weekends, the bar business component of
our distillery is really growing nicely.
Q: Who is your target customer?
A: Our customer base includes so many wonderful
people from all walks of life. They tend to appreciate
our hand crafted spirits and really like the fact that it
is made locally.
Q: Do you have plans for expansion or changes to
the business?
A: No major changes are planned at the moment.
We will continue to expand our on-premise presence in Chicagoland. There is talk of Copper Fiddle
rum(s) being produced in the near future.
Q: Tell us one fact about the business that most
would not know.
A: My partner, Jose, is the only Mexican I know
who does not speak Spanish.
— Kim Mikus
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Fred Robinson, co-owner of
Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich.
Q: How do you describe the business?
A: We are a small craft distillery that produces a
smooth bourbon whiskey and two unique gins. Our
spirits are hand crafted from grain to bottle.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for the
business?
A: After trial and error using our original small
still, Jose created a bourbon recipe that was quite
good. We put it in Mason jars and I took them to my
golf tournaments and got them into the other pros’
hands. The response was so good we investigated
doing it on a larger scale. After researching the cost,
the regulations required, going on other distillery
tours, both families agreed to the endeavor.
Q: How did you get the name for the business?
A: The name is inspired by our old fashioned copper pot still and a family heirloom violin that has
been passed down through Jose’s wife Nancy’s family since 1906. It was hand made in Chicago, has gotten better with age, and sounds wonderful being listened to along with a glass of bourbon.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: I am a life member of the PGA of America, golf
professional, and Jose is a partner in his own architectural firm that specializes in data centers. We have
been neighbors in Hawthorn Woods since 2006 and
became good friends. It was Jose that first called me
Monday, april 27, 2015
20
Hospitality
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Lake County Fairgrounds offers venues for corporate clients
An interview with Matt Robertson,
general manager, John Maguire, director of business development and Sheri
Vyfvinkel, project manager.
Q: You’re relatively new in this location. Tell us a little about your facility.
A: Lake County Fairgrounds — by the
numbers.
• 250,000+ visitors annually
• 160 acres of outdoor space
• 12 acres of paved parking
• 65,000 square foot expo hall
• 20,000 square foot show barn
• 1,620 square feet of function Space,
divisible by air wall
Q: Many people think of the Lake
County Fair when they hear fairgrounds. What do you offer the corporate or association client?
A: Renowned as the home of the
annual Lake County Fair, the fairgrounds combines modern indoor
exposition and function space, unique
outdoor venues, ample free parking
and friendly, world-class service to create the perfect site for: corporate meetings and team building, banquets,
social events, fundraisers, trade shows
and product demonstrations, presentation space for home-based businesses,
auctions, indoor and outdoor sporting
events, concerts, car shows
Q: What type of groups can you
accommodate?
A: Event Center — With its distinctive
green roof and welcoming front porch,
the Event Center contains the expo hall,
a permanent registration booth with
staff office, flexible function rooms, and
a spacious lobby with natural light. Our
65,000-square-foot expo hall — with
ground level load-in and three drive-in
overhead doors — is the optimal venue
to display large vehicles, water craft and
industrial equipment.
Our flexible function space provides an easy and affordable option for
smaller meetings and events; ideal for
breakout rooms for expo hall events,
presentation space for home-based
businesses, corporate meetings or special occasions.
Outdoor Spaces — The possibilities
are as boundless as the great outdoors
with 160 acres of property and 12 acres
of paved surface. Past events include
music festivals, picnics, weddings,
obstacle fun runs and car shows.
Show Barn — Built in 2008, our Show
Barn offers a truly stylish and memorable setting for your next social affair;
perfect for a country chic wedding,
equestrian-themed fundraiser or traditional barn dance party.
Q: What about catering options?
A: We have welcomed Catered Productions as our new food and beverage
partner. Our partnership with Catered
G i L b e r t r . b o u C h e r i i / gbouc h e r @ dai l y h e r al d. co m , f ile p ho t o
Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake is trying to create greater awareness of
the fairgrounds with signature events. An array of options are available for the
hospitality industry.
rentals and corporate sponsorships to
help defray the cost of producing the
Lake County Fairgrounds
fair and fund our educational mission.
1060 E. Peterson Road, at
Q: It seems you are trying to create
Midlothian Road, Grayslake, IL
greater awareness of the fairgrounds
with signature events, such as the Beer
60030
Lovers Meetup. Tell us how that came
Web address: www.lcfair.com
about.
Main contact: John Maguire,
A: Most boaters on the Chain of Lakes
director of business development
probably wouldn’t recognize craft beer
as an agribusiness while they enjoy
Phone: (847) 680-7200
their favorite beverage responsibly, but
Email: [email protected]
we think the Beer Lovers Meetup is a
perfect example of how LCFA is keeping pace with emerging trends while
Productions gives us full-service cater- staying true to our agrarian roots. Plus ...
ing capabilities and positions us as an it was a lot of fun!
Going forward, our goal is to develop
exciting venue option for corporate
meetings, awards banquets, company seasonal events that showcase the best
picnics, and fundraisers. While our con- that Lake County has to offer. One idea
cessions kitchen is closed temporarily we are exploring is a harvest-themed
to make improvements, the “Pardon music festival and hopefully tying in
Our Dust Deli” is open to serve event camping and other outdoor tourismattendees an array of hot and cold deli generating activities.
sandwiches, fresh breakfast pastries,
Q: Tell us about your backgrounds.
gourmet coffee and other items. Bar
A: Matt Robertson joined us the Lake
service can be arranged, whether you County Fair Association as general
are looking for a selection of award- manager in 2014 and is responsible for
winning Lake County craft beers, wine the day-to-day management. Matt has
by the glass or specialty cocktails.
spent the past 30 years in the meetings,
Q: Tell us one fact about the Lake events and hospitality industries, most
County Fairgrounds that most people recently as vice president, operations
for an event planning and marketing
may not know.
A: The Lake County Fair Associa- communications agency in Chicago.
John Maguire joined the Lake County
tion is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that produces the fair and man- Fair Association as director, business
ages year-round operations of the development in 2014. John is a familiar
fairgrounds. We are self-supporting face to many in the Lake County tourand do not fall under the direct funding ism industry, having worked in tourism
of any municipal, county or state gov- promotion, civic events and business
ernment. Proceeds generated by the development for most of his career.
annual Lake County Fair are reinvested John brings a wealth of experience in
into our educational programs and the the fields of event operations, marketmaintenance and development of the ing, public relations and social media.
Sheri Vyfvinkel took on a new role
fairgrounds. We rely heavily on facilities
as project manager in 2014. Sheri provides critical support in the financial management and administrative
areas; she is also able to focus her creative energies on the strategic planning
and implementation of the annual Lake
County Fair.
Q: What else should people know?
A: Fact No. 1: The Lake County Fair
contributes to the quality of life for all
Lake County residents. According to
a 2014 economic impact study conducted by the University of Illinois
Extension, in partnership with the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs,
county fairs generated a statewide economic impact of $90 million and supported a total of 1,000 jobs.
Total expenditures of fair attendees
across all Illinois county fairs are estimated at $170 million. Closer to home,
the study revealed the Lake County
Fair generated $3 million of spending within the local economy. Beyond
the obvious financial boost, the Lake
County Fair provides many benefits
that are not related to economic gain.
We have always served a unique purpose: continuing agricultural traditions, building unity across municipal
boundaries, and educating future generations about nutrition, sustainability and responsible stewardship of our
natural resources.
• Fact No. 2
The Lake County Fairgrounds’ solar
energy installation was completed in
late 2014. A total of 160 solar panels
were installed on the south roof of the
Events Center. Our panels are designed
to withstand 100 m.p.h. winds. On
sunny days, the panels feed energy into
four inverters which generate roughly
50 percent of our electricity usage at the
fairgrounds. A display monitor located
in the lobby of the Events Center provides real-time information on our solar
energy output and consumption.
• Fact No. 3
In the spring, LCFA and Bright
Springs Farms will begin beekeeping
here on the fairgrounds. Perry Plescia,
owner of Bright Springs, has agreed to
serve as beekeeper-in-residence. Our
goal is to sell Lake County Fairgrounds
honey from the Farm to Fork Café as
well as offer educational programming.
— Kim Mikus
21
FAIRGROUNDS
& $ % $ % $ & $ # $ " $ & $ !
Lake County’s
gathering place for
meetings, events,
festivals, and
so much more.
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
LAKE
COUNTY
FAIR
7200
847.680.7200
www.lcfair.com
Monday, april 27, 2015
Gra
Grayslake,
yslake, Il
Illinois
linois
est. 1928
22
Hospitality
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Stunning architecture highlights University
Center of Lake County Conference Center
CoUrteSy of UniverSity Center
The University Center of Lake County Conference Center features modern architecture and an array of meeting options.
EXPERIENCE A BETTER MEETING SPACE
AND EXPERIENCE A BETTER MEETING.
An interview with Jennifer King,
event coordinator at University Center
of Lake County Conference Center.
Q: Tell us about the University Center of Lake County.
A: Designed exclusively for learning
and meetings, we offer the most modern amenities, state-of-the-art technology and flexible space to accommodate virtually any business event.
Additionally, we offer over 100 degree
and certificate programs in the evenings and on weekends from 20 Illinois colleges and universities.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about
the venue?
A: My most favorite thing about our
venue is the stunning architecture and
cleanliness of our building. We have
one of the most beautiful buildings in
Lake County and the awards to back it
up.
Q: How do you cater to the corporate
customer?
A: We respond to the corporate guest with great customer service in a unique professional setting
with advanced technology and A/V
capabilities.
Q: Is there a connection to the College of Lake County?
A: Yes, we are partners in bringing
higher education and other offerings
to the local community.
Q: What else should people know
about the University Center?
A: We take the learning experience seriously and will work with
University Center of Lake
County Conference Center
1200 University Center Drive,
Grayslake, IL 60030
Web address: uclcconference.org
When opened: 2005
Number of employees: Nine
you to understand your budget and
expectations.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: Our atmosphere is positive, supportive and friendly.
Q: What about catering options?
A: Our caterer, Noteable Event Productions, strives to deliver “a memorable, artful culinary and service experience to each and every guest we
serve.”
We offer an array of food and beverage choices for your event. Whether
you need a simple continental breakfast, a variety of lunch options, or even
a sophisticated dinner with cocktails,
we can do it all here and all meals are
prepared on-site in our full size industrial kitchen.
Q: What is one unusual fact about
the center that most may not know.
A: The architect spent a lot of time
talking with faculty and adult students
participating in our programs and
then designed our facility to meet the
needs of adult learning.
That means classrooms with strong
instructional technology, but also
comfortable breakout areas and conference rooms where small group
work could get done.
— Kim Mikus
Monday, april 27, 2015
MAKE YOUR MEETING BETTER
BOOK A UCLC MEETING ROOM
Call or Go Online Today
University Center of Lake County
Grayslake, Illinois | 847-665-4000
www.uclcconference.org
CoUrteSy of UniverSity Center
The University Center of Lake County
Conference Center features stunning
architecture and an array of meeting
options.
CoUrteSy of UniverSity Center
The University Center of Lake County
Conference Center offers modern
amenities, state-of-the-art technology
and flexible space to accommodate
virtually any business event.
Hospitality
23
The Accelerated Center offers venues for business, sports
The Accelerated Center
1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook
Web address: acceleratedcenter.
com
When opened: February 2014
Number of employees: 10, plus
additional coaching/camp staff
CourTesy of The ACCelerATed
CenTer
Corporate events as well as sportsrelated team building exercises often
take place at The Accelerated Center
in Northbrook.
facility?
A: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
field house: Our 76,000 square-footfield features state-of-the-art indoor
turf and 33 foot ceilings. It features curtains that may drop down to divide the
space. The basketball court/event center is a 7,400 square-foot court featuring hardwood floors and 28 foot ceilings. Attached are private bathrooms,
a coat room and bar. This room can
be converted from basketball, volleyball, floor hockey or any court sport, to
any kind of elegant or thematic event.
The party, meeting room is a flexible
20 by 48-foot space for birthday parties,
classes, meetings and lounge space.
The 2,600-square-foot outdoor patio
features a stone fireplace, outdoor bar
and grill and flexible seating. The building also hosts an accelerated rehabilitation physical therapy facility, a sports
retail outlet and a concessions area.
We have a full bar available and have
an open catering policy for events with
no minimums. We have an accredited
sports staff and event manager to help
supervise activities.
Q: How do you cater to the corporate
customer?
A: At the Accelerated Center, we can
help a business group “get in the game”
with team challenges or just provide a
unique way to have an interactive meeting. Our large court space can transform into an amazing awards banquet,
trade show or meeting space. Our turf
can deliver exhibitions, team building
and outings such as a movie or concert
“in the park.” We are available for day
or evening events throughout the week.
By facilitating interaction in various approaches, we can help enhance
communications, provide experiential
training, deliver messaging, enhance
problem-solving and increase camaraderie. Any program can be custom-created to meet specific goals. Programs
can be as lighthearted or intense as
necessary.
Q: What else should people know
about the business?
A: Winter is the heavy indoor sports
season, with about 5,000 people each
week coming through the building.
Summer offers the perfect opportunity
for businesses to take advantage of the
center.
A company family picnic or a group
game night can be provided with no
worries about bad weather — and all
of the activities that you can imagine
are under one roof.
— Kim Mikus
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Bonnie Hansen
Rybicki, director of events at The Accelerated Center in Northbrook.
Q: Tell us about the Accelerated
Center?
A: The Accelerated Center is the
North Shore’s premier sports and event
center. Located on the border of Glenview and Northbrook, the multiuse
facility hosts a variety of activities from
leagues, classes and rentals, to camps,
birthday parties and major social and
business events.
Q: How did the business start?
A: A group of local soccer dads/businessmen determined that the area was
in significant need of a suitable indoor
sports facility. They banded together to
develop the property, build the building
and create the business. Accelerated
Rehabilitation, now powered by Athletico, came on as the naming sponsor of
the center. Other community partners
were developed to include Northbrook
Spartans, Glenview SC, Schwaben SC,
Park Ridge Soccer, Wilmette Wings,
Glenview Lacrosse, Windy City Field
Hockey, Lil Kickers, Stroller Strides,
Coerver Coaching, and CR Baseball and
Softball Coaching.
Q: What is included within the
Monday, april 27, 2015
24
Hospitality
Delectable wine app introduces taste insights
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
“What type of wine do
you like to drink?”
Delectable, the critically acclaimed
free mobile wine app, announced new
versions for both Android and iOS.
This update introduces Taste Insights,
a new feature that allows users to track
and navigate their wine explorations in
a beautiful, intuitive interface.
With each user’s wine history automatically analyzed and categorized
into top styles, regions and top rated
wines, Taste Insights is a savvy tool
to help people understand their wine
preferences.
“Taste Insights harnesses the power
of Delectable’s massive data set to give
users a smart snapshot of their own
taste,” said Alex Fishman, Delectable’s Founder and CEO. “At some point
every wine drinker faces the question
‘what kind of wine do you like to drink?’
Taste Insights helps our users confidently answer this question.”
Taste Insights includes the following
features:
• Top styles: The combination of
G i l b e r t r . b o u c h e r i i / gbouc h e r @ d a ilyher a ld . co m
A wine app can assist in discovering, sharing and buying memorable wine.
grape and region is one of the best
broad indicators of a wine’s style. Taste
Insights organizes a user’s wine list by
the styles they love the most, allowing
for effortless discovery of favorites.
• Regions: Wine lists are filed by
region and made easily navigable as
a pictorial passport of a user’s wine
adventures. The more areas a user
explores, the higher their region count
will climb.
• Top rated wines: The wines that
a user has rated the highest are front
and center, showcasing their most
memorable wine experiences. It’s easy
to both look back on past selections
and discover what wines friends and
pros have crowned with top honors.
• Drinks with: A list of a user’s most
frequent drinking companions adds
additional context to their experiences
in wine and furthers the opportunity to
find new favorite bottles from the people whose taste they trust most.
“Delectable’s mission is to help people drink more delicious wine,” Fishman said. “Taste Insights empowers
people to go beyond understanding
what specific wines they like to start
understanding what types of wine
they like. This opens up new delicious
worlds to explore.”
Founded in 2012 by CEO Alex Fishman, Delectable is a mobile app that
helps users discover, share, and buy
memorable wine. Critically acclaimed
for both its technology and community,
Delectable boasts the world’s largest
community of wine professionals and
tastemakers. The company is funded
by several top technologists and entrepreneurs. For more information or to
download the app, visit Delectable.
com, Google Play or the App Store.
ONE PLACE.
COUNTLESS WAYS TO
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•
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•
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older with a valid state or government issued photo ID to
enter casino. Don’t let the game get out of hand.
For assistance call 800-994-8448.
MICHIGAN CITY, IN | BlueChipCasino.com
Hospitality
25
Fine dining
at community college student-run restaurants
Here’s a guide on what to order
What’s the dessert a diner needs to try? For dessert, the RumChata cannoli are very popular.
They were created by the Sweet Scots Bakery students in the fall and are now on the Slaine spring
menu.
Regular entrees are $8 to $15. For hours and information, check mchenry.edu/slainte or call (815)
479-7800.
By Bob Susnjara
[email protected]
Spartan Terrace Restaurant,
Elgin Community College
Wheat Café, College
of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
Expert: Jim Mulyk, hospitality assistant professor
and manager of Wheat Cafe
Why should someone eat at Wheat Café? Besides
S t e v e L u n d y / sl un dy @ dai l y h e r al d. c om
Ahi tuna with roasted sweet potato hash and mango
pineapple chutney was one of the entree’s available
at the student run Prairie Restaurant at the College
of Lake County.
being a fantastic value, our students use the freshest
seasonal ingredients in our menus. Not only do our
patrons get to enjoy a three-course lunch, they’re also
helping our students gain valuable real-world experience that will help prepare them for the job force.
What’s the entree a diner should try? Our menus
change every two weeks and feature three entree
choices that reflect seasonal, regional American
cuisines.
All of the student-prepared meals are received phenomenally well, but the wine-braised beef short ribs
are a customer favorite, as is the Southwestern-style
pulled pork sandwich with chipotle aioli and pickled
red onions.
What’s the dessert a diner needs to try? We’re really
fortunate to have some gifted pastry instructors, and
their classes turning out all of our breads and the
beautiful desserts you see in Wheat Café. Our cheesecake with house-made fruit compote and complementary sorbet is amazing.
It’s $17 for a three-course lunch and $25 for a fourcourse dinner, including tax. For hours and information, visit cod.edu/w/wheat.htm or call (630)
942-2284.
Sláinte at McHenry County College,
Crystal Lake
Expert: Tina Drzal, chef and department chair of
culinary management
Why should someone eat at Sláinte? Sláinte is a
great option for dining, as we are easy to access and
the entire menu was created by students.
What’s the entree a diner should try? For entrees,
my personal favorites are the filet and portabella
Napoleon and the red curry cobia fish. The fish is
served on gluten-free rice noodles, and it’s a beautiful plate of food.
Expert: William Vena, front-of-house manager and
chef instructor
Why should someone eat at Prairie? The ambience
of Prairie is upscale and comfortable. It’s a pretty hip
place, with nice colors, artwork and music. We have
seating for 55 people and can do small parties up to
15 people during lunch. We average 45 diners per
day but have served as many as 90 people during our
lunch hours.
What’s the entree a diner should try? Students
develop new items every week, and everything they
serve is very good and reasonably priced from $3 to
$7. There are always burger and vegetarian items on
the entree menu.
The burgers can range from bacon-cheddar
cheese to a Greek burger with feta cheese, olives and
tomatoes on it.
What’s the dessert a diner needs to try? A lot of our
students are achieving both an associate degree in
culinary arts and in baking and pastry, so we have
students who major in pastry contributing our desserts. Desserts change weekly and include specialties such as dark chocolate and espresso tiramisu or
warm pear tart with cinnamon crème anglaise for $3.
Standard entrees are $7 or $8. For hours and information, check clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2000.
The Dining Room at Harper College,
Palatine
Expert: Patrick Beach, professor who oversees The
Dining Room
Why should someone eat at The Dining Room?
The Dining Room at Harper College serves our community and provides a real experience for students
to serve guests, plan menus and organize personnel.
This experience is critical to students having a realistic educational experience.
What’s the entree a diner should try? Our entrees
change weekly and follow the student calendar.
Typically menus in September and February are
straightforward meals many will see in casual dining
rooms throughout the Northwest suburbs.
What’s the dessert a diner needs to try? We usually have a signature dessert with small (tastes) every
day. Chocolate mousse, baklava, pies, ice cream and
cakes are regularly featured.
Regular entrees are $7. For hours and information,
check goforward.harper.edu or call (847) 925-6580.
Monday, april 27, 2015
Expert: Shannon Lasota-Quinn, director of culinary arts center events
Why should someone eat at Spartan Terrace?
Spartan Terrace offers a wonderful variety of food
and beverage items.
Diners can enjoy one of our signature nonalcoholic cocktails as they peruse the menu. We feature
two soups and two salads, a selection of small plates,
entrees and, of course, desserts.
In addition to great food, our guests enjoy live
music in Spartan Terrace.
What’s the entree a diner should try? The noisettes
of pork are wonderful. The dish is three noisettes of
pork, which have a Gorgonzola crust. The pork is
served with an apple brandy sauce, crisp Anna potatoes, carrots and asparagus.
What’s the dessert a diner needs to try? We change
our desserts throughout the semester. The chocolate
tres leches cake is moist and delicious.
Typical entrees are $11 to $13. For hours and information, check elgin.edu or call (847) 214-7382.
Prairie, College of Lake County, Grayslake
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Budding student chefs on campuses are busy turning out big-league food creations such as vegetable
strata with red curry sauce, white-bean ravioli and a
bulgogi burger.
Elgin Community College’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant, College of Lake County’s Prairie, The Dining
Room at Harper College, Sláinte at McHenry County
College and College of DuPage’s Wheat Cafe allow
students to gain real-life experience in the kitchen
and elsewhere in what essentially are classrooms
open to the public.
Jim Mulyk, hospitality assistant professor and
manager of Wheat Café, said the eatery is an affordable “hidden gem” — a view similar to those at the
other community colleges.
Because the restaurants are operated by college
students as part of an academic curriculum — not
a commercial venture — they will run only until the
end of spring semester and reopen in the fall.
If you’re intrigued about what the young foodies
are dishing, the colleges’ culinary experts have provided what serves as a guide to would-be diners or
even return customers.
26
Hospitality
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Major renovation nears completion at Sheraton Lisle
An interview with Rowie Zamora,
associate director of sales and business travel at Sheraton Lisle Hotel and
Executive Meeting Center.
Q: Tell us a little bit of history about
the Sheraton Lisle.
A: The Sheraton Lisle
Hotel opened its doors
in October of 2013
under the ownership &
management of Vinayaka Hospitality LLC.
Q: Tell us what the
venue has to offer
when it comes to corRowie
porate events.
Zamora
A: We have a total
of 25,000 square footage of meeting space. A grand ballroom that can be divided into 7
smaller breakout rooms with a total
square footage of 11,481 and another
12 meeting spaces and a nice atrium
area that’s great for weddings or social
event receptions.
Q: How else do you cater to the corporate client?
A: We sell the experience. We have
Sheraton Lisle Hotel and
Executive Meeting Center
3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle IL 60532
Owner: Vinayaka Hospitality LLC
When business started: October 2013
Web address: www.sheraton.com/lisle
Number of employees: 50
a dedicated conference center that is
separate from living and leisure
areas, a dedicated
events manager that
attends to the event
from start to finish,
ergonomically designed chairs, built
in conference technology and package
plans that can be customized according to the client needs.
Q: You’re in the process of renovating? Tell us about that.
A: We are currently undergoing a
multimillion dollar renovation. This
includes the 242 guest rooms, our
Sheraton Club Lounge, lobby, ballroom, public area and all meeting
space. And yes, even the facade of the
hotel has been lifted too. We are about
80 percent complete and the whole
team and community is excited about
this change.
Q: What size groups can you
accommodate?
A: We can accommodate a group of
5 and up to 1,200 people.
Q: Tell us one unique fact about the
venue.
A: Our facility is a certified member of the International Association
of Conference Centres. That being
said, the facility is designed to meet
the needs of our active clientele. From
storage, guest rooms, food & beverage, conference technology and staff
services, we can deliver. We have an
Executive Club Lounge offering guests
a unique space to unwind, socialize
and enjoy breakfast & evening appetizers. We also host a social hour in our
lobby every Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday.
Monday, april 27, 2015
You’re Invited to Sheraton Lisle
The newly-transformed Sheraton Lisle Hotel is perfect place to hold your next meeting or event. Outfitted
with signatures amenities and iconic design showcasing the history of Chicago jazz accented with fresh,
modern flair, our spaces are designed to engage your attendees and have them perform their best.
Experience the Sheraton Lisle difference and hold a meeting by November 30, 2015 to enjoy:
•
•
15% discount on any of our group packages
Discounted rates of guestrooms
Call 630.577.6000 and mention HERALD to get a quote today!
Q: What else can customers expect?
A: At Sheraton Lisle, clients can
expect an upscale environment, brand
standard, signature amenities and
consistent world class dedicated service from our all our seasoned staff.
They will surely enjoy the Sheraton
Club, the Link at the Sheraton experienced with Microsoft and the Sheraton
Social Hour and of course our amenities like the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper
Bed and the Sheraton Fitness by Core
Performance.
Q: What are people in your industry
talking about? What’s trending?
A: SPG recently signed a unique
partnership with Uber allowing guests
to earn Starpoints on during their Uber
rides.
Now you can earn one Starpoint for
every U.S. dollar you spend with Uber,
and earn even more Starpoints during your stays with SPG all travelers to
maximize their benefits across both
platforms.
Visit http://spg.com/uber for more
information.
— Kim Mikus
Hotels
WiFi Access
Airport trans.
Outdoor Pool
Indoor Pool
Fitness Center
Meeting Rooms
Business Center
Sales/Marketing Contact
(E-mail)
Guest Rooms
Ranked by number of guest rooms.
HOTEL
Address
Phone ¥ Website
27
Hotel Amenities
RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL
1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-303-4100 • www.RenaissanceSchaumburg.com
Lisa Timbo, general manager
500 a a a a
THE WESTIN LOMBARD YORKTOWN CENTER
70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-719-8000 • www.westin.com/lombard
Sara Marach, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
500 a a a a
PHEASANT RUN RESORT
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, Ill. 60174
800-999-3319 • www.pheasantrun.com
Jeanne Hahn, director of sales and
marketing
473 a a a a a
a 250-acre setting in historic St. Charles; 33 spacious suites
including penthouse, whirlpool, honeymoon and executive suites;
Mario Tricoci Hair Salon and Day Spa; 36 holes of championship
golf, plus driving range, golf academy and pro shop
HYATT REGENCY SCHAUMBURG-CHICAGO
1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-605-1234 • www.schaumburg.hyatt.com
Gina Rukower, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
468 a a a a a
a restaurant, bar and room service; complimentary local area shuttle
service and complimentary self parking; AVIS rental on-site
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CHICAGO-OAK BROOK
1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-472-6000 • www.doubletreeoakbrook.com
Chris Johnson, general manager
427 a a a a
a 30,000 square feet of meeting space; Atrium Cafe Restaurant and
Foxes Sports Bar and Grille; indoor pool and large fitness center;
complimentary local shuttle within 5 miles based on availability
CHICAGO MARRIOTT NAPERVILLE
1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-505-4900 • www.chicagomarriottnaperville.com
Wesley Graf, director of sales and marketing 424 a a a a
([email protected])
FOUR WINDS NEW BUFFALO
11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich. 49117
866-494-6371 • www.fourwindscasino.com
Timothy Adams, sales/catering manager
([email protected])
415 a a
KEYLIME COVE INDOOR WATERPARK RESORT
1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, Ill. 60031
224-656-8685 • www.keylimecove.com
Jennifer Evans, marketing manager
([email protected])
414
LINCOLNSHIRE MARRIOTT RESORT
Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill. 60069
847-634-0100 • www.marriott.com
Nicole Mayerck, Marketing Coordinator
389 a a a a a a a 18-hole golf course; live musical theatre; multiple restaurants and
lounges; fitness center; business center; concierge lounge;
complimentary on-site parking; walking trails; indoor/outdoor pool
and whirlpool
HILTON CHICAGO/OAK BROOK HILLS RESORT & CONFERENCE
CENTER
3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-850-5555 • www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com
Amanda Chorley, Social media & marketing 386 a a a a a
([email protected])
CHICAGO MARRIOTT OAK BROOK
1401 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-573-8555 • www.marriottoakbrook.com
Natalie Marko
([email protected])
350 a a a a
THE ABBEY RESORT
269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, Wis. 53125
262-275-6811 • www.theabbeyresort.com
Sally Malouf, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
334 a a a a a
a 90 acre resort property complete with a spa resort and multiple
dining options; perfect escape for any occasion
HILTON CHICAGO/INDIAN LAKES RESORT
250 W. Schick Road, Bloomingdale, Ill. 60108
630-529-0200 • www.IndianLakesResort.com
Randy Whiteside, director of sales/
marketing
Lori LaPorte, director of catering
([email protected])
([email protected])
Joni Augustine, director of sales
([email protected])
310 a a a a a
a 18-hole golf course, putting green and driving range; spa; bar and
two restaurants; indoor pool and outdoor pool; business center and
meeting space; gift shop; mini golf and tennis court; ATM
Harry Caray's Steakhouse and Holy Mackerel on-site restaurants;
indoor lap pool and fitness center; business center; catering and
event planning services
a a high-speed internet access; business centers; express check-in/
check-out and concierge services; flexible meeting facilities and
services complemented by Marriott's renowned meeting expertise;
brand-new hotel with fitness center and indoor pool
a unparalleled gaming experience; gourmet restaurants including
Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds; luxury hotel with a mix of suites and
standard rooms; Silver Creek Event Center; conveniently located
just 60 miles east of Chicago, off I-94
a on-site restaurants; spa and kids spa; unique shops;
entertainment, arcade and daily activities; complimentary WiFi;
65,000-square-foot indoor water park; meeting rooms; birthday
parties and groups welcome
a
309 a a a a
a golf, volleyball, tennis, indoor/outdoor pool, IACC conference
center and a bike rental program.
concierge lounge; complimentary parking; business center; fitness
center and indoor pool; Starbucks, lobby restaurant and bar
a
309 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites; 23 state-of-theart meeting and banquet rooms; award-winning Allgauer's
Restaurant and catering; indoor pool, whirlpool spa and fitness
center
Julie Berry, director of sales and marketing 295 a a a a
([email protected])
a a dedicated conference center with 37 meeting rooms, IACC
certified; wellness spa and state-of-the-art fitness center; 18-hole
championship golf course; outdoor pavilion; ideal for weddings,
family reunions and golf outings
MARRIOTT CHICAGO NORTHWEST
4800 Hoffman Blvd., Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60120
847-645-9500
Maral Abrahamian
([email protected])
a a 14,000 square feet of space for social events and meetings;
Prairie Stone Ballroom with 7,480 square feet of meeting space
and seats 700; eight executive boardrooms; professional event
planners
All the information in this list is based on responses to Daily Herald Business Ledger surveys and independent research. Some companies may be omitted due to deadline restrictions, space limitations or failure to respond to
numerous questionnaires. Questions or comments about this list may be sent to [email protected].
Continued on Page 34
Monday, april 27, 2015
EAGLEWOOD RESORT & SPA
1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, Ill. 60143
630-773-3510 • www.eaglewoodresort.com
295 a a a a
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
HILTON LISLE/NAPERVILLE
3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Ill. 60532
630-245-7600 • www.hiltonlislenaperville.com
a
a concierge lounge and business center; fitness center and indoor
pool; full service restaurant and lobby cafe; lounge
28
Hospitality
Monday, april 27, 2015
D a i ly H e r a l D b u s i n e s s l e D g e r
Rockit Ranch venues focus on entertainment
An interview with Nicole Salerno,
director of event sales & catering/partner with Rockit Ranch
Productions.
Q: Tell us about Rockit Ranch.
A: Rockit Ranch is an entertainment and hospitality company based
in Chicago that creates and manages
the operations, marketing and events for
seven unique venues, focused on the
art of dining and night
life. We are made up
of a group of motiNicole
vated individuals dedSalerno
icated to entertaining
our guests with traditional Midwestern hospitality in creative, unique and interesting settings
by providing elevated entertainment
through thought-provoking food and
beverages, and carefully cultivated
celebratory atmospheres. Our managers and staff in the venues are the
“rock stars” of the company, bringing
our visions of excellent food, beverage
and service to life, and giving our venues the personality that keeps them
top of mind when customers are looking for places to bring their friends,
out-of-towners, and/or clients.
Q: How did you come up with the
name for the business?
A: Back in the day, we used to say
we’re going to “Rock it.” To “Rock
it” became a verb to us that we used
often. For example, when we were
creating a new, unique venue, or producing an outstanding event, or marketing a new concept, we weren’t
going to just do an average job, we
were going to “Rockit.” The “Ranch”
was home. Someone was always
“Back at The Ranch,” our home base.
Late nights, early mornings, countless
meetings where we “Rock Out Events
and Venues.” So we put it all together,
and for 13 years we have been living
the mission of “Rockit Ranch.”
Q: What’s trending in the industry?
A: Signature cocktail trends have
looked beyond vodka, toward bourbon, whiskey, rum and gin. The Rockit
Ranch venues all provide extensive
specialty cocktail lists, which change
seasonally to incorporate the freshest
ingredients. Incorporating “tastes” of
these specialty drinks for our corporate
events gives your guests a little something more to talk about over supper, at a banquet, or a cocktail reception. Sending them home with a gift
of martini shakers and the signature
drink recipes in hand, is a subtle way to
reward their attendance at your event.
CouRtesy of RoCkit RanCh
Rockit Ranch Productions has found that signature cocktail trends have gone
beyond vodka, toward bourbon, whiskey, rum and gin. The Rockit Ranch venues
provide extensive specialty cocktail lists, which change seasonally to incorporate the freshest ingredients.
Q: When did you open your first change up the scenery, hire notable
venue? Tell us about that.
interior designer Kara Mann, and give
A: Our founders (Billy Dec, Brad customers a new look, a new menu
Young & Arturo Gomez) had been and an updated atmosphere to mainopening and operating the top ven- tain our mission to always cut against
ues in the city since the 90s, but when the grain of mediocracy.
The renovation will be revealed this
Rockit Ranch Productions officially
spring and is set
formed in 2002,
to raise the bar
we set out to creyet again. Our
ate and build the
Rockit Ranch Productions
events team has
city’s first two57 W. Grand Ave., Suite 600,
been
fulfilling
story, upscale bar
Chicago IL 60654
private and nonand grill concept
Number of Employees: 650+
private
group
called “Rockit,”
dining inquiries
in the sparselyWhen business started: 2002
throughout the
populated
and
Web: rockitranch.com
winter months so
undeveloped
Owner: Billy Dec, Brad Young,
we are ready for
River
North
the busy convenneighborhood.
Arturo Gomez and Salerno Hickey
tion season, and
River North is
the venue staff is
now recognized
as one of the city’s top destinations ready to entertain and serve.
for trendy entertaining and is gushQ: How do you know what you want
ing with bars, hotels, condos, night- to change with a remodel, after 10
clubs and restaurants (five of which successful years?
are Rockit Ranch venues).
A: Being “innovative” is a key word
The original “Rockit” was here for all in our mission statement. We strive
of those 10 years and received acco- to always be creative, inventive risk
lades like “Best Burger in the U.S.” by takers of the venues from menus and
Good Morning America, and was and service standards, to uniforms and
still is featured often on The Today design finishes.
Show and is also recognized as being
We want to continue to be market
one of the city’s top “celebrity-spot- leaders in the business not only for
ting” restaurants for the past several ourselves, but to continually try to eleyears.
vate the level of hospitality and entertainment offered in an effort to help
Q: What about the relaunch?
A: So, our 10-year anniversary has Chicago be internationally recognized
recently passed, and we decided to as the greatest city in the world.
Q: What about when it comes to
outdoor dining this spring & summer?
A: Six of our venues offer outdoor
space for daily lunch, dinner, and
weekend brunch dining. You can
find al fresco dining at Sunda (new
Asian cuisine), Bottlefork (locally
sourced farm-to-table cuisine), Rockit
(upscale bar and grill), and Ay Chiwowa (taco and tequila tavern).
Also, our two largest outdoor spaces
and most noteworthy with the Cubs
and Sox baseball seasons upon us, can
be found at Rockit Burger Bar (3700 N.
Clark St.) and The Duck Inn (2701 S.
Eleanor St.)
Both are open for regular dining,
and can also be “booked” for corporate
pre- and postgame outings and corporate entertaining for groups of 20 to
100 guests.
Q: Tell us more about these corporate events locations and VIP corporate packages.
A: For our Northside Cubs fans,
Rockit Burger Bar is our Wrigleyville
location, and is 40 steps from Wrigley Field, at Clark and Waveland. Corporate groups of 50 to 100 guests can
rent the patio and gaze at the Historic
ballpark.
The group party menu includes
unique brick oven flatbread pizzas
(spicy chorizo, truffle mushroom, and
BBQ pork to name a few), assorted
mini sliders fashioned after the 16
gourmet burgers found on the regular
dining menu, and event retro desserts
like blue and red (Cubs themed) Jell-O
and boxes of peanuts and cracker jack.
Your discerning guests can enjoy
several craft beer selections before
heading to the park where Bud is king.
Unique specialty cocktails, assorted
vodka lemonades, and top-your-own
bloody mary stations are all festive
additions to the party packages.
The Southside White Sox fans
can enjoy The Duck Inn, our newest venue. The “backyard & patio”
accommodates 20 to 120 guests for
corporate outings, and is located 9
minutes from US Cellular Field.
We will even help you rent a trolley
for a hassle free way to get your group
to US Cellular Field in time for the
game.
The “backyard” party menus
include festive whole roasted pig &
whiskey cocktails, traditional BBQ
with our signature “Duck Fat Dogs”
and “Roasted Duck Sliders” and “our
farm” salads grown in the backyard
paired with cans of Schlitz & Matilda
beer.
— Kim Mikus
Elevate Your Client Entertaining
29
GROUP DINING AND EVENTS FOR 15 TO 450 GUESTS
IN HOUSE CATERING | PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE PARTY ROOMS | ENTERTAINMENT | CREATIVE & BRANDING SERVICES
WIFI & AV SUPPORT | PREMIERE MIXOLOGY | SUSHI ROLLING, SAKE TASTING AND MORE…
www.RockitRanch.com/Parties-Events | 312-943-7600
110 W. Illinois
22 W. Hubbard
56 W. Illinois
3700 N. Clark
311 W. Chicago
441 N. Clark
2701 S. Eleanor
Monday, april 27, 2015
EMAIL [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
SEVEN OF CHICAGO’S TOP RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE VENUES
30
31
The Hilton Hotels of DuPage County
Meet...
and make a difference
Meet...and make a difference
707 East Butterfield Road
Lombard, IL 60148
630-971-4230
www.chicagolombard.embsuites.com
Have a meeting at any of our hotels
on the left and make a difference
in the lives of many. Mention this
advertisement and receive:
5% reduction of your total master
bill to be donated to your choice of
one of the charitable organizations
listed to the left.
The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps.
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
2111 Butterfield Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-971-2000
www.doubletreedownersgrove.com
Complimentary overnight gift certificate
CHICAGO / OAK BROOK SUITES
The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps.
10 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-941-0100
www.oakbrookterracesuites.hilton.com
1000 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-941-1177
www.chicagooakbrookterrace.hgi.com
or giveaway at a holiday party.
Triple Event Planner HHonors Points for
yourself for that much needed vacation.
Meeting must be held from 4/01/15 – 8/31/15 with minimum spend of $500 on food, beverage or room rental.
Cannot be combined with other offers and does not apply to business already contracted during promotional time period. Total master bill excludes tax and applicable service charge.
Monday, april 27, 2015
Monday, april 27, 2015
Chicago/Oak Brook
to be used as an employee incentive
32
Hospitality
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
How to plan a successful off-site meeting
you to the presenters should
In a world of email, text
also be a part of the followmessaging and G-chats, the
up plan; drop a card with a
art of off-site meeting planpersonal note in the mail for
ning and execution can
those who came from outseem lost at times. Howside the company to present.
ever, all this just might take
Choose wisely. When pickface-to-face communication
ing your date and time, conand human interaction to
sider the flow of your comanother level of importance.
pany during the week.
It’s easy to see how a
Mondays can be tricky, since
department meeting or John Krol
it is a popular day to take off
impromptu conference in
for a three-day weekend and
the office can be ineffecsome folks just don’t yet have
tive. Attendees are comfortable, in familiar surroundings — and their gray matter fully engaged in work
this comfort can turn into wandering mode. Fridays can be just as difficult,
minds and daydreams. The meeting as many have already “checked out”
ends and many aren’t really sure what and are excited about the weekend.
Unless, of course, the meeting will end
was accomplished.
A well-planned meeting in a fresh early and attendees are allowed to start
setting that combines activities mixed their weekend a couple hours sooner.
with the opportunity to socialize a bit Midweek can work well to break up the
might be just the thing to bring col- week and catch people at their peak of
leagues together as a team. Be pre- productivity.
Communicate with your presentpared to follow-up with a “thank you for
attending” email, perhaps with impor- ers. Find out exactly what they will
tant meeting notes, presenter contact need to properly present their inforinformation, perhaps even a photo or mation, including laptop connections,
two taken at the event. A separate thank sound, old-school easels and so on. Will
WhirlyBall plus
a full-service
sports bar, video
games, pool tables,
bowling lanes at
your brand new
Chicago location
and a broad range
of customizable
catering options
equals one
incredibly
memorable event.
Now, every Event
Planner wants
to host the most
talked-about event.
WhirlyBall
will be your
success story.
they be providing handouts? Let them
know how many are expected to attend.
These details may be more important
than you think. Missing something here
can really break the rhythm and distract
the attendees.
Search for the right venue. One can
start the search on the web, but it must
end at the location. Site visits may be
time-consuming, but they are critical.
The meeting area must 1) be away from
distractions, 2) be able to accommodate
your presentation and configuration
needs and 3) have plenty food, beverage and activity options to keep everyone smiling and attentive. If breakout
sessions are on the agenda, additional
spaces will be required. If activities are
included, are they meant to break up a
long meeting or get everyone pumped
at the end? Nearly every venue has free
Wi-Fi these days; if there’s a password,
get it early enough to include it on the
agenda.
Testing, testing … 1,2,3. The site
you’ve contracted has everything you
need. However, you still must plan to
visit the day prior to the event to test
your equipment. Make sure this is part
of the plan right from the start. Bring the
laptop you plan to use with necessary
adapters/connectors and ask to test the
sound system if you’re using it. Make a
dry run through your meeting agenda;
you may just find something you’ve
overlooked. Good thing you caught it
now!
While you’re there, go over your contract with the venue’s representative
with whom you’ve been communicating. Check your guest count, food items,
room configuration, activity time and
so on.
Plan to arrive nice and early to give
yourself enough time to make any lastminute adjustments, place any helpful
signage to guide attendees, test sound
and A/V connections again, etc. Meet
with venue staff to make sure everything is on schedule, as well as your
presenters just prior to start time to
review the agenda.
Ready, set … GO! Host a fun and
productive meeting. And remember to
schedule a little time afterward to celebrate your success!
• John Krol is marketing director at
WhirlyBall.
TAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT AND
BUMP IT UP A NOTCH.
A
“PRODUCTIVE-FUN MEETINGS!”
TEAMBUILDING EVENTS • OFF-SITE MEETINGS • HOLIDAY PARTIES
EMPLOYEEAPPRECIATION•NETWORKINGEVENTS•PRODUCTLAUNCHES
WHIRLYBALL.COM • (773)486-7777
VERNON HILLS CHICAGO LOMBARD
FACEBOOK.COM/WHIRLYBALL
TWITTER.COM/WHIRLYBALL
WORKFORCE SUFFERING
FROM LOW MORALE,
POOR TEAM SPIRIT,
OR A GENERAL
LACK OF ALCOHOL?
Complete with private
conference rooms,
A/V hookups and WiFi,
WhirlyBall can easily
accommodate events
from 10 to 800 people.
Hospitality
People of our past come alive at Naper Settlement
Naper, the founder of Naperville, had
settled a few blocks away in 1831, at
the corner of Mill Street and Jefferson
Avenue, which is where the town actually began.
Q: People may not think about
Naper Settlement as a venue for corporate events. What do you have to
offer?
A: There are a variety of indoor and
outdoor spaces to rent for social or
business occasions including meetings, retreats, company outings, picnics and parties. The Pre-Emption
House Tavern is the perfect setting for
a meeting, a sit-down dinner, casual
buffet for 40 or a cocktail party for 50.
During the warmer months, the brick
patio adjacent to the Tavern expands
the party space so guests can enjoy the
picturesque landscaping. The paved
pathways around the Pre-Emption
House provide additional areas to set
up tables out-of-doors so guests can
dine alfresco. Guests are welcome to
visit the galleries in the Pre-Emption
House as part of the event rental.
The Meeting House, which is the
oldest church building in DuPage
County, has seating for 65 upstairs and
50 downstairs. Century Memorial Chapel is available for weddings, meetings,
recitals and other special occasions,
and it is our largest venue with seating
for 175 upstairs and 80 downstairs. We
also offer the picnic area and the entire
grounds for picnics, tented and special events, which can host thousands
of guests.
Q: What about food options and
catering?
A: We work with four award-winning
caterers Angeli’s Catering, Belgio’s
Catering, Chef by Request and My
Chef Catering that can craft a unique
menu for any event because every
event is different. Past occasions have
included barbecues and picnic-style
food and also more formal fare, such
as passed appetizers, which is one of
the trends.
Q: Tell us about the atmosphere.
A: Naper Settlement is a gathering
place to more than 129,000 annual visitors who enjoy hands-on programming and special events within the
historic 12-acre campus. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and event
rental spaces can be customized by
the client to be casual or more formal,
From corporate events
to family affairs!
The Harvard Early Learning Playscape provides a
fun and educational environment for:
depending on the client’s preference.
Q: How else do you cater to the corporate client?
A: Today, corporate clients are not
only looking for a distinctive venue,
but one that can enhance the learning experience. As a team-building
exercise, we can offer “History Hunt,”
where groups can search for historic
clues throughout the grounds. During
breaks in the meeting schedule, the
Naper Settlement grounds are a great
place to relax and refresh before getting back to work.
Q: What are people in your industry
talking about? What’s trending?
A: Naper Settlement has always been
viewed as a unique, historic venue.
Since the economy has rebounded, we
have booked more special occasion
events, both in the Meeting House and
the Tavern because people like the
charm of the grounds and our historic
buildings.
Naper Settlement is not your average banquet hall and people like that.
We have something we can offer that
other places can’t because we have
that unique setting.
— Kim Mikus
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Donna DeFalco,
marketing and sales representative at
Naper Settlement.
Q: Tell us about Naper Settlement.
A: Naper Settlement
is a nationally accredited museum, located
in the heart of Naperville, just steps away
from all the shopping and dining in
the downtown area. A
place where the stories and people of our Donna
past come alive, Naper DeFalco
Settlement is home
to 30 preserved structures, from historic homes and working trade shops
to award-winning exhibitions, on a
12-acre museum campus.
Q: Tell us one unique fact about the
venue.
A: Naper Settlement is not where the
town of Naperville started, though it
looks like a small, historic village. Each
of the historic buildings was either
saved or moved here from another
location; was built as a replica of a
building; or was adapted from a structure that was moved here. Joseph
33
• Birthdays and playgroups
The historic Tavern and Meeting House offer unique
rental space for:
• Birthdays, holidays and graduations
• Corporate outings and picnics
• Bridal and baby showers and
rehearsal dinners
Century Memorial Chapel is an intimate setting for:
523 S. Webster St.
Naperville, Illinois
630.420.6010
napersettlement.org
Monday, april 27, 2015
• Weddings and vow renewals
• Baptisms, memorials and recitals
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
WiFi Access
Airport trans.
Indoor Pool
Outdoor Pool
Fitness Center
Sales/Marketing Contact
(E-mail)
Meeting Rooms
Ranked by number of guest rooms.
HOTEL
Address
Phone ¥ Website
Business Center
Hotels
Guest Rooms
34
Hotel Amenities
EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL CHICAGOÑLOMBARD/OAK BROOK
707 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-969-7500 • www.chicagolombard.embsuites.com
John D'Astice, marketing and sales director 262
SHERATON SUITES ELK GROVE
121 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, Ill. 60007
847-290-1600 • www.sheraton.com/suiteselkgrove
Matt Drusch, director of sales & marketing
([email protected])
251 a a a a a
indoor pool, whirlpool and seasonal outdoor pool; 24-hour fitness
center; Link@Sheraton featuring complimentary WiFi in the lobby;
hotel restaurant, bar and room service; Sheraton Club with
24-hour access to dedicated lounge
DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
CHICAGOÑDOWNERS GROVE
2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, Ill. 60515
630-971-2000 • www.doubletreedownersgrove.com
Daniel Techman, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
250 a a a a
250 all-suite accommodations; full-service fitness center with
indoor basketball and racquetball; upgraded executive level with
lounge; parking for buses and large vehicles; two ballrooms and
conference center
HILLTON CHICAGO NORTHBROOK
2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, Ill. 60062
847-480-7500 • northbrookallgauers.com
Meg McArdle, director of Sales
([email protected])
248 a a a a
a
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CHICAGO-ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
75 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
847-364-7600 • www.DoubletreeAH.com
John Rohrbach, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
241 a a a a
a a complimentary high-speed internet access (wireless);
complimentary O'Hare and local shuttle (subject to availability);
complimentary business center; on-site restaurant
THE HYATT LODGE AT MCDONALD'S CAMPUS
2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-568-1234 • www.thelodge.hyatt.com
Tracy Laurent, director of Catering
([email protected])
218
HILTON CHICAGO/OAK BROOK SUITES
10 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. 60181
630-941-0100 • www.oakbrookterracesuites.hilton.com
Donald G Hill, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
211 a a a a
HOLIDAY INN GURNEE-CONVENTION CENTER
6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee, Ill. 60031
847-336-6300 • www.holidayinn.com/gurnee-il
Geri Patterson, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
210 a a a a
TINLEY PARK CONVENTION CENTER
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, Ill. 60477
708-342-5485 • www.tinleyparkconventioncenter.net
Daniel Fitzgerald, sales/marketing director
([email protected])
202 a a a a
DOUBLETREE HOTEL CHICAGO ALSIP
5000 W. 127th St., Alsip, Ill. 60803
708-371-7300 • www.chicagoalsip.doubletree.com
Jacob Washlow, general manager
([email protected])
193 a a a a
HOLIDAY INN & SUITES-CAROL STREAM
150 S. Gary Ave., Carol Stream, Ill. 60188
630-665-3000 • www.holidayinn.com/chi-carol
Sue Widerski, director of sales
([email protected])
190 a a a a
AMERICINN HOTEL & SUITE SCHAUMBURG
1300 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-619-1000 • www.americinn.com
Nancy Enger, general manager
([email protected])
189
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CHICAGO SCHAUMBURG
800 National Parkway, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-605-9222 • www.chicagoschaumburg.doubletree.com
Lucio Pelloso
188
CHICAGO MARRIOTT SOUTHWEST AT BURR RIDGE
1200 Burr Ridge Pwy., Burr Ridge, Ill. 60527
630-986-4100 • www.marriott.com/chisw
Alan J. Nicholson, director of sales
([email protected])
185
LE MƒRIDIEN CHICAGO-OAKBROOK CENTER
2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-468-2228 • www.lemeridienoakbrook.com
Simon Fricker, general manager
([email protected])
172
HILTON GARDEN INN
551 N. Swift Road, Addison, Ill. 60101
630-691-0500 • www.addisonil.hgi.com
Allison Stern, director of sales
([email protected])
153 a a a a
HOTEL ARISTA
2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-579-4100 • www.hotelarista.com
Barbara Hocker, director of marketing and
sales
([email protected])
144 a a a
All the information in this list is based
Daily Herald Business Ledger
a six meeting rooms with the largest offering 2,016 square feet of
space
a a a
a a a
248 guestrooms and suites; 20,000 square feet of meeting and
banquet space; indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and fitness center;
24-hour business center; Allgauer's award-winning restaurant
Water's Edge Cafe and Piazza Restaurant; Midtown Spa and
Fitness Facility; 47,000 square-feet of meeting space; jogging and
biking trails
a a At the center of the beautiful Oak Brook area commercial district,
nearby entertainment and renowned shopping venues; features
211 suites, each 484 square feet, with separate living room/
bedroom, 1,200-square-foot Precor fitness center, indoor pool
a Full service hotel, newly renovated, award-winning chef, indoor
pool, outdoor courtyard, fitness center, 11,000 square feet of
meeting space, shuttle within a 5-mile radius of the hotel.
a NP
a a 11,500 square feet of flexible event and function space
a complimentary Wi-Fi; shuttle transportation within a five-mile
radius (based on availability); on-site restaurant; expanded fitness
room and large indoor lap pool; 10,000 square feet of meeting
room space
Welcome
to the AmericInn Hotel & Suites Schaumburg, Illinois,
a a a a
a a
ideal for your next stay, whether you're traveling for business or
pleasure. Our Schaumburg/Chicago hotel offers a variety of room
types and meeting space. Free breakfast and internet.
a a a a
a Situated off National Parkway, within walking distance of major
business corporations, this modern hotel in Schaumburg offers a
complimentary 24-hour business center and over 4,600 sq. ft. of
meeting space. Host an event for up to 130 guests.
Ciazza Restaurant and Lounge offers room service, a private dining
a a a a
a
room and an outdoor patio; complimentary shuttle; wireless
internet access; complimentary on-site parking; laundry facility;
hot tub and fitness center; shopping and dining nearby
Hub, Spa Suites, Longitude 87, Executive Club Lounge
a a a
a a
and independent research. Some companies
a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker in every room;
complimentary wireless internet access in all guest rooms with
remote printing; hair dryer, iron and ironing board; oversized work
desk and Herman Miller chair; Neutrogena bath products
a 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and events space, including
the contemporary Grand Ballroom; professional meeting and event
planners offering expert guidance and personalized service
be omitted due
deadline restrictions,
limitations
failure
respond
Continued on Page 36
15% Off Package Prices
Complete Meeting Package —
$129
$109
Modified Meeting Package —
$114
$96
Day Meeting Package —
$99
$85
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Buffets served in Conference Dinning Room
All Day Continuous Break Station (Rotating F& B Menu)
General Session Audio Visual Package
24% Service Charge
Breakfast and Lunch Buffets served in Conference Dinning Room
All Day Continuous Break Station (Rotating F& B Menu)
General Session Audio Visual Package
24% Service Charge
Lunch Buffet served in Conference Dinning Room
All Day Continuous Break Station (Rotating F& B Menu)
General Session Audio Visual Package
24% Service Charge
**Individualized Group Rates starting at $109**
Phone: 630.850.5546 | Email: [email protected] | Web: oakbrookhillsresort.com
Monday, april 27, 2015
Contact Us Today!
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Take advantage of these great discounts: Meetings Booked by June 31, 2015 for any dates in 2015
35
36
Hospitality
Industry news
Monday, april 27, 2015
WHEATON — Diners at a longtime
Italian restaurant in downtown Wheaton will have a chance to enjoy their
meal and drinks outside later this year.
Jim Kozik, the city’s director of planning and economic development, said
the Downtown Design Review Board
has approved IL Sogno Ristorante’s
request to construct a rooftop deck.
Downtown design guidelines state
that outdoor dining in the “traditional
core area” of downtown Wheaton
should be located within the public
right-of-way, in front of the restaurant,
or beside or behind the restaurant.
However, IL Sogno is located on the
second floor of 100 N. Hale St., which
means there is no beside or “behind
the building, in this case,” Kozik said.
Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream
Shop and Elements and Starrs Boutique are located below the restaurant,
creating a problem with putting outdoor seating within the public right-of
way.
Kozik said Kilwins already has plans
to put outdoor seating along the public right-of-way this year, and any seating in front of the boutique would
block potential customers’ view of the
window.
In addition, the first floor of the
building is “extra tall,” Kozik said,
which means food would have to be
transported an inconvenient distance
if the seating is at street level.
Kuma’s Corner restaurant
coming to suburbs in July
SCHAUMBURG — The Chicagobased, heavy-metal-themed burger
restaurant Kuma’s Corner is on track
to open its first suburban location near
Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg this
summer.
Schaumburg trustees approved
the popular eatery’s plan to open in a
3,529-square-foot space in the easternmost outlot building of the Woodfield Village Green Shopping Center,
located across from Woodfield on the
north side of Golf Road.
The original Kuma’s Corner at
2900 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago
will celebrate its 10th anniversary in
August. A second location opened at
666 W. Diversey Parkway in 2013, and
third will open in Indianapolis in May.
A July 1 opening for the Schaumburg
Kuma’s Corner is anticipated.
FlavorPot culinary studio
opens in the GlenTown Center
GLENVIEW — FlavorPot is a culinary studio that promotes healthy living through creative recipes, unique
ingredients and mouthwatering flavors. FlavorPot offers private parties,
classes and workshops for adults and
kids.
Owners Simran and Alyque Ajani
were inspired by their 4-year-old
daughter who loved to help with all
aspects of the kitchen — cooking, baking and even cleaning. They decided to
create a space where kids can develop
the love for food and cooking in a fun
and supportive environment.
They began the planning process
back in the summer of 2014. Research
as well as feedback from friends, family and community proved that there
was an unfilled need for recreational
cooking classes for adults as well. So
they decided to expand their offering.
While they worked to find the right
space to fulfill their vision, FlavorPot
started with hosting off-site events,
including a birthday party for over 40
kids.
In November, they signed the lease
for a space in the Glen Town Center.
Another big win was a partnership
with Dacor, a luxury appliance brand
recommended by the Master Chefs at
Le Cordon Bleu.
FlavorPot offers three types of experiences for private events; each one
can be tailored to specific requests.
Demo style is a ‘watch and eat’ concept and suitable for all occasions
including showers, birthdays and book
clubs.
Hands-on style is a ‘cook and eat’
concept where guests work with
the chef to create and eat their own
meal. Competition style is a ‘compete
and eat’ concept and is an excellent
idea for corporate events and team
building.
For more, go to www.flavorpot.com.
Hotels
128 a a a a
LAQUINTA INN CHICAGO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
1415 W. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. 60004
847-253-8777 • lq.com
Joshua S Parra, general manager
([email protected])
121 a a a
a
a complimentary continental style breakfast with make-your-own
waffles; free fax and copies for all in-house guests
HOMEWOOD SUITES
815 E. American Lane, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-605-0400 • www.homewoodsuitesschaumburg.com
Barry D. Brinn, director of sales
([email protected])
108 a a a
a
CLARION INN
933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst , Ill. 60126
630-279-0700 • www.clarioninnelmhurst.com
Pritesh Gandhi, owner/GM
104 a a a a
a spacious two-room suites with fully equipped kitchens,
complimentary items include a hot breakfast buffet every morning,
hot dinner buffet Monday through Thursday, Wi-Fi, parking, shuttle
service to local offices, dining and shopping
a free parking, free Wifi, bar & restaurant onsite, indoor pool,
business center, fitness center
STARVED ROCK LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER
2668 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby, Ill. 61348
815-220-7333 • www.starvedrocklodge.com
Kathy Casstevens Jasiek, marketing director 100
([email protected])
ILLINOIS BEACH RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER
1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, Ill. 60099
847-625-7300 • ilresorts.com
Fred Fischer, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
92
MARINA GRAND RESORT
600 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. 49117
269-469-9900 • www.marinagrandresort.com
Collette Kemper, managing partner
([email protected])
76
a
WiFi Access
Catherine Kencharek, director of sales
([email protected])
Airport trans.
SPRINGHILL SUITES ELMHURST/OAK BROOK AREA
410 W. Lake St., Elmhurst, Ill. 60126
630-782-6300 • www.marriott.com/chiem
Indoor Pool
128 a a a a
Outdoor Pool
Donald G. Hill, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
Fitness Center
HILTON GARDEN INN CHICAGO/OAK BROOK
1000 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. 60181
630-941-1177 • www.chicagooakbrookterrace.hgi.com
Meeting Rooms
Sales/Marketing Contact
(E-mail)
Business Center
Ranked by number of guest rooms.
HOTEL
Address
Phone ¥ Website
Guest Rooms
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Suburban restaurant gains
approval for rooftop dining
Hotel Amenities
a a At the center of the beautiful Oak Brook area commercial district,
nearby entertainment and renowned shopping venues; features
128 spacious guest rooms with complimentary WiFi, Precor fitness
center, indoor pool
a complimentary hot breakfast buffet; complimentary local shuttle
(five-mile radius)
a
a a a a
a a a a
a on-site bar, cafe, full-service dining room and outdoor dining;
cabins, complimentary Wi-Fi; conference center
a lakeside dining room; sandpiper lounge and game room; indoor
Olympic pool, health club, private beach, hot tub and sauna;
seasonal outdoor tent; 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting
space; 92 hotel rooms featuring four king lake view balcony suites
a guest rooms feature luxury finishes and fixtures, fireplaces,
outdoor seating and lovely lake and harbor views; waterfront
restaurant, coffee bar and market; indoor and outdoor pools
All the information in this list is based on responses to Daily Herald Business Ledger surveys and independent research. Some companies may be omitted due to deadline restrictions, space limitations or failure to respond to
numerous questionnaires. Questions or comments about this list may be sent to [email protected].
Hospitality
37
Odeum Expo Center offers array of options
perfect for almost any type of corporate function. Our South Hall of 22,000
square feet of floor, plus 1500+ arena
seats allows for audiences over 4,000.
Our North Hall with 22,000 square feet
is great for exhibition space. The Upper
Mezzanine has 13,000 square feet and
overlooks both the South and North
Halls. Our Banquet Hall has about
9,000 square feet and can be broken
down into four separate soundproof
meeting rooms. Plus we have a full service lounge, with 200 seating capacity
that can be used as a private hospitality area as well. We can accommodate
600 trade-show booths, and all exhibit
services and equipment are available
“in house,” including piping, draping,
tables, chairs, staging, carpeting, electric, AV equipment, and so much more.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: Being family-owned and operated, all of the Odeum clients become
part of the family. We work together to
make their show a huge success year
after year. Our motto is, “Set the date
and leave the rest to us.”
Q: What attracts clients here when
Odeum Expo Center
/ MG Concessions
1033 North Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL
60181
Phone: (630) 941-9292
Owners: Greco family
Number of employees: 14 full time,
20-50 part time
When business opened: November
1981
Web address: www.OdeumExpo.com
booking expo space?
A: Location. Location. Location.
Being right on the edge of Chicago with
easy access from every major expressway. And, the hands-on involvement
of the Odeum ownership and staff from
the initial meeting, all the way until the
event is over and out of the building.
Q: Tell us about catering options.
A: MG Concessions, the exclusive food and beverage supplier for
the Odeum, is experienced at providing food service of every kind, including event concessions, casual buffets,
or elegant sit-down dinners for 50 to
5,000 guests. MG Concessions offers a
variety of menus to complement and
enhance any event and is happy to create special menus tailored to individual needs or ethnicities.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about
the Odeum that people may not know.
A: On July 1, 2012, just after that terrible summer storm that ripped through
the Chicago area, we had The Smashing Pumpkins moving into our building for a 10-day rehearsal before they
went out on tour overseas to promote
their newly-released Oceania album.
Due to the storm, the Odeum lost
power for 36 hours, so we were setting
up their rigging, staging, and full production using generators and flashlights with no air conditioning in the
90+ degree temperatures. We pulled
it off for them, and they came back
the following spring for a quick 3-day
rehearsal before another tour started.
— Kim Mikus
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Jon Zaley, business development & marketing director at Odeum Expo Center / MG Concessions, Villa Park.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Odeum
Expo Center.
A: The Odeum is a family-owned &
operated, multiuse facility centrally
located just off
I-290 & Route
83 in Villa
Park.
With
up to 130,000
square feet of
indoor space,
and 14-acres of outdoor parking lot, we
can host simple breakfast meetings all
the way up to association trade shows
or motivational seminars, automotive
research and training, concerts, and
outdoor events. More than 1.2 million
people come through our doors on an
annual basis.
Q: What does the venue have to offer
when it comes to corporate meetings?
A: With more than 85,000 square
feet of unique, flexible event space
with minimum pillars, the Odeum is
Monday, april 27, 2015
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
38
Hospitality
Meeting planners bookmark AVQuote.com
An
interview
with
Heather
Lindquist, marketing director at
AVQuote.com based in Aurora.
Q: Tell us about the business.
A: AVQuote.com is
the perfect solution
for today’s busy meeting planners. As a full
service audio visual
concierge, we have
many different talents to offer. AVQuote.
com works very hard
Heather
to save both time and
Lindquist
money for meeting
and/or event planners.
We also have experience in many venues across the country and so any and
every location is possible for our clientele. We have a strong focus on the
hospitality industry, helping us to better accommodate any client with their
audio visual needs.
Q: How did the business get its
name?
A: We understand that many of our
clients do not have time or knowledge
when it comes to planning AV for their
AVQuote.com
550 N. Commons Drive,
Aurora, IL 60504
Year business started: 2011
Web address: wwwavquote.com
meetings or events. We wanted a quick
way to get audiovisual quotes to our clients so thus was born AVQuote.com!
Q: How did the business start and
grow?
A: AVQuote.com began its journey
in 2011 and is currently experiencing
exponential growth which we are very
excited about and expect to continue
in the future.
Q: Where else are you located?
A: AVQuote.com is located across
the United States and Canada. Our
busiest areas include the Chicagoland
area, Florida, and a heavy presence in
California.
Q: How do you cater to the corporate
client?
A: With our hospitality and hotel
background, we have experience
working with countless corporate clients and know how to successfully
supplement and execute any meeting
or event. AVQuote.com was designed
with the meeting planner in mind. Our
team of experienced audio visual professionals is able to handle the entire
process because we focus on overall
clientele experience.
Q: Tell us one unique fact about the
company.
A: Everyone always asks about the
pineapple. We have uniquely chosen the pineapple as part of our logo
because it has, for many years, represented hospitality.
Q: What else can customers expect?
A: AVQuote.com will always treat
our clients with the highest level of service and expertise.
We go above and beyond for our clients and want to be with them through
the entire audio visual planning
process.
Q: What are people talking about in
your industry?
A: The most exciting part of being
in the audio visual industry is the rate
of technological advancement and
change that opens the door for more
creativity when planning events.
In attempts to ‘wow’ our clientele,
meeting and event planners are eager
to use these technological advancements to their advantage.
One trend that is becoming popular
is projection mapping, which is the art
of transforming common objects into
interactive displays on any surface.
Planners are also noticing that clientele desires more upscale set designs,
which, in turn, requires more consultations and larger budgets to create a
preferred atmosphere.
On the more technical side of the
audio visual world, specific event apps
and online streaming of meetings are
becoming widely used as more people
are having and attending large events.
— Kim Mikus
39
ANY event, ANY venue, ANYwhere…
Big or small, we’re there for you!
AVQuote.com is the perfect
production resource for
event planners, meeting
professionals, venue owners
and operators, and
With our emphasis on the
technical support for all of
your needs with sound
systems, lighting, projection
and displays, scenic design,
video screens, rigging, and
on-site technical direction.
hospitality industry, our
Your dedicated project
experienced staff is prepared
manager will assist with
to plan every detail to ensure
contract negotiations and
your event is flawlessly
keep you well informed
executed from beginning to
throughout every step of the
end!
process.
We are there every step of the way to save you time and money!
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
entertainment companies.
Our team offers on-site
We are made for planners by planners
Monday, april 27, 2015
Visit AVQuote.com or call us at 630.340.5034 today!
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
40
Monday, april 27, 2015
Distinctive Banquets
Our attention to every detail, impeccable service,
exceptional cuisine and elegant surroundings,
sets the standards for excellence in wedding
receptions and special events.
630-942-8600 ! www.AbbingtonBanquets.com
3S002 IL Route 53 ! Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Meeting Sites
Ranked by capacity of largest room
SITE
Address
Phone ¥ Website
TINLEY PARK CONVENTION CENTER
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, Ill. 60477
708-342-5485 • www.tinleyparkconventioncenter.net
RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL
1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-303-4100 • www.RenaissanceSchaumburg.com
THE ODEUM EXPO CENTER
1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park, Ill. 60181
630-941-9292 • www.OdeumExpo.com
Contact
(E-mail)
Capacity*
Meeting
Rooms
Amenities
Daniel Fitzgerald, sales/marketing director
([email protected])
8,700
21
Jeanette Ulepic, director of sales and marketing
Ryan Verhulst, director of event management
([email protected])
Brad Walsh, Facility director
Jon Zaley, Business development & marketing
director
([email protected])
Rhonda Sosnowski, marketing manager
([email protected])
6,300
42
Ken Hannah, senior program director
([email protected])
5,000
50
high-efficiency exhibit space lighting, a built-in concession stand, high-speed Wi-Fi,
a full-service business center, new loading docks and storage to service large events
and 1,500 free parking spaces
Small to mid-size meeting rooms, 30 breakout meeting rooms; for larger corporate
events, the 27,502-square-foot Schaumburg Ballroom accommodates up to 3,800
for receptions and 1,700 for seated banquets, complimentary on-site parking
DuPage County's largest sports & special events facility of clear-span space
accommodates 600+ tradeshow booths, 5000 seat arena, 9200sf banquet/meeting
rooms, 14-acre parking lot with 2000 spaces, in-house food & beverage, decorator,
staging & more.
audio visual; live feed from multiple locations; in-house food and beverages; expo/
trade show space; theatre seating and stage; morning, afternoon or evening, with or
without live thoroughbred racing participation
audio/visual lighting; free parking
5,500
10
5,000
12
2,400
20
Sara Marach, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
2,200
26
Harry Caray's and Holy Mackerel on-site restaurants; indoor lap pool and fitness
center; business center; local shuttle; on-site catering and event planning
THE PARAMOUNT & COPLEY THEATRES
23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, Ill. 60506
630-896-7676 • www.paramountaurora.com
Bill Pope, rentals manager
([email protected])
1,851
7
two professionally equipped theaters; three lobby spaces conducive to dining and
catered events; 5,000-square-foot ballroom that can be portioned into four separate
rooms
DRURY LANE THEATRE & CONFERENCE CENTER
100 Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace , Ill. 60181
630-530-8300 • www.drurylaneoakbrook.com
Donna Brickman, marketing manager
([email protected])
1,800
4
35,000-square-feet of meeting space; world-class theater space with seating for
971; catering with personalized menu options; ample free parking with valet service
available Deluxe accommodations adjacent to the facility to fit any budget
FOUR WINDS NEW BUFFALO
11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich. 49117
866-494-6371 • www.fourwindscasino.com
Timothy Adams, sales and catering manager
([email protected])
1,600
3
gaming experiences; gourmet restaurants including Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds;
luxury hotel with a mix of suites and standard rooms; Silver Creek Event Center;
conveniently located just 60 miles east of Chicago, off I-94
HILTON CHICAGO/INDIAN LAKES RESORT
250 W. Schick Road, Bloomingdale, Ill. 60108
630-529-0200 • www.IndianLakesResort.com
Sonja Knowles, assistant director of sales
1,500
28
HILTON CHICAGO/OAK BROOK HILLS RESORT & CONFERENCE
CENTER
3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-850-5555 • www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com
MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER AND TOURNAMENT
2001 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60195
847-882-1496 • www.medievaltimes.com/chicago.aspx
Amanda Chorley, social media & marketing
([email protected])
1,500
36
AAA three diamond resort; 50,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor function
space; 308 rooms and suites; 27-hole golf course with practice facility and driving
range; indoor and outdoor pools; spa; restaurant
NP
Sandy Maldonado-Martinez, marketing and sales
manager
([email protected])
Bill Apostolou, corporate manager
([email protected])
1,500
2
85,000 square-foot facility with seating for 1450; unique entertainment venue for
special events and corporate outings
1,500
5
over 50,000 square feet of space; free parking; on-site catering; coat check;
spacious two-story lobby; WiFi; 22-foot ceilings; soundproof walls
Pritesh Gandhi, general manager
([email protected])
1,500
8
Mike Fabbri, executive vice president
Tara Kubicki, director of sales and catering
([email protected])
([email protected])
Liz Frohling, event planner
Julie Lenoch, Event Meeting manager
([email protected])
([email protected])
Kristine Chavez, director of sales
1,200
4
wine list selections to compliment dinner service; gourmet chocolate fountain with
elaborate fruit displays; four hours premium open bar service; choice of elegant
centerpieces for guest tables; 50-inch plasma screens; attached Clarion Inn Hotel
20,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and banquet space, full-service catering,
convenient computer/phone access, complimentary high-speed wireless internet
access, fully automated sound system, easy access, ground-level loading dock,
adjacent parking, state-of-the-art A/V
20,000 square-feet of dividable space; 4,500 square-feet of pre-event and gallery
space including 2 outdoor terraces; acoustically superior 24-foot ceilings; state-ofthe-art audio visual technology; ample parking and easy access from major
highways
wireless internet access; projector and screen
Chris Johnson, general manager
([email protected])
1,000
30
30,0000 square feet of flexible meeting space with more than 15 rooms divisible into
30 separate rooms; complimentary business center; catered events
Sherry Johnson, visitor service manager
([email protected])
1,000
7
46,800 square feet; 7 meeting rooms available or ability to rent full museum
Geri Patterson, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
1,000
8
complimentary high-speed Internet throughout hotel, brand new 9,000 square foot
ballroom with breakout spaces and 15-foot ceiling height, full-service hotel with
experienced onsite meeting and banquet staff, onsite restaurant and lounge, audio
visual equipment available
BOBAK'S SIGNATURE EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER AT
SEVEN BRIDGES
6440 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge, Ill. 60517
630-968-7778 • signatureevent.com
HYATT PLACE HOFFMAN ESTATES
2750 Greenspoint Pwy., Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60169
847-839-1800 • www.hyattplace.com
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CHICAGO-OAK BROOK
1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-472-6000 • www.doubletreeoakbrook.com
DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
301 N. Washington St., Naperville, Ill. 60540
630-637-8000 • www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org
HOLIDAY INN GURNEE-CONVENTION CENTER
6161 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee, Ill. 60031
847-336-6300 • www.holidayinn.com/gurnee-il
1,200
5
1,035
2
All the information in this list is based on responses to Daily Herald Business Ledger surveys and independent research. Some companies may be omitted due to deadline restrictions, space limitations or failure to respond to
numerous questionnaires. Questions or comments about this list may be sent to [email protected].
Continued on Page 43
Monday, april 27, 2015
Ethan Avina, event coordinator
([email protected])
indoor and outdoor settings; technologically-advanced meeting rooms; professional
catering services; comprehensive on-site coordination; summer housing available
(800 beds)
more than 100,000 square-feet of functional space; 250-seat tiered auditorium; four
distinct ballrooms; 38,000-square-foot Midwest Exposition Center offers a
continuous, column-free space
flip charts, markers and audio visual included in all training rooms; on-site media
services; free Internet access; on-site catering; free parking
MERIDIAN BANQUETS & CONFERENCE CENTER
1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, Ill. 60008
847-952-8181 • www.meridianbanquets.com
WATERFORD BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER
933 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, Ill. 60126
630-279-0270 • www.waterfordbanquet.com
ABBINGTON DISTINCTIVE BANQUETS
3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, Ill. 60137
630-942-8600 • www.abbingtonbanquets.com
Melanie Sandberg, sales and marketing coordinator; 3,500
meetings, events and conferences
40
([email protected])
Jeanne Hahn, director of sales and marketing
3,500
49
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE & EXPO CENTER
3501 S. Laramie Ave., Stickney, Ill. 60804
708-780-7050 • www.hawthorneracecourse.com
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
30 N. Brainard St., Naperville, Ill. 60540
630-637-5100 • www.northcentralcollege.edu
LEWIS UNIVERSITY
One University Pwy., Romeoville, Ill. 60446
815-838-0500 • www.lewisu.edu/MEC
PHEASANT RUN RESORT
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, Ill. 60174
800-999-3319 • www.pheasantrun.com
ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. 60123
847-931-3925 • www.elgin.edu
THE WESTIN LOMBARD YORKTOWN CENTER
70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-719-8000 • www.westin.com/lombard
41
42
HOFFMAN $"!#!$"
Where Businesses Converge
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
MEET
STAY
PLAY
Stonegate Conference
MEET The
& Banquet Center
Elegance & Flexibility Accommodating 10-1,000
Breakout rooms, Boardrooms, Ballroom, Trade Show Center,
Tented Pavilion
Hotels with over 1,200 guest rooms.
STAY Eight
We can source availability & rate for you - one call!
Monday, april 27, 2015
PLAY The Sears Centre Arena
Plan Your Next Event with Fun & Team Building in Mind
22,000 Sq Ft Concourse for Your Displays
11,800 Seat Arena for Your Key Note Speakers or Entertainers
43 Luxury Suites - The Ultimate Breakout Rooms
1,000 Seat Private Club Area
Tourism Office of Hoffman Estates
(847) 781-2664
www.searscentre.com
www.visithoffman.com
Meeting Sites
Ranked by capacity of largest room
SITE
Address
Phone ¥ Website
43
Amenities
HYATT REGENCY SCHAUMBURG-CHICAGO
1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-605-1234 • www.schaumburg.hyatt.com
Gina Rukower, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
1,000
22
30,000 square feet of flexible, full-service indoor/outdoor meeting facilities; 3
restaurants/bars; valet and self-parking; complimentary shuttle to area attractions;
complimentary indoor and outdoor pools; complimentary fitness center
THE MEADOWS CLUB
2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Ill. 60008
847-640-3200 • themeadowsclub.com
Rebecca Ketelaar, director of sales
([email protected])
1,000
6
elegant rooms for 25 to 1,000 guests; spacious 40-foot stage and dance floor; stateof-the-art audio video system and flat-screen TVs; teleconferencing capabilities;
experienced event planners; executive chefs
THE STONEGATE CONFERENCE & BANQUET CENTRE
2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60169
847-884-7000 • www.thestonegate.com
Eileen Quinn, corporate catering sales manager
([email protected])
1,000
10
8,200-sq. ft ballroom, 20-foot ceiling; large pre-function area; five additional
breakout rooms; flexible seating in all rooms; loading dock with elephant door; inhouse A/V; full service in-house catering; WiFi; free parking for 370; nearby hotels
HILLTON CHICAGO NORTHBROOK
2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, Ill. 60062
847-480-7500 • northbrookallgauers.com
Meg McArdle, director of marketing
([email protected])
900
17
248 guestrooms and suites; 17,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space;
indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and fitness center; 24-hour business center; Allgauer's
on the Riverfront restaurant
BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB
2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, Ill. 60490
630-771-9400 • www.bolingbrookgolfclub.com
Jill Maldanado, director of catering
([email protected])
850
8
championship golf course; practice facility with a learning academy; state-of-the-art
GPS-equipped golf carts; 76,000 square-foot clubhouse with men's and women's
locker rooms and lounges; two full-service restaurants and full banquet facilities
CHICAGO MARRIOTT SOUTHWEST AT BURR RIDGE
1200 Burr Ridge Pwy., Burr Ridge, Ill. 60527
630-986-4100 • www.marriott.com/chisw
Alan J. Nicholson, director of sales
([email protected])
850
10
wireless and wired internet; full food and beverage catering; large windows offering
natural lighting; outdoor dining; custom menu creation; full AV equipment and
support; ample parking; separate meeting entrance; convenient location
CHICAGO MARRIOTT NAPERVILLE
1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-505-4900 • www.chicagomarriottnaperville.com
Wesley Graf, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
800
14
24,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 7,108-square-foot grand ballroom,
which also features pre-function areas; 4,100-square-foot junior ballroom, two
executive boardrooms, and multiple breakout rooms
MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
9000 W. College Pwy., Palos Hills, Ill. 60465
708-974-5690 • www.morainevalley.edu
Michael Crehan
([email protected])
800
3
3 large banquet-style rooms for conferences and seminars; each room seats 200
with option of combining the rooms for larger events for a maximum capacity of 600
BENEDICTINE UNIVERSITY
5700 College Road, Lisle, Ill. 60532
630-829-6000 • ben.edu
Marita Batten, Coordinator, Auxiliary Enterprises
([email protected])
750
62
classroom meeting space; food service; audio/visual
EAGLEWOOD RESORT & SPA
1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, Ill. 60143
630-773-3510 • www.eaglewoodresort.com
Julie Berry, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
600
20
37,000 square feet of versatile IACC-certified function space and planning services;
18-hole golf course; 10-treatment-room destination spa; six-lane retro bowling alley;
complimentary parking; wireless internet capabilities
K1 SPEED
2381 W. Army Trail Road, Addison, Ill. 60101
630-433-3700 • www.k1speed.com
Susan Graver, co-owner & marketing director
600
6
two indoor road courses with Bowman Racing Karts, a full-service restaurant and
catering team, alternative entertainment options in an upscale entertainment
environment primarily designed for adults
LUCKY STRIKE LANES
100 Yorktown Center, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-916-8681 • www.bowlluckystrike.com
Michael Koenig, Event Sales manager
([email protected])
600
3
NP
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CHICAGO-ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
75 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
847-364-7600 • www.DoubletreeAH.com
John Rohrbach, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
550
11
4,900-square-foot arbor ballroom; executive boardroom with separate private salon;
high-speed internet access
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON LIBERTYVILLE-MUNDELEIN
510 E. Route 83, Mundelein, Ill. 60060
847-949-5100 • www.DoubleTreeLM.com
Lesley Boyer, director of sales
([email protected])
500
12
complimentary WiFi throughout event and public space, including all guestrooms;
complimentary local shuttle; restaurant and bar on-site; 24-hour business center;
24-hour fitness center and large indoor pool
HILTON LISLE/NAPERVILLE
3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Ill. 60532
630-245-7600 • www.hiltonlislenaperville.com
Joni Augustine, director of sales
([email protected])
500
23
309 guestrooms and suites; 23 meeting and banquet rooms; award-winning
restaurant and catering; 24-hour business center; indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness
center
THE HYATT LODGE AT MCDONALD'S CAMPUS
2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-568-1234 • thelodge.hyatt.com
Tracy Laurent, director of catering
([email protected])
500
218
47,000 square feet of function space, with 5,100-square foot ballroom and
3,8000-square-foot Grand Oaks Pavilion; Midtown Spa and Fitness Center; Piazza
Restaurant and Water's Edge Cafe
CHANDLER'S CHOPHOUSE AND BANQUETS
401 N. Roelle Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
847-885-9009 • www.chandlerschophouse.com
Kathy Romano, director of catering
([email protected])
486
5
Contact location
PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Ill. 60193
847-895-3600 • www.prairiecenter.org
Lisa Ainley, administrative assistant
([email protected])
442
4
audio visual equipment; free parking
THE METROPOLIS BALLROOM
6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
847-870-8787 • metropolisballroom.com
Jamie Janeczko, director of corporate and social
events
([email protected])
425
4
custom floor plans; parking garage; on-site kitchen; in-house theater
THE ABBEY RESORT
269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, Wis. 53125
262-275-6811 • www.theabbeyresort.com
Kyle Dixon, sales manager
([email protected])
400
25
40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, located at Lake Geneva;
one-of-a-kind destination for meetings, events and leisure travel
THE DANADA HOUSE
3S501 Naperville Road, Wheaton, Ill. 60189
630-668-5392 • www.danadahouse.com
Jill Ludvigsen, executive director
([email protected])
400
1
rich in beauty and history; ideal location for hosting special events including
weddings, banquets, meetings or parties
DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE
CENTER CHICAGOÑDOWNERS GROVE
2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, Ill. 60515
630-971-2000 • www.doubletreedownersgrove.com
Kristina Nowak, senior catering manager
([email protected])
400
17
35,000 square feet of meetings space that includes the Esplanade Lakes Ballroom
and 20,000-square-foot IACC-approved conference center; full-service catering and
event staff with a dedicated event planner assigned to each event.
HOLIDAY INN & SUITES-CAROL STREAM
150 S. Gary Ave., Carol Stream, Ill. 60188
630-665-3000 • www.holidayinn.com/chi-carol
Sue Widerski, director of sales
([email protected])
400
10
Located only 4.5 miles from I-355 offering easy access to all major highways; ample
free parking on-site; more than 10,000 sq ft of meeting room space with on-site
audio visual needs; Alberto's Restaurant located in the Holiday Inn & Suites.
Continued on Page 50
Monday, april 27, 2015
Capacity*
Meeting
Rooms
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Contact
(E-mail)
44
Hospitality
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Tips on planning your summer corporate picnic
suggestions for entertainment and will
During summer months, corporations
source fun activities for all ages. This could
sponsor company picnics as a way to coninclude “bounce houses,” face painters,
nect with employees and their families,
balloon artists and more for children. For
build team spirit and lift company morale.
adults, softball, volleyball, Frisbee golf or,
If you have the responsibility to plan
for the adventurous, rock climbing walls
for a large group, this becomes a comare options. DJs are another possibility to
plex project. While the basics of providing
help create a fun atmosphere.
food, beverages and activities apply, the
Another popular picnic activity is havscale is larger and can be more challenging management “cook” for the company
ing to execute.
employees. A professional catering comConsider hiring a professional cater- Bill GarlouGh
pany can provide grills and a trained Chef
ing company to assist you with the planto assist management with this process.
ning and implementation of a fun and
It is key to determine your compasafe summer picnic. Here are some steps
ny’s budget and share this with the caterer so they
to help with this planning process:
• Understand your company’s goal for the picnic. can stretch your dollars and provide the food, serHas the event date and location been determined? vice and entertainment you desire. Event proposWhat are the hours of the event? How many adults als should include all of the costs for food, beverage,
staff, rental, entertainment and other items you have
and children are expected?
determined are important to include.
• Is there a theme?
For large groups, meeting your prospective cater• Will you need service staff? Having professional
servers, licensed bartenders and experienced grill ing company at their facility will give you an idea of
chefs can make a world of difference in helping your their professionalism and capabilities to provide a
committee run a smooth and efficient event. For great picnic. A professional catering company will
larger groups, your catering company can provide be willing to provide a complimentary tasting for a
small number of committee members. There is a
an event supervisor to coordinate the entire day.
• Is the picnic for employees only or are families wide range in the quality of food and presentation
included? A full service catering company can offer among caterers, so you will want to select a company
Affordable Catering with Style!
Award Winning
Monday, april 27, 2015
that meets your needs on all levels.
Make sure your catering company has proper
insurance. You should review the coverage, make
sure the policy is current and understand that your
company’s name can also be added as an additional
insured on their policy. This protects your committee and company and ensures that you made the
right selection to partner with your event.
The most critically important question you should
ask your prospective caterer is the food safety practices they offer. In the warm summer months, the
key question is refrigeration. A refrigerated van is
vital to ensure that the food is properly transported
to the picnic site and is held in a refrigerated environment. Picnics typically last 4 - 6 hours, so keeping your cold food cold is essential. This protects
your guests and ensures you have taken a responsible approach for the safety and well-being of your
group.
Consider using this as a checklist to ensure that
your committee meets the objectives of your company and provides a fun and safe day. The goal is
to coordinate an event that meets your company’s
budget and exceeds your expectations. Have fun this
summer.
• Bill Garlough is the owner and founder of My Chef
Catering, a Naperville based catering and event planning
company for 25 years. For more, visit mychef.com.
630/717-1167
mychef.com
In Naperville Since 1989
Full Service Catering & Event Planning
!
Company Picnics, BBQs, Theme Parties
!
Providing Daily Corporate Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners
!
Creating Memorable Open Houses, Grand Openings
!
Holiday Parties in Your Office or Home
!
Complete Bar Service, Professional Waitstaff, Rental, Linens
!
Custom Events at Unique Venues
S m a l l B u s i n e s s o f t h e Ye a r
45
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
NOW, MEETINGS IN OA K B ROOK
MAKE EVEN MORE DOLLARS & S ENSE
With Chicago’s hotel taxes going up yet again there’s never been a better
time to move your meeting plans to Oak Brook.
TO B O O K , V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT OA K B R O O K H O T E L S . CO M / M E E T I N G S
DOUBLETREE
CHICAGO — OAK BROOK
630.472.6000
HYATT LODGE
630.568.1234
CHICAGO MARRIOTT
OAK BROOK
630.571.1200
RESIDENCE INN
BY MARRIOTT
LE MÉRIDIEN CHICAGO OAKBROOK CENTER
630.571.1200
630.368.9900
Monday, april 27, 2015
With Hotels of Oak Brook, you’ll get world-class meeting venues, great dining
and entertainment options and top-of-the-line hotel accommodations for
far less than you would pay in downtown Chicago, allowing you to plan
the same great meeting at a much better value. So this year, make the smart
move to the Hotels of Oak Brook.
46
Hospitality
Summer grilling
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
All you need to know about the kettleburger
The snow has melted and all the signs
point toward the beginning of the outdoor grilling season. For most people,
it’s that time where we are breaking out
the grills from storage, cleaning them
off, buying a new
tank of propane,
etc. and getting
ready for some
live fire cooking.
But for us here
at Weber Grill
Restaurant, the
grilling season is
all year long, and
we want to pass
along some of
MATT JosT
the tips and tricks
that will help
make your backyard burger the best it can be. They can
be laid out in four basic areas: The bun,
the patty, the cook and the toppings.
The Bun: When selecting a bun for
your burger, one of the most important factors to consider is “how soft is
the burger patty after it is cooked?” If
you are making a turkey burger, which
is usually cooked through and quite
firm, you would select a hearty bun,
like a focaccia or kaiser roll. If you want
to cook a softer burger patty, like a seafood or salmon burger, you would want
a squishy, egg bun.
As for the traditional beef burger,
something right in the middle is just
perfect. At the restaurant we use a “½
and ½ bun,” half is a buttery brioche
dough and half is a traditional egg
dough, a perfect pairing.
The Patty: The patty itself needs
some consideration. One common
mistake people make when shaping
and pressing burgers is applying too
much pressure. This will compact the
burger, and make it tough and rubbery
when cooked. It may seem that a very
well pressed burger is easier to flip on
the grill, but if the end result is tough
and dry, who cares?
One of the best things you can do
when cooking any type of patty is to
chill the patties before cooking them
on the grill. This will allow the meat to
‘set up’ and help it keep its shape when
grilling. Also, pressing a “dimple” into
the center of the hamburger patty about
½” deep will keep it from “meatballing”
up on the grill. If you depress the center,
you will have a nice, flat patty.
The Cook: Set the grill up for a proper
direct, medium heat grilling. It is tempting to try and impress your guests with
a burning hot grill and flames shooting up, but that is exactly what will
happen, everything will get burned or
charred. Remember, use gentile heat
when grilling. It may take a few minutes longer, but the burgers will be nice
and browned and juicy. Also, try to time
the burgers so they are ready around
the same time. When cooking a turkey
burger that needs to be cooked through,
start that first, then place the seafood or
beef burgers on when you flip the turkey burgers over. This will help make all
Courtesy of Weber Grill
the burgers ready at the same time.
The Toppings: Perhaps the most
wide open category, the most important consideration is the quality you
are serving. While it may seem awesome to have 15 items, chances are
that only 5-6 items will be used. Think
about upgrading the classics: instead
of American or a simple cheddar, look
for an aged cheddar or even a white
cheddar; in place of traditional bacon,
There are
many details
to consider
when grilling
the perfect
hamburger. A
research and
development
chef at Weber
Grill Restaurants says it’s
important to
set the grill up
for a proper
direct, medium
heat grilling.
look toward a peppered bacon or one
smoked with a specific type of wood;
swap the traditional iceberg lettuce with
a softer, Boston bibb lettuce.
All of these will help make your next
backyard grilling party a memorable one, and will help make your next
burger, a “KettleBurger”!
• Matt Jost is research and development
chef at Weber Grill Restaurants.
Hospitality
47
‘Where play is not only allowed, but celebrated’
Level 257
2 Woodfield Mall, Unit A,
Schaumburg IL 60173
Web address: www.level257.com
at Namco Entertainment Inc. wanted to
find the next great
entertainment
concept. We’ve worked
with
arcades
for
decades and identified a need to move
the business on, makMeghan
ing it more relevant for
Reaney
modern gamers and
non-gamers alike. This
concept harks back to that time of your
childhood when going to the arcade
and beating your best score was all that
you had to care about.
We want to encourage everyone to
remember to play and we believe that
by combining fantastic, chef-driven
food and an extensive craft beer and
wine list, with bowling and video
games, will allow us to indulge in that
which we love now — good food and
drink — while bringing us back to
that wonderful time and creating an
environment where play is not only
allowed, but celebrated.
Q: Are there plans for other locations
in the area?
A: (Reaney): We would love to open
locations throughout the nation, and
the world.
Q: How do you cater to the corporate customer, private dining, holiday
parties?
A: (Reaney) We have five private
spaces and one semi private space
for events. With top of the line touchscreens, projectors, Level 257 is made
for corporate meetings or any type
of presentation. One of our spaces is
completely unique to the suburbs with
stadium seating for up to 15 guests.
Below is a list of all our private spaces
and capabilities.
The Daisy, Chloe and Ivy rooms are
all a little over 1,000 sq ft. and can seat
up to 80 and cocktail up to 100 guests.
Each of these rooms have 12-foot
drop down screens and projector. The
Momo Room has stadium seating for
up to 15 guests in comfortable lounge
chairs with tables in the middle of
each which all have power outlets. A
84-inch LED touch-screen adorns the
wall and is ideal for corporate meetings or movie/sports viewings.
The Miru Room has a custom made
conference table with seating for up to
10 guests along with the 84-inch LED
touch-screen on the wall.
Miru, Momo, Daisy, Chloe and
Ivy can all be connected for a seating
capacity of 320 and reception of 400.
In our main dining room, we have
a semi private space called the Royale
Room which seats up to 18 guests and
has a 55-inch flat-screen TV. This room
is perfect for small dinners and tasting
menus with wine pairings.
Q: What else should people know
about the business?
A: (Couzens) We have pinball
machines and a dedicated member
of staff who comes in each day just
to clean and maintain them. We also
have two table tennis tables and an
extravagantly large screen to play fourplayer PAC-MAN Battle Royale — possibly the biggest hot game we currently
have.
— Kim Mikus
INDOOR KART RACING
(847) 941-9400
(630) 433-3700
K1SPEED.com
TEAM BUILDING
A/V EQUIPPED
MEETING ROOMS
SPACIOUS LOBBIES
K1 Speed Buffalo Grove - 301 Hastings Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
K1 Speed Addison - 2381 W Army Trail Rd,Addison, IL 60101
AZ - PHOENIX, CA - CARLSBAD . IRVINE . ANAHEIM . TORRANCE . ONTARIO . SANTA CLARA . SAN FRANCISCO . SACRAMENTO
FL - FT. LAUDERDALE, IL - BUFFALO GROVE . ADDISON, TX - AUSTIN . HOUSTON . SAN ANTONIO . DALLAS, WA - SEATTLE
Monday, april 27, 2015
ARRIVE & DRIVE . ADULTS AND JUNIORS 48” AND UP
CORPORATE EVENTS
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Meghan Reaney,
group & event sales manager and Natalie Couzens, marketing manager, at
Level 257.
Q: Tell us about Level 257.
A: (Couzens) Level 257 is a new concept for dining and entertainment,
from Namco Entertainment Inc., with
a casual upscale restaurant at the heart of
the venue, 16 boutique
bowling lanes, bars,
lounges and a games
lounge all designed
with socialization in
mind.
Q: Tell us how the
name came about and Natalie
how it relates to the Couzens
Pac-Man game.
A: (Couzens) The
name refers to the legendary final,
unbeatable level 256 in the original
PAC-MAN game — also known as
the ‘kill screen.’ Level 257, inspired by
PAC-MAN, represents the next level of
entertainment.
Q: How did the business start?
A: (Couzens) The plan all started
nearly 5 years ago when the executives
48
YOU
ARE WELCOME!
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Having a meeting soon? Want that meeting to be a team-building
exercise? There is an easy solution to that. Host your meeting at Northern
Illinois Food Bank’s West Suburban Center in Geneva.
Ü
The food bank has a variety
variety of
rooms aavailable
vailable for local business
and community ggroups.
roups. Rooms
ar
aree equipped with a built-in
projector and scr
een.
screen.
Please help! Register to
volunteer for one shift, once a
week, or once a month. Any level
welcome.
of commitment is welcome.
Additionally
hen is aavailable
vailable
Additionally,, our kitc
kitchen
for cooking demonstrations or for use
by caterers tending to your event.
Register for V
olunteer
Volunteer
Shifts Online at
When you are done with your
meeting, help us feed more
of our hungry neighbors by
volunteering in our warehouse
or with office projects.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Monday, april 27, 2015
• Group and Individual Opportunities
• Food/Non-Food Sort and Pack Shifts
• Office Volunteer Opportunities
• Professional Skill-Based
www.SolveHungerToday.org/
Volunteer
To learn more about meeting
spaces at Northern Illinois
Food Bank and volunteer
opportunities for groups
of 30 or more, contact
Katie Hanson, Meeting
Space & Volunteer Coordinator,
at 630-443-6910 ext 129 or
[email protected]
“Northern Illinois Food Bank has a beautiful
location, friendly staff and volunteers, and
multiple rooms to accommodate whatever
meeting size you have. Every event I have had
there has been a good experience.”
–Dan Eder, Assistant Director for Community
Health Resources, Kane County Health Department
®
To reserve your meeting space, contact Katie Hanson,
[email protected], 630-443-6910 ext 129
Hospitality
People news
Q Center appoints new leaders
Q Center, the largest conference center in the Midwest, announced that
Jeanne Hahn, director of sales & marketing
and Anthony Tenerelli,
director of group sales,
have joined its sales and
marketing team. With
nearly 22 years of hospitality experience, Hahn
has held multiple sales Jeanne
& marketing roles at the Hahn
director level including Pheasant Run
Resort, Marriott, Hyatt
and Sofitel. The most
recent addition to the
sales force, Tenerelli,
also has a robust hospitality background.
His background runs
the gamut from Hyatt,
Double Tree and most Anthony
recently the Crowne Tenerelli
Plaza O’Hare. “Being
part of such an established property
that prides themselves on professionalism and service is great,” said Tenerelli. “We are thrilled to have Jeanne and
Anthony join our extraordinary team.
Their leadership and experience will
bring fresh ideas, proven results and
growth opportunities to help us capitalize on joining Dolce, The Conference
Center Collection, part of the Wyndham Hotel Group,” said General Manager Thomas Donahue.
Naper Settlement welcomes
new director of marketing
Naper Settlement,
an outdoor history
museum in Naperville,
announced that Dawn
Hartman has been
appointed as director
of marketing.
With more than 14
years of experience in Dawn
marketing and graphic Hartman
design, Hartman most
recently served as superintendent of
marketing & communications for the
Fox Valley Park District, headquartered in Aurora. As a key member
of Naper Settlement’s management
team, Hartman will be responsible for
developing and implementing a marketing and communications strategy.
She will help build, manage and integrate the organization’s brand and
all aspects of marketing communications and social media in order to raise
awareness of the organization. In addition, she will be responsible for securing financial resources through sponsorship and events, which support
the organization’s programs and services. Hartman started her career with
the park district in 2007 as a marketing design coordinator, and then took
on additional responsibilities as marketing manager, senior marketing
and communications manager, and
recently was appointed as superintendent of marketing & communications. She was previously lead graphic
designer for Quintessence Publishing
Company Inc. in Hanover Park for six
years.
Marketing director joins
AVQuote.com
Heather Lindquist joins AVQuote.
com as the new marketing director.
She
will
work
closely with the company’s team to oversee the implementation of the marketing
strategies. Lindquist
will manage all social
media presence, assist Heather
with brands strategy, Lindquist
ensure that marketing objectives are executed properly,
provide team with essential collateral
and materials for success, and also
enhance the customer relationship
management process. She is a recent
graduate from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Marketing coupled with a minor in International Business Studies. She brings her
expertise and knowledge from previously working as the director of marketing for a local restaurant.
Director of sales at DuPage CVB
earns CMP recertification
Lisa Landers, director of sales at
the DuPage Convention and Visitors
Bureau, has earned
her second Certified
Meeting Professional
(CMP)
recertification from the Convention Industry Council. The CIC launched
its CMP program in
1985 to enhance the
knowledge and per- Lisa
formance of meet- Landers
ing professionals, promote the status and credibility of the
meeting profession, and advance uniform standards of practice. Today, the
CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the
meeting, convention, exhibition, and
event industry. The qualifications for
certification are based on professional
experience, education, and a rigorous
exam. Landers has held her CMP certification since 2005. CMPs are required
to renew every five years.
Hospitality
49
Parties That Cook has recipe for team building
We partner with venues all over the
suburbs to host events for groups of
15 to 350 guests. We can stage on-site
events at a company’s office or meeting location. With more than 15 years
of experience, we have mastered the
recipe for group cooking classes and
corporate team building activities.
Q: How does cooking lead to
bonding?
A: We believe the magic of cooking
in groups inspires connection. Cooking is interactive and hands-on, bringing together co-workers of all levels in
a nonwork environment. For example, law firm events have partners and
summer associates working together
on a recipe. More than 95,000 guests
have participated in our events and
our clients tell us it is “the best event
they have ever been to.” The camaraderie and teamwork experienced at
our events will have lasting impact on
employee creativity, communication
and cooperation.
Q: How did the company start?
A: It all began 10 years ago when
I conducted a culinary team building event for a bunch of inebriated
Parties That Cook
601 Minnesota Street, #115, San
Francisco, CA
Local address: 917 W. Washington,
#107, Chicago, IL 60607
Owner: Bibby Gignilliat
Number of employees: 65
Corporate headquarters: San
Francisco, CA
Web address: www.partiesthatcook.
com
attorneys at Tante Marie’s cooking
school in San Francisco. At the end of
the night, the partner came up to me
and said: “I loved how you handled me
tonight. Would you consider doing a
cooking event in my home for 40 Japanese and Singaporean businessmen?
“Sure,” I said. The night of the event,
the businessmen timidly arrived at
the home. By the time they sat down
to dinner, the decibel level had gone
from 0 to10. Two weeks after the event,
the host contacted me. “Bibby your
cooking party was the highlight of their
2-week stay in San Francisco.” Food
is the universal language and nothing brings people together better than
group cooking.
Q: What is trending in your industry?
A: Innovative cooking events with
a competitive element. Our Kitchen
Challenge party is the hottest culinary
concept. During this Iron Chef style
event guests are divided into teams
and compete in a timed culinary competition. Groups have one hour to
develop and prepare a meal consisting
of a protein, vegetable and starch to
present to a panel of judges. Coached
by professional chefs, the winning
team is awarded its prize based on presentation, taste and teamwork.
Q: What is your business mantra?
A: Provide exceptional customer service. If you don’t your competitor will!
Q: What is our biggest challenge as a
business?
A: Getting the right people on the
bus and in the right roles! It has been
challenging to compete with talent in
this economy.
— Kim Mikus
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
An interview with Bibby Gignilliat,
owner of Parties That Cook.
Q: Tell us about Parties That Cook.
A: Founded in 1999, Parties That
Cook stages interactive cooking parties
and corporate team building events
throughout Chicago,
Portland and the San
Francisco Bay Area.
Groups come together
to prepare a gourmet
meal from start to finish, and then enjoy the
fruits of their labor.
We specialize in team
Bibby
building, client enterGignilliat
tainment, employee
appreciation,
sales
incentives, recruitment, networking,
company off-sites and holiday celebrations. Our corporate clients include
Walgreens, AbbVie and ConAgra. We
also work with small businesses and
individuals looking for group cooking
classes or private parties.
Q: How do you cater to the corporate
customer?
A: We are completely mobile and
can host events for groups of all sizes.
Cooking Up Teamwork
Our events are 100% interactive and tailored to your occasion
• Small Plates l A Spread of Hearty Appetizers
• Chef's Table l Four Course Gourmet Meal
• Kitchen Challenge l Iron Chef Competition
888-907-2665
[email protected]
Book online
www.PartiesThatCook.com
Monday, april 27, 2015
Parties That Cook stages hands on cooking parties and corporate team
building events for 15-350 guests. We bring the party to a partner venue
near you or can come on-site to your office or meeting location.
50
Meeting Sites
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Ranked by capacity of largest room
SITE
Address
Phone ¥ Website
Contact
(E-mail)
Capacity*
Meeting
Rooms
Amenities
NIU NAPERVILLE CONFERENCE CENTER
1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-577-9101 • www.niu.edu/conferencecenters/
Gina Kenyon, sales and marketing specialist
400
27
complimentary audiovisual (projector, screen, computer, microphones); no service
charge; free parking; complete meeting packages include executive continental
breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and all-day beverages
KEYLIME COVE INDOOR WATERPARK RESORT
1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, Ill. 60031
224-656-8685 • www.keylimecove.com
Elizabeth Porter, director of catering
([email protected])
360
4
full audio visual capabilities with podium, WiFi and cable/phone service; stage and
dance floor; catering; coat check; overnight accommodations available
HOTEL ARISTA
2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-579-4100 • www.hotelarista.com
Barbara Hocker, director of sales
([email protected])
350
8
10,000 square feet of flexible space, including grand ballroom; business center;
catering; audio-visual equipment; green meeting specialists
CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BROOKFIELD ZOO
8400 31st St., Brookfield, Ill. 60513
708-688-8355 • www.CZS.org
Debra Yonish, catered events sales manager
([email protected])
330
14
on-site catering
MESON SABIKA
1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville, Ill. 60540
630-983-3000 • www.mesonsabika.com
Noushin Shirazi, general manager
([email protected])
330
2
NP
CUNEO MANSION AND GARDENS
1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061
847-362-3042 • www.luc.edu/cuneo/
Lisa Cushing-Davis, historic house specialist
([email protected])
300
6
gourmet catering through any Loyola approved caterers; complimentary parking;
audio-visual equipment for a fee
CUTTING EDGE CATERING & EVENTS
904 Cottage St., Shorewood, Ill. 60404
815-725-9001 • www.cuttingedgecatering.com
Chad Danajka, office/sales manager
([email protected])
300
4
HARRY CARAY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-953-3400 • www.harrycarayscatering.com
Danny Singer, senior sales manager
([email protected])
300
4
horticultural center—outdoor gardens, indoor garden greenhouse with fountains,
bridges and waterfall and outdoor covered deck with patio seating; hall—two oak
stationary bars with Art Deco mirror accents, modern terrazzo flooring and dance
floor
food, beverage and service
HERITAGE BALLROOM AT THE CENTRE OF ELGIN
100 Symphony Way, Elgin, Ill. 60120
847-531-7047 • www.centreofelgin.org
Amy Spooner, customer service manager
([email protected])
300
5
ballroom with seating for 300; panoramic window views; full bar and kitchen
facilities; multimedia capabilities; six breakout rooms also available for groups up to
50
HOTEL BAKER
100 W. Main St., St. Charles, Ill. 60174
630-584-2100 • www.hotelbaker.com
Rowena Felix Salas, general manager
300
4
culinary staff for breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings; multimedia presentation
equipment
ILLINOIS BEACH RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER
1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, Ill. 60099
847-625-7300 • ilresorts.com
Fred Fischer, director of sales and marketing
([email protected])
300
9
14,292 square feet of flexible meeting space that divides into 12 meeting rooms;
three ballrooms, seasonal outdoor tent and break-out rooms; full service catering
available and outside ethnic caterers welcome; full service sound and audio visual
300
5
three facilities at one location; dedicated, experienced planning professional; inhouse catering; audiovisual packages including high-speed internet; just steps away
from Joliet's transportation center
THE JACOB HENRY MANSION ESTATE
20 S. Eastern Ave., Joliet, Ill. 60433
815-722-1420 • www.jacobhenrymansion.com
LINDNER CONFERENCE CENTER
610 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-705-8400 • www.lindnerconferencecenter.com
Brenda Storm, director
([email protected])
300
4
on-site director; audio visual equipment and wireless internet access; picturesque
300-seat great hall; 7,500 square feet of flexible space; professional caterer to help
create custom food service; complimentary parking; hotel partnerships
MORETTI'S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA
1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett, Ill. 60103
630-837-4992 • www.morettischicago.com/bartlett.php
Cassandra Skidmore, Banquets and Catering
manager
([email protected])
300
5
Contact location
NOAH'S OF NAPERVILLE
119 Shuman Blvd., Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-605-3482 • www.mynoahs.com
Theresa Mikrut, Building manager
([email protected])
300
4
tables, chairs, linens, A/V equipment, catering prep space, stage
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK
273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, Ill. 60134
630-443-6910 • SolveHungerToday.org
Amy Hettinger, volunteer and meeting space
coordinator
([email protected])
300
6
modern, state-of-the-art audio and visual equipped rooms with lots of natural light;
demonstration kitchen for food/cooking classes; opportunity to incorporate teambuilding volunteering by assisting in packing food for hungry neighbors
DITKA'S
2000 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005
847-496-3800 • www.ditkasrestaurants.com
Jessica Rice, director of private dining
Alyssa Lalagos, private dining manager
([email protected])
280
6
private rooms for any event at any time; breakfast, lunch, dinner or receptions;
experts at planning all types of occasions or celebrations; creative chefs that are
attentive to details
RUFFLED FEATHERS GOLF CLUB
1 Pete Dye Drive, Lemont, Ill. 60439
630-257-1000 • www.ruffledfeathersgc.com
Kathy Pauley, director of catering
280
4
catering; every banquet room overlooking the golf course; outdoor veranda
RIVERSIDE RECEPTIONS AND CONFERENCE CENTER
35 N. River Lane, Geneva, Ill. 60172
630-232-8371 • www.riversidereceptions.com
Tina Drzonek, general manager
([email protected])
260
4
Views of Fox River from all rooms; large meeting rooms with smaller breakout
rooms; food and service
ARROWHEAD GOLF CLUB
26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton, Ill. 60189
630-653-5800 • www.arrowheadgolfclub.org
Danielle Marie Salerno, director of catering and
banquets
([email protected])
250
7
country club elegance; meeting spaces; fine dining experiences; views of the golf
course
BRIDGES OF POPLAR CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60169
847-884-0219 • www.bridgesofpoplarcreek.com
Jennifer Fuller, catering supervisor
([email protected])
250
5
upscale banquet facilities; 18-hole championship golf course; outdoor event gazebo
with flower gardens and waterfalls; all-inclusive meeting packages; varied menu
selections; bar and grill; learning center/golf driving range
HARPER COLLEGE
1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Ill. 60067
847-925-6000 • harpercollege.edu
Nick Smith, senior event planner
([email protected])
250
25
250-seat amphitheater with ergonomic seating and advanced technology capability;
conference dining room with a lake vista; free parking. Other venues include gym
(1,200-person max.), Performing Arts Center (443) and J Theatre (347)
MICKEY FINN'S BREWERY
345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, Ill. 60048
847-362-6688 • www.mickeyfinnsbrewery.com
Kristen Christensen, event manager
([email protected])
250
3
video projector, wireless mic, 3 large-screen HDTVs. PC/Apple/DVD friendly plug-ins.
Gorgeous room located next to brewery in historic 100-year-old building housing
Mickey Finn's Brewery. Located in epicenter of Lake County.
Continued on Page 52
51
SUBTLY SURPRISING EVENTS
WHERE NOTHING IS ROUTINE.
Discover an imaginatively reinvented urban retreat
where travelers can delight in unmatched comforts,
stylish design and an unbeatable location. A
gateway to the Midwest, just minutes from O’Hare
airport, Schaumburg, Illinois embodies the modern
convenience of a suburban destination with the
appeal of a powerhouse meeting facility.
Flexible event spaces designed to accommodate
large-scale events - everything from conferences
and conventions to spectacular trade shows,
adapting to today’s ever-evolving business trends.
It’s everything you need and nothing you’d expect.
/RenaissanceSchaumburg
@Ren_Schaumburg
Make a splash with your next company meeting!
Brookfield ZeoeotinogffReroso:ms
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d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG
CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL
1551 N. Thoreau Dr.
Schaumburg, IL
RenaissanceSchaumburg.com
Brook
Action
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Party
Plan your next corporate event or picnic with
the Brookfield Zoo Catered Events team.
Contact Catered Events at 708-688-8355.
CZS.org/Catered-Events
Monday, april 27, 2015
We can host your
next event from
10 to 10,000 guestss.
52
Meeting Sites
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Ranked by capacity of largest room
SITE
Address
Phone ¥ Website
Contact
(E-mail)
Capacity*
Meeting
Rooms
Amenities
UNIVERSITY CENTER OF LAKE COUNTY CONFERENCE CENTER
1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, Ill. 60030
847-665-4000 • www.uclcconference.org
Jennifer King, Event Coordinator
([email protected])
250
39
full service catering with on-site kitchen; state-of-the-art technology with support
included; great room, lecture hall, tiered room, rooms of various sizes, breakout
rooms, computer labs and executive conference room; certified meeting planner
WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB & BANQUETS
500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville, Ill. 60106
630-766-0304 • www.whitepinesgolf.com
Laura Wassinger, banquet event manager
([email protected])
250
3
packages for business meetings, golf outings, weddings or any type of special event
or fundraiser; 240 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and clubhouse amenities
BULL VALLEY GOLF CLUB
1311 Club Road, Woodstock, Ill. 60098
815-337-4411 • www.bullvalleygolfclub.com
Vickie Boysen, catering director
([email protected])
230
6
37,000-square-foot clubhouse, private meeting and dining rooms, championship golf
course
BONNIE BROOK GOLF COURSE
2800 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan, Ill. 60087
847-360-4730 • www.waukegangolf.org
Karina Escobedo, event planner
([email protected])
200
1
banquet room overlooking golf course views
GARDEN TERRACE BANQUETS
1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village, Ill. 60007
847-228-3524 • www.gardenterracebanquets.com
Debby Oneil, manager
([email protected])
200
2
private outdoor garden patio; large wooden dance floor; staging options; private
bathroom facilities; audio visual equipment upon request; complimentary WiFi;
ample parking with a private entrance; outdoor gazebo
PRAIRIE LANDING GOLF CLUB
2325 Longest Drive, West Chicago, Ill. 60185
630-208-7600 • www.prairielanding.com
John Schlaman, general manager
([email protected])
200
1
audio/visual; food and beverage; golf course
SAFARILAND
701 W. North Ave., Villa Park, Ill. 60168
630-530-4649 • www.safarilandfun.com
Steve Canella, party administrator
([email protected])
200
10
full-service kitchen and bar; largest indoor roller coaster; 3D flight simulation; 190
video games; tilt-a-whirl; complimentary parking
SEVEN BRIDGES GOLF CLUB
1 Mulligan Drive, Woodridge, Ill. 60517
630-964-7777 • www.sevenbridges.com
Roisin Daly, director of catering
([email protected])
200
3
catering for breakfast, lunch or dinner; in-house audio visual equipment; picturesque
views
STARVED ROCK LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER
2668 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby, Ill. 61348
815-220-7333 • www.starvedrocklodge.com
Kathy Casstevens, marketing director
([email protected])
200
5
catering; on-site bar; pool; cafe and outdoor dining; complimentary Wi-Fi; cabins;
hotel accommodations
THUNDERHAWK GOLF CLUB
39700 N. Lewis Ave., Beach Park, Ill. 60099
847-968-3444 • www.thunderhawkgolfclub.org
Jody Crivello, catering manager
([email protected])
200
1
Views of the golf course from banquet/meeting room; accommodates 20-200
people; podium, projector, screen available for slide presentations; state-of-the-art
A/V; diverse menu options; customize for each event.
NAPER SETTLEMENT
523 S. Webster St., Naperville, Ill. 60540
630-420-6010 • www.napersettlement.org
Josh Chartier, director of organizational resources
([email protected])
175
6
rental spaces include the Pre-Emption House Tavern, the Meeting House, Century
Memorial Chapel and the spacious 12-acre grounds
THE HERRINGTON INN & SPA
15 S. River Lane, Geneva, Ill. 60134
630-208-7433 • www.herringtoninn.com
Jennifer Piazza, assistant general manager
([email protected])
165
8
complimentary Wi-Fi; complimentary continental breakfast buffet in lobby each
morning
BRAE LOCH GOLF CLUB
33600 Route 45, Grayslake, Ill. 60030
847-968-3444 • www.braelochgolfclub.org
Alex Eichman, golf operations manager
([email protected])
160
1
EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL CHICAGOÑLOMBARD/OAK BROOK
707 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard, Ill. 60148
630-969-7500 • www.chicagolombard.embsuites.com
John D'Astice, marketing and sales director
150
6
Perfect for business meetings, retirement parties, employee recognition, golf
outings. Meeting room is a bright, natural event space overlooking the course.
Course is ideal for large or small outings from 24 people to reserving the entire 18
holes.
NP
FOUR RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
25055 W. Walnut Lane, Channahon, Ill. 60410
815-722-9470 • ReconnectWithNature.org
Laura Kiran, superintendent of public affairs
([email protected])
150
4
river-view patio with access to scenic river walk; beautiful views; ideal for meetings,
trainings, workshops and weddings; grand stone fireplace; nature-themed gift shop;
complimentary coffee service; conveniently located near I-80 and I-55
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY RICE CAMPUS
201 E. Loop Road, Wheaton, Ill. 60189
630-682-6013 • www.iit.edu/rice
Pam Stella, director of corporate & community
outreach
([email protected])
150
15
free wireless internet; video-conferencing services; conveniently located to major
highways, complimentary parking for more than 300 cars, over 40 restaurants within
walking distance
MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE
1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-206-9566 • mayslakepeabody.com
Sherry Brookes, events coordinator
([email protected])
150
10
National Historic Landmark can accommodate groups of 10 to 150
MARINA GRAND RESORT
600 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. 49117
877-945-8600 • www.marinagrandresort.com
Collette Kemper, managing partner
([email protected])
120
2
near Lake Michigan beach, shops and dining; outdoor waterfront event spaces; inhouse culinary team; complimentary Internet; onsite A/V services
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY-NAPERVILLE CAMPUS
150 W. Warrenville Road, Bldg. 200, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-548-9378 • suburbancampuses.depaul.edu
Tina Riddell, meeting and events coordinator
108
28
63,000 square feet and 27 classrooms including a conference room, a flat
auditorium and computer labs; specializes in meetings, events, programs, testing,
academic symposiums, staff training and departmental receptions
HARBOR GRAND
111 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. 49117
888-605-6800 • www.harborgrand.com
Collette Kemper, managing partner
([email protected])
100
3
70 minutes from Chicago; outdoor waterfront event spaces; in-house culinary team;
complimentary Internet; on-site A/V services
HOPVINE BREWING COMPANY
4030 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, Ill. 60504
630-229-6030 • www.hopvinebrewingcompany.com
Kristin Rolph, event coordinator
([email protected])
100
2
free Wi-Fi, private meeting room with wireless microphone and large screen TV for
presentations, semi-private room, large outside patio with separate bar.
INN AT WATER'S EDGE
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Ill. 60137
630-942-6888 • www.innatwatersedgehotel.com
Jamie Fredericks, assistant hotel manager
([email protected])
100
1
accommodates up to 100 guests, variety of room setup options, built-in LCD
projector and screen for presentations, large windows overlooking lovely landscaped
grounds and pond, menu options provided by Waterleaf Restaurant
MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE
1751 Freedom Drive, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-577-1372 • www.mortons.com
Nina DiPirro, sales and marketing manager
Kaileigh Girden
([email protected])
100
3
completely private rooms with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment on-site
REV3 INNOVATION CENTER
1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, Ill. 60563
630-486-7948 • www.rev3dupage.com
Nicholas Zito, Business Services director
100
10
Whiteboards, projectors, audio visual, privacy, teleconference
Hospitality
53
Looking for something to do?
The Illinois Office of Tourism offers an array of ideas, options
Lilac Times Festival
Lombard | May 2 — 17
From May 2-17, travelers and locals can
admire a stunning 8.5-acre horticultural
display with 800 breathtaking lilacs and
25,000 eye-catching tulips at the Lilac Time
Festival in Lombard. Guests can take tours,
shop the art and craft fair and indulge in
delicious local food while taking in beautiful
spring sights.
Long Grove Chocolate Festival
Gurnee | May 2
Celebrate “40 Seasons of Thrills” at Six Flags
Great America’s season opening on May 2.
It’s fun for the whole family, offering guests 14
heart-pounding roller coasters, including Goliath, the world’s tallest, steepest and fastest
wooden roller coaster. Don’t forget Hurricane
Harbor, opening May 23, with more than 30
water slides.
Long Grove | May 15 — 17
Back by popular demand, the annual
Long Grove Chocolate Festival will take
place May 15-17. Families can fill a day — or
entire weekend — with chocolate treats, live
music, great food and unique shopping in
charming Long Grove.
Chocolate demonstrations and workshops, wine parings and children’s activities
will be offered as well.
Extraordinary events
without the extra charges!
To learn more, visit www.niu.edu/conferencecenters
— Kim Mikus
Monday, april 27, 2015
• Day Meeting Packages
• Exceptional dining experiences
• Free standard AV and tech support
• No gratuity or service charges
• No Worries Cancellation Policy
Oak Park | May 30
Wine aficionados flock to Oak
Park every spring to enjoy the town’s
Uncork Illinois Wine Festival. On
May 30, guests will have a unique
opportunity to sample over 150
wines from more than 15 local wineries and taste locally-produced artisan foods.
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Six Flags Great America
Uncork Illinois
Wine Festival
54
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Meet ChiCago Northwest
1375 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 120, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
800-847-4849 • www.ChicagoNorthwest.com
Key Contact: Dave Parulo, president ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1983
Number of Employees: 11
Areas Served: Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows,
Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Wood Dale
Main Attractions/Events: Arlington International Racecourse, Arlington Million,
Schaumburg Boomers Baseball, Downtown Arlington Heights Entertainment
District, FireZone, Historic Long Grove Village, IKEA, Legoland Discovery Center, Chicago Improv Comedy Club, Laugh Out Loud, Lynfred Winery, Medieval
Times, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Opera in Focus, Prairie Center for
the Arts, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, Streets of Woodfield,
TopGolf, Tour of Elk Grove, Woodfield Mall
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
ChiCago southlaNd CoNveNtioN & visitors Bureau
2304 173rd St., Lansing, Ill. 60438
708-895-8200 • www.VisitChicagoSouthland.com
Key Contact: Jim Garrett, president/CEO ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1987
Number of Employees: 12
Areas Served: 62 communities from Midway to Peotone and from the IllinoisIndiana state line to New Lenox
Main Attractions/Events: Toyota Park, Balmoral Park Race Track, First Midwest
Bank Amphitheater, 35 golf courses, rail fan attractions, hiking/biking trails,
public art
ChiCago’s North shore CoNveNtioN aNd visitors Bureau
8001 Lincoln Ave., Suite 715, Skokie, Ill. 60077
866-369-0011 • www.visitchicagonorthshore.com
Key Contact: Gina Speckman, executive director ([email protected])
Year Founded: 2002
Number of Employees: 5
Areas Served: Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Prospect Heights, Skokie,
Winnetka
Main Attractions/Events: Ravinia, Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Holocaust
Museum, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Westfield Old Orchard,
The Glen Town Center, Northbrook Court, Downtown Evanston, Northwestern
University, Evanston beaches, Kohl Children’s Museum, Baha’i House of Worship, Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston History Center, Frances Willard House,
Wagner Farm, The Grove, Ed Rudolph Velodrome, Lake Michigan, Writers’
Theatre
duPage CoNveNtioN & visitors Bureau
915 Harger Road, Suite 240, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
630-575-8070 • www.discoverdupage.com
Key Contact: Beth Marchetti, executive director ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1987
Number of Employees: 13
Areas Served: DuPage County
Main Attractions/Events: Morton Arboretum, Cantigny Park, Cosley Zoo, Lynfred Winery, Billy Graham Center Museum, Drury Lane Theatre, DuPage Children’s Museum, DuPage County Historical Museum, Elmhurst Art Museum,
Graue Mill and Museum, Itasca Waterpark, Illinois Aviation Museum, Mayslake
Peabody Estate, McAninch Arts Center, Naper Settlement, Oakbrook Center,
Yorktown Center, The Promenade Bolingbrook, Stratford Square Mall.
elgiN area CoNveNtioN aNd visitors Bureau
77 Riverside Drive, Elgin, Ill. 60120
847-695-7540 • www.northernfoxrivervalley.com
Key Contact: Kimberly A. Bless, CEO/president ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1984
Number of Employees: 4
Areas Served: Bartlett, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Gilberts, Hampshire, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Union,
West Dundee
Main Attractions/Events: Grand Victoria Casino, Muirhead Farmhouse, Illinois
Railway Museum, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Sports Complex, Santa’s
Village Azoosment Park, 38 miles of trails along the Fox River, Fox River Trolley Museum, Elgin Public Museum, Highlands Golf Course, Leaf’s Ice Centre,
Algonquin Commons, Huntley Outlet Center, Spring Hill Mall
elMhurst visitor aNd tourisM dePartMeNt
209 N. York St., Elmhurst, Ill. 60126
630-530-6018 • www.facebook.com/ExploreElmhurst
Key Contact: Dan Leahy, communications manager ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1998
Number of Employees: 1
Areas Served: Elmhurst
Main Attractions/Events: Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst
City Centre, Elmhurst Historical Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art,
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Wilder Mansion, Wilder Park Conservatory,
American Movie Palace Museum, Berens Park, York Theatre
i&M CaNal heritage Corridor CoNveNtioN aNd visitors
Bureau
15701 Independence Blvd., Romeoville, Ill. 60446
815-588-7940 • www.HeritageCorridorCVB.com
Key Contact: Robert L. Navarro, president/CEO ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1984
Number of Employees: 7
Areas Served: Chicago Portage area — Will, Grundy, LaSalle and Putnam
counties — along the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal
Main Attractions/Events: I&M Canal and Bike Trail, Heritage Tractor Adventure, Starved Rock Lodge, Grand Bear Lodge and Water Park, Scenic Byways,
LaSalle Canal Boat, International Ice Centre, MAR Theatre, Brunswick Zone,
Rialto Square Theatre, Gaylord Building Historic Site, Ill. State Museum and
Gallery, Pioneer Settlement, Little Red Schoolhouse, Starved Rock State Park,
10 additional state parks throughout the corridor, Reddick Mansion, Abraham
Lincoln National Cemetery, Chicagoland Speedway — NASCAR, Cog Hill Golf
Club — BMW Championship PGA Tournament, Bolingbrook Golf Club, Rt. 66
Speedway — NHRA, LaSalle Speedway, various paint ball sites
Continued on Page 54
GettheCreativeJuicesFlowinginBurrRidge!
Minutes from downtown Chicago,
a world away from the ordinary.
All the benefits of being near one of the world’s
great cities without the congestion, high
prices, parking headaches and general meeting
distractions. Here you’ll find a selection of four
great hotels where you can catch your breath,
relax and create the perfect environment for a
very productive meeting.
IT’S
Monday, april 27, 2015
BurrRidgeHotels.com
BETTER IN
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630-986-4100
630-323-7530
630-323-6630
630-325-2900
550 Rooms. 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. I-55 at County Line Rd. Minutes to downtown Chicago!
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Continued from Page 54
Visit Lake County
5465 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Gurnee, Ill. 60031
847-662-2700 • www.visitlakecounty.org
Key Contact: Maureen Riedy, president ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1984
Number of Employees: 8
Areas Served: Lake County
Main Attractions/Events: Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills, KeyLime Cove
Indoor Waterpark Resort, Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, Volo Auto Museum,
Westfield Hawthorn, Lambs Farm, hiking/biking in Lake Co. Forest Preserves,
boating/fishing on the Chain O’ Lakes, Illinois Beach State Park, Great Lakes
Naval Museum, Lake County Discovery Museum, Genesee Theatre, Long
Grove Historic Village, Libertyville Sports Complex, Ravinia Festival, Lake
County Fair & many other special events and festivals.
Lake GeneVa area ConVention and Visitors Bureau
925 Burlington Ave., Lisle, Ill. 60532
630-769-1000 • www.stayinlisle.com
Key Contact: Diane Homolka, executive director ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1991
Number of Employees: 4
Areas Served: Lisle
Main Attractions/Events: Morton Arboretum, Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, Eyes To The Skies Balloon Festival, Lisle Ale Fest,
Polar Express Santa Train
naperViLLe ConVention & Visitors Bureau
22 E. Chicago Ave., Ste 205, Naperville, Ill. 60540
630-305-7701 • www.VisitNaperville.com
Key Contact: Christine D. Jeffries, president ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1995
Number of Employees: 8
Areas Served: Naperville, Illinois
Main Attractions/Events: Naperville Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Paddleboat
Quarry, Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon, September 11 Memorial, Naper
Settlement, DuPage Children’s Museum, North Central College, Century Walk;
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Civil War Days, Memorial Day Parade, Ribfest, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville Wine Festival, Naperville Ale Fest, Last Fling, Oktberfest, Hometown Holidays Kickoff-Little Friends Parade of Lights
Greater st. CharLes ConVention and Visitors Bureau
311 N. Second St., Suite 100, St. Charles, Ill. 60174
800-777-4373 • www.visitstcharles.com
Key Contact: Amy Egolf, executive director ([email protected])
Year Founded: 1983
Number of Employees: 7
Areas Served: City of St. Charles, townships of Campton and St. Charles, villages of Campton Hills and Elburn
Main Attractions/Events: Pheasant Run Resort, Q Center, Hotel Baker,
Advanced Center for Training, DuPage Expo, Fox Valley Repertory, Steel Beam
Theatre, Arcada Theatre, Zanies Comedy Club, Norris Cultural Arts Center,
Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Riverfront 1st Street, Century Corners, Historic
Downtown St. Charles, Kane County Flea Market, Pottawatomie Park & Paddlewheel Boats, Scarecrow Fest, Prairie Center at Kane County Fairgrounds,
Lamplight Equestrian Center, Fine Arts Show, St. Charles Riverfest
tourism offiCe of hoffman estates
1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, Ill. 60169
(847) 781-2664 • www.visithoffman.com
Key Contact: Linda M Scheck, director of tourism and business retention
([email protected])
Year Founded: 1959
Number of Employees: NP
Areas Served: Northwest suburban area of the city of Chicago
Main Attractions/Events: Municipality with designated tourism office representing Sears Centre Arena, eight hotels, 60-plus restaurants and attractions
Visit mChenry County
600 Dakota St., Suite F, Crystal Lake, Ill. 60012
815-893-6280 • www.visitmchenrycounty.com
Key Contact: Jaki Berggren, executive director ([email protected])
Year Founded: 2005
Number of Employees: 2
Areas Served: McHenry County
Main Attractions/Events: Raue Center for the Arts, Historic Woodstock Square
and Woodstock Opera House, Fox River Recreation and McHenry Riverwalk,
Downtown Crystal Lake and Historic Richmond, Illinois Railway Museum, Volo
Auto Museum, Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
527 Center St., Lake Geneva, Wis. 53147
262-248-1000 • www.lakegenevawi.com
Key Contact: Darien L. Schaefer, president and CEO (darien@lakegenevawi.
com)
Year Founded: 1980
Number of Employees: 6
Areas Served: Chicago area, Midwest
Main Attractions/Events: premier resort destination for meetings, conventions,
strategic planning, team building, special events and weddings. Beautiful
Geneva Lake provides a relaxing setting for boating, golfing, spas, shopping,
and memorable dining. Explore Downtown Lake Geneva or around the lake
to find historic homes, galleries, museums, zip lining and every way possible
to spend time in the water. The Geneva Lake Shore Path is the most popular
activity year round.
LisLe ConVention & Visitors Bureau
55
Monday, april 27, 2015
56
Hospitality
Events with Style growing in event management arena
Events with Style
By Amanda Quisenberry
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Business Ledger Staff Writer
When Hanan Hafez started coordinating office
parties at the Lake Zurich bank where she had been
working for more than two decades, she realized her
savvy mind for business transcended the workroom.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Hafez
maintained her position as vice president of the
community bank and opened an event planning
business on the side.
Events with Style officially launched in 2010.
Hafez started out by taking full control of all officerelated events and planning weddings for friends.
She gained further experience by coordinating small
events free, and in 2012, she earned certification in
Professional Meeting and Event Management from
Harper College in Palatine.
Her first paying gigs came in 2011 when Events with
Style coordinated two weddings. Since then the business has steadily picked up steam with weddings, private parties and corporate events.
“It makes me happy to take all of the pressure
and stress away from my clients,” Hafez sad. “This is
something I’m excelling at, and I enjoy it.”
Her largest event — and most challenging — came
this past January. She managed to pull together a regrand opening for Midwest Motors in Lake Zurich
for 300 guests with only one month to plan.
830 W. State Route 22, Suite 160, Lake Zurich,
IL 60047
Phone: (888) 671-2922
Owner: Hanan Hafez
Web Address: eventswithstylehh.com
Business Started: 2010
Tip from owner: “Believe in your business.”
CourtESy of EvEntS with StylE
Sweet tables are usually one of the highlights at
events Hanan Hafez plans.
She believes it’s her energy and dedication that
make her a successful event planner. “My brain
moves at 600 mph,” Hafez said.
The host of the Midwest Motors event wanted “the
best party,” “the best band” and “great food.” Within
hours of the initial phone conversation, Hafez conceptualized a “Winter Wonderland” theme, secured
the perfect band and decided on a date.
“90 percent of my clients agree with my plans,”
Hafez said. “My goal is to make them feel like a guest
at their own wedding or corporate event.”
Rich and Peggy Politowicz used Events with Style
to plan and execute their wedding. The couple
described Hafez as a “top notch event planner.”
“From the early stages of the wedding planning
process, she recommended reputable, high quality vendors arranging interviews with each potential
vendor ensuring that we were getting the best value
for our money,” the couple said.
Hafez employs a receptionist to handle incoming calls and inquiries as well as on-site staff to assist
throughout an event. She also utilizes an extensive
network of vendors. The bulk of her business comes
by word-of-mouth and client testimonials.
Today Hafez is general manager of the Holiday Inn
Express in Lake Zurich, raising three children and
looking for ways to grow Events with Style. Her goal is
to plan 40 weddings and 20 corporate events a year.
“You can reach your dreams if you really want
to,” Hafez said. “Believe in yourself, believe in your
dream and do it.”
CREATE AN EXPERIENCE
YOUR CLIENTS WON’T FORGET
Place
12stYEARS
RIBS
IN A ROW
RIBFEST
CHICAGO
Corporate Events
Luncheons
Social Gathering
Home and Office Holiday Parties
Employee Recognition
Sales and Marketing Events
We do PIG ROASTS
Monday, april 27, 2015
PROUDLY
SERVING
CORPORATE
CATERING
FOR OVER
17 YEARS!
Award Winning BBQ!
Corporate Offices | Parking Lots | Courtyards | Lobbies | Parks
Conference Rooms | Sporting Events | Backyards | Etc . . .
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x: 630-493-1180
132 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL 60559| Tel: 630-493-9000 | Fax:
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Two Fabulous Locations!
Bloomingdale Golf Club Medinah Banquets
181 Glen Ellyn Road
Bloomingdale, IL
bloomingdalegc.com
630.529.3380
550 Shriners Drive
Addison, IL
weddingswithus.com
630.458.0200
Congratulations On Your Recent Engagement!
For off premises catering call...
630.628.0171
www.cateringwithelegance.com
Caterers
Ranked by number of full-time employees
COMPANY
Address
Phone ¥ Website
57
MALNATI ORGANIZATION, INC.
3685 Woodhead Drive, Northbrook, 60062
847-562-1918 • www.loumalnatis.com/catering
Mark Agnew, president
1971
2,300
HILTON CHICAGO/INDIAN LAKES RESORT
250 W. Schick Road, Bloomingdale, 60108
630-529-0200 • www.IndianLakesResort.com
Specialties
a
a
drop-off catering; basic set-up and buffet set-up; servers provided
upon advance request
Randy Whiteside, director of sales/marketing 400
Lori LaPorte, director of catering
([email protected])
([email protected])
1980
Dave Raymond, partner
150
Nancy Irlbeck
2005
a
a
Hilton Indian Lakes is set on 225 rolling acres, 30 minutes from
downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. A resort, offering
golf, spa, dining services, and 50,000 square feet of function space,
ideal for conferences and weddings.
a
a
off-premise catering and event planning for corporate and social
occasions
125
a
a
corporate catering with special "lunch box" menu; Weber on Wheels
DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE
CENTER CHICAGOÑDOWNERS GROVE
2111 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, 60515
630-971-2000 • www.doubletreedownersgrove.com
Meghan Parra, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
1999
Daniel Techman, director of sales and
marketing
([email protected])
1986
110
a
a
all catering, ranging from a 500-person wedding to 10 people at the
office; menu and price for every budget; only catering company in
Downers Grove that offers on-site licensed bar service with catering
CHICAGO MARRIOTT SOUTHWEST AT BURR RIDGE
1200 Burr Ridge Pwy., Burr Ridge, 60527
630-986-4100 • www.marriott.com/chisw
Alan J. Nicholson, director of sales
([email protected])
2004
105
a
a
corporate events and conferences; amazing weddings and social
events; first-class fundraisers and galas; custom menu creation;
outdoor venue also available
MY CHEF CATERING
2772 Golfview Drive, Naperville, 60563
630-717-1167 • www.MyChef.com
Karen Garlough, vice president/owner
([email protected])
1989
100
a
a
CUTTING EDGE CATERING & EVENTS
904 Cottage St., Shorewood, 60404
815-725-9001 • www.cuttingedgecatering.com
Chad Danajka, office/sales manager
([email protected])
1993
75
a
a
corporate and social catering and event planning; complete rentals
from tents to teaspoons; full bar service and professional staff; daily
breakfast, lunch and dinner; grand openings, company BBQs/picnics
and holiday parties
breakfast, lunch or dinner for 15 people or more; delivery and drop-off
service; custom party planning; picnics, pig roasts and weddings
THE STONEGATE CONFERENCE & BANQUET CENTRE
2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, 60169
847-884-7000 • www.thestonegate.com
Jeff Howard, general manager
([email protected])
2001
75
a
a
Full service corporate and social catering; all food prepared in-house
including pastries and wedding cakes
BRIDGES OF POPLAR CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates, 60169
847-884-0219 • www.bridgesofpoplarcreek.com
Brian Bechtold, general manager
Jennifer Fuller, sales & catering supervisor
([email protected])
([email protected])
1992
Wan Proskin, owner
1996
65
a
a
intimate parties of 25 to gatherings up to 250; specialize in wedding
ceremonies and receptions, golf outings and corporate events;
outdoor event area is a perfect place to hold a unique special event.
50
a
a
weddings, corporate luncheons, venue management, outdoor
barbeques
SWEET BABY RAY'S CATERING CO.
249 E. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale, 60191
630-238-8261 • www.truecuisine.com &
www.sbrcatering.com
WEBER GRILL RESTAURANT
2331 Fountain Square Drive, Lombard, 60148
630-953-8356 • www.webergrillrestaurant.com
CATERED PRODUCTIONS
277 Peterson Road, Libertyville, 60048
847-367-7400 • www.cateredproductions.com
Kathy Romano, director of catering
([email protected])
1995
50
a
a
food, beverage, catering, banquets, weddings
CHEF BY REQUEST
5100 Academy Drive, Suite 200, Lisle, 60532
630-493-4300 • www.chefbyrequest.com
David R. Miller, owner
([email protected])
1996
50
a
a
ELEGANTE CUISINE INC.
1161 Pagni Drive, Elk Grove Village, 60007
847-806-0000 • www.elegante.net
Thomas W. Manetti, president
1982
50
a
a
custom catering for corporate and social events; wedding planning
and venue selection assistance; food, beverage including full bar
packages, service and rentals; off-premise catering and on-site food
production and tents.
catering and event planning; entertainment; rental services;
audiovisual and professional staff services
MORETTI'S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA
1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett, 60103
630-837-4992 • www.morettischicago.com/bartlett.php
2008
50
a
a
food, beverage, dine-in, delivery, carryout, catering, banquets
MORETTI'S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA
2475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, 60169
847-885-0400 • www.morettischicago.com/
hoffmanestates.php
2015
50
a
a
food, beverage, dine-in, delivery, carryout, catering, banquets. Other
locations in Bartlett, Chicago (Edison Park), Fox Lake, Lake in the Hills,
Mt. Prospect and Schaumburg.
SKUDDLEBUTTS
440 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, 60515
630-964-6688 • www.skuddlebutts.com
Danny Glover, owner
([email protected])
1939
50
a
a
corporate catering, on-site grilling, special events, tent rentals, staff,
drop-off or full service.
TOMMY R'S CATERING
825 75th St., Unit D, Willowbrook, 60527
630-323-1441 • www.tommyrs.com
Tommy Romano, president
([email protected])
1994
50
a
a
weddings, corporate brunches (and lunches), holiday parties,
graduation parties, public and private events for over 20 years
UNCLE BUB'S
132 S. Cass Ave., Westmont, 60559
630-493-9000 • www.unclebubs.com
Mark Link, owner
1997
50
a
a
authentic hickory smoked BBQ catering for all occasions
Continued on Page 58
Monday, april 27, 2015
CHANDLER'S CHOPHOUSE AND BANQUETS
401 N. Roelle Road, Schaumburg, 60173
847-885-9009 • www.chandlerschophouse.com
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Special Diet Menu
Local
Employees
Outdoor Capability
Top Local Executive
(E-mail)
Year Founded
58
Caterers
Local
Employees
Special Diet Menu
Thomas J. Walter, CEO
1989
49
a
a
corporate catering; outdoor events, special events, weddings and
residential events
Tim Belgio, owner
Tom Belgio, owner
([email protected])
([email protected])
2000
Bernice Zubrzycki, owner
([email protected])
2011
38
a
a
event coordination; liquor and bartending service; rental equipment;
banquet facility for up to 300 people
35
a
a
CORKY'S CATERING
1421 Fullerton Ave., Addison, 60101
630-396-3030 • www.corkyscatering.com
HARRY CARAY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, 60148
630-953-3400 • www.harrycarayscatering.com
MG CONCESSIONS INC.
1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park, 60181
630-941-9292 • www.OdeumExpo.com
Matthew Green, president
([email protected])
1978
Danny Singer, senior sales manager
([email protected])
2000
Francine Greco
1981
30
a
a
25
a
a
small or large events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, wedding
brunch, bridal/baby showers, anniversary/birthday parties, bar/bat
mitzvahs, communions, baptisms, confirmations, holiday parties and
corporate meetings
delivery and full-service catering for home parties, corporate events,
picnics and weddings; food and beverages; rentals; linens; floral;
service staff; lighting
catering for off-premise events, banquet rooms that can
accommodate private parties ranging from 25 to 550 guests
25
a
a
SCHMALTZ DELI
1512 N. Naper Blvd., Suite 152, Naperville, 60563
630-245-7595 • www.schmaltzonline.com/naperville/
DAMENZO'S BANQUETS
741 S. Western Ave., Chicago, 60612
312-488-1922 • damenzosbanquet.com
ESSENCE OF ELEGANCE
23 E. North Ave., Northlake , 60164
708-223-0000 • www.essenceofelegance.com
Howard Bender, owner
([email protected])
2004
Event Manager
([email protected])
2000
Thomas Cuomo, president
2004
25
a
a
20
a
a
12
a
a
TASTY CATERING
1900 Touhy Ave., Elk Grove Village, 60007
847-593-2000 • www.tastycatering.com
BELGIO'S CATERING
416 W. Fifth Ave., Naperville, 60563
630-369-6100 • www.belgios.com
31 NORTH BANQUET & CATERING
217 Front St., McHenry, 60050
815-344-0330 • 31NorthBanquets.com
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
Specialties
Top Local Executive
(E-mail)
Year Founded
Outdoor Capability
Ranked by number of full-time employees
COMPANY
Address
Phone ¥ Website
exclusive food & beverage caterer for the Odeum, and can provide
complete hospitality services to coincide with client requests; variety
of customized menus can be created to enhance your event, banquet,
or corporate party
corporate catering; delivery for office and special events; overstuffed
sandwiches, fresh-baked bagels, hot and cold lunch, hot and cold
breakfast.
banquet halls, wedding, birthdays, debuts, special events
corporate and social catering; wedding receptions and hors d'oeuvres
receptions; breakfast, lunch, dinner and box lunches
Call now to book your
award winning event!
5 years and running
Monday, april 27, 2015
Naperville Chamber of Commerce
630-493-4300
wwww.chefbyrequest.com
WINNER
C
Hospitality
Hollywood Casino Joliet chef
wins prestigious award
spare time mentoring. He serves as a
board member of the local Boys and
Girls Club and Joliet Junior College, and
often volunteers his at time at Washburn University, working with students
and adolescents who want to pursue a
career in the culinary arts.
New brewpub planned for
former Flatlander’s space
LINCOLNSHIRE — A new brewpub
is slated to open at one of Lake County’s busiest intersections.
Dubbed the Half Day Brewing Company, the restaurant will operate in
Lincolnshire’s Village Green Shopping
Center, on the southwest corner of
Milwaukee Avenue and Olde Half Day
Road.
It’s the same space that housed Flatlander’s Restaurant and Brewery from
1996 to 2012.
The company promises a variety of
handcrafted beers that are brewed on
site, gourmet hamburgers topped with
far more than cheese slices, and pizzas
made in wood-fired ovens.
The people behind Half Day Brewing also operate Tap House Grill restaurants in Highwood, Palatine, Des
Plaines, Glen Ellyn, St. Charles and
four other Illinois locations.
& Waterford Conference Center
59
• Corporate
Events
• Trade Shows
• Banquets
• Seminars
Take advantage of our Triple Play Package
RECEIVE
BOOK
MEETING SPACE
+
15% OFF
HOTEL
ROOMS
+
FOOD &
BEVERAGE
Mondays Through Thursdays | Limited Time Offer Only
Call: 630-279-0270
933 S Riverside Dr Elmhurst, IL 60126
www.WaterfordBanquet.com
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
JOLIET — Hollywood Casino Joliet
Executive Chef Lawrence Alexander, Jr.
was selected to compete in the American Culinary Federation Regional Competition for National
Chef of the Year 2015;
he was the first member
of the Chicago Chefs of
Cuisine to place in the
competition in more
than 10 years. A great
honor just to be chosen to participate, Chef
Lawrence
Larry took home a
Alexander Jr.
bronze medal.
Competing against
four other chefs from across the Midwest, each was given an hour to prepare the assigned protein, rabbit, and
two sides. Chef Larry’s dish consisted
of prosciutto wrapped rabbit loin with
stuffed sage sausage in an apricot calvados sauce and was accompanied by
sweet potato and fennel purée, braised
rabbit leg, cipollini gratin and braised
lacinato kale.
Having gown up in Philadelphia, he
began his career as a dishwasher.
He is grateful for where his career
has taken him and spends much of his
Clarion Inn
Monday, april 27, 2015
Monday, april 27, 2015
d a i ly h e r a l d b u s i n e s s l e d g e r
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Ruby is the life of the party. Sassy, yet sophisticated. Her guilty pleasures:
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