The Benefits of Morning Meetings

February is Hot Breakfast Month, a perfect time to focus on the benefits of morning meetings, and how eating together enhances productivity.  

Breakfast business meetings are typically more relaxed and informal than lunch meetings. As we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of breakfast, these meetings will only become more and more popular. 

Ryan Estis is a leadership coach and speaker based in Minneapolis, MN. He explains to BBC Worklife why the early morning has become his go-to time for meetings: “I am caffeinated, centered and intentionally focused,” he says. 

Benefits of Eating Together 

A 2015 Cornell University study found that groups that eat together perform better together. In research that could have implications for organizations that want to enhance team performance, Cornell professors found that firefighter platoons who eat meals together have better group job performance compared with firefighter teams who dine solo. “Eating together is a more intimate act than looking over an Excel spreadsheet together. That intimacy spills back over into work,” said the study’s author, Kevin Kniffin, visiting assistant professor in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. “From an evolutionary anthropology perspective, eating together has a long, primal tradition as a kind of social glue. That seems to continue in today’s workplaces.”

Check out one of Chicago’s most popular catering options for your breakfast or brunch meetings. 


Expert Profile: Dianne Devitt

Last summer, during our Planner Master Class at Rosebud on Randolph, Dianne Devitt led a 3+ hour workshop and round-table session, focussing on Creative Leadership and owning the responsibility that comes with planning and leading a team.

Producer, speaker, author, educator, creative strategist, Dianne is an industry leader, visionary, and personality with global experience as a producer, speaker, author and educator. Dianne’s dynamism, coupled with the innate ability to help people and business see and identify possibilities to make effective change, find solutions, and unleash the power of creativity for growth is supported through her belief that “No Idea is Out of Reach.”

Global Speaker

An innovative thinker, Dianne is one of the original pioneers in the experiential industry, having owned a premiere event production company. Throughout her career, she has spoken globally on topics from inspiration, motivation and the power of people coming together. Her background in theater and developmental drama impacts the spontaneity and engagement reflected in her presentations.

The author of What Color is Your Event?, a global resource for creative planning, Dianne also co-authored Called to Lead: Success Strategies for Women, with 17 other women. Dianne has worked and liaised with four US Presidents, astronauts, CEO’s, city and government officials, and heads of state. Always seeking what’s next, Devitt identified the focus and importance of non-verbal sensory communication and produced the SenseUP! Summit.

As an Adjunct Professor at New York University for over 30 years, Dianne has created and taught over six different courses in the hospitality and tourism sector in the Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism where she was honored to receive the Award for Teaching Excellence. Dianne believes in the power of associations,
training and networking having served on local and international boards throughout her career. Dianne enjoys the arts, theater, cooking, recreation and her yoga practice.


Meet Elena Martin, Our New Director Of Events

Elena joins the Ateema team after serving 5 and a half years as Associate Director of Marketing & Events at the educational nonprofit for first generation college students from under-resourced communities in Chicago, Chicago Scholars. 

Elena was first introduced to Ateema after she attended a Chicago Planner Master Class event in early 2020. Networking with other event industry professionals and learning about new vendors who could put a creative stamp on her events, showcase the brand in a new way, and create unique and memorable moments for attendees was exciting and a valuable professional development opportunity. 

Elena: "I was one of the only staff on my team that planned events, so having a chance to speak with other event professionals and discuss best practices was helpful to my career."  Planning events for young high school and college age students meant she needed to stay on top of new ways to keep her events engaging and fun. "I'm excited to provide the same high level of support to other planners that I received at my first Ateema run Chicago Planner Master Class event and keep pushing the industry to innovate in new ways by working together." 


YOLK: Quality Breakfast & Brunch Catering Within Your Budget

If you are looking for the very best breakfast or lunch (brunch) catering in Chicago, Yolk is the place to try! Since 2006, Yolk’s catering has offered the best quality catering services for outdoor events, parties, weddings, special events and holidays at affordable prices.

Yolk truly takes pride in delighting your guests with top quality food and catering services, all within your budget, seven days a week. Simply stated, Yolk provides clients with outstanding quality, great pricing and superior customer service.

Craft your own menu

A dedicated catering manager will work with you. They will work on specific logistics for your event and help you decide on the menu. Some patron favorites include the Breakfast Combo, which includes a little bit of everything or the Countryside Skillet.

Of course healthy options are available as well, including the Kale Scrambler, Iron Man Scrambler, or the Yolk Berry Bliss made with homemade Greek Yogurt.

Individual boxes

In the current ‘social distance’ climate, you or your clients may prefer individually packaged boxed meals. These boxes ensure a safe and healthy breakfast, brunch or lunch experience. Yolk can definitely make it work! 

Get in touch

Place your order online or send an email to catering@eatyolk.com 

Catering pick-up and delivery is available from 7 am until 2:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am until 10:15 am on Saturdays and Sundays. 


Howl at the Moon: Interactive Live Entertainment at Your Next Event

Howl at the Moon is an iconic live music venue, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Their dedicated team will work with you to create the perfect corporate event. 

How at the Moon’s corporate event venues rate among the best in Chicago. The different private and semi-private event spaces at Howl at the Moon can hold from 10 up to 400 guests. While your clients are giving their presentation -using Howl’s state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, their audience enjoys a customized food and beverage experience. 

Interactive Live Music Experience

During your event at Howl at the Moon, your guests will enjoy a high-energy and interactive live music show. The performers take song requests from your guests’ favorite musical genres and will play them live on the spot. If you want to customize your event even more, Howl’s talented entertainers would love to perform an original song. Why not honor your company, your valued employees or a guest of honor with a unique song? It does not get more interactive than that! 

Amenities

Some of the amenities at Howl at the Moon include: 

  • Food Stations
  • Passed Hors D’oeuvres
  • Action Stations
  • Coat Check
  • Stage Call Downs
  • Early Start Entertainment
  • Customized Company Song
  • Party Favors
  • Piano Banners with Company Name and Logo
  • Specialized Company Drinks
  • Carving Stations
  • Passed Appetizers
  • Complimentary Microphone Use
  • Photo Booths
  • Specialty Cocktail Stations
  • Ice Luge
  • 8 ft. Donut Wall
  • Step & Repeat (includes photographer and props!)
  • Customized Indoor Billboards
  • Candy Buffet
  • Stage Use
  • Audio Visual Equipment
  • Parking
  • And more! 

Referral Incentive for Meeting Planners

Refer your guests to Howl at the Moon for an event and receive up to $250 in cash or Howl credit! Contact the team by email or give them a call @ 312-327-0755 for more information.

More information about events at Howl at the Moon can be found on their website


CATCH 35: Fresh Seafood & Live Music in Chicago's Loop

Located in Chicago's theatre district, Catch 35 not only features a newly crafted menu with the finest classic fresh seafood and other specialties, it is also renowned for the live jazz music.  

The Menu

Always delicious, Catch 35 offers the freshest seafood and from the farm dishes with seasonal flavors. Fan favorites include pan roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Georges Bank Scallop Surf & Turf, Atlantic Salmon, Braised Beef short rib, and Nashville Hot Chicken.  

The Music

The Eric Hochberg Trio plays every Tuesday through Saturday at Catch 35 Chicago. Eric Hochberg has been a mainstay of the Chicago music industry for over three decades. He has lent his bass work, and an occasional trumpet, keyboard and vocal lick, to a variety of projects across jazz, folk, rock and blues music.

He performed at the Jazz Festival of Chicago 21 times but also played at other festivals across the US and the rest of the world. Think: the famous Montreux or Rotterdam Jazz Festivals in Europe, Free Jazz in Brazil, the Blues and Roots Fest in Australia and much more.

And: he performed on the Oprah Winfrey shows three times, with Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, and Gloria Estefan. You will find out more about the live jazz music at Catch 35 on their website. 

Your Private Event

Whether you are looking for an intimate setting for your private seated dinner, or a larger scale reception, Catch 35 can accommodate private groups from 6 up to 75 people in one of their three private dining rooms. All rooms are separated from the main restaurant by glass doors.  

For groups there are several customizable breakfast, lunch and dinner menus available: plated, sharing, or reception style. 

Garage parking is available at a discounted rate but valet parking is available as well.

Need More Information?

Call 312-346-3500 to speak with a manager. Check the website for more information about hosting your private event at Catch 35. 


Teatro ZinZanni: For one of a Kind Events Only

TEATRO ZINZANNI ACTOR HOLDING PLATE OF FOOD

If you are looking for an exclusive event location for groups up to 300 guests, check out Teatro ZinZanni! Everything about the Teatro ZinZanni experience is unique: from the exclusive location to the whirlwind of entertainment and the many food & drink options. 

LOCATION 

Spiegeltent ZaZou is an antique stained glass and mirror tent installed on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Theater District! Brought over from Belgium it stands surrounded by a glittering lobby that will take your guests’ breath away. Thanks to the Belgian Klessens family, these classic spiegeltents have not sunk into oblivion but still have the splendor of a more elegant age. With a multitude of faceted mirrors, stained glass, traditional woodcarving, crystal, and red velvet, it creates a truly unique venue.

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENT OPTIONS

Teatro ZinZanni is a whirlwind of cirque, cabaret, music, and laughter presented with a delicious 4-course meal. World-class acrobats, musicians, divas, illusionists, madmen, and aerialists fill the intimate Spiegeltent ZaZou.  Since there is a full kitchen available on site, you can customize the 4-course meal with add-ons and/or pick one of the available drink packages to compliment the experience.

The F&B team at Teatro ZinZanni offers an extensive wine list, and prides itself on an innovative cocktail and mocktail program as well, so there are plenty of options to host an event perfect for your group. 

HOSTING YOUR OWN UNIQUE EVENT 

Teatro ZinZanni’s dinner-show combination is available for groups or full show buyouts for a one-stop event like none other. Teatro ZinZanni can accommodate up to 300 guests with custom floor plan capabilities for dinner, cocktails, celebrations or meetings that are a world away from the ordinary. 

INTERESTED? 

Call Teatro ZinZanni 312-488-0900 or check the website for more information


It's Not Too Late: Your Holiday Event at the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is the largest science museum in the Western hemisphere and is housed in the only remaining structure from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. If you are still looking for a unique location for your holiday event, MSI may be the perfect place for you! 

UNLIMITED OPTIONS

Dine beside a World War II German submarine. Stand inside a 40-foot tornado. Mingle below historic aircraft. Celebrate under a 130’ copper domed Rotunda.  With thousands of exhibits, artifacts, interactive experiences and “wow” moments that last a lifetime, the MSI is the premier destination for unique and engaging special events. MSI features on-site, award-winning catering and event planning solutions.

Eight unique spaces (including outdoors) for daytime and evening events. MSI has a capacity of up to 12,000 guests with a full museum buyout. There are multiple options and set-up styles available for receptions, seated dinners, awards presentations, theater seating and more!

In addition to the standard menus, the MSI catering team can customize menus based on group size, budget, dietary needs, etc. 

YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT 

Holiday Event at MSI

During these extraordinary times, we are all a bit more cautious about hosting events. At the Museum of Science and Industry, there are still options available for your end-of-year or holiday celebrations. Contact the team and check out special discounts if you book before the end of the year. They just extended the holiday promotion!

For more information, please email the MSI team at specialevents@msichicago.org 


Add a True Chicago Tradition to your Event

Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn is a Chicago brand that has served multiple generations and potentially millions of locals and visitors alike. 

Garrett Popcorn Shops' most popular recipe is the original "Chicago-style popcorn”, Garrett Mix, a blend of CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp. Fun fact: the sweet and salty combo was actually invented by fans' requests in the 1970s, and it was put on the global map when Oprah Winfrey named it a "Favorite Thing" for three different seasons of her show!

Next to the original Garrett Mix, the brand continues to release unique seasonal flavors.

The Garrett Experience

"Nothing quite compares to the experience of visiting one of our shops. From the aroma of CaramelCrisp simmering in copper kettles, to the friendly faces of fellow fans and our shop team members- visiting a Garrett shop is time tested tradition,” says Misty Lichter, Associate Director Corporate Sales for Garrett. 

She adds, “That same warm and friendly shop experience translates to our private events and gifting options.  Our small-batch popcorn recipes have remained unchanged for over 70 years. For that reason, along with our seamless service, your event guests or corporate gift recipients can expect the freshest, most irresistible gourmet treat they've ever tasted. One bite of Garrett Popcorn, and they won't be able to put it down."

Very Chicago

Adding a Garrett experience to your Chicago event means adding a true Chicago flavor, brought to you by a Chicago based team in a typical Chicago friendly and welcoming way. Whether it is a party favor at your wedding, a late night snack for your guests, or a full white glove popcorn service at a corporate function: the Garrett team will make sure that you get the customized popcorn experience to take your event to the next level and make it unforgettable! 

Do you want more information about Garrett flavored events or gifts? 

Contact a Business & Events team member at B2B@garrettbrands.com, call Misty at 773-292-6416 or check the Garrett website.


Celebrate with a Lively Virtual Team Event

CORPORATE EVENT INTERACTIVE 

Founded in 1987 by Ed Graziano, Corporate Event Interactive (CEI) is an industry leader, active in Chicago’s meeting and event community. Their experienced event team builds strong relationships with clients to create and produce programs to meet their goals and expectations. 

With specially designed activities, CEI revitalizes meetings and retreats, delivers key messages and learning objectives and adds excitement to client and employee events. Each program is unique, engaging and appropriate for groups of all abilities and professional levels.

VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS

During the pandemic the entire event industry was forced to come up with creative solutions and in the case of CEI that resulted in many unique virtual team building activities. During this time of year, they offer six dynamic holiday and year-end virtual events, all of them can be customized with your brand logo, company info, images and more. 

HOW IT WORKS

Booking your virtual celebration is pretty simple, picking one may be harder as all six of them are a lot of fun! When we asked CEI President Linda Whitlock about her favorite virtual event, it took her a few moments to make up her mind. “Picking one is hard, as they are all a lot of fun, but the iQuest Around the World is both entertaining and educational for any team. It has a lot of fun facts and trivia about traditions and celebrations around the world, so you will definitely learn a few things while playing!” 

It only takes four easy steps to book with CEI: 

  1. Select a lively virtual team event on the CEI website
  2. Select an available date in December 2021 or January 2022.
  3. Select your time:
    • 6 am
    • 8 am
    • 10 am
    • Noon
    • 2 pm
    • 4 pm 
    • 6 pm
  4. Contact us for your special discount before December 15th at 312-540-1000 or linda@corpevent.com and mention Promo code AteemaFriend for a special discount!

Once everything is booked, the only thing left is to bring your virtual team together to celebrate with a lively game-sharing experience. 

Need more information? Please check out www.corpevent.com/remote-teams/