Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) Unveils 2024 Public Policy Agenda
Source: MidWest Meetings
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has set the stage for its advocacy efforts in 2024, identifying key focus areas that underscore the industry's vital role in economic growth and job creation.
As Congress has recently convened, the ECA's comprehensive agenda aims to ensure a favorable operating environment for the business events sector, foster seamless international travel and commerce, and create a welcoming atmosphere for industry activities across states and cities.
Priorities for Economic Growth and Workforce Development
Hervé Sedky, Emerald Holding Inc.'s President, CEO, and Chair of the ECA board, emphasized the laser focus on policies supporting economic growth, job creation, and small businesses. The agenda outlines six top priorities for the year, including restoring visa operations to pre-pandemic levels, supporting government policies for attracting and training the industry's future workforce, and reinstating communicable disease coverage in event cancellation insurance. These initiatives aim to not only navigate the challenges of the present but also lay the groundwork for a resilient and thriving future.
Building on 2023 Successes and Future Advocacy Initiatives
The ECA plans to build on the successes of 2023, such as amending Chicago's paid-leave law to exclude business events visitors and advancing legislation in Congress for expanding skills-based training opportunities. Looking ahead, the alliance is set to introduce new advocacy capabilities, empowering industry leaders and advocates to actively participate in the political and policymaking processes. By staying proactive and adaptive, the ECA aims to amplify the impact of its advocacy efforts, fostering an environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of the business events industry.
Embracing Sustainability: Key Practices for Event Planners
By adopting a range of strategies, planners can significantly reduce the environmental impact of events while promoting social responsibility and fostering attendee engagement.
Conducting thorough assessments of resource needs allows planners to minimize waste and optimize efficiency. From utilizing digital communication systems to promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives, implementing sustainable materials and practices can substantially decrease an event's environmental footprint.
Responsible energy consumption emerges as another critical focus area. Event planners are encouraged to explore renewable energy options such as solar or wind power to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, optimizing lighting, HVAC systems, and equipment efficiency, as well as encouraging attendees to utilize sustainable transportation options, contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with the event.
Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is an integral part of sustainable event planning. Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility ensures equal participation opportunities for all attendees, including those with disabilities. Sourcing local goods and services not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Engaging attendees and stakeholders is a powerful strategy discussed in the article. By educating participants about sustainability goals and involving them in interactive exhibits, workshops, and networking sessions, event planners can foster a collective sense of responsibility. Such engagement enables attendees to become advocates for sustainable practices beyond the event itself.
Continuous Improvement
Measuring and reporting sustainability performance is a crucial step in driving continuous improvement. Setting measurable targets and regularly monitoring progress enables event planners to identify areas for enhancement and track the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Transparently sharing this information inspires others in the industry and encourages wider adoption of sustainable practices.
By embracing resource management, responsible energy consumption, social responsibility, attendee engagement, and performance measurement, planners can create impactful and environmentally friendly events.
These practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the event experience while positively influencing attendees and the event industry as a whole.
Learn more about this topic on the Expo Pass website.
Looking Back at the 22nd Edition of the Hospitality & Tourism Summit
The 22nd edition of The Hospitality & Tourism Summit (HTSC) was a pivotal industry conference that provided enriching experiences for attendees. Held on May 2, this event featured a captivating trade show, enlightening educational sessions, and invaluable networking prospects.
With the participation of over 1,250 distinguished professionals, including top meeting and event planners, concierges, hotel salespeople, social media influencers, business representatives, and industry experts, the summit offered a unique platform to connect, learn, and cultivate business opportunities in preparation for the bustling summer season.
Key Takeaways
According to a survey conducted among planners, 100% of the respondents highly recommended their industry peers to attend the HTSC event next year, indicating a high level of satisfaction (rated 8 or more).
The top three reasons cited by planners for attending HTSC were
- to find new venues and vendors
- to expand their professional network, and
- to stay informed about industry trends.
When it came to the trade show, planners particularly appreciated:
- the great variety of vendors
- the opportunity to hear from industry leaders during the educational sessions, and
- the abundance of delicious food and drink options available.
Elena Martin, Director of Events at Ateema, reflects on her experience at the HTSC event, describing it as a resounding success, especially considering it was her first time attending. Martin highlights the energetic atmosphere and the connections made among Chicago's finest professionals. She also commends the creativity displayed by the 120+ vendors in representing their businesses.
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. Â
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.Â
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.â€
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.â€
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
Teatro ZinZanni: For one of a Kind Events Only
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.Â
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!Â
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
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
