Come Network with fellow Chicago Event and Meeting Planners
By admin | February 4, 2010
Come meet with meeting planners, event planners and Chicago’s top hospitality professionals at the 3rd annual Hereschicago.com Meetings and Hospitality Industry’s St. Pat’s BASH! at Rockit Wrigleyville, Monday March 1st, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Limited tickets available.
Topics: Chicago BASH Events, Chicago Networking Events | Comments Off
Planning Your Best Summer Outing Ever and Staying on Budget
By admin | January 29, 2010
Planning Your Best Summer Outing Ever and Staying on Budget
As the winter weather takes hold of the Chicagoland area, many companies are already busy working to select and plan their 2010 summer outing – typically the largest event of the year and the one requiring the most planning. Even though many companies were unable to hold a summer outing in 2009, most of them are planning for a return to their summer outing in 2010. Through my experiences with summer outings and client feedback, I have identified key components of the decision-making process that planners should consider to ensure their summer outing matches the mission and objectives of the event while maximizing value, participation and fun. Most importantly as the economy continues to rebound, don’t wait! Many companies are already booking their summer outings to guarantee the location and date of their choice.
Mission & Objectives
The first step in the decision-making process is defining the summer outing’s key mission and objectives. Without determining these elements, it is virtually impossible to plan and select an event that maximizes participation, fun and value for employees and guests of all ages. Some of the questions to consider in this step include:
• What is the budget for the event?
• Is a focus of the event to build camaraderie and goodwill amongst employees and/or employees and their families?
• Is the event focused on enhancing relationships amongst employees?
• Is the event strictly to reward employees?
• Is the priority on younger employees (generally without families) or those employees with families or both?
• If the priority is on both, how will the needs of the different groups be addressed?
Once the objectives are determined, the planning and selection process for the ideal summer outing begins.
Weekday vs. Weekend Events
The next step in the decision-making process is determining if the event is to occur on a weekday or weekend. With benefits to either option, the company’s mission and objectives drive this decision. For instance, a company looking to provide a highly engaging and entertaining event for employees and their families would prefer to host a weekend event to ensure family members are able to attend. However, clients who want to guarantee a high employee attendance rate and want to focus on building relationships amongst employees are likely to choose a weekday event. In addition, weekday events are typically less expensive since family members do not attend.
Day vs. Evening Events
After selecting the day of the week, planners must choose the best time of day to hold the event. Traditionally, summer picnics are held in the afternoon taking advantage of the warm weather, time off work during the week and the optimum time for family members of all ages to attend, just to name a few. However, a recent trend towards evening picnics held from 5:00-9:00 PM has proved popular with many companies. Evening picnics are a good choice for a variety of reasons such as cooler weather, lower costs, larger range of available dates and more!
Whether selecting a traditional afternoon picnic or opting for the newer evening picnic trend, planners must make sure to match the advantages of each to fit their needs.
Exclusive Company Event vs. General Admission Event
With the day of the week and time selected, the next step is choosing the type of event: an exclusive interactive event or a general admission event. Exclusive company events are private events strictly for the company, such as private summer picnics or BBQs, company softball tournaments and interactive receptions. These events provide a great environment for internal networking and enhance relationships between the company, the employees and their families. General admission events take place in public environments such as amusement parks and zoos. These events are designed to be a reward or “thank you” to employees and their families. While they may provide a short lunch for anyone interested, the intent of the event is for guests to enjoy the venue with their families independent of the company. Both event types are intended to reward the employees along with enhance employee morale. Exclusive company events are also designed to build goodwill and camaraderie along with enhancing relationships between the company, employees and their families since the group is together (or in the same area) throughout the entire event. Your event objectives will determine which event type meets your specific goals.
Book Early
Now that you’ve selected the details of your event, it is imperative to start the process of booking your event early. Certainly one of the key ingredients to a great event is booking the location and date of your choice. In order to accomplish this, you should start planning no later than February of each year and preferably sooner. Make sure your employees have something to look forward to this year and book your 2010 summer outing now. The sooner you book, the more value you receive on your investment throughout the year.
Now that you are ready to book your outing, here are some key factors when selecting the company to best execute your next summer event…
Award-Winning Experience: Selecting a company with the experience to handle every aspect of planning the event, selecting trusted quality vendors and making your event run seamlessly with no hassle for you is a key element to a successful event.
Activities for All Ages: Find a vendor who provides activities for all age groups attending the event. Regardless of each attendee’s interests, select a company that provides an array of activities capable of entertaining everyone. Do not forget those guests without children. The group that is always the most challenging in terms of motivating to attend on a weekend are those 20-30 somethings without kids. If they comprise a reasonable percentage of the company be aware of the following realities:
- They will not travel far. If you are a downtown company, do not book a summer event in the suburbs. Despite their best intentions, they will not attend.
- Make sure there are activities specifically for them and clearly promote these activities in your correspondences. If kids are involved, you do not want the 20-30 somethings to assume the event is only focused on families.
- This group also prefers Saturday late afternoon events to weekend midday events.
Premier Venues: Location! Location! Location! Location is the key to an event and an element that requires a planner with access to the right venues.
Hassle-Free Planning: Find a vendor that allows you to focus on enjoying your event and mingling with your employees and co-workers. From acquiring permits and selecting the caterer to adding interactive entertainment and facilitated activities, the company must handle all the details of your event so you don’t have to worry. You just sit back, relax and enjoy the event. Best of all, you get all the credit!
Cost-Conscious Planning: Many options exist for cost savings that still allow for an amazing event. Find a vendor who knows how to meet your budget but not reduce the value of your event.
I hope that you find this information helpful as you look to plan your next summer outing. Best of luck in 2010.
Murrel Karsh, President and Co-Founder of Windy City Fieldhouse, the Midwest’s largest Team Building and Entertainment Company. WCF has helped define team building and summer picnic trends over the past 11 years.
WCF is an Inc. 5000 honoree, awarded to the nation’s fastest-growing small businesses and a recipient of Illinois Meetings & Events Magazine “Best Team Building Company” Award for three consecutive years and nominated for a fifth again this year.
Become a Fan of WCF on Facebook
Join WCF’s Interactive Corporate Events Group on LinkedIn
Topics: Chicago Company Picnic Places, Chicago Corporate Meetings, Outdoor Spaces, Team Building | Comments Off
Featured Casino Rentals Company in Chicago
By admin | January 21, 2010
Featured Casino Table Rentals Company in Chicago
U.S. Poker & Casino Parties designs and hosts your casino event with all of the games you would find in Las Vegas and Monte Carlo: Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Craps, Roulette, Big Money Wheel, Baccarat and much more!
Whether you’re gathering for a convention, trade show, sales conference, or a team building function, your guests will enjoy the realistic atmosphere of our private casino.
Contact Melissa Garski of U.S. Poker & Casino Parties and please mention HERESCHICAGO.COM
Topics: Chicago Party Rentals, Entertainers | Comments Off
Top 3 Chicago Tables/Tabletop Rental Companies
By admin | January 21, 2010
Hereschicago.com’s Directory of the Top 3 Chicago Tables/Tabletop Rentals
AAA Rental System
Since 1927 the AAA family has been in the customer service business. We rent equipment that is used for both large and small parties, events and festivals throughout the Chicago area and on occasion, nationally. Our inventory is rented by the pro’s! Major concert events, film production crews, presidents, diplomats and even royalty have enlisted our services for their special event rental needs. You too can rent directly from the most complete event equipment inventory in the midwest. We have been a part of mini and mega events for generations.
M&M, The Special Events Company
M&M is essentially an extension of your event team, providing: Tenting, Tables & Chairs, Linen, Table Settings, Décor, Floral and more! With more than 150,000 square feet of event equipment and over 150 event professionals, fleet drivers and installers, M&M works closely with you making your events a spectacular success!
Classic Party Rentals
Classic Chicago Party Rental is the Midwest’s largest event rental company and among the largest in the country. Our 35 plus years of experience combined with our wide selection of event and food service equipment along with our extensive inventory of tents and clearspan structures can accommodate all types of events. Classic Party Rentals has many target markets which include corporate functions, weddings, outdoor celebrations, catered affairs, fundraising galas, home entertaining and large scale national events. Since we are one of the largest special event rental companies in the country, we have the ability to offer the latest inventory of tents, structures, lighting, climate control, power capabilities, tables, chairs, glassware, flatware, dinnerware, etc
Visit Hereschicago.com’s direcory of Table Rentals in Chicago, Chicago Table Rentals, tabletop Rentals in Chicago, Chicago Casino Table Rentals, moonwalk rentals in chicago, chair covers rental in chicago, table linen rental in Chicago, tent rental in Chicago, bounce house rentals in Chicago and furniture rentals in Chicago.
Topics: Chicago Banquet Halls, Chicago Event Planning, Chicago Wedding Space, Meeting and Event Services | Comments Off
Lexington College is hosting the annual “Taste of Lexington”
By admin | January 15, 2010
CHICAGO – Lexington College is hosting the annual “Taste of Lexington.” The event will be held on Thursday, March 11 from 5 – 7pm at the West Loop campus. The evening’s event raises scholarship funds for the next generation of women leaders in the hospitality industry. This year’s theme, “Especially For You” focuses on Lexington’s personalized education and expertise in the art of hospitality. The College welcomes guests that include community leaders, hospitality industry professionals, educators, prospective students, and executives of hospitality related businesses in the Chicagoland area.
The event provides an opportunity to meet students, faculty and staff, tour campus facilities, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by our students. Learn about degree specializations in Hospitality Management and our personalized education that makes Lexington a singular institution..
Gale Gand, nationally acclaimed pastry chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality will make a special guest appearance and sign her latest book, entitled Gale Gand’s Brunch!
Why Lexington?
Lexington College, the world’s premier all-women’s hospitality management degree-granting college, educates students to work in all aspects of hospitality management. Lexington is an accredited, four year institution, providing students with an enriching, personalized education. At Lexington, by providing real-life experience and a rich academic program, we prepare women to be confident and experienced professionals in the hospitality management industry. Students are attracted by a rigorous curriculum, strong industry partnerships, paid internships and a 100% job placement rate for graduates seeking employment within three months of graduation.
About Lexington College
As one of the top hospitality schools in Chicago, Lexington College grants a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Hospitality Management and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Hospitality Management. Students pursuing the BAS select a concentration in culinary arts, event planning, hotel/restaurant management, or health care and wellness.
For sponsorship opportunities, to register for the event, or for more information, please contact Megan Goggin at 312.226.6294 x228 or pr@lexingtoncollege.edu.
Hereschicago.com is a supporter of hospitality students
Topics: Entertainers | Comments Off
HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO FEATURES A SPECIAL RATE FOR CHICAGOLAND COMMUTERS THIS WINTER
By admin | January 14, 2010
HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO FEATURES A SPECIAL RATE FOR CHICAGOLAND COMMUTERS THIS WINTER
Chicago, IL—To ease some stress due to late nights at the office and frequent inclement weather hitting the Chicagoland area, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, announces a special rate of $79 for Chicagoland commuters from now until April 10, 2010. This exclusive rate also includes a discounted $15 overnight parking rate and some available “survival” toiletries like a razor, shaving cream, toothbrush and other emergency supplies. Combined with numerous dining options and convenient services/amenities, guests won’t have to step outside until the next day. The rate is based on availability, and valid for Chicagoland residents only, until April 10, 2010. For reservations, contact Hyatt Regency Chicago at 800.233.1234 or at www.chicagoregency.hyatt.com and mention or enter special offer code WARM when making your reservation.
About Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago, the largest hotel in the Midwest and Hyatt property in the world, features 2,019 guestrooms, 228,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and six restaurants and lounges. The hotel is located at 151 East Wacker Drive, along Chicago’s Riverwalk in the heart of downtown. Hyatt Regency Chicago borders the Magnificent Mile and is only blocks away from Chicago’s premier business, cultural and shopping districts. For reservations, visit www.chicagohyatt.com call 800.233.1234.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of September 30, 2009, the company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 415 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
Topics: Entertainers | Comments Off
Dave & Buster’s Chicago for Client Outings
By admin | January 7, 2010
Dave & Buster’s Gold Coast
1030 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610
Virtual Site Visit of our private event space: WATCH OUR VIDEO
We’re the answer to the same-old, same-old corporate event! Take great meeting space, delicious menus, unique event areas, and add a reputation for great service, fun teambuilding events, signature drinks, lively bars, world-class billiards and shuffleboard, and 200+ games and simulators, and you’ve found D&B – the perfect something-for-everyone place!
Oak Room (banquet): 100 dining, 150 reception, 175 theater. $150 rental includes LCD projector, screen, podium, microphone, and dedicated service staff.
Viewpoint 1 (billiards): 30 dining, 45 reception. $30 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (1 table), snooker (1 table), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.
Executive Billiards (billiards): 30 dining, 45 reception. $50 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (2 tables), shuffleboard (1 table), a private television and dedicated service staff.
Viewpoint 2 (billiards): 75 dining, 100 reception. $60 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (5 tables), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.
Viewpoint 3 (billiards): 45 dining, 65 reception. $40 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (3 tables), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.
Lower Level: Capacity of 500. Lower Level rental agreemetns are custom created and have no fixed rental fee.
Total Capacity of Venue:
2000.
Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes
F&B minimum to reserve / use the room (s):
No
Our most Important Target Market is?
We cater to events for any and all segments – every group is valued!
We are most proud of our ability to?
Deliver quality, value, fun, and the unexpected. We put the fun back into your function! Our job is to make your job easier.
We are famous with customers for our ability to?
Offer versatile meeting, event, and teambuilding space that’s both fun and functional and exceeds expectations. We pride ourselves on being flexible – we can handle most any request!
Unlike our competition, we offer customers?
The perfect something-for-everyone location. We have beautiful private rooms, chef-crafted buffets, lively bars, billiards, and over 200 games all under one huge roof.
We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best?
Service. Our job is to make your job as easy as possible. We also love hearing our guests talk about our wow! factor … walking through our doors really is an experience!
Our company enhances customer lives by offering?
Assurance that their Dave & Buster’s event will be well organized, well executed, and a downright good time for everyone!
We offer our customers the best?
Experience.
Contact Dave & Buster’s Gold Coast Chicago for your upcoming holiday party, corporate meeting, client outing, team building activity, birthday party, or bachelor/bachelorette party!
Topics: Entertainers | Comments Off
Fado Irish Pub Downtown Chicago Company Party Space
By admin | January 7, 2010
Fado Irish Pub Chicago – Located in Chicago’s Downtown River North
100 W Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
Virtual Site Visit of our private event space: WATCH OUR VIDEO
Fado Irish Pub is an authentic Irish Pub Located in downtown Chicago. A unique venue to plan a corporate event, client, friends or family gathering. Our warm and welcoming pub creates a casual atmosphere for celebration, while staff delivers the best of food, drink and Irish hospitality. A good choice if you’re looking for an escape from other more traditional banquet places.
Total Capacity and Names of Fado Irish Pub Group Rooms (if applicable):
1.Cottage – 35 guest
2.Mezzanine – 35 guest
3.Gaelic – 45 guest
4.Purty Loft – 150 guest
5.The Whole Shebang – 400 guest
Total Capacity of Venue:
400
Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes
Topics: Entertainers | Comments Off
Anita Dee Yacht Charters Offers Meeting & Event Planners Special Incentives
By admin | January 6, 2010
Happy New Year! Now is the time that clients start planning their Spring and Summer Events. Anita Dee Yacht Charters would like to take this opportunity to reach out and let you know about the special incentives we have for referring our venues to your clients. Anita Dee understands that there are many different venues to choose from when hosting an event and we truly appreciate any referrals.
We offer all event and meeting specialists a 10% commission based on the hourly rental rate of our yachts when you book and plan an event with us. If you book more than three events in one year, your commission goes up to 15%.
Katherine Piotrowski – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me
Topics: Chicago Charter Boats, Chicago Event Planning | Comments Off
Rockit Ranch Wrigleyville launches series of nightly events
By admin | January 6, 2010
Rockit Ranch Productions’ (Sunda, The Underground, Rockit Bar & Grill) CEO Billy Dec returns to his old North Side stomping grounds by launching an exciting series of fan-requested nightly events at Rockit Wrigley (3700 N. Clark Street) beginning Friday, January 8.
The Chicago nightlife veteran / restaurateur explains, “Through caring service and interaction with over 10,000 customers a week at all our venues, asking for feedback on facebook and from my followers on twitter, and reading customer comments online, I put together the ultimate weekly line-up according to my clientele’s wishes, so I already know they love it- they told me so!” Check out the highlights in image below, with rest of press release to follow!!!!
Fridays – Karaoke! Tired of Karaoke only on weeknights? No problem! Rockit Wrigley now has one of the only weekend Karaoke nights in Chicago with special prizes and giveaways if you rock.
Saturdays – Rock DJ Mash Up Party! You want a let-loose party night? Well then, Billy Dec is bringing it to you every Saturday night along with his favorite DJs mashing rock with all genres! (Plan on surprise performances from local talent who find Billy on twitter, as there is a private pre-party for those who follow him on Twitter.
Sundays – Live Music. We respect and appreciate the ever-present talent pool of Chicago’s musicians so Rockit Wrigley is providing a platform for them to jam and guests to enjoy! Comfort food and drink specials, games on TVs, and acclaimed musicians making special cameo appearances are all part of the package.
Mondays –50%-Off Wine and More! OK wine lovers- we hear you! Rockit Wrigley now nods its head in the direction of viticulture, featuring 50%-off wine (bottles and glass pours) with complimentary wine tastings brought to your table by guest pourers, wine makers and vineyard owners from around the world offering unique wines with contemporary comfort food wine-friendly specials. Fun, educational and delicious!
Tuesdays – All Skate. Everyone loves the Ice Rink at Wrigley Field across the street. On Tuesdays it’s half-off, and so are Rockit Wrigley’s new winter warm-up drinks (with or without alcohol) including Chocolate Perfection, Super Cider and the Peppermint Paddy. We also treat ice skaters to half-off kid’s menu items and homemade soups all week long.
Wednesdays – You Cook It! You want our award-winning recipes? OK! Here’s a fun and unique “eat what you make” cooking class taught by Executive Chef Gottwald! Students choose favorite items from Rockit’s varied menu, get into the kitchen, learn about ingredients, techniques and tricks-of-the trade, and then serve their masterpiece in the dining room to their awaiting friends and family! The best part—the class is free (guests pay for food and beverage). Space is limited, so book in advance!
Thursdays – Cub-aholics Anonymous. Apparently during off-season feelings of listlessness, abandonment and general malaise fill the hearts of Cubs and Wrigley Field fans, so Rockit Wrigley is launching a Cubs Fan support group. Join a lively Cub-friendly social scene to celebrate all things Cubs with sports media, ball players, giveaways and a nice view of Wrigley Field across the street.
Second Annual Chilifest Benefits Greater Chicago Food Depository – During Rockit’s Second Annual Chilifest, January 18-22, a portion of all sales of bowls of chili will benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization dedicated to battling hunger in Chicago, culminating in an exciting karaoke fundraising event for the food bank hosted by Billy Dec at Rockit Wrigley on Friday, January 22 from 8 p.m. to 2a.m. with a V.I.P. and media reception 8 to 9 p.m.
Rockit Wrigley is located at 3700 North Clark Street and is open Monday through Wednesday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday and Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Valet parking is available, delivery is available on grubhub.com and the private party room overlooking Wrigley Field is available before and after all Cubs games.
For more information or if you would like to plan a group outing, special event or pre Cub game meeting or client outing, contact Nicole Salerno, Director of Events for Rockit Ranch and mention Hereschicago.com
Topics: Chicago Corporate Meetings, Meeting Spaces and Places, Restaurants, Wrigley Rooftops | Comments Off
