(CHICAGO) March 22, 2006 — The award-winning Shula’s Steak House located at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers has recently introduced a new lunch menu.  The steak house, famous for its Certified Angus Beef^® and seafood, is named and themed after legendary Coach Don Shula and his perfect season with the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only perfect season in NFL history.

In keeping with its signature king-sized portions, the new Shula’s lunch menu features “Knife and Fork Sandwiches,” which require both utensils to enjoy.  Priced at $12-$17 sandwiches include a Crab Cake Sandwich, Philly Cheesesteak and the classic Certified Angus Burger.  The menu also boasts mouthwatering appetizers, soups and salads.  And for true Shula’s fans, entrees from the original dinner menu are served in smaller lunch-sized portions.

“We are so excited to be opening Shula’s doors for lunch,” said Rick Ueno, general manager of Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.  “There is a large lunch-time crowd here in Chicago that now will be able to enjoy the quality of Shula’s on their break from work or shopping.”

Shula’s Steak Houses, which ranks as one of the top steakhouses in America, was founded in 1989 in Miami Lakes.  The Chicago restaurant is one of 16 Shula’s Steak Houses including, New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Orlando.  Shula’s Steak House is known for its unique menu display, hand painted on an official NFL football, and for its 48-oz Club, honoring those who bravely ordered the 48-ounce Porterhouse.  The 48-oz Club proudly has 29,000 members.

Lunch hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  Due to the popularity of Shula’s Steak House, it is highly recommended that you make reservations by calling 312-670-0788.  All major credit cards accepted.  Located at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water St.  For further information visit www.sheratonchicago.com/shulas.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, at 301 East North Water Street, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is ideally situated on the Chicago River, within walking distance of Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping, Millennium Park, Loop business district and more. This premier meetings & convention hotel features 120,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, including a 40,000 square-foot ballroom (the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest), 34 breakout rooms, and a 35,000 square-foot exhibit hall. The hotel’s 1,209 guest rooms and suites feature spectacular views and Sheraton’s ultra-comfortable Sweet Sleeper(SM) bed.  The hotel also features five distinctive restaurants and lounges, including Shula’s Steak House, one of America’s favorites.  Other amenities include a full-service business center, concierge, health club with massage therapy, sun deck and an indoor pool. 

CHICAGO – (February 21, 2006) Chi Bar, Chicago’s chic new hot spot, has debuted at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.  Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar channels Chicago energy by bringing all the excitement and tradition of the Windy City into one luxe lounge with innovative cocktails, shareable delights and sleek ambiance. 

The high-style décor of Chi Bar, boasting contemporary shades of cobalt blue and amber, deep mahogany wood paneling, plush leather chairs and sofas and attractive servers, creates a sophisticated, “seen and be seen” vibe.  Chi Bar wows patrons with floor-to-ceiling jeweled toned windows offering sweeping views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  An impressive display of 15 plasma screen televisions, ranging in size from 20” to 60,” features a continuous loop of video known as “plasma art.”  During evening hours bar goers can marvel at the world-acclaimed architecture of Chicago while the late-night crowd will see the atmosphere of Chi Bar transform with a more intriguing display enhanced by up-tempo music pumped through a cutting-edge sound system.  Computer-controlled lighting intermingles to ensure the perfect atmosphere is always maintained. 

“Chi Bar is not just ‘another’ bar opening in Chicago.  Its modern design, chic city crowd, creative menus and sexy late night ambiance positions Chi Bar to become Chicago’s trendiest upscale bar,” stated Rick Ueno, general manager of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.

Already receiving rave reviews, “WOW! That bar was gorgeous, and the staff was very professional, stylish and knew their stuff.”  And a five-star rating by AOL Chicago City Guide, which states “…it triumphantly transformed into an upscale watering hole that's more lush than the average lounge.” 

Chi Bar is open weekdays from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.  For reservations at Chi Bar call (312) 755-2227 or visit www.chibarchicago.com.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, at 301 East North Water Street, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is ideally situated on the Chicago River, within walking distance of Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping, Millennium Park, Loop business district and more. This premier meetings & convention hotel features 120,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, including a 40,000 square-foot ballroom (the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest), 34 breakout rooms, and a 35,000 square-foot exhibit hall. The hotel’s 1,209 guest rooms and suites feature spectacular views and Sheraton’s ultra-comfortable Sweet Sleeper(SM) bed.  The hotel also features five distinctive restaurants and lounges, including Shula’s Steak House, one of America’s favorites.  Other amenities include a full-service business center, concierge, health club with massage therapy, sun deck and an indoor pool. 

(CHICAGO) – February 21, 2006 –Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is poised to complete a nearly $20 million renovation to this premier property at the end of March 2006, when the last of the hotel’s 1,209 newly designed accommodations is unveiled.  In addition to the revamped guestrooms and suites, the refurbishment also included the hallways, lobby, Exhibition Hall, Club Lounge, health club and the hotel’s chic new hot spot, Chi Bar.  Java Bar also made a splash onto to the scene this year replacing the Waves Lobby Bar.

“Renovating a hotel of this size and not disturbing service was no easy feat,” said Rick Ueno, general manager of the hotel.  “I am pleased we were able to accomplish this task and am excited to see the final touches being made.  The enhancements made over the last two years will advance the hotel within its competitive set and ensure the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers remains a driving force in the market and the premier convention hotel in the city.”

Over the past two years, the hotel has invested millions to further enhance the guest’s experience in the Windy City.  An estimated $8 million was spent upgrading guest accommodations including luxurious soft linens, new carpeting, moldings and modern furniture.  High-tech elements were also added to the hotel’s Club guestrooms, which are now outfitted with 37” LCD HD televisions.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the hotel is the hot new luxe lounge, Chi Bar, which arrived on the scene in January.  Designed by renowned architect, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar channels Chicago energy by bringing all the excitement and tradition of the Windy City into one sophisticated bar for innovative cocktails, shareable bar food and sleek ambiance. 

Java Bar debuted in September and offers Starbuck’s creations and coffee-inspired cocktails and desserts.  The newly carpeted 35,000 square foot Exhibition Hall was completed in the spring of 2005 which provides guests the option of maximizing space by dividing the room into two separate areas.  The newly transformed lobby included all new furnishings and lighting throughout as well as wireless high-speed Internet access.

Rounding out the renovation, the bi-level Club Lounge was completed in the spring of 2005 offering complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.  With more and more guests hitting the gym, the hotel’s enhancements to the health club were completed in the summer of 2005 and included the installation of all new Life Fitness equipment.

For reservations at Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers call (312) 464-1000 or visit www.sheratonchicago.com.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, at 301 East North Water Street, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is ideally situated on the Chicago River, within walking distance of Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping, Millennium Park, Loop business district and more. This premier meetings & convention hotel features 120,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, including a 40,000 square-foot ballroom (the largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest), 34 breakout rooms, and a 35,000 square-foot exhibit hall. The hotel’s 1,209 guest rooms and suites feature spectacular views and Sheraton’s ultra-comfortable Sweet Sleeper(SM) bed.  The hotel also features five distinctive restaurants and lounges, including Shula’s Steak House, one of America’s favorites.  Other amenities include a full-service business center, concierge, health club with massage therapy, sun deck and an indoor pool. 

Most of us know Leonardo da Vinci as an artist – the painter of masterpieces like The Last Supper and Mona Lisa.

Yet, Leonardo’s brilliance extended far beyond the paintbrush. He was a prolific scientist and inventor whose curiosity about the world knew no bounds. From his detailed studies of engineering, to his revolutionary concepts on human flight, Leonardo’s creative genius lives on today.

Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius offers an immersive journey through more than 60 models of Leonardo’s most innovative designs – all produced in vivid detail from his original drawings.

INTERACT with animated computer models of Leonardo’s most fascinating discoveries.

RELIVE the life of Leonardo in a dramatic film highlighting the man and his creative spirit.

EXAMINE current examples of technology that are inspired by Leonardo’s work.

MEET some “modern day” Leonardo da Vincis who embody the spirit of the Renaissance master himself.

EXPLORE the world of Leonardo as you have never seen it before through interactive models of his work.

The Westin Chicago River North’s 100 newly redecorated Westin Executive Club^® Level accommodations feature a soothing color palate boasting an oatmeal-colored chair and chaise lounge, a dark chocolate brown wooden headboard with matching drapery and soft wall coverings.  In addition to the iMAC computers, each room offers amenities to help road warriors enjoy some downtime while traveling, including a 37-inch flat-screen television and iHome iH5 iPod docking stations.  Compatible with all iPod models, guests can listen to their favorite tunes while unwinding after a day of traveling or gearing up for a day of meetings. 

The hotel’s new Westin Executive Club^® Lounge boasts sleek earth-toned furnishings and modern art that compliment the guestrooms.  The perfect spot for a quiet business meeting or simply to relax, the lounge offers comfortable, intimate seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen televisions and a library of magazines and Chicago literature.  Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. the lounge serves complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres as well as a well-stocked honor bar.  Guests of the Westin Executive Club Level will also have access to the WestinWORKOUT^® Powered by Reebok Gym, a private concierge on-call to assist with special requests and shoe shine services at no extra cost. 

Overlooking the Chicago River, the upscale, Westin Chicago River North is located at 320 North Dearborn Street.  This beautiful, luxury property is centrally located in the heart of Chicago’s business and theatre districts and steps from Millennium Park, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping and great restaurants. The hotel’s 424 rooms and suites offer beautiful skyline views and feature Westin’s legendary Heavenly Bedâ and invigorating Heavenly Bathâ.  Offering 28,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, the hotel’s three ballrooms, eighteen meeting rooms and three conference parlors provide the ultimate in flexible function space. The hotel’s distinctive dining includes Ember Grille, Hana Lounge and Kamehachi Sushi Bar.  Other services include WestinWorkout ^® Powered by Reebok, massage therapy, concierge, and state-of-the-art business center.

For reservations please call (312) 744-1900 or visit www.westinchicago.com.  The Westin Chicago is a Planner Preferred Vendor of www.hereschicago.com

Recently, there have been significant changes in the state of Illinois surrounding the rules for hosting corporate casino nights. If a casino event does not require a fee to get in, and real money is not used (which is the case for most corporate casino events), then a State Charitable Games License is no longer required. In the past, event operators were required to hire charity volunteers and make a contribution to the charity on their behalf. With the new rule change in effect, event planners no longer have to wait for the 30-day waiting period to begin, and no longer need to rely on not-for profit organizations to provide dealers. If you're interested in hearing more, drop Marguerite a line at mmccurry@uspokerseries.com or call her directly at 312.479.5052.  Marguerite handles marketing and events for U.S. Poker Series Travelin’ Texas Hold’em and are proud Planner Preferred Vendors of www.hereschicago.com.    

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A city as large and diverse as Chicago offers almost too many options from hotels, restaurants, and cultural offerings to suit every style, not to mention every budget. But, if narrowing down all your choices seems daunting, prepare a cheat sheet for exploring the very best of the city, places even the natives steer their out-of-town relatives to for “real” Chicago moments. From well-known tourist attractions to insider secrets, some favourite Chicago places truly sum up Chicago City, as they get you exploring.

1. Birthplace of the modern skyscraper, Chicago is the perfect place to learn about, and appreciate these dramatic buildings that reach for the sky by studying its skyline. Take an architectural tour either on foot, by bus, bike or boat to ground your self in the city's history.

2. Lose your way in the Art Institute, a vast art museum that offers myriads of places for private meditation. Known worldwide for its French Impressionist collection, the Art Institute's extensive collections from all over the world have the power to transport the viewers to Renaissance Italy, ancient China, or other world cultures.

3.Spend a day chilling out on the Lakefront, as its cooler by the lake, both meteorologically and metaphorically. With 29 miles of lakefront biking, roller blading or inline skating, or simply being there. Experience Chicago at its fullest by boarding a boat that is just your speed, or a power boat or a tall masted schooner at Navy Pier for a fresh look at the city from the water. Or, put the wind in some sails by renting a yacht from Belmont Harbour's Chicago Sailing Club.

4. Listen to Music under the Stars by packing a picnic and taking the train or driving down for the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, summer home of the Chicago Symphony. Or, you can simply stay in town to enjoy free concerts in Grant Park, the city's very own front yard.

5. Catch the Blues in the world capital of blue music. Take your pick from either the collegiate atmosphere of Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park, with musicians performing continuously on two stages, or New Checkerboard Lounge, an earthy South Side roadhouse, where neighbourhood locals mingle with tourists, blues lovers all.

6. Lace up your sneakers and notice the most interesting things by walking the walk, as you let your curiosity overpower you. Take a neighbourhood walkabout for exploring Chicago's diversity. You couldn't have found a better way to experience how people live here, from Hispanic families in Pilsen, to the gay couples of Halsted Street.

7. And, when in Chicago take in a show, in one of the country's bustling theatre settings, home to a downtown Broadway-style district, anchored by some of the most beautifully restored historic theatres, and where the stage lights rarely dim. Venture beyond downtown, and there are a number of innovative independent theatre companies, that give future stars their big break, allowing the pure love of theatre to practically leap off the stage.

8. Hop a southbound Brown Line elevated train (or 'the El') to watch the city unfold as you ride the rails, cross Chicago River, and go screeching through downtown canyons.

9. Indulge in the national pastime of shopping the Town, browsing and buying your way up Michigan Avenue, or discovering one-of-a-kind boutiques in Wicker Park, along Armitage Avenue, or in one of the city's other trendy enclaves.

10. Soak in the smooth sounds of Cool Jazz at Green Mill, an atmospheric Uptown jazz club, where some of the most promising, up-and-coming performers stage their debuts. And, it won't be only the tunes that leave you spellbound, a living museum of 1930s Chicago, the club will too.

11. Bond with the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo that is small enough to explore in an afternoon, while it is varied enough to make you feel well travelled.

12. Indulge in the Chicago tradition of playing hooky of an afternoon for a baseball game, soaking up sun at Wrigley Field as you sit in the bleachers.

13. And, you couldn't get more Jurassic than meeting the most famous resident of the Field Museum i.e. mighty Sue, the largest T-rex skeleton ever uncovered. Greeting gawkers with a sharp-toothed snarl, or shall we call it a grin, she stands tall at the museum's entrance.

14. Hit the sands at Oak Street Beach, just as soon as the Michigan Avenue hotel elevator drops you down to the lobby. The water maybe chilly, even in summer, but the scene offers enough people-watching to while away a sunny afternoon.

15. See the earliest examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie-style homes, side by side with rambling Victorian villas as you explore the Wright Stuff in Oak Park for an eye-opening lesson in architectural history. While, Oak Park town with its funky shops and vibrant community spirit, makes for a great side trip.

And, that is the best cheat sheet for exploring Chicago City for some wonderful Chicago Moments! Happy exploring!

The Here’s Network is an evolution in the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition industry. We put over 75 top destinations at the fingertips of planners via our exclusive network of blogs and websites. Our philosophy is “for planners, by planners.” The Here’s Network is a true community where planners are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns in an open forum. In an industry that’s know for its rigidity and button-down approach, the Here’s Network is a breath of fresh air.

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