MAY STREET MARKET                                                               
1132 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, Ill.
(312) 421-5547

Summer Menu Starters from May Street Market

Enjoy fresh, new summer menu selections from chef Alex Cheswick at May Street Market. Try Grilled Watermelon Salad, yellow watermelon shooter, mixed baby greens, avocado jalapeño Key Lime vinaigrette, candied cashews and local aged cheddar ($6/$12); Pork Belly, Caramel Corn, 12-hour braised pork belly, corn polenta, caramel popcorn and cherry cola reduction ($8); and Stuffed Dates and Chorizo, wrapped in Applewood smoked bacon, smoked onion purée and roasted marinated peppers ($5/$10). 

New summer entrées include May Street Market’s signature Duck Burger, local cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, port wine figs, truffle aioli and French fries or salad ($14; $19 with foie gras); Barbecue Smoked Pork Shoulder, 12-hour bourbon braised, ginger, coconut milk, Korean barbecue, artichoke heart purée and purple sticky rice ($16); Grilled Tilapia, Blue Corn Calamari, braised hearts of Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, artichoke purée and olive spread ($16); Sous Vide Hanger Steak, 45-minute poached at 141 degrees F, with summer carrot salad, French fries and chipotle sauce ($19/$11); and Vegan Organic Silken Tofu, Eggplant Jacket, purple sticky rice, organic white miso hearts of palm purée, cilantro, salad, wasabi peas and tamarind candy glaze ($15). 

Cool off with sweet summer desserts from May Street Market, including Dragon’s Milk Ale Ice Cream, New Holland Brewery and crumbled Terry’s Toffee ($5); Flight of Cupcakes, chocolate five spice with peanut icing, carrot with orange ginger icing and lavender with Earl Grey icing ($6); or Local Berry Short Cake, sweet English biscuit, strawberry salad, Chantilly cream, poached rhubarb and balsamic ice cream ($7). 

Seedling Farms and May Street Market’s Very Berry Dinner in July

Peter Klein of Seedling Farms and May Street Market chef/owner Alex Cheswick host a Very Berry Dinner, a four-course prix fixe meal for just $29 per person, offered 6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, with an encore menu 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29. 

The evening begins with a Cocktail Reception, sparkling wine with wild strawberry purée. For the first course, enjoy Glazed Seared Scallops, with smoked raspberry chipotle brown butter, water chestnut purée and wasabi pea. The next course is Summer Salad with Blackberry Ice Popsicle, Greek yogurt balsamic dressing, blackberry preserve and Grape Nut granola. Entrée choices include Sous Vide Hanger Steak, with risotto from blueberries and Tellagio cheese and berry basil pesto, or Grilled Tilapia with Black Olive Crust, gooseberry emulsion, braised summer squash and pistachio polenta. For dessert, enjoy Berry Gazpacho with rhubarb sorbet, organic steel oats crumble and wild honey ice cream. 

Three Course Prix Fixe Menu at May Street Market Six Nights Each Week

Enjoy May Street Market’s affordable three-course, $25 prix fixe menu, offered Monday through Saturday evening, and with BYOB Monday through Wednesday. Chef/owner Alex Cheswick hand selects each ingredient for the meal.

For appetizer, choose between Summer Salad, mixed baby greens, local mesclun, avocado jalapeño lime vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes and candied cashews; Local Vegetable Gazpacho; Pork Belly, Caramel Corn, 12-hour braised pork belly, corn polenta, caramel pop corn, cherry cola reduction and pickled cabbage; or Blue Corn Calamari, cilantro vinaigrette and banana chipotle aioli.  

Main course choices include Barbecue, Smoked Pork Shoulder, 12-hour bourbon braised, ginger, coconut milk, Korean barbecue, artichoke heart purée, purple sticky rice, scallion and cilantro salad; Grilled Tilapia, braised romaine lettuce, tomatoes, artichoke purée and olive spread; Grilled Half Chicken with Moroccan spices, cilantro buttered corn on the cob and couscous salad; or Vegan Organic Silken Tofu, Eggplant Jacket, purple sticky rice, red curry hearts of palm purée, carrot and chili salad.

End the meal with a choice of dessert, including Dragon’s Milk Ale Ice Cream, New Holland Brewery and crumbled Terry’s Toffee; Flight of Cupcakes, chocolate five spice with peanut icing, carrot with orange ginger icing and lavender with Earl Grey icing; or Strawberry Short Cake, sweet English biscuit, Strawberry Salad, Chantilly cream, poached rhubarb and balsamic ice cream. 

Thursday Deals

Every Thursday evening, join May Street Market to kick-off the weekend early with Half Price Bottles on its complete wine list.

About May Street Market

May Street Market is a contemporary American restaurant, located at 1132 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago. Chef Alex Cheswick delivers fresh food, hand-selected from local farmers and markets in Chicago to serve in May Street Market’s warm and friendly atmosphere at affordable prices. The restaurant is open for dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday. May Street Market welcomes parties and banquets, and also offers its complete menu for carry out. For more information or to make a reservation, contact general manager Hamid Benna at (312) 421-5547 or visit www.maystreetmarket.com.

For a complete resource for Chicago restaurants with event space and Chicago event locations for your next party, event or meeting, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s #1 online resource for party, meeting and event planners

CHICAGO (May 2, 2010) – On Thursday, June 3rd, Sassy Moms in the City is hosting a fundraising event for Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) where proceeds will benefit NPN’s new website initiatives which is scheduled to launch this fall. The revamped website will be more user-friendly and equipped with new features members have been requesting for years!

This fabulous and philanthropic evening, hosted at Old Town Social will offer moms a night out with friends, Absolut cosmos, passed hors d’oeuvres, swag bag, ticket to Sex and the City 2, transportation to theater and access to fabulous prizes! Event starts promptly at 5:00 pm at Old Town Social located at 455 West North Chicago, IL 60610.

Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago (NPN) is the largest organized parent resource network with over 4,000 members in the city of Chicago. NPN is a neighborhood organization dedicated to offering families information, resources and community support. As the trusted source for parent-to-parent interaction, support and guidance for nearly 30 years, NPN has helped strong families build strong communities!

If you are interested in attending the event, register today at http://sassymomsgiveback.eventbrite.com.

By becoming a sponsor, your generosity will benefit NPN, as well as gain exposure to sassy, sophisticated moms who will be in attendance at the event. For sponsorship opportunities and benefits contact Alison Ray at sassymominthecity@gmail.com or call 312.342.1698.

About Sassy Moms in the City
Sassy Moms in the City is the premiere resource and social event group for sassy, sophisticated moms and expectant moms who live in the Windy City. Sassy Moms was created to host fundraising events for organizations that support moms, parents, family and community outreach in the city of Chicago.

If you are a non-profit organization and would like Sassy Moms in the City to host an event on your organization’s behalf, contact sassymominthecity@gmail.com.

Last week, the Governor Quinn met with some of McCormick Place’s largest show customers, union officials, hotel and restaurant industry representatives and the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. Afterwards, Bureau CEO Tim Roby said, “Governor Quinn clearly understands it is about jobs and the importance of the convention industry and tourism. The city can retain most of the trade shows now on the fence, pick up as many as 11 more and win some corporate meeting business if the bill is signed. That business could generate close to $1 billion in spending locally.”

The Governor’s office recently issued a statement saying in part, “While this is a complex bill, Gov. Quinn is committed to making sure reform is handled correctly and understands that action must be taken quickly during these difficult economic times.”

The Governor has three options – a total veto (considered unlikely), signature (bill becomes law immediately) or what is known as an Amendatory Veto. With the last option the Governor can return the bill to the General Assembly with specific recommendations for change. The specific recommendations may be accepted by a majority vote of each chamber or it can be overridden by a three-fifths vote. If this action were to take place after the General Assembly has adjourned for the spring session, a vote to accept or override the Amendatory Veto might not take place until November delaying the bill becoming law by almost 6 months.

We need a signature NOW – without any changes by the Governor as soon as possible. If you have yet to contact the Governor, send an email or telephone his office today! If you have already reached out to him, please do it again. Please do not let this moment slip away.

Send an email to: pat.quinn@illinois.gov
• http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm

Or call him at 312-814-2121 or 217-782-6830.

Please include the following in your communication to the Governor:

1. Tell him who you are and your role in this industry and/or why this bill is important to you (you employ X amount of people, your show has an economic impact of X, you are a small business, etc.).
2. Express your appreciation for his leadership and past support (Remember, he went public back in January calling for reforms).
3. Ask him to sign Senate Bill 28 immediately without changes.
4. Remind him that this bill is about economic development and will result in more jobs and taxes.
5. Express that time is of the essence, our customers will not wait much longer.
6. Thank him for his consideration.

On behalf of the entire Chicago meetings, events and most importantly the Chicago hospitality industry, thank you!

Jim Grillo, CMP

www.hereschicago.com

ROUTE 66 made its spectacular debut in 1994 in The Netherlands under the direction of Leslie Gray and proved to be a success in a wide variety of venues all over Europe, performing to a ’standing room only’ audience in the 9,000 seat AHOY amphitheatre in Rotterdam as well as intimate dinner parties, trade shows and corporate events. In addition, ROUTE 66 appeared on several popular television shows, sang back-up for major Dutch pop artists and was a featured headliner in a well-known theme park located on the German border. Leslie returned to the United States in 1996 and recreated this successful group here in Chicago.

This fabulously entertaining quartet crooned on WTMX as guests of the Eric & Kathy show and on WGN radio as guests of the Dean Richards show; raised the roof of the United Center for Bulls games; had the special honor of singing the National Anthem for the Chicago Bears Game at Soldier Field; appeared on the WGN morning show singing their beautiful a cappella rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of the 4th of July; helped kick off the Solar Car Exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry and contributed their unique 40’s USO style to many corporate events at the U505 submarine exhibit; created a buzz for tradeshow clients such as the International Housewares show at McCormick Place; entertained at a “Support Our Troops” fundraiser in Bartlett and at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Lake Bluff; represented Kraft, lighting up Daley Plaza with their fantastic harmonies as they helped launch their new product; traveled to Washington DC to help liven up the annual Mass Mutual Convention and to Milwaukee for Northwestern Mutual, and were back in Chicago at Soldier Field for State Farm; and are a favorite at corporate events, private parties, summer festivals and holiday celebrations throughout Chicagoland, from Batavia to Wilmette to Olympia Fields!

ROUTE 66 appeals to audiences of all ages! Their versatility allows them to offer clients a wide range of performance options, from an a cappella repertoire during a cocktail hour to a complete stage show with music, costumes and choreography – making them suitable for any venue, large or small. ROUTE 66 also offers an a cappella repertoire of traditional holiday carols and contemporary holiday classics in November and December especially for the festive season!

Click here for more details or to contact Route 66 for your next special event, party, corporate event or tradeshow

CHICAGO – Lexington College, a premier hospitality college, is hosting commencement ceremonies at the Merit School of Music in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, May 19.

Lexington College will grant Janice L. Fields, President of McDonald’s USA, LLC an honorary Hospitality Management Bachelor’s degree at Lexington’s 32nd Commencement. The honoris causa signifies that in her decades of leadership in the restaurant industry, Janice L. Fields, has completed the course of study leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management. For her years leading employees to reach the highest standards of service and team work, for her commitment to building entrepreneurial success, and for her commitment to building the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry, Lexington College awards this degree.

In the role of President, Ms. Fields is responsible for the strategic direction and overall business results of the 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants in the United States. Previously, Ms. Fields was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw the operations of the U.S. McDonald’s restaurants. Since beginning her career as a crew member in 1978, Ms. Fields has worked at all levels of the company, from the restaurants to management. An advocate for people development, she is actively involved in the company’s mentoring and diversity programs. Ms. Fields has been named to Forbes’ 2008 and 2009 lists of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business 2007, 2008 and 2009 lists, the Wall Street Journal’s 50 Women to Watch 2007 list, and Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2007 and 2009 list Women to Watch.

Graduation festivities begin at the College on Wednesday May, and will include Lexington’s annual President’s Breakfast honoring the graduates, followed by an all college Awards Ceremony recognizing students, faculty, and staff achievement. On May 19, the Commencement Ceremony will include a keynote address to graduates by Ted Beilman, EVP of Kehe Food Distributors. Graduates will be joined by fellow students, faculty, alumnae guests, families, and members of the hospitality industry.

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
Lexington College is an accredited institution, offering degrees in Hospitality Management. Specializations include event planning, hotel/restaurant management, culinary arts, and health care & wellness. New at Lexington – Event Planning Certificate, a program specifically designed for professional women wishing to enhance their skills and credentials.

For information, please contact Megan Goggin at 312.226.6294 x228 or pr@lexingtoncollege.edu.

This article brought to you by Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s meetings and special event planning resource directory

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is making ready the wall at the Monroe Street Station for the arrival of the Unicorn; a Dutch-built 63-year old, 118-foot square topsail, gaff-rigged schooner. Crewed by Sisters Under Sail, a not-for-profit on-board leadership program for teenage girls and women, the Unicorn is setting a course for the Great Lakes participating in Chicago’s Tall Ship Festival August 24-29 at Navy Pier.

The Foundation is making the Unicorn available to host two unique corporate events aboard the tall ship. The first opportunity is an early afternoon sail and luncheon on the patio, the second an evening sail and cocktail reception on the patio for 100 guests. Both events include 90-minute sails aboard the Unicorn for 12 people, ship tours, event signage, an area to exhibit an organization’s product or services and free parking, The Foundation is actively seeking corporations or interested individuals who would utilize Unicorn for one of these events.

More information can be found at: http://www.chicagoyachtclub.org/viewCustomPage.aspx?id=60

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is an Illinois 501(c)(3) organization. A portion of your donation may be tax deductible; consult your tax advisor.

Bandoleros
IL

Bandoleros, Chicago’s renowned Middle Eastern, Spanish Flamenco and Latin Rhythm Band is perfect for corporate events, private parties, weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, company parties, social events and any meeting or event seeking to add the flavor of Flamenco. The Bandoleros are one of the most well known bands in Chicago and if you book them, you will experience what all of Chicago is raving about!

For more details or to book the Bandoleros for your event, visit our listing:

Click here to email Ron Levine, Bandoleros Manager

Visionary Founded hinton+grusich, Initiated Association Forum of Chicagoland’s Holiday Showcase

Dave Hinton

Chicago, IL – March 24, 2010   hinton+grusich (h+g), a national sales organization that represents upscale hotels, destinations and hospitality suppliers that serve the meetings industry announced that its founder Dave Hinton passed away on Monday.   A longtime figure of the hospitality and association community, Hinton served as President of hinton+grusich until his retirement in 2003.

Hinton began his hotel sales career in Washington, DC at The Shoreham Hotel in 1966.  An entrepreneur by nature, he and colleague Bill Grusich, who serves as the firm’s current president, launched hinton+grusich, one of the industry’s first hotel sales representation firms, in 1986. 

Having a passion for the Chicago association community, Hinton served on the Association Forum of Chicagoland Board (then named Chicago Society of Association Executives-CSAE), and won the organization’s Supplier Partner Award in 1987 and Thiel Award in 1989. 

A long-time member of the American Association of Association Executives (ASAE), Hinton had a vision for an educational and networking event in Chicago that complemented ASAE’s Springtime in the Park trade show held annually in Washington, DC.  Among his many professional accomplishments, he helped spearhead the inaugural Association Forum of Chicagoland’s Holiday Showcase held in December, 1988 with Lou Holtz as the luncheon speaker.  Since then, the Holiday Showcase has become one of the association community’s premier events, offering a day-long educational forum and trade show to over 1000 association executives each year.  Hinton was appointed “Father Showcase” for his vision to create Holiday Showcase, an unofficial title coined by former CEO Chris Mahaffey.

Those who knew the executive say he possessed “The Midas Touch,” and he was widely known as one of the most innovative and creative thought leaders of the era in the hospitality business.   “Dave had the rare qualities of a natural-born leader.  His charisma, street smarts and political savvy led to the success of almost every initiative he took on. His networking skills and ability to influence even the most stubborn leaders are legend.  He was an industry “insider” with a larger than life presence, an air of class, a gentle spirit, and a huge heart,” stated Christie Tarantino, executive director of the Association Forum of Chicagoland.

Hinton’s son Kevin, who serves as h+g’s CEO stated: “I have been so very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from and with my father.  He was a self-made man with great vision and conviction, sales and business acumen, a great sense of humor and a talented storyteller.  He was fiercely proud of the company he worked so hard to build.  I am so proud of all that he accomplished for and within the hotel industry, and of the encouragement and mentoring he provided to so many people during their careers.”  He added, “So many within this industry touched his life, and together we will continue to realize his vision.  Dave’s legacy is our will to continue the great work he began, not just with our company but in the hotel industry to which he contributed and loved so much.”

“Dave was a visionary, a true leader and a close friend to me and many, many others.” Bill Grusich said. “He had the foresight, passion and pure drive to improve the industry and share his successes within our business.  He will be missed dearly.”

From 1966 to 1971, Hinton worked in the sales department at The Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.  In 1972, Hinton moved his young family to the Chicago area to open the Midwest Regional Sales Office for Fairmont Hotels, which was at that time a boutique group of upscale group hotels owned by the Swig Family.  From the mid-1970’s to mid-80’s Hinton ran the Chicago office for the Krisam Group, a hotel representation company based on the East Coast.  During his tenure, he created “CARDS,” an organization and annual event designed to unify the hospitality sector named for its constituents, the Chicago Area Regional Directors of Sales.

On May 2, 1986, Dave Hinton’s vision for his own company culminated in the launch of hinton+grusich with Bill Grusich.  The company was an instant success, and a true reflection of the personalities and talents of its founders.  Though Hinton retired in 2003, he remained involved and “close to the action” through frequent calls to the business, while also providing advice and mentoring for employees.

Hinton served a multi-year term on the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau’s board of directors in 1990’s, and earned a place in the Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter’s Hall of Fame, when he received the Individual Hall of Fame Award in 1993.
Many colleagues, clients and partners shared their tributes.  Bill St. John, CEO of Dietary Managers Association, a long time client of h+g stated, “Dave was truly a great guy and such an important part of our industry.”

“Dave was a close friend whose passion for friends, family and his business knew no limits,” said Bob Hobart, who was among his best friends and worked with Hinton in his role at the American Medical Association. “He was tough, yet fair, and used his natural skill set to make a positive difference in every initiative he touched.  Dave will be missed sorely by many.”
Sean Dempsey, VP/Sales at Florida’s Saddlebrook Resort, which was the first hotel to hire h+g back in 1986, stated, “We always considered Dave more than a business partner; he was part of the family here and we are so proud of the many years we worked together.”

Colleagues, friends and family may visit a memorial website to share tribute to Mr. Hinton:  http://www.respectance.com/Dave_Hinton/.

Dave Hinton resided in the Chicago suburb of La Grange, IL, where he lived for 38 years, and where he and his wife Barbara raised their family. He is survived by his 5 children (David, Kevin, Sean, Keri and Mark) 9 brothers and sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hinton’s wake services will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street in La Grange, IL, Thursday, 5:00pm to 8:00pm and Friday, 3:00pm to 9:00pm.

The funeral ceremony will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 124 N. Spring in La Grange, Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David and Barbara Hinton Scholarship Fund at St. Ignatius College Prep High School, 1076 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608.  This endowment was established in 2000 after his wife, Mrs. Barbara Hinton passed away to provide a perpetual scholarship for minority students in need.

For more information, visit hintonandgrusich.com or call 800.783.7350.
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About hinton+grusich
Founded in 1986, hinton+grusich (hintonandgrusich.com) is a national sales organization that represents upscale hotels, destinations and hospitality suppliers that serve the meetings industry.  Offering a cost-free approach to finding the right hotel, the firm creates efficiency and buying power for professionals who plan meetings through one point-of-contact.  Its team of experts provides timely pricing and availability information, first-hand destination feedback, and relevant insight for meeting professionals nationwide.

hinton+grusich represents over 150 upscale, primarily independent hotels, six convention bureaus, and seven industry partners within their “partners+” collection. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm offers four regional offices and nine national sales managers furnishing regional and market-specific support to meeting professionals.

As longtime supporters of hospitality, philanthropic and civic organizations, members of the hinton+grusich management team currently serve in volunteer leadership positions with MPI, ASAE and SITE.   For more information, visit hintonandgrusich.com or call 800.783.7350.

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Media contact for hinton+grusich:  
Gretchen Kihm-Stegall | Trifecta Marketing Resources, LLC
847.681.0506 | gretchen@trifectaresources.com

As charitable contributions decline due to the poor economy, many non-profit and not-for-profit organizations are turning to the dynamic, results-delivering entertainment of America’s Pop Standards Sensation Peter Oprisko to help boost donations at (and interest in) their annual fundraisers.
  
Chicago-based Oprisko, nationally-known as “The American Michael Buble,” is gratified by the strong demand for his services.  “The requests to be an integral part of these important events are extremely flattering and humbling, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to perform on behalf of so many worthy causes,” said Oprisko, whose talents and abilities helped Chicago’s Queen of Martyrs school raise $30,000 for student textbooks at their annual fundraiser on Saturday, February 13.

Oprisko’s performances have also contributed to recent fundraising successes for numerous other organizations including Rotary International(November 6th),  Cure MS(November 13), Believers Together(February 6th), and Lewis University, which held its 11th annual Signum Fidei Celebration at Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton on September 12th that raised $140,000 for scholarships.

Oprisko, who deeply discounts his performance fee in deference to all charities and 503(c) organizations,  provided each fundraiser with a world-class, customized live musical ensemble(ranging from quintet to big band) to accompany his acclaimed vocal performances that featured an audience-pleasing variety of pop, jazz, and standards popularized by Michael Buble, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Barbra Striesand, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, and Harry Connick, Jr. among many others.

Chicago-based America’s Best Pop, Jazz, & Standards featuring Peter Oprisko and his ensembles is the area’s most popular and reliable source of high-quality, fun, live musical entertainment for corporate events and other occasions. The top choice of event planners, destination firms, companies, and private clients for more than a decade, Peter’s astounding track-record(an average of 300 successful events/year) speaks for itself.

For more information or to contact Peter Oprisko – Please mention you found him on Hereschicago.com

HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings ® Mid-America is your one stop shop for two days of the education, contacts and vendor resources you need to produce successful, cost-effective meetings and events. You can’t afford to miss Mid-America, Navy Pier, Chicago, April 14-15, 2010. New for 2010! Concurrent educational seminar tracks tailored specifically for the intermediate and advanced meeting planner, plus an Event Technology Expo track featuring cutting-edge educational sessions taught by technology experts. Register your entire meeting’s department. There is an educational track for every level of planner. Visit www.affordablemeetings.com for complete information.