Chicago, IL–October 5, 2011 Meeting Professionals International, Chicago Area Chapter(MPI-CAC) – a professional association serving 1,100+ meetings industry professionals – and HeresChicago.com – an online resource for event managers -announced the creation of a strategic partnership that supports both organizations’ growth goals.

With today’s challenging business environment serving as motivation, the leaders of MPI-CACturned to their membership base in search of prospective win-win partnerships. HeresChicago.com’sCEO, Jim Grillo, was among the first to recognize the opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial arrangement with his professional association.  As the former president of MPI-CAC, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Grillo urged MPI-CAC leadership to“think outside the box” in the creation of a partnership designed to optimize respective resources and exposure.

The two-year partnership relies on the exchange of such strategic marketing activities as email campaigns, events and social media, thereby significantly expanding outreach and growth opportunities for both organizations.
MPI-CAC’s President, Char Shada, CMP, believes this partnership and partnerships like these can be a critical component to the association’s future growth, stating, “MPI-CAC is thrilled to partner with such an innovator in the meetings industry.  We look forward to working closely with HeresChicago.com toward mutual success.” She continued, “We’re hopeful that this partnership will become a long-term relationship that can serve as a positive model for other associations.”

Grillo shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “As a long-time member and past president of MPI-CAC, this partnership means a lot to me personally.  As an entrepreneur, this is a real opportunity to increase exposure while supporting my professional association.”

To learn more about MPI-CAC, visit mpicac.org or call 888-721-8908. For more information on HeresChicago.com or Jim Grillo, please visit www.HeresChicago.com or call 630.916.8000 ext. 3.

About Meeting Professionals International – and MPI-Chicago Area Chapter
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community.  MPI global membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide.  It serves its members by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces.  As the largest chapter within the 24,000+ member global Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the 1,100 member Chicago Area Chapter has connected its community of meeting and event professionals to comprehensive support, industry knowledge and business opportunities since its inception in 1976. For more information, visit mpicac.org or call 888-721-8908.

About HeresChicago.com
Launched in 2004, HeresChicago.com is Chicago’s preferred online resource for meeting and event planners seeking Chicago solutions for their meetings, events, client outings, corporate activities, ground transportation needs and meeting and event services. President and founder Jim Grillo, CMP (certified meeting professional) is an accomplished meetings industry leader.  Grillo served as President of Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter, President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association of Illinois, and as a committee member for several industry organizations. Grillo is the recipient of the 2008 Emmy Award, Alternate Media/News; 2008 Supplier Hall of Fame Award, Illinois Meetings & Events; and 2009 individual Hall of Fame Award, Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter. He is a frequent contributor to industry conferences and publications.  For more information, call 630.916.8000 ext. 3, or visit the website at www.hereschicago.com or our blogs at www.hereschicagoblog.com, www.blog.HeresChicago.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Gretchen Kihm Stegall | Trifecta Marketing Resources, LLC
Gretchen@TrifectaResources.com | 847.681.0506 | c 847.922.5931

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Dave Parulo named President & CEO of Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau 

The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau, the official destination organization for Chicago’s Northwest suburbs, is happy to announce the recent appointment of Dave Parulo as President & CEO, after serving six months as Interim President.

Parulo joined the convention bureau in 2007 as Director of Membership and Community Development. Prior to joining the bureau, Parulo enjoyed 18 years in the hotel sector working with Hilton International, Hilton and Sheraton properties in Pittsburgh PA, Minneapolis MN, Washington D.C. and Cleveland OH, holding executive positions in Sales, Food & Beverage, and Event Management.

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Parulo holds degrees from Penn State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He resides in Naperville, IL with his wife Claudia. In his spare time, he indulges his passion for tourism through extensive travel and for community service through board participation with several local charitable organizations.

About The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Bureau

The Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention bureau is the official tourism sales and marketing organization for eight Chicago Northwest Communities. The organization’s service area is comprised of over 60 hotels and more than 500 restaurants and attractions. More information about the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau is available at www.ChicagoNorthwest.com or by calling (800) 847-4849.

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Leading Industry Association Aims to Keep its Members “Current, Connected and Clicking”

Chicago, IL – October 1, 2009    Meeting Professionals International, Chicago Area Chapter (MPI-CAC), a professional association serving 1,300+ members, unveiled new online resources designed to support its mission of enhancing its members’ success.  As the largest chapter within the 24,000+ member global Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the Chicago Area Chapter has connected its community of meeting and event professionals to comprehensive support, industry knowledge and business opportunities since its inception in 1976.  Meetings, events and performance incentive travel in the United States are responsible for almost 15% of all domestic travel, generating 1 million jobs and $27 billion in wages (US Travel Association).  Recognizing the need to address continued economic challenges facing this sector, MPI-CAC has increased its support to members through its newly designed website and enhanced professional development opportunities.

The redesigned website offers user-friendly navigation, expanded search features and new communications tools, including:

access to professional development and networking events
a new easy-to-use Supplier Directory with advanced search options that expedite the process of finding members, organizations and services
an online career center offering expanded tools for students considering careers in the meetings and events industry, as well as for job seekers in the industry links to additional networking with MPI-CAC peer groups available through its blog, message board, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn real time industry news feeds a quarterly print newsletter and a bi-monthly electronic newsletter additional news and member-submitted articles on critical issues facing the meeting and event business continued access to the international MPI website’s suite of online and offline career-centric tools

Chrissy Ward, current president of MPI-CAC, is thrilled with the enhanced efforts to support members.  “As the largest Chapter within the global organization of MPI, MPI-CAC is in a great position to learn from our membership, and to turn their ideas into tools and resources.  The website redesign and many of the networking and educational events, such as the Woman’s Leadership Conference, are direct results of the ideas, passion and dedication of our members.”  She continued, “Today’s competitive environment is more reason than ever for professionals to join industry associations.  Our chapter is proud to provide education, tools, connections and resources that help our members further their career paths and achieve professional goals.”

MPI-CAC’s growing roster of professional development and networking forums offer meeting and event professionals a variety of options to assist in achieving their goals.  In fact, the MPI-CAC educational offerings, study groups, weekend retreats and online tools are designed in support of the industry’s professional certification programs:  MPI’s own Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) and the Convention Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Some of the regularly scheduled opportunities include:

MPI Educational Programs — Two-hour programs that highlight topics critical to the meeting and event industry, such as Project Management, Green Meetings and a History of Hospitality in Chicago.
MPI Knowledge Shares – sessions held simultaneously in several locales that enable attendees to share best practices and advice on hot industry topics.
MPI Networking Events – forums that facilitate connecting with colleagues and meeting new business contacts
MPI Women’s Leadership Conference — a one day educational conference focusing on career development with an emphasis on building leadership skills
MPI Annual Holiday Celebration – an evening of seasonal networking, including a raffle and silent auction
MPI Educational Conference and Awards Gala — As the Chapter’s premier educational event and awards ceremony, the one-day conference provides education and networking to planners and suppliers of all experience levels
MPI Golf Classic

– a day of social golf, followed by an evening networking reception
MPI CMP Study Groups — an interactive review weekend prior to the twice-yearly Certified Meeting Professional examination
Student Events -  special opportunities tailored toward its growing list of 100 student members including The Annual Mocktail Reception

To learn more about the benefits of MPI-CAC membership, including access to the event calendar and career center, visit MPI CAC or call 888-721-8908.

About Meeting Professionals International – and MPI-Chicago Area Chapter

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community.  It serves its members by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces.  MPI global membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide.  The 1,300+ member MPI-Chicago Area Chapter, established in 1976, empowers its members to increase their strategic value with education, professional development and business growth opportunities. For more information, call 888-721-8908.

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Celebrity Speaker, Bruce Wolf

Keynote – Emcee – Personal Appearance – Auctioneer – Entertainer

Corporate Events – Meetings – Charity – Non Profit Groups – Social

Bruce Wolf is a veteran Chicago tv and radio personality. He claims to have started his career in the 1940s working as a sound effects man on the radio who made the sound of Jack Benny’s trouser legs rubbing against each other as Mr. Benny sashayed across the stage. But this claim is somewhat doubtful. Also questionable is Mr. Wolf’s claim that he moved to the Soviet Union in the 1950s but was blacklisted because he was a member of the Republican Party. More likely is his claim that he has worked for Fox, NBC and WLUP, among other stops on the tv and radio dials, has won several Emmys and also is an attorney.

When you think of Chicago media, Bruce Wolf is in the top celebrity ranks and grabs an audience with stories about sports legends and TV stars that brings a motivational message which relates to everyone. His presentation is clean and “safe” for all audiences from corporate to social groups.

What do you get when you hire Bruce for your event?

1)

He will research the group he is speaking to (talk to leaders of the group, etc.) so that his presentation can be customized to the group and even to individuals who will attend. He likes to interact with the audience.

2) His presentation can be motivational. He likes to use personal anecdotes as well as quotes from a range of sources including Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” and C.S. Lewis’s “The Screwtape Letters,” which Bruce claims pretty much stand for the same things.

3) To keep it light, Bruce also can tell some stories of his professional experience, ranging from the time he almost disabled Michael Jordan to the time he helped wreck Michael Jordan’s baseball career. He even has stories that don’t involve Michael Jordan.

4) He does have video which can be sprinkled in small doses (from his days at Fox) of him “wrestling” with Jamie Lee Curtis, boxing a female traffic reporter (with Jerry Springer as the referee) and presenting an on-the-street sportscast with Magic Johnson. See, he told you it’s not just about Michael Jordan.

5) There’s also video of him doing a satellite interview with Paul McCartney, where Paul authenticates his signature on letters he sent Bruce’s kids.

6) Bruce has stories about his brief career as a lawyer, including his first trial, where he had no idea what he was doing.

7) He can actually provide karaoke (courtesy of his son the deejay, Brad) and can use it as a threat against hecklers in the audience. “Heckle me and you have to come up and sing a song!” says Bruce.

He can play games with the audience and ask trivia questions involving their organization and other topics.

9) He can be a celebrity auctioneer and entertain and work the crowd.

10) He can turn off the sound on all 16 sets at a sports bar and announce every game simultaneously, without the express written consent of Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the Royal Society of Monopoly Players.

11) He doesn’t know how to tap dance, but if you want it, he’ll do it. (And of course fit this new story into future speeches)

Contact Bruce Wolf for your next corporate event, corporate meeting, gala, charity event, special event, client outing, golf outing and more.

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Munster, INDIANA – Theatre at the Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, announces their upcoming production of the energetic and hilarious children’s’ favorite, Junie B. Jones.  This exciting, fun and educational production will open April 21 and run through April 25.  This new musical is based on four volumes in Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones series of books, illustrated by Denise Brunkus and published by Random House.
 
Junie B. Jones is a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical which takes the audience into the life of the outspoken, precocious, lovable heroine of the same name.  Join Junie as she experiences new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other angst-ridden situations!  Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her “Top Secret Personal Beeswax Journal”. 

Junie B. Jones is a musical by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich. The production is directed by Peter Flynn (Theatreworks USA’s Nate the Great, Henry and Mudge, Artistic Director of Hangar Theatre) and choreographed by Devanand Janki (Off-Broadway: Zanna Don’t, Cupid & Psyche). The scenic design is by Luke Hegel-Cantarella (Theatreworks USA’s Corduroy), and the costumes are by Lora LaVon. This 60-minute musical is recommended for audiences age 5 and up. The show was nominated in 2006 for the Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreography.

After a brief New York City-area tour in spring 2004, Junie B. Jones premiered Off- Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in July 2004, and is now one of Theatreworks USA’s most popular productions. Junie B. Jones began its national tour in fall 2004, and a second national touring company began touring in spring 2005. The show returned for engagements at the Lortel Theatre in November 2005 and March 2008.  

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional, equity theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.  

Group performances are Tuesday through Friday, April 21 through 24 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.  Group ticket prices are $6.50 per student, adult tickets are $8.00. Groups of 100 or more student reservations are $5.50 per student. Individuals are welcome to attend the group performances. Individual ticket prices are $7.00 per student and $8.50 per adult. To purchase tickets call 219.836.3258.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planning guide for meeting and event planners, tour operators and visitors seeking the best in Chicago.

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Stickney, Ill.— Opening day, March 6th, 2009, will mark the 100th year of family-owned horseracing at Hawthorne Race Course under the proprietorship of the Carey family. The anniversary distinguishes Hawthorne as the oldest continuously family-owned and operated race track in the nation.  As the longest running sports venue in Illinois, Hawthorne Race Course has been an integral player in the legendary heritage of Chicago sports entertainment and is proud to kick off a thrilling new season.

Since Thomas Carey first purchased the estate back in 1909, Hawthorne Race Course has been able to revive horseracing in Chicago time and again due to continuously placing fans in the middle of all the fast paced action and interactive excitement involved in the sport. According to 4th generation president and general manager of Hawthorne, Tim Carey, they are looking forward to yet another tremendous year of stimulating racing in 2009.  “I really believe we’re on the cusp of a terrific season,” said Carey.

The recent spotlight on Hawthorne back in October 2008 as a potential candidate for the 10th Illinois casino license has drawn more Chicagoans to pay closer attention to what is happening at the city’s ‘hometown track.’. More importantly, Hawthorne’s 100th year milestone has also attracted the eye of the sports nation with a live ESPN broadcast of opening weekend which begins Friday, March 6th. “As the leader in local sports news and entertainment, we’re always looking for ways to further embrace our audience in great environments. When the opportunity presented itself for us to partner with Hawthorne, it was a no brainer,” said Justin Craig, Program Director at ESPN Radio 1000, “Providing our fans great entertainment with the amazing backdrop of Hawthorne … Now that’s a winning combination!”

For fans just discovering the game, horseracing at Hawthorne has become a viable sports entertainment option featuring all inclusive action for a more affordable price than a typical athletic event. To launch the return of racing, the course will offer fans VIP status with a party offer at its exclusive Turf Club on March 7th. “The Turf Club is this classic sports club room but with all the modern luxury of over 50 high-definition flat panel TVs and an indoor terrace overlooking the finish line.  It is a great introduction to the excitement of live racing,” Carey said of the panoramic space that overlooks the track from the third floor. The VIP Turf Club Party package, which will also be offered to guests on other key race dates, starts at 12:30 p.m. and includes admission, a program, a 3 ½ hour house bar and a buffet package for $35.00 per person.

Hawthorne Race Course’s 2009 spring meet is also highlighted by the Grade 2 Illinois Derby, which will be held on Saturday, April 4th. The last seven winners of the Illinois Derby have all raced for the roses, and three horses from 2008 went on to Kentucky. “Our racing product is more competitive than it’s been in years,” said Carey.  “Longtime horseplayers in the Chicagoland market are rediscovering Hawthorne for live racing as well as simulcast wagering.  We were 1 of only 4 tracks nationally to have an increase in our full-card handle last year.”

Would you like to plan your event, company outing or client event with us? You’ll have your very own personal event planner to help you organize the smallest of details. And you’ll have a wide variety of newly remodeled flexible space options for groups ranging from 20-2000.

Call our Sales Office at (708) 780-7050 and our professional event planners will be happy to help you create a thrilling event or get a jump start by completing our Group Events Contract.

Hawthorne Race Track is perfect for all types of groups:

PRODUCT LAUNCHES
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
EXPOS
CORPORATE OUTINGS
CORPORATE MEETINGS
CLIENT ENTERTAINMENT
WEDDINGS
 HOLIDAY AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES
GROUP LUNCHEONS
CORPORATE FAREWELLS
FUNDRAISERS
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR CLUBS
PRIVATE EVENTS
FAMILY OUTINGS

The spring thoroughbred season runs through April 29th at Hawthorne and features races every Thursday through Monday with first post daily at 1:25 p.m. After 100 years, Hawthorne Race Course promises to remain Chicago’s home to showcasing the very best talent in the historic “sport of kings.”  For more information call 708-780-3700.

For a complete resource directory of all Chicago spaces

for your next event, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s online event planning resource guide.

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For those who worry that the gentrification of Chicago’s formerly fringe neighborhoods means age-old establishments like the classic dive bar are becoming a thing of the past, Holiday Club offers proof to the contrary. Holiday Club, a Chicago dive bar in the best sense of the word, just celebrated its 15th anniversary.

With its unusual-but-it-works “Rat Pack-meets-punk theme,” Holiday Club still packs in the crowds.

Chicago’s Holiday Club Backroom

Maybe it’s the shimmering Vegas-esque sign outside. Or the crazy kitsch inside, like the vintage posters and light fixtures to the martini shakers, the jukebox and the ever-popular photo booth. It’s all the collection of Holiday’s popular owner Tim Juliusson, a Peoria native and veteran of the ‘80s punk scene.

Holiday Club is great for birthday parties, charity events, rehearsal dinners, bar mitzvahs, bachelor/bachelorette parties, baby showers, karaoke parties and of course…holiday parties!

This comfortable retro lounge features ambient lighting and a versatile floor plan. They can accommodate an intimate party of 30 to 300 of your closest pals. Holiday Club is equipped with a full kitchen and a range of award winning menu items sure to satisfy both the carnivore and veg-head in your crew. They offer several food and beverage options sure to float your boat.

The private lounge includes:

• Full service bar with professional bartender
• Access to a full service kitchen
• Fully equipped DJ booth set-up
• Intimate dance floor with disco ball
• Private restroom
• A/V hookups including TVs, jumbo movie screen, VHS/DVD player, cable

Honorable “dive bar” mentions which round out Here’s Chicago’s top 5 Chicago dive bars list include:

Richard’s Bar
Miller’s Pub
Matchbox

Snicker’s

Read comments below or be the 1st to add to the list of your favorite “Chicago dive bars”.

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Hereschicago.com – Chicago’s Event Planning Guide for special events, corporate events, Chicago corporate event producers, event planners, event ideas, special event facilities in Chicago, Chicago meeting facilities, Chicago event staffing, event and meeting locations, private party space in Chicago, corporate catering companies in Chicago and more.

Blog.Hereschicago.com – Visit our blog for in depth information and tips about Chicago Event Planning.  Contribute your ideas and experience by commenting on articles posted about Chicago’s top venues and services for meetings and events.

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Visit Chicago’s Resource Directory for Corporate Events, Private Events and Business Meetings in Chicago.  Find your special event venues, private event spaces, restaurants with private event space, meeting and event service suppliers.  Direct contacts provided at www.hereschicago.com 

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Just Grapes invites you and a guest to check out the Just Grapes space and chat with Just Grapes’ Owner and Chicago’s only Corporate Sommelier Don Sritong about how you can book your next corporate event at Just Grapes.

Whether it’s for client entertainment, networking or company team building, Don Sritong and his staff at Just Grapes offer fun and educational concepts for corporate events including “How to Navigate a Wine List”, “How to Build a Wine Cellar”, “Basics of Food & Wine” and “Blind Tastings,” a team building exercise involving a short seminar of six wines to sample.

Just Grapes is capable of handling groups of up 250 people.

DATE: Wednesday, January 23, 2008

TIME: 6 pm – 8 pm

LOCATION: 560 W Washington Blvd (between Clinton & Jefferson)

RSVP at rsvp@paramountpr.com or 312-643-2461

Just Grapes brings the passion of wine country to Chicago by simplifying the world of wine for local consumers. A wine shop supporting the idea that wine education should be simple, fun and functional, Just Grapes specializes in private and corporate wine-tasting events, wine retail and wine education. Focusing primarily on corporate wine education, Just Grapes’ Owner and internationally recognized Corporate Sommelier, Don Sritong, offers unparalleled wine expertise and consultation at the corporate level, both on and off-site. Just Grapes services include corporate entertainment, team building, wine cellar consultations and more. For more information please call 312-627-WINE, or visit Just Grapes

Just Grapes is a Planner Preferred Chicago Venue on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Online Resource Directory for Corporate Events.  

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