Illinois Meetings + Events Magazine

Christmas in January, February & March

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con shows its true colors as a fan-favorite event.

Cafe Brauer is adding to its 100-year life with its latest renovations.

The new Lincolnshire venue takes the spot of the former Cubby Bear North. B

Take a look at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s cozy new villas.

Mastro Brothers’ new steakhouse serves Chicago.

Ace Hotel Chicago has really been stirring things up in the West Loop since opening in August, including its cocktail program. The Bird’s Eye is a prime example presenting a bourbon lemonade mixed with raspberry and bitters. It was created by Caitlin Laman, food and beverage director of Waydown, Ace Hotel’s rooftop venue. Waydown was named after the song by Chicago’s John Prine and takes inspiration from Midwestern watering holes. At Waydown, guests can enjoy impeccable skyline views, cozy seating areas, table games and nightly entertainment.

Marie-Chantal Dalese remembers a wintry day at her year-round winery and bed-and-breakfast. Several corporate team members had been in meetings all day and wanted some play time. 

Lihi Gerstner is bringing Splacer to Chicago, an online marketplace offering a sharing economy for unique, short-term event spaces.

In May, Illinois Meetings + Events announced the winners of the Best of Illinois readers’ choice awards and the Hall of Fame inductees at our annual event that welcomed industry personnel from all over the state. Festivities were held at Rock Bottom Brewery’s upstairs event space with appetizers and signature cocktails provided by the restaurant and desserts courtesy of the Blue Man Group.