Illinois

Gain insight from a professional who increased room block bookings by 30 percent over three years. 

Scott Castillo-Milburn, owner of mobile bartending service Classic Cocktails by Scott, developed this recipe last summer for a client who was looking for a bourbon-based drink that would feel seasonal and light for an evening party. The night ended with everyone who’d tried it asking for the recipe, and Castillo-Milburn has since replicated it at 10 events. He’s kept the drink a secret—until now. You can hire his company to create this drink for an event, create a new signature cocktail, or even obtain general liability or liquor liability insurance for your venue.  

Centrally located in Illinois, about a two and half hour drive from Chicago, the city of Peoria has many exciting developments happening this year. Here are three to put on your radar.

1. The rustic-themed Bearded Owl Brewing opened in January with a variety of unfiltered beers ranging from stouts to India pale ales to sours, using locally grown ingredients wherever possible. While it doesn’t have designated event space, the brewery makes for a good post-meeting gathering spot for a round of beers and various homemade soft pretzels.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Characters

Simply going green isn't enough anymore. These vendors and venues are leading the way with bolder sustainability and community initiatives that put nothing to waste.

Guests came together for two important reasons at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center last October: to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the 007 James Bond franchise and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first annual “En Noir: A Casino Royale Masquerade” event was designed to benefit Imerman Angels, a one-onone cancer support community that pairs a cancer fighter, survivor or caregiver with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer.

Planning ceremonies that make even hospitality employees feel welcome.

Woodfield Mall, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, and more attractive meeting and event spaces make this northwest suburb a destination in itself.

Meeting lunches can be overdone. Instead, eat dessert first.

All-nighters generate appeal with exclusive access to exciting after-hours experiences.