River Roast

Think creative F&B always has to be expensive? Think Again. We asked a hotel, a restaurant and a conference center to create three menus at three different price points - and they delivered. 

John Hogan grew up loving the blues—and cooking. He found a way to combine his passions at Chicago’s River Roast, with hearty menus offering a side dish of live music.

Security means different things to different people. For airport employees, it’s using metal detectors and bag searches. For data centers, it’s preventing cyber theft and hacking. For political figures and celebrities, it means hiring bodyguards and Secret Service. And for the average person, it can mean just about anything. 

Event planners in particular have to take all of these security measures and more into account because they are entrusted to keep every level of people, from your average Jane Doe to the President, safe and secure.

All planners know the importance of looking ahead—the earlier the details fall into place, the less stress one has to deal with as the event nears.

A smattering of event venues have started holding receptions decorated for holiday parties to give planners an idea of what a holiday event would look like there and to have soirees booked far in advance. We know Christmas in July sounds crazy, but it really is a planner’s dream. With all the heat and sunshine, winter feels light-years away.