Chicago Meetings Industry Update
First, we want to give a special thanks to the shows hosted in Chicago in September, including IMTS 2024 Industry & Technology Conference, NASS 2024 Annual Meeting, NCTM 2024 Annual Meeting & Exposition, and more. We’re happy to host your meetings and events in Chicago!
Chicago shines once again in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards with notable rankings for its airport and dining scene. Chicago O’Hare International Airport stands out, securing #13 in categories for Best Airport Dining, Best Airport Shopping, and Best Large Airport overall. Additionally, our city’s vibrant culinary scene at the airports are celebrated with Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar, Publican Tavern, and Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill earning impressive spots in the top 13 for Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurants. These accolades underscore Chicago’s commitment to exceptional travel and dining experiences.
Speaking of award-winning restaurants, Asador Bastian, the Basque-inspired steakhouse from chef-owners Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen, has been named one of the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the country and is the only establishment in Illinois on this year’s list.
Since we have Chicago food on our mind, the MICHELIN Guide also announced new additions to the Chicago selection of restaurants, including three restaurants: Anelya, Bayan Ko, and Beity.
September marked a significant milestone for Garrett Popcorn Shops as they celebrated their 75th anniversary with a month of exciting events! Founded in 1949 by Gladys Otto Garrett in Chicago, Garrett’s legacy of handcrafted, secret-recipe popcorn continues to thrive. Here’s to 75 more years of delicious popcorn!
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced $4M+ in grants for 185 Chicago nonprofit arts organizations as part of the 2024 CityArts Program, which is aimed at supporting Chicago’s diverse arts sector and their operating funds. This year, 48% of the grantees are located on the South and West sides of the city, reflecting a commitment to equitable funding distribution.
Chicago’s Mayor also celebrated the grand opening of The Club MDW, the first passenger lounge at Midway International Airport, on September 26th. This lounge, part of the $400 million Midway Modernization Program, aims to enhance the travel experience for all passengers. Located near Gate B1, it features amenities like complimentary refreshments, seating options, and workspaces, accommodating nearly 100 guests. Open to all travelers for a $50 day pass or through lounge memberships, The Club MDW also emphasizes local culture with food and drink offerings from Chicago breweries and distilleries.
EXPO CHICAGO and Gertie announced the Chicago Exhibition Weekend (CXW) from October 3-6, 2024. With over 50 galleries and creative spaces participating, CXW will highlight Chicago’s vibrant art scene through exhibitions, discussions, and interactive experiences.
It’s fall, but we already have summertime Chi on our minds! Speaking of summer, NASCAR announced that the Chicago Street Race will make a return for its third year over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025. The highly anticipated event will feature the Cup Series race and Xfinity Series preliminary on July 5-6. This will mark the continuation of the city’s three-year agreement with NASCAR, transforming Grant Park into an exciting pop-up race course once again.
Upcoming Events
- September 19 – October 6: Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
- September 15 – October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
- October (all month): LGBTQ+ History Month
- October 3-6: Chicago Exhibition Weekend 2024
- October 13: Bank of America Chicago Marathon
- October 16-27: Chicago International Film Festival
- October 19-20: Open House Chicago
- October 19: 10th Annual Arts in the Dark
- October 31: Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
