Meet Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau

Meet Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
Name	Meet Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
Type	Nonprofit destination marketing organization
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Area served	Chicago metropolitan area
Key people	Don Welsh (former), David Whitaker (former), Marisa Rodriguez (former)

Meet Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau Meet Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau is a destination marketing organization based in Chicago, Illinois, that promotes conventions, tourism, and meetings to increase visitation and convention business. It works with hotels, convention centers, cultural institutions, transportation providers, and event organizers to position Chicago as a competitive host city for national and international gatherings. The bureau engages with civic entities, hospitality partners, trade associations, and media outlets to coordinate sales, services, and promotional campaigns.

History

Founded in the late 20th century, the organization emerged amid efforts by the City of Chicago to expand convening capacity following investments in the McCormick Place expansion and downtown revitalization projects. Early activity intersected with initiatives involving the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau predecessors, the World's Columbian Exposition (1893) legacy, and redevelopment programs linked to the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier transformation. Over successive decades the bureau interfaced with administrations such as those of Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, coordinated bids for large events like the Democratic National Convention and NATO Summit, and collaborated with institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Field Museum of Natural History. Strategic adjustments responded to industry trends reflected by the American Society of Association Executives, the U.S. Travel Association, and convention trade shows such as IMEX America and PCMA Convening Leaders.

Organization and Governance

The bureau operates as a nonprofit entity governed by a board of directors drawn from the hospitality sector, finance, and civic leadership. Board composition has historically included executives from chains like Hyatt, Marriott International, and Hilton Worldwide, and representation from local institutions such as University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the Chicago Transit Authority. Executive leadership liaises with elected officials from Cook County and the Illinois General Assembly on policy matters, funding, and public-private partnerships. Audit and finance committees collaborate with firms like Ernst & Young and Deloitte for accountability, while human resources practices align with standards from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Services and Programs

Services include bid development, site selection assistance, housing coordination, attendee services, and local vendor sourcing. The bureau administers programs for meeting planners, including training tied to certifications from Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) programs and resources promoted at industry gatherings like SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers), ASAE conferences, and UFI events. It provides concierge support linking planners to venues such as Wintrust Arena, United Center, and Wrigley Field, and to convention hotels like The Palmer House Hilton and Hyatt Regency Chicago. Tourism programming engages cultural partners such as Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago), and performance venues like the Chicago Theatre and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing campaigns leverage digital channels, public relations, and cooperative advertising with partners including Choose Chicago allies and global travel buyers from markets such as London, Tokyo, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Toronto. The bureau has participated in industry marketplaces like Travel and Adventure Show, World Travel Market, and ITB Berlin, and utilizes media outlets including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business, Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times for visibility. Promotional strategies emphasize attractions such as Willis Tower, Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, and culinary corridors near Polish Triangle and Pilsen, while aligning with events like Lollapalooza, Chicago Marathon, and Taste of Chicago.

Economic Impact and Statistics

The bureau tracks metrics on group bookings, room nights, direct spending, and tax revenue generated by conventions and tourism. Analyses reference datasets and reports similar to studies produced by STR, Inc., Oxford Economics, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for benchmarking. Economic impact assessments consider venues like McCormick Place and compare performance against competitor cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Data inform policy discussions with entities like the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and funding decisions involving Tourism Improvement Districts and municipal budget offices.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

The bureau forges partnerships with airline carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines; with rail operators like Amtrak; and with hospitality brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and InterContinental Hotels Group. Corporate sponsorships have involved firms such as ComEd, Boeing, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Caterpillar Inc., and financial institutions like Northern Trust and Citi. Cultural partnerships extend to Chicago Public Library, Chicago Cultural Center, Mercadito, and neighborhood business alliances including Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation.

Notable Events and Initiatives

Notable initiatives include bidding and servicing large conventions and trade shows such as National Restaurant Association Show, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) (in partnership contexts), Auto Shows appearances, and association meetings from groups like American Medical Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and American Bar Association. The bureau has launched sustainability and accessibility programs modeled on standards from Global Sustainable Tourism Council and initiatives linked to Mayor Lori Lightfoot-era policy priorities. Recovery strategies following disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic involved coordination with public health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and sector stakeholders like the National Restaurant Association and International Association of Venue Managers.

Category:Organizations based in Chicago