How did you get into meeting and event planning?  I grew up in Pelham, New York, and my path into hospitality began very organically. A lifelong friend noticed a flyer I had created for a St. Patrick’s Day limousine scavenger hunt I was organizing in New York City and suggested I’d be a natural fit for the hospitality industry.
Her sister, who was starting a new role as Director of Marketing for a destination management company opening a New York office, arranged an interview for me. I immediately connected with the manager, was hired as a Program Manager, and quickly fell in love with the industry. From sporting competitions with New York Giants players in Lake George to refereeing beach volleyball in Bermuda, it was an incredible introduction. From there, the rest truly is history.

What is your current position and what do you do?   I am the Vice President of Business Development for JEMS Hospitality Group. The company was founded by my longtime friend and respected industry leader, Jolene Boatright, who spent 11 consecutive years as the top producer at ALHI before launching JEMS.
We are a global hotel sourcing and housing agency supporting corporations, associations, incentive programs, and law firms. Our success is rooted in a deep commitment to service and long-term client relationships. In addition to sourcing, we offer fee-based services including event registration, AV support, meeting planning, and branding solutions.
I’m also actively involved with the Legal Marketing Association in both Chicago and New York, where I volunteer and support the firm’s strong focus on legal clients. JEMS is an IATAN-accredited global travel and housing agency, and I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic and client-focused team.

What advice do you have for someone entering the hospitality industry? You truly need to be a people person who enjoys serving others. Hospitality is not about job descriptions-it’s about ownership. You can’t say, “That’s not my job.””
Early in my career, I learned that pride in what you represent matters. Whether it’s picking up a piece of paper in a hallway or going the extra mile for a client, those small actions define great hospitality professionals. You also have to believe in what you’re selling-because if you don’t, no one else will.
The industry offers endless opportunities: hotels, resorts, DMCs, national sales offices, restaurants, caterers, CVBs, and more. There’s truly something for everyone.

What have you learned on the job?  Planning is essential—but flexibility is critical. Rarely does everything go exactly as planned. Flights get missed, deliveries don’t arrive, staff doesn’t show up. Success is defined by how you pivot in those moments.
Having trusted partners and strong local contacts in each destination is invaluable. I spent 15 years with PRA Destination Management Company, and that experience taught me how powerful teamwork and preparation can be. Trust is everything in this business.

How many years have you been in hospitality?  Nearly 40 years, primarily in New York City and Chicago. I truly believe we work in the greatest industry in the world. I couldn’t imagine sitting behind a desk all day-I thrive on working with people, creating experiences, and making sure our clients shine.
When a client tells me, “You made me look good in front of my boss,” that’s the ultimate compliment. Half of life is showing up-the other half is caring.

What types of events do you plan?   We work with a wide range of clients, including corporations, associations, incentive programs, and law firms. At JEMS, we can source meetings anywhere in the world—from intimate board retreats to large citywide conventions. Our proprietary technology allows us to secure rates and availability quickly and efficiently on a global scale.

What do you love about planning events in Chicago?   Chicago has been my home for 36 years, and I couldn’t imagine a better city. It’s been named Best Big City in the U.S. for nine consecutive years-and for good reason.
From world-class restaurants and hotels to a stunning lakefront and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago offers incredible options at every price point. Choose Chicago provides exceptional leadership and support, and of course, Here’s Chicago is an invaluable resource for discovering the city’s best venues and event spaces.

What is your favorite place in the world?  Any place where my family and friends are together. If I had to choose destinations, Australia and Ireland would top the list. I’ve been to Australia six times and am returning this fall for my goddaughter’s wedding.
Ireland holds a special place in my heart-my heritage traces back to Dublin and Cork. I’m especially excited to take friends to Kinsale this summer and hopefully reconnect with family roots on my mother’s side.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?   My father has always been my hero. Born in 1925, he served in World War II, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star during the Battle of the Bulge. After returning home, he built a life centered on kindness, humor, and family.
He loved people, loved a good time, and that spirit lives on in all of us. His example continues to guide me both personally and professionally.

What is your favorite restaurant or bar in Chicago? Butch McGuire’s. It was one of the first places my coworkers took me when I moved to Chicago, and it remains a favorite-especially during the holidays.
Recently, I won a MOTH storytelling competition in Chicago on the theme of hospitality, and a large part of my story centered around Butch himself and the way he embodied true hospitality. Those experiences stay with you.

What are your thoughts on Here’s Chicago?   I met Jim Grillo shortly after moving to Chicago, and I’ve admired him ever since. His leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the industry are unmatched. It’s no surprise that Here’s Chicago has become such a trusted and successful resource.
Jim is as Chicago as it gets-and his company reflects that spirit perfectly.

How did you get into meeting & event planning?  I’ve always loved planning get-togethers and birthday parties-it came naturally to me and brought me so much joy. One day, a friend suggested I consider event planning as a career, and that sparked something in me. I enrolled in classes at College of DuPage, and from the very first course, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.
While working at HSBC, I mentioned to Sharon, the Manager of Corporate Events, that I had been taking classes in event planning. As luck would have it, she had a position open on her team. That opportunity was a turning point for me-it’s where my passion truly began, and I’ve been growing in this field ever since.

What advice do you have for those seeking to secure a job as a meeting or event planner?   For new event planners, start by honing strong organizational skills-these are the foundation of successful events. Focus on detailed planning, realistic budgeting, and clear communication with both your internal team and external vendors. These skills will help you stay ahead of challenges and deliver seamless experiences. Networking is key. Attend local events, join professional associations that align with your interests, such as MPI (Meeting Professionals International), PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association), or SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence). These organizations offer valuable resources, connections, and learning opportunities. When working with clients or stakeholders, ask thoughtful questions like:

• What do you want to accomplish with this event?
• What does ROI look like for this meeting?

Understanding their goals helps you design events that are both impactful and strategic. Always keep the audience in mind. Create compelling experiences that resonate with attendees, and be prepared for the unexpected-flexibility and problem-solving are essential traits in this field. Finally, seek feedback regularly and use it to grow. Focus on mastering your craft while also promoting yourself. Build a strong event portfolio that showcases your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to deliver results.

What have you learned on the job as a meeting and event planner?  One of the biggest lessons I”ve learned is the importance of being adaptable, organized, and calm under pressure. No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues will arise-whether it’s last-minute changes, vendor hiccups, or budget constraints. Staying composed and solution-oriented is key. Always get approval for any additional expenses that come up. Transparency and proactive communication help build trust and avoid surprises. Strong communication skills are essential-not just with clients, but also with vendors, venues, and internal teams. Providing meticulous attention to detail ensures everyone is aligned and nothing falls through the cracks. Being resourceful and able to solve problems on the fly is a must. Whether it’s finding a backup speaker or reworking a room layout, quick thinking can save the day. And finally, stay positive, even in tough situations. Your energy sets the tone for the team and the event. A calm, confident attitude helps everyone stay focused and motivated.

What skills do you feel it takes to be a successful meeting and event planner?  

1. Problem Solving
   

   Events rarely go 100% as planned. Whether it’s a last-minute venue change, tech issues, or unexpected guest needs, being able to think quickly and calmly under pressure is crucial. A great planner anticipates challenges and pivots with grace.

2. Organizational Skills
   

   From timelines and budgets to vendor contracts and guest lists, planners juggle countless details. Strong organizational skills ensure nothing falls through the cracks and that every element aligns with the event’s goals.

3. Networking
   

   Building strong relationships with vendors, venues, and clients can make or break an event. Networking helps planners access better deals, troubleshoot faster, and create memorable experiences through trusted partnerships.

4. Budgeting
   

   Managing finances wisely is key to delivering value without compromising quality. A successful planner knows how to stretch a dollar, prioritize spending in a way you would think they spent a million dollars, and track expenses meticulously to keep in budget.

5. Client-First Approach
   

   Understanding the client’s vision and goals-and making them feel heard-is what sets great planners apart. It’s about creating experiences that reflect their brand, values, and expectations.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?   I love Lake Geneva, WI. It is my happy place!

Who is your best friend? What do you like about him/her?   My best friend is Lisa Spedale. I love so many things about her, but what truly stands out are her incredible qualities-support, loyalty, honesty, and empathy. She’s the kind of person who shows up, listens deeply, and always keeps it real. I’m lucky to have her in my life.
Her journey goes far beyond a simple makeover-it’s about gaining confidence, self-respect, and finding her voice in a world that once dismissed her.

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why so?   Pretty Woman is one of my all-time favorites! The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is unforgettable, but what truly makes the film stand out for me is the transformation of Vivian Ward.

What’s your biggest goal in life right now?  I’m focused on practicing gratitude every day and reconnecting with manifesting through my vision board. It’s a powerful way to stay grounded, intentional, and aligned with the life I want to create. This journey helps me reflect on what I’ve already accomplished and stay inspired for what’s ahead.

What don’t people know about you?   I have lived in Illinois most of my life, but most people do not know that I grew up in West Tennessee in the town of Martin.

What type of music do you love?  Country, Rock N Roll. My newest favorite band is the Red Clay Strays.

When not working, what do you love to do?   I love road trips!

What tips can you provide to someone new who wants to be in the event planning profession?   Network, network, network.

Which books have you read multiple times?   I belong to a book club, but I don’t read.

What’s on your bucket list?   Five years ago, I added a big goal to my vision board: visit all 50 U.S. states. At the time, I had 33 states left to explore. Fast forward to today-I’m thrilled to share that I’ve now visited 46 states! Only four more to go, and here they are:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Vermont

Each one is calling my name, and I can’t wait to experience what makes them special. Almost there!

What are your thoughts about HeresChicago.com?   Here’s Chicago is a great site. Easy to navigate and find what you need at your fingertips. Whether you have been planning a few months or years, you can always find a unique venue or location for your next event.

There are several event venues in downtown Chicago that are ideal for corporate events. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Revel Motor Row – This newly-renovated event space features a variety of rooms that can accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. The space features state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, as well as customizable lighting and sound systems.
2. The Geraghty – This luxury event space offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces that can be customized to suit the needs of your corporate event. The space features modern amenities such as built-in audio and visual equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site catering services.
3. Morgan Manufacturing – This industrial-chic event space is located in the heart of the Fulton Market District, just west of downtown. The space features exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, making it an ideal venue for corporate events of all sizes.
4. The Rookery – This historic landmark building in the Loop features stunning architecture and elegant event spaces that are perfect for corporate events. The space features state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, on-site catering services, and customizable lighting and sound systems.
5. Venue West – This versatile event space in the West Loop features a range of indoor and outdoor spaces that can be customized to suit the needs of your corporate event. The space features modern amenities such as built-in audio and visual equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site catering services.

These are just a few of the many event venues in downtown Chicago that are ideal for corporate events. I would recommend researching each option in more detail to determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs and requirements.  

Click here to find Chicago’s Planner Preferred Meeting & Event Spaces

If you’re renting audio-visual (AV) equipment for a meeting, there are several ways you can save money:

1. Rent from a local vendor: Local vendors often have lower rental rates than larger, national companies. Look for local AV rental companies and compare their prices to larger companies.
2. Book early: Book your AV equipment as early as possible to take advantage of early-bird discounts or special deals. Many AV rental companies offer discounts for advance bookings.
3. Bundle services: Some AV rental companies offer bundled services that include multiple items, such as projectors, screens, and audio equipment. Bundling services can often save you money.
4. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the rental rate with the AV rental company. They may be willing to offer a discount or a better deal to secure your business.
5. Return equipment on time: Make sure to return the AV equipment on time to avoid late fees or additional charges. Late fees can quickly add up and increase the overall cost of your rental.
6. Use only what you need: Only rent the AV equipment that you absolutely need for your meeting. Avoid renting unnecessary equipment or services, as this can add up to unnecessary expenses.
7. Ask for recommendations: Ask colleagues or other professionals for recommendations on AV rental companies. They may know of reputable companies that offer lower rental rates or better deals.

By following these tips, you can save money on AV equipment rentals for your meeting without sacrificing the quality or effectiveness of your presentation.

Corporate outings are a great idea especially in a city like Chicago, since you have a lot of amazing options and things to do. With that in mind, finding the best corporate outings in Chicago is a very good thing to keep in mind. But which are the top places for corporate outings? It can be very difficult at first, yet there are lots of things to consider here.

Navy Pier

The Navy Pier is a great corporate outing because you have a variety of interesting places to enjoy here. The shopping plaza, open air food hall and the amusement park are great and very interesting, and the experience itself is a lot of fun. It delivers the ultimate corporate outing experience, while making it fun and very enjoyable. That alone is certainly a thing to keep in mind.

Chicago Sports Museum

Located seven floors above Chicago’s historic Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Sports Museum is a premier event space that blends the luxury of Michigan Avenue with the city’s love for its legendary sports teams, creating an unparalleled Windy City experience. Enjoy an inventive culinary selection offering a wide variety of creative menus, including reception stations featuring a spin on American classics to formal multi-coursed dinner menus.

Chicago Scavenger Hunts

We have a variety of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Scavenger Hunt Companies to choose for your Outdoor Corporate Outing.  These companies are highly reputable in Chicago and have served multiple corporate groups.

Buddy Guy’s Legends

Make your next event Legendary! Buddy Guy’s Legends has been a Chicago landmark for over 20 years and is owned by the five-time Grammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Bluesman himself. You can still find Buddy himself, sitting at the bar most nights when he is not on tour!

We pride ourselves on our flexibility which allows us to fit within most budgets and accommodate many different types of groups!

Segway Tour

You can also make the entire experience feel engaging and fun, which the Segway Tour is ideal for. Being able to go on a trip with Segways is very fun, and it certainly adds to the experience of browsing the city at your own pace. You even have the ability to engage in a creative and rewarding tour, which definitely makes everything a lot more enjoyable and diverse too.

House of Blues

At the House of Blues you will notice that there is a lot of fun to be had. They have a concert and dinner, and the overall atmosphere is unforgettable. If you want a corporate outing that’s a bit more unique and different, this is definitely one of the top options to take into consideration.

Museum Hack

Museum Hack delivers high energy excursions in various museums in Chicago. It’s more of an urban expedition that was designed as a fun corporate outing. This is very engaging and rewarding, but at the same time it also has its fair share of benefits. You do want to test it out for yourself, and in the end there’s a lot of value to be had and an exceptional experience, something you do not want to miss.

Game Night Out

If you go to Game Night Out, you will notice that they offer interactive game experiences and the main focus is on competition, but also on cooperation. The experience is great and the best part is that you get to have your teams have fun for a change. They also get to cooperate and enjoy some quality time together, which is very exciting.

AceBounce

AceBounce has some interesting things since you have a ping pong bar experience. here you have an upscale environment, a mixology program and even a DJ. It’s a great and fun environment where you can enjoy ping pong and have an exciting and enjoyable time. There will always be challenges as you try to find a great corporate event in Chicago, and this can be well worth a shot.

ScavBoss

If you want a great corporate outing, then ScavBoss is a very good idea. The main focus here is to provide customized scavenger hunts. The tours include multiple neighborhoods and various landmarks in Chicago. What’s great about it is that there are some interesting challenges to explore and you can even up the stakes with all kinds of different bonuses and features. This really is worth a try, and in the end you are bound to have a lot of fun and a very immersive experience.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

iFly Indoor Skydiving gives all the thrills of skydiving without any of the danger. As the name suggests, this all takes place indoors, and you have teams that go through a vertical wind tunnel. If you never tried skydiving or anything similar, this is the right way to do it and it really is something very exciting and rewarding. Just give it a try and see how much your team members will like it.

Conclusion

Find Chicago has no shortage of great corporate outings, you just have to find the right one that fits your requirements. Click here to learn more about Chicago’s Planner Preferred Corporate outing venues and activity providers.  Of course, it can take a bit to narrow down the right solution, but in the end there’s a great time to be had with all of these ideas. Just take your time and see what corporate outing meets your needs the most. These outings are great because they help teams get together and have fun for a change. Plus, it strengthens the bond between team members, and it’s totally worth it to give them a try!

Incredible event venues

One of the advantages brought by Chicago when it comes to events and conventions is that you have incredible venues. These stand out with their astonishing features, but also the ease of use and the fact that you have all kinds of options to choose from and customize.

Easy to access

Chicago is very easy to access, it has 2 airports and you can easily arrive here from anywhere in the country. That, combined with the massive number of event establishments makes it ideal for pretty much any corporate meetings, conventions or anything in between.  Not to mention, Chicago is centrally located from the East and West Coasts which makes it more convenient for your attendees to fly into Chicago.  Also, it’s always 72 degrees indoors

Very good accommodation

Chicago features world class hotels, in fact it has some of the top brands in the industry. You also have prices for everyone, which is why it’s well worth checking out, as that alone can be well worth the effort and you will be amazed with the benefits and quality.

Great diversity

Another advantage of Chicago is that it has a world-class culture. At the same time, it focuses quite a bit on diversity and it allows everyone to feel happy, respected and appreciated. Needless to say, this is the ideal place for type of convention or corporate event.

Suitable for any kind of event

Chicago is great for pretty much any type of event. You have a large array of people that will attend even niche events, and it’s stuff like that which will help make a huge difference for any conventions or corporate events.

Conclusion

As you can see, Chicago is an amazing location for anyone that wants to create a convention, hold a business event or start corporate meetings with clients. One thing is certain, you have access to outstanding accommodation and dining, but also state of the art events as well. In fact, with help from Here’s Chicago you can easily study and narrow down some of the top event destinations in Chicago, all you have to do is to browse the website and find the best options right now. Check it out for yourself, and we guarantee you won’t have a problem finding the best venues for your upcoming Chicago event!

Create a list with all your needs

The main focus is to create a list with all your needs. Generally, for an event in Chicago you need a venue, catering team, videography and photography experts and entertainment. Then you can ad some adjacent suppliers according to your own requirements.

Start searching online

Platforms like Here’s Chicago are great, since you can find a lot of vendors according to your budget and requirements. From here you can start creating a shortlist based on things like their website, availability and other factors.

Check their experience and reviews

During the event planning process, a very good idea is to assess the experience of your suppliers. Working with vetted experts is imperative, since you want to ensure that those people will get the job done right and without issues. You should consider checking their online reviews too. That way you get to see how they worked with other people, what complaints previous customers had and so on. It just makes it easier to understand the type of service they provide.

Understand their pricing

Some suppliers will provide a complete service for their quoted price. Others will just offer a basic service and you have to pay extra for other things. That’s why you have to understand their pricing, as it makes things a whole lot easier. Here’s Chicago makes it easy for you to find pricing by connecting you directly to the group or private event manager of venues, team building companies, restaurants and event service providers.

Think about value for money

You shouldn’t always go with the cheapest price. Your focus is on getting the most out of your money. That’s why you want to go with an exceptional service, even if it costs more. Event planning is all about managing the entire process adequately and making sure that your event stands out. Which is why you always want great suppliers that go beyond the call of duty.

Assess their communication

After you create a shortlist, get in touch and let them know your needs. This will allow you to figure out how they communicate, if they reply to you quickly, the tone they use, etc. Your first interaction with suppliers can help you figure out if a supplier is good for you or not.

Conclusion

As you can see, finding the best suppliers will end up taking some time, depending on your needs. If you need assistance with event planning in Chicago, we recommend using Here’s Chicago right away. Our website gives you direct access to some of the best service providers in Chicago and the adjacent regions, and you will find it easier than ever to create any event. Give us a try today and let us take your event planning and meeting planning to the next level!

We are now offering the Haunted Segway Tour. The first of its kind in Chicago, this tour showcases the sites of Haunted Fort Dearborn, the Iroquois Theatre disaster, the Morgue on State, the Dead Alley, and the past home of Al Capone’s haunted yacht. Some say that the sounds of screaming can still be heard. We have more haunted places and stories to share, so come along and glide with us … if you dare. 18 Outdoor Activities in Chicago That Locals Say You Need to Experience | Redfin

Link to Segway Tour: https://hereschicago.com/listing/absolutely-chicago-segway-tours/

Our weekly interview this week is with Mary Sprow, Director Of Sales, Topgolf Schaumburg

Mary re-introduces you to Topgolf Schaumburg and provides updates on new offerings & safety protocols for guests and groups planning meetings and events.

If you have questions or would like to inquire about booking a group, please contact Mary directly via email 

Epiphany Suites – Sports Entertainment Watch Parties  & Corporate Hospitality in a COVID-Safe Environment

Live attendance at a sports stadium is questionable the best. As a businessman and fan, where are you going to entertain? All the restaurants and sports bars have limited occupancy and are going to be packed, leaving limited options to entertain clients for the rest of 2020 & 2021.

Epiphany Center for the Arts has created a way for you to entertain VIP clients with an in-stadium suite experience to watch professional and college sports, all in a COVID-Safe environment.

Introducing EPIPHANY SUITES, an exclusive sports entertainment experience designed with corporate hospitality in mind. Treat your clients to all the amenities of an in-stadium luxury suite within the privacy of their own COVID-Safe environment. Each suite is strategically positioned throughout a 42,000-sf campus with state-of-the-art fresh air controls, exclusive and secure entrances, and, ample room to enable social distancing in a comfortable and COVID-Safe environment while cheering on their favorite sports team.

EPIPHANY Suite’s include:

• Exclusive Opportunity – only twelve (12) available
• Choice of Premium or Standard
• Bears Games plus Monday & Thursday Night Football
• Two enormous 75” flat screen TV’s per suite
• Food and beverage service served throughout the game
• Enhanced culinary offerings available
• Pre/post game entertainment: Live Music, DJ or Tailgate
• Flexible, custom designed COVID-Safe seating configurations
• Livestream capabilities for on/off campus entertainment 

For more information call 312.421.4600, or, send an email to info@epiphanychi.com and mention HERESCHICAGO.COM!