Choose Chicago Prepares for Event Industry Recovery with Healthy Meetings Chicago

February 8, 2021

The city of Chicago is getting ready to lure back meetings and convention business in 2021 with a little help from digital technology. Launched Jan. 21 by Choose Chicago in collaboration with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Healthy Meetings Chicago is an interactive digital platform designed to showcase the health and safety advantages of hosting events at the McCormick Place Campus.

Currently available in Phase 1 for desktop or laptop viewing, the new platform illustrates the extensive new protocols and processes put in place by the city’s convention center and hospitality industry to ensure the safety of its guests, according to CVB officials.

“Welcoming delegates and event attendees back responsibly remains at the core of our mission and client partnerships,” said Glenn Eden, board chair of Choose Chicago. “This comprehensive program is designed to provide our partners with the tools to take full advantage of the significant steps McCormick Place, Chicago’s two airports, host hotels and our industry have taken to create a safe experience.”  

Designed to model the journey an attendee will experience upon arriving in the city for a future meeting or event, the interactive digital walkthrough begins at either at O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport. It then continues “using” the city’s many transportation options (including rideshare, taxicabs and public transit), checking into s hotel, arriving at McCormick Place and exploring the city’s attractions and dining options. Meanwhile, digital modules highlight the advanced sanitation and health measures taking place at each step along the way. 

The CVB touts safety measures including UVC lights technology and HEPA air filtration systems, sanitized and cleansed airplanes on-site COVID testing and touchless check-in at the airports,. 

Once on the McCormick campus, event participants can also feel reassured that the Marriott Marquis Chicago has been certified by Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, and by the presence of six on-site hygiene managers and the use of electrostatic cleaning methods at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

“The team at McCormick Place has been working tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed best practices,” explained Larita Clark, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.  

As they digitally explore McCormick Place, event planners and future attendees will learn about the facility’s use of science-based cleaning system, Kaivac, in highly trafficked areas, and that each expo hall possesses its own individual ventilation system to circulate outside air in. The facility ensures that each event is customized to group needs, focusing on simplifying registration and the event execution process while upholding health and sanitation standards.

Lastly, a final section of the digital platform provides an overview of post-meeting recreational activities, including numerous outdoor dining options and indoor attractions abiding by the CVB’s Tourism and Hospitality Forward safety measures. 

“While much has changed, what has not is supporting our clients, their delegates and exhibitors leading to the successful planning and implementation of organizing and hosting a major convention, trade show or meeting,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of Choose Chicago. “Healthy Meetings Chicago will be at the core and an initial building block of fulfilling that pledge and responsibility.”

The entire McCormick Place Campus holds the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s GBAC STAR accreditation, the gold standard for clean and safe facilities. 

To learn more and experience the Healthy Meetings Chicago, go here

 

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact