Chicago, IL – Trade Show Executive Media Group is pleased to announce that Chicago has been selected as the host city for the Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Awards & Summit. The event, now in its third year, will honor the 50 fastest-growing trade shows of 2013 in three groups: by net square feet of paid exhibit space, number of exhibiting companies and attendance — a total of 150 shows overall. The Hyatt Regency Chicago, which recently completed a multimillion dollar transformation, will host the prestigious group May 20-22 in its magnificent Crystal Ballroom.
“We are excited and honored to bring Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 Awards & Summit to Chicago and to work with TSE to create a memorable experience for those shows that are leading the way with new ideas and record-breaking growth,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Choose Chicago. “These are exciting times in Chicago as well. Many new projects are coming on line and we look forward to welcoming the leading trade show organizers to our city to experience the changes.”
The Fastest 50 will once again bring together a blue-ribbon mix of honorees plus other senior executives, show organizers, rising-star managers, private equity firms and the top service providers in a congenial atmosphere to talk shop, swap ideas and plan potential partnerships. “Chicago is the perfect venue for a gathering of show organizers whose events are big and getting bigger,” said Darlene Gudea, president of Trade Show Executive Media Group. “Chicago’s vibrant downtown, nightlife, massive McCormick Place, Hyatt Regency and other event venues provide an inspiring backdrop for a celebration of fast-track trade shows.”
THE HYATT’S CRYSTAL BALLROOM
The Crystal Ballroom provides spectacular views of the city lights and downtown landmarks, and boasts 19-foot high windows with an impressive panorama of the river, the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building. In addition, the Hyatt Regency Chicago recently completed its third and final phase of a $168 million transformation of meeting space, guest rooms, lobby, restaurants and retail outlets.
“Chicago is a wonderful host for the Fastest 50,” said Diane Bjorklund, vice president of Trade Show Executive Media Group. “Having Choose Chicago as the title sponsor is a great honor for TSE because it guarantees that this year’s Fastest 50 attendees will enjoy the best this city has to offer as well as a top-tier industry event.”
“With all the changes in work rules at McCormick Place in the last couple of years, our city has been redefined as one of the most competitive and customer-driven cities in America,” Welsh told TSE. “And we don’t say that lightly.”
The dynamic is already visible in the neighborhood around McCormick Place. In May, the city and the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority unveiled the McCormick Place Entertainment District, an ambitious plan to revitalize the area with new convention hotels, restaurants, and nightlife — plus a 10,000-seat event center across the street from the West Building. “There are a lot of really big projects coming in the 2016 to 2017 timeframe that we really want to share with show organizers who may not have been here recently,” said Welsh.
“Chicago is well known to many show and event organizers, but those who haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying its big-shouldered hospitality and excitement recently will have the opportunity at the upcoming Fastest 50,” said Marilou Delosantos, TSE’s assistant event manager. The Fastest 50 Awards & Summit will provide a great opportunity for show organizers on the fast track to get a closeup look at one of the more-venerable host cities for shows of all sizes and the exciting changes taking place that will make it better than ever.
Reach Don Welsh at (312) 567-8588 or ceo@choosechicago.com; Darlene Gudea at (760) 630-9111 or dg@tradeshowexecutive.com; Diane Bjorklund at (630) 312-8915 or dbjorklund@tradeshowexecutive.com; Marilou Delosantos at (760) 630-9108 or mdelosantos@tradeshowexecutive.com
