CHICAGO — The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Board of Directors voted this week to award the McCormick Place Campus private management contract to OVG360 and the food service management contract to OVG Hospitality. The new contracts are scheduled to run from Oct. 1, 2023 through September 2028.
The McCormick Place Campus includes the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater in addition to the McCormick Place Convention Center.
“We look forward to working with OVG to continue to provide a world-class experience for all visitors and event organizers who utilize the McCormick Place Convention Center, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater,” Larita Clark, CEO of MPEA, said. “MPEA and OVG will immediately begin working with ASM Global and SAVOR…Chicago, the campus’ current private management and food service companies, to ensure a seamless transition. MPEA anticipates no impact on currently scheduled events.”
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OVG360, a division of Oak View Group (OVG), is a full-service, worldwide venue-management and hospitality company with a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions and state fairs. OVG360 focuses on innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and public safety, and more.
OVG is a global sports and entertainment company founded in 2015. It focuses on the sports, live entertainment and hospitality industries, and currently has eight divisions across four global offices (Los Angeles, New York, London and Philadelphia).
MPEA owns McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the Marriott Marquis Chicago. For the new contracts with OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, MPEA’s Board of Directors acted upon recommendations from MPEA staff, who carefully considered responses to requests for proposals for both contracts. Both companies were selected unanimously after a rigorous RFP process that involved representatives from across functional units, according to Clark.
“OVG brings a great reputation and track record in venue management and hospitality with an innovative vision for the future. MPEA was impressed by their customer and employee-centric philosophy to hospitality which we believe will enhance the event experience,” Clark said.
Reach Larita Clark at lclark@mpea.com
