ILEA Greater Chicago Chapter

Tickets are now live for the 2025 Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, presented by the Illinois Office of Tourism! Join us at Recess, City Hall, and Morgan Manufacturing on April 15th. Don’t miss ILEA’s session from 10:30-10:55 AM with Patrick Crosson, CMP, DES from PC Events and Experiences and Missy Wright from Blue Plate Catering, Inc. They’ll share practical tips on growing your vendor network and collaborating with local suppliers to elevate your catering. Use code "ILEA" to save 15% on Industry Buyer and Business Supplier tickets! ??? Get your tickets and more at www.thesummitchicago.com #upcomingevent #HospitalityIndustry #vendor #EventProfs #NetworkingEvent #BusinessGrowth #ChicagoEvents #catering

Join us in celebrating Phil Cooper, this year’s Ignite Award Recipient! ??? This award recognizes rising industry leaders who bring impressive talent, creativity, and innovation to the special events world—and Phil is the perfect example. Phil’s journey in events began in 2005 at Loyola University, with weekend wedding setups for Botanicals. His passion and talent propelled him to roles as a corporate event designer, creative director, and senior designer at Kehoe Designs before founding P. Cooper Creative in 2019 and High-minded Events in 2020. Through his groundbreaking work, Phil has reshaped cannabis hospitality, producing Chicago’s first compliant public cannabis consumption event and launching the Budtender’s Choice Awards, now in its third year. His creativity has earned him multiple accolades, including Best Cannabis Caterer (Chicago Reader Best of Chicago Awards) and induction into the Illinois Meeting and Events Hall of Fame. Phil’s passion and vision are igniting change in the industry, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Congratulations, Phil! ???? #ILEA #IgniteAward #EventIndustryRisingStar #EventProfs #CreativeEvents #HighMindedEvents

Join us in celebrating Timot McGonagle, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient! ??? This award honors those who have dedicated their time, leadership, and expertise to advancing the special events industry—something Timot has done with passion for over 20 years. As the founder of TM Creative Consultants, he has designed and produced unforgettable corporate, association, social, gala, and large-scale events. His creativity and innovation have earned him multiple Gala, Esprit, and NICE Awards. But Timot’s impact goes beyond events—his volunteer work has helped raise millions for charities, and his leadership with ILEA Chicago & the SEARCH Foundation has supported event professionals worldwide. A well-deserved win for an industry trailblazer! ???? #ILEA #LifetimeAchievementAward #EventIndustryLeader #EventProfs #EventDesign #CreativeEvents

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the nominees for Best Décor for a Corporate Event! This category recognizes individual or company teams who’ve successfully planned and produced standout corporate event décor. Best Décor for a Corporate Event Nominees: - CTC Destination Management, a DMC Network Company?? - Elevoque?? - Next Level Event Design? Swipe through our carousel to explore how these talented nominees brought their creative visions to life! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #eventdesign #eventdeco #awardsevening

We’re excited to spotlight the nominees in the Best Décor for a Social Event (Non-wedding) category! ?? These talented nominees have transformed events with their creative designs and stunning décor, elevating the atmosphere for unforgettable experiences. Best Décor for a Social Event Nominees: - TM Creative Consultants - Bright Light Events & Entertainment? Swipe through our carousel to learn more about these incredible nominees and see how they brought their design visions to life! ? #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening #eventdesign #eventdeco

We’re excited to announce that Industry Xchange 2025, proudly supported by ILEA Chicago, is happening on Thursday, April 3, 2025! Join us at Convene Willis Tower for Global Meeting Industry Day, hosted by MPI | Chicago Area Chapter. This year’s event, "Bridging the Generational Gap: Crafting Engaging Event Experiences for Multi-Generational Audiences", will feature thought leaders Kelly Brinkman and David Saef, CTSM, who will share strategies for creating engaging, inclusive, and future-forward event experiences. Don’t miss out—register today and make sure to note which organization you’ll be representing! Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 Time: 2:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Convene Willis Tower, Chicago, IL Let’s come together to create events that connect generations and shape the future! https://lnkd.in/dFeh9xEw #upcomingevent #GlobalMeetingsIndustryDay #EventProfs #MeetingPlanning #FutureOfEvents #NetworkingOpportunity #EventStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment

We’re excited to spotlight our Best Décor for a Wedding nominee! This category recognizes outstanding individuals, companies, or multi-companies who planned or produced exceptional wedding décor services. Best Décor for a Wedding Nominee: - Wedicity Wedding Planning Swipe through our carousel to discover how Wedicity brought their stunning wedding décor vision to life! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening #wedding #eventdeco #eventdesign

We’re excited to spotlight the nominees in the Best Interactive Entertainment category! ?? These nominees have expertly planned and produced unforgettable interactive experiences, overseeing everything from staging and performers to technical support. ?? Best Interactive Entertainment Nominees: - Elevoque - BeatMix Music - Bright Light Events & Entertainment Swipe through our carousel to learn more about these incredible nominees and see how they brought their entertainment visions to life! ?? #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the nominees in the Best Musical Entertainment category! These talented entertainment teams were responsible for the full production of their events, from staging to performers to technical support, delivering an unforgettable musical experience. ?? Best Musical Entertainment Nominees: - BeatMix Music - Butterfly Productions, LLC Swipe through our carousel to discover more about these talented nominees and see how they created magic through music! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible nominees in the Best Unique Food & Beverage Activation Category! These teams were responsible for the preparation, presentation, and serving of exceptional food and beverages that made these events unforgettable. Best Unique Food & Beverage Activation?Nominees: - Food for Thought - Elevoque Swipe through our carousel to learn more about these incredible nominees and see how they served up excellence in every bite! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening