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Planner’s Perspective

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Matilde Wraith
Executive Director of Groups and Incentives
Travel Faire Groups
Omaha, Neb.

Describe your event.

In September, we had a marketing meeting for an insurance-related marketing firm at the Fairmont Chicago. It was about 400 people, but we covered most of the hotel for four to five days. It was an intense meeting with a great party, great food and a great reception.

Why did you decide to host the meeting in Chicago?
We have a lot of clients all over the country, and Chicago is such an easy place for them to travel to, from any direction. Plus there’s so much to do in their free time.

What surprised you the most about Chicago?
Every time we go back it looks different—more exciting, with more venues that they’re adding.

What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
Millennium Park is so great. We’ve done a huge party at Navy Pier. The Field Museum is fabulous, and the King Tut exhibit was there.

Was anybody particularly helpful?
Again, we really love the Fairmont because it’s a big hotel, but it’s really a deluxe hotel. We also work with the DMC Chicago Is; Patty Monahan has energy, ideas and is so easy to work with.

What other types of groups would fit well with the property?
The hotel is great with business groups that have meetings and functions. It is a bigger hotel than I would use for a leisure group just going for a weekend.

What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used?
The Field Museum, Navy Pier and Millennium Park.

Did you incorporate any interesting excursions into the agenda?
We did an architectural cruise on the river; it’s a totally different view than walking or in a car or bus.

How does Chicago compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
Chicago probably is the best because it’s easy to get to and less expensive for people flying from all over the country.

Would you return?
We will, in July 2008.

Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Chicago?
Just to find what is best suited for them. If you have a midsize group in a huge hotel, you get lost, but the Fairmont is a great midsize hotel, so it’s not a zoo.