Robbi Lycett
Vice President, Conventions & Conferences; Biotechnology Industry Organization; Washington, D.C.
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Describe your event. It was the BIO International Convention 2010, our annual trade show plus educational sessions and partnering meetings, with 15,100 attendees at McCormick Place.
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Why did you decide to host the meeting in Chicago? We would rotate into various areas with concentrations of biotech companies to help attendance. As the show has grown, McCormick is just such a great venue for us.
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What surprised you the most about Chicago? The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB) did a great job from early on. We had to find venues for nine receptions and they did a great job of making appointments and helping us see 45 venues.
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What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? Chicago is just a great city; our attendees love downtown.
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Was anybody particularly helpful? Rose Horcher at the CCTB.
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What other types of groups would fit well with the property? McCormick Place has been rebuilt over time to accommodate large groups and conventions, and lays out well.
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What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used for events or meetings? The Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion, the Rookery and the Art Institute for receptions, the Enclave for an evening event and the House of Blues. We also used the Field Museum for a party.
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What local suppliers did you utilize? Blue Plate Catering, Event Architects, Frost Lighting and Kehoe Design for props and decor. For caterers, we used Food for Thought, Bon Appetit at the Art Institute and Taste of America.
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Would you return? Yes.
- Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Chicago? Take advantage of all the tools the CCTB offers.