Museums & Attractions
- Groups can tour Chicago’s Smart Home special exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry through January 6, 2013. The three-story home showcases green technology in architecture and design, from a high-tech system to monitor energy usage to the latest home gadgets, such as the Cybertecture Mirror which brings a Facebook connection, up-to-the-minute news headlines and personal health data into the bathroom. The homes furnishings, from cabinets to lamps, were designed with reused and repurposed local items. The museum also offers venue space and special interest guided tours for groups of 15 or more. For more information, visit www.msichicago.com or www.msismarthome.org.
Tech Update
- The Greater St. Charles CVB launched its new website following a six-month redesign process. The bureau serves the villages of Campton Hills and Elburn, as well as the townships of Campton and St. Charles. Major venues in the area include the upscale Hotel Baker, Peasant Run Resort and the 1,042-room Q Center, with 8,000, 100,000 and 150,000 square feet of meeting space, respectively. For more information, visit www.visitstcharles.com.
Kudos
- For groups seeking environmentally-friendly venues, Erin’s Pavilion at the 80-acre Edwin Watts Southwind Park in Springfield, Ill. is LEED Platinum-certified and was built with goals of sustainability and energy efficiency. The site offers 7,000 square feet of indoor space with lake views, plus 3,000 square feet of covered outdoor space available for private rentals. The park also features picnic shelters and walking trails, a butterfly garden and a water and light show. For more information, call 217.585.2941 or visit www.southwindpark.org.