ILEA Greater Chicago Chapter

Chicago’s biggest night for event pros is almost here! 🎉 In just 10 days, the Spark Awards will ignite the stage at Mae District, honoring the visionaries, innovators, and creators behind unforgettable events. ✨ Get ready for an unmissable night of celebration, inspiration, and well-deserved recognition—because this is YOUR time to shine! 🌟  Date: April 10, 2025 Venue: Mae District, Chicago Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 🎟️ Secure your spot now and celebrate event excellence with us! https://lnkd.in/djvVwWtj #countdown #upcomingevent #awardsevening #eventindustry #eventpros #eventprofs

Step right up, guys and dolls! ✨🎩 Dust off your glad rags and make your way to Mae District on Thursday, April 10th for a night that’s bound to be the bee’s knees! The Spark Awards is rolling out the red carpet for the best and brightest in the events industry—an evening of high-class celebration, top-tier talent, and all that jazz. 🥂🎶 Expect flowing hooch, high-stakes thrills, a formal dinner, and plenty of entertainment. This is your chance to mix, mingle, and toast to the industry’s finest. Pssst… Tell ’em Al and Mae sent you. 😉 🎟️ Tickets are going fast—secure yours now!  https://lnkd.in/djvVwWtj #upcomingevent #awardsdevening #eventpros #eventprofessionals #eventprofs #eventindustry

Rounding out our spotlights are the nominees in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative category! This category honors events that foster cultural inclusion and belonging through workplace diversity, attendee engagement, and supplier representation. The Nominees Are... - PC Events and Experiences - High-minded Events Swipe through our carousel to see how these nominees are making a meaningful impact through their DEI-focused events! 

The clock is ticking—Industry Xchange 2025 is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss out! Happening on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Convene Willis Tower, this is your chance to: - Gain Expert Insights: Learn from Kelly Brinkman and David Saef, CTSM as they share proven strategies for engaging multi-generational audiences and creating impactful event experiences. - Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow event professionals and industry leaders, building valuable relationships that can elevate your future projects. - Stay Ahead of the Curve: Discover the latest trends and insights to keep your events relevant, inclusive, and future-ready. 📅 Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 🕑 Time: 2:30 - 7:30 p.m. 📍 Location: Convene Willis Tower, Chicago, IL Register by March 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and be sure to note which organization you’ll be representing. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of the events industry! https://lnkd.in/dFeh9xEw #upcomingevent #GlobalMeetingsIndustryDay #EventProfs #MeetingPlanning #FutureOfEvents #NetworkingOpportunity #EventStrategy #ProfessionalDevelopment

We’re excited to spotlight the nominees for our NEWEST category - Best Event Collaboration! This category recognizes events where four or more industry partners came together, each playing a crucial role in delivering a seamless and successful experience. Best Event Collaboration Nominees:  ✨ BeatMix Music, Catering by Michaels, Events by Tess, Epic Events , TIM TAB STUDIOS, AV Chicago, Inc.  ✨ Food for Thought, PJH & Associates, Frost Chicago, The Flower Firm, BBJ La Tavola, Halls Rentals, VIP Valet Swipe through our carousel to see how these incredible teams brought their creative visions to life! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #collaboration #awardsevening

We’re excited to spotlight the nominees for Best Technical Production for a Corporate Event— Mixed Space Studios and AV Chicago, Inc.! This category celebrates those who plan, coordinate, and execute exceptional event services with precision and creativity. Swipe through our carousel to see how these nominees elevated corporate events with outstanding technical production! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #eventtech #awardsevening

We’re excited to spotlight the nominees for Best Technical Production for a Fundraiser/Non-Profit Event— Mixed Space Studios and AV Chicago, Inc.! This category honors those who plan, coordinate, and produce outstanding event services that bring fundraising and non-profit events to life. Swipe through our carousel to see how these nominees delivered exceptional technical production to create impactful and memorable experiences! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #awardsevening #eventtech

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the nominee for Best Technical Production for a Social Event or Wedding— AV Chicago, Inc.! This category recognizes those who plan, coordinate, and produce exceptional event services. Swipe through our carousel to see how AV Chicago elevated the event experience with cutting-edge technical production! #upcomingevent #eventpros #nominees #eventindustry #eventprofs #eventproduction #AVtech #awardsevening

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