Highlights FROM RCMA's Chicago Northshore Regional Event

Our Chicago Northshore Regional Event this week was a great time of professional and personal connection. Below are some highlights! CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENT.

Early Arriver’s Area Excursion

Excursion participants began with breakfast at the Hilton Orrington, then a tour of the Alice Millar Chapel and the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University. Then a visit to the Wilmette Baha’i House of Worship and lunch at the Renaissance Northshore Hotel.

Education Sessions

Central to our opening session was a enegetic dialogue about “What's Happening Out There?” in the hospitality industry. Dean Jones, RCMA Director of Conferences & Events, guided the discussion around relevant topics such as room rates, food and beverage, and green initiatives.

In second education session Scott Graham shared about “Borrowing Brilliance", the art of studying people and organizations different from your business. Scott led an energized brainstorm and dialogue about lessons we can learn from American Girl stores.

"Think about the places you go that are wildly popular (and offer a positive experience). Ask yourself why, and what you can learn and incorporate from them." –Scott Graham

"Know your customers... and bless the socks off of them!" –Scott Graham

Daren Snow, former Hyatt executive now a pastor, shared about "Being Hospitable in an Inhospitable World" at the final session of RCMA's Regional Event.

Evening Reception & Museum Tour

Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) hosted a wonderful meal for us at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, with our special guest speaker George Van Dusen, Mayor of Skokie, Illinois.

Following the meal, curators led groups on museum tours, including an interactive hollogram with a holocaust surver. This tour was an experience beyond words. The Illinois Holocausr Museum and Education Center is the largest facility in the Midwest dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and to teaching current generations to fight hatred, indifference, and genocide in today’s world.

Tradeshows

The tradeshows were full of great connections and sweet treats! We are so grateful for more than 20 amazing suppliers who resourced our community of planners. At the tradeshows we noticed a high level of engagement, laughter and conversation–and RFPs being submitted!

Host Hotel and Sponsors

Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook was a wonderful sponsor and host. Their staff shined by providing a welcoming environment and some of the best meals and desserts we’ve tasted!

We are so grateful for Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) for being the key sponsor and organizer of this event.

Hyatt Hotels is also a proud sponsor, helping to make all of RCMA’s Regional Events possible. THANKS!