The BizBash IdeaFest Chicago took place at the Merchandise Mart on Wednesday. Industry pros gathered to hear TED-style talks at the new Event Innovation Forum, participate in workshops, and check out products and services on the trade show floor. From a new stuffed-pumpkin station from Jewell Events Catering to a princess-y chair from Cort Event Furnishings, here's a peek at some of the show's featured items.
Jewell Events Catering debuted its stuffed-pumpkin station at the event. Guests could get the gourd filled with chipotle mashed potatoes with braised short ribs, kale salad, or pumpkin-spice mousse. Fun fact: The firm's founder, George Jewell, brought 200 mini pumpkins back from his farm in Michigan to help create the station.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Ravinia advertised its grassy grounds with a booth that was, appropriately, grassy. Paved in Astroturf and holding two Adirondack chairs, the setup had a backdrop of the concert venue at night.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Cort Event Furnishings showcased its Napolean collection. Inspired by royalty, the line's offerings include plush chairs in bright hues such as pink, turquoise, and emerald green.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
The pastry chefs from Zed451 let guests sample some of the items from the restaurant's group menus. Included: peanut-butter bonbons.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
To underscore its Tex-Mex theme, Moe's Cantina spruced up its tasting station with flowers in a cowboy boot.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Fig Catering used succulents and blocks of wood to give its display an earthy look.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
To remind guests of its Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum handed out butterfly-shaped cookies frosted in a springy shade of green.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Atmosphere's high-definition, multichannel entertainment system showcased 4K content (which is clearer than typical high-definition images). The technology can be used for entertainment, to showcase meeting content, or to display brand images or logos.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Kehoe Designs added jewel-hued pillows and flowers to the sleek rentals from AFR Event Furnishings.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Tipsycake created a custom confection for BizBash. The cake inside was blue to reflect BizBash's corporate hue.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
At a laboratory-inspired booth, the Museum of Science and Industry served margarita shots in on-theme test tubes.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
Carnivale, the colorful Latin restaurant in the West Loop, offered takeaway bags of a traditional carnival treat: pink cotton candy.
Photo: Jenny Berg/BizBash
