On November 14, more than 800 event professionals gathered at the BizBash IdeaFest Chicago at the Merchandise Mart for a day of inspiration, education, and mingling with the top names in events.
After an opening preparty at Roof on the Wit Hotel, the BizBash IdeaFest kicked off with morning education sessions including the Hands-On Event Design Lab featuring linens from BBJ Linens, the Event Leadership Institute Master Program, and the Plan-A-Thon. Pure Kitchen Catering provided an assortment of breakfast foods, and IML Worldwide provided interactive technology for the afternoon education sessions. Design and decor was provided by Event Creative.
The day continued with the General Session, where Billy Dec of Rockit Ranch Productions shared his secrets to success, and Groupon’s Noelle Provencial discussed how she organized the first Camp Groupon. On the main stage, Glow Design Group handled presentation slides, while Platinum Events and Sound Investment A.V. provided production and lighting.
Throughout the day, planners were inspired by new ideas from the top names in the event industry while observing the latest trends on the BizBash IdeaFest trade show floor. Highlights included the latest holiday party ideas from Classic Party Rentals, furnishings by national sponsor Cort Event Furnishings, and Restaurant Row, which featured restaurants from the Illinois Restaurant Association. Event Creative, the executive designer of the BizBash IdeaFest, provided inspiring design, florals, and decor at registration and show lounges.
EventSpot by Constant Contact sponsored the BizBash Luncheon where Andrea Sullivan, M.A. of BrainStrength Systems, inspired guests with her expertise on “Brain Power and Events.” Luncheon attendees enjoyed locally sourced cuisine by Pure Kitchen Catering.
Another highlight was the first Chicago Event Industry Holiday Party. At the event, C4 Entertainment's DJ entertained the crowd, Goose Island Catering & Events supplied unique food and beer pairings, and Hospitality One provided staffing and bartenders. Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois featured three holiday-themed drinks, menus, and products at each bar. Magnificent Events provided additional entertainment, including Maggie Speaks, Final Say, the CoverGirls Violin Show, and Corner Store, and Nadau Ice wowed guests with its holiday ice sculptures. Party Scapes entertained guests with a portrait of the event as it happened.
The event concluded with the Readers’ Choice Awards, with awards provided by Society Awards and production by Platinum Events and Sound Investment A.V. Guests celebrated at the BizBash IdeaFest after-party at Rockit Ranch Productions and enjoyed interactive music technology provided by TouchTunes. Brightroom provided photography for the show, and video was taken by Chicago Commercial Photography.
We would like to thank all of our participants and sponsors for being a part of this year’s BizBash IdeaFest Chicago and our event volunteers from Kendall College and Lexington College. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!
