As you have probably already heard, Chicago had yet another record breaking year for tourism. The projections for 2014 travel to Chicago passed the 50 million mark for the first time in history of the city. You are also probably aware that those in charge of managing Chicago’s tourism efforts are expecting that number to only grow higher in 2015. What you may not know though, is you need to be ready for that surge earlier than you may think.
Many of our hospitality partners that depend on tourism traffic to support their business usually plan to build up their campaigns to be at full steam by mid-June when the highest volume of travelers flood the area hotels. In 2015, we are advising our clients to start much earlier so that they are ready for a new stream of travelers in early May that our city has never had before. The first week in May will see unprecedented hotel occupancy with the addition of three huge new events to Chicago’s busy calendar.
During the span of April 30th through May 8th we will host the NFL Draft, the James Beard Awards, and the brand new Microsoft Ignite conference. The NFL Draft will bring celebrities and fans from around the country to experience not only the actual draft, but a first ever fan-driven festival in Grant Park. The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the dining industry and will bring media and celebrity chefs from around the globe to the Lyric Opera on May 4th. The first ever Microsoft Ignite technology conference is expected to generate 30,000 new convention delegates to McCormick Place from May 4th to May 8th. Oh, and do not forget the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA Show) is still coming to town a week later!
To make sure you are doing everything you can to generate more business during this unprecedented rush of tourism make sure and start your tourism campaigns by early to mid-April. The concierge community needs time to catch up with your brand and these travelers will be looking for your information as they prepare for their Chicago experience.
3 ideas on how to prepare using Concierge Preferred:
- Advertise your brand in the April/May issue of Concierge Preferred (A special cover wrapped edition of this magazine will be distributed for NRA Show guests)
- Exhibit at the Concierge Preferred Trade Show on April 28th
- Utilize dedicated e-blasts to the concierge community to put your message directly in front of the concierge
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