IL Meetings + Events: Visitors Always Welcome to Chicago, Food Scene Drives Tourism

Illinois Meetings + Events Magazine recently featured a story on how Chicago is nearing its goal of attracting 55 million annual visitors—and everyone, including the meetings and events industry, is benefiting from the attention.

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia explained that attracting foodies has been a big objective, and the city has a lot to offer, given the collection of renowned chefs, Michelin star–awarded restaurants and a swath of unique neighborhood flavors. Furthermore, events like Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Restaurant Week, the National Restaurant Association trade show, and the James Beard Awards (which the city started hosting in 2015) attract tens of thousands of attendees every year.

Click here to read more at Illinois Meetings + Events Magazine.