Connecting with Experts, Tourism Campaign, Restaurant Political Reception

Make Connections for Your Business at Meet the Experts

Register now to attend the IRA's most popular networking event of the year - Meet The Experts, hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program and Title Sponsors CliftonLarsonAllen, Gordon Food Service, Taft Law.

On Wednesday, May 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Untitled Supper Club, this event offers restaurant and hospitality operators the opportunity to connect one-on-one with some of the biggest restaurateurs in the business, plus experts in HR, public relations, law, accounting, licensing, insurance, and more.

We are thrilled to welcome Erick Williams, owner of Virtue Restaurant & Bar and Mustard Seed Kitchen as our keynote speaker.

How it works: Operators (restaurant/hospitality owners, managers, and employees) can select up to five (5) preferred experts to meet with during the event for 15 minute sessions. Consider it an ideal opportunity to ask questions, get advice, and exchange business information to keep the conversation going in the future. It's speed coaching and power networking at its finest. 

Registration is complimentary. Vendors and service providers are unable to sign up for dedicated time with experts, but are welcome and encouraged to join this premier networking event.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact IRA Director of Sales & Marketing Christine DeSousa.

State Launches Middle of Everything Tourism Campaign

Earlier this week, the state of Illinois launched a new tourism campaign, "Middle of Everything," starring Illinois native actress Jane Lynch.

"Middle of Everything" highlights Illinois as the center of culture, food, history, architecture, nightlife, and natural wonders - full of experiences for visitors to discover. The ads will run in 20 markets across Illinois and seven neighboring states and will be seen on cable nationwide. A Spanish-language ad will also air in the Chicago market.

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia joined state leaders for the event, including Sen. Dale Fowler (59th), Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Sylvia Garcia, Sen. Mike Simmons (7th), and Rep. Theresa Mah (2nd), pictured above.

Click here to read more.

RSVP to the Annual Restaurant Political Reception

To bolster our efforts to support candidates and issues that are favorable to the hospitality industry, the IRA and National Restaurant Association are hosting our Annual Restaurant Show Political Reception on Monday, May 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hubbard Inn.

Click here to view the save the date. The host committee is currently in formation. To RSVP and be included in the list of event supporters, please contact Matt Quinn.

Next Thursday - Webinar on Mental Health and Wellness Support for Restaurants

Join the IRA and panelists from UnitedHealthcare, HUB International, and EMPLOYERS on Thursday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar offering coping ideas and accessible mental health resources that may be helpful now and into the future.

Mental health is health. Discover useful well-being resources for restaurant and bar workers.

Click here to register.

Reminder - Third Party Delivery Services Required to Collect and Remit Chicago Restaurant Tax

Last year, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance that now requires third party delivery services to collect and remit the 0.50% Chicago Restaurant Tax on behalf of restaurants.

The IRA worked with the Department of Finance to address this issue and resolve any confusion over which entities are required to collect and remit the tax when sales are made through a third party delivery services platform.

Click here to download the notice.