MIDWEST Sites, Cities, and Services Chicago

Be a part of it

Sight to see With 29 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, Chicago has a striking backdrop for its world-class shopping, sightseeing, dining, and imbibing.

Few convention centers compare to McCor- mick Place. Come to think of it, none do. For more than half a century, Chicago’s McCor- mick Place has built a solid reputation as the country’s premier meetings and conventions facility. But the reasons why so many meeting planners choose Chicago stretch far beyond its facilities — a central location, diverse hotel inventory, high-profile restaurants, premier shopping, vibrant arts community, and an extensive array of cultural attractions are just the beginning. Chicago has recently transformed its busi-

ness model to not only drive down costs, but also provide customers with greater choices for how they do business. As a result of recent historic labor reform, Chicago now offers more opportunities for meeting planners, attendees, and exhibitors to take advantage of all McCormick Place and Chicago have to offer.

PCMA.ORG Customers asked for changes in the way

business is conducted at McCormick Place, and Chicago listened. Broad public support from the state’s elected officials helped pass what can only be described as game- changing legislation, and Chicago is now the most customer-friendly convention and trade-show destination in the country. The restoration of exhibitor rights at McCormick Place, without any future threat, ensures that customers will not only realize signifi- cant savings, but also prosper as a result of exhibitors returning in full force. The following key reforms have been

solidified: The Exhibitors’ Bill of Rights allows show managers and exhibitors to perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders, as well as hand, power, and other tools designated by the MPEA. Expanded straight time (Monday through

Friday) has been restored, and new provi- sions have rolled back double-time pay for Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents' Day, and allow for a more flexible schedule on Saturdays, which reduces double-time. Auto Small Utility Vehicle or Personally

Operated Vehicle Provisions allow exhibi- tors to operate, load, and unload their own vehicles at McCormick Place’s docks and designated loading areas. Two-person crews rather than three-per-

son crews can now conduct work at McCor- mick Place. It’s a new day in Chicago. Be a part of it.

For more information: Choose Chicago — Michael Tarr, CMP, Vice President, Convention Sales; (312) 567-8500; mtarr@choosechicago .com; choosechicago.com

AUGUST 2012 PCMA CONVENE

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