Chicago, IL, November 2, 2006--Chicago has been a beacon for blues performers and audiences alike. It’s also a treasury of some of America’s most important architecture.
It’s home to very innovative theater that often makes its way to the bright lights of Broadway. And, it’s a city that has helped define the meaning of team spirit, with every major league professional sport represented. With its fair share of world-class chefs, the dining is divine, with cuisine for all tastes, from “brats and brewskies” to highbrow haute.
It’s no wonder, then, that Chicago plays host each year to over 30 million visitors, at least 42% of whom travel here for one of approximately 50 trade shows that choose to book this venue. For the 33,000-plus exhibitors and attendees coming to the ultimate tile and stone tradeshow Coverings 2007, April 17-20, Chicago is the perfect mecca of culture, sophistication and quality entertainment.
“We know that business continues well after the doors shut at McCormick Place,” said Tamara Christian, show director of Coverings and president of National Trade Productions, which manages the show. “Coverings officially stages one event or another nearly every evening during show week that adds to this networking need. But, we recognize those after hours moments are equally important, and Chicago is rich with opportunities for wooing and impressing a client or customer, whether it’s at a four-star restaurant or at Wrigley Field.” Christian also noted that many spouses and families travel to Coverings, and there’s plenty to do for those who have a day or two explore.
With online registration for Coverings and participating hotels accessible as of October 23, it’s time now, as well, to start planning which restaurants to go to (reservations recommended) and what other fun activities you might be able to squeeze in. To help guide you, we offer these “Best Bets” suggestions from some of our experts on the ground and in the know in Chicago. Part One of this series will provide you with Dining and Nightlife Entertainment (including which Sports teams are playing when Coverings is in town). Look for Part Two in a few months. It will discuss Museums, Shopping, and include tips on how to get around.
One of hardest parts of recommending – or selecting – a Chicago restaurant is making a final choice! With over 14,000 restaurants in the metro area, Chicago caters to every possible appetite. Chicago is, of course, famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Polish sausage sandwiches, and the classic burger made famous by John Belushi and the “Saturday Night Live” Not Ready for Prime Time Players, the Billy Goat diner’s Cheezborgers.
