Elevating Events: Lessons from a Cultivated Chicago Experience

This fall, our National Sales team, alongside the Four Seasons Chicago had the pleasure of hosting a special event at the newly renovated property, accompanied by some of our valued clients. Over three days and two nights, we not only explored the luxurious offerings of the hotel but also delved into what the vibrant city of Chicago has to offer.

Sure, Chicago's got its deep-dish and hot dogs, but we dove deeper. We explored the city’s vibrant culinary scene, inspired by the Emmy-nominated show The Bear.  Chicago is home to an array of talented chefs, including Top Chef winners and Michelin-starred culinary stars. We tapped into this culinary treasure trove, to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Culinary Experiences & The Art of Hospitality

Drawing inspiration from The Bear, we set out on a culinary adventure. Donnie Madia, a hospitality expert and consultant on the show, brought a vision that deeply aligns with our values at Access.  During an intimate lunch at The Publican, Donnie shared insights on the power of positivity and perseverance in the hospitality industry. His message was clear: stay resilient, focus on the 'how,' and treat others like family—principles inspired by Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality. This approach resonates with us at Access because we are, at our core, service-obsessed. It’s a commitment that drives us to deliver unparalleled experiences as your Destination Management Company (DMC) partner.

Our time in Chicago wasn’t solely focused on culinary delights. We engaged in meaningful conversations about pressing industry topics, including Sustainability and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These themes are at the forefront of our commitment to creating impactful experiences.

Sustainability in Action

At Access, we’re dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into our operations, an initiative we call Access Impact.  During our Chicago event, we took several tangible steps to support a more sustainable experience, such as rescuing food, recycling centerpieces, donating artwork, sourcing local menu items, and utilizing pedicabs and trolleys to minimize our carbon footprint. We also limited printed materials and provided our guests with reusable notebooks. Our dedicated Sustainability Committee, is actively developing data collection opportunities during program execution to share quantifiable insights with our clients, because we’re all about the numbers doing the talking.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This year, we were particularly proud to be part of an all-female client group at Envision, reflecting our values as a predominantly female-owned and led organization. We believe in uplifting women-owned businesses, and for our gifting suite, showcased partnerships with brands like Stoney Clover and T&T Jewelry, where each piece is thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of place and the spirit of cherished memories.

As we continue to foster these values internally, we are committed to supporting your team, customers, and attendees with the same intentionality we experienced during our time in Chicago. Our goal is to ensure that every interaction is not only professional but also deeply personal, and everyone is treated like family.

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This shared experience we created in Chicago was more than just a few days of delightful food and sights; it was a powerful reminder of how excellence and service in the hospitality industry can create unforgettable moments. It underscored the impact that dedication to every detail, including sustainability and inclusivity, can have in crafting truly memorable experiences.  We look forward to bringing these insights and inspirations into our future collaborations with you. Yes, Chef!