Chicago’s Newest Neighborhood – McCormick Square – Unveiled by Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority
April 12, 2016
Chicago’s newest neighborhood, McCormick Square, has been unveiled by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
In her remarks at a luncheon held to present the new destination, MPEA CEO Lori Healey, detailed the current developments underway at McCormick Square.
“The addition of the Event Center and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, coupled with the Hyatt Regency, McCormick Place, and the exciting tourist attractions planned nearby, McCormick Square is becoming a destination rather than just a building,” Healey said.
These enhancements continue to build upon the current offerings on campus. With the combination of two hotels and an event center, McCormick Place now is able to book events and shows that weren’t previously possible.
“Our sales team has already booked three events that we would not have been able to compete for without these additions to our campus – and we still have about 18 months of construction ahead of us. McCormick Square is already delivering on its promise to provide more in one centralized location,” Healey said.
The new events include the American Baseball Coaches Association coming to McCormick Place in 2022 and 2026, Property Loss Research Bureau coming in 2021 and the large corporate meeting Genentech will take place in 2018.
These events alone will bring an estimated 31,000 room nights to the area with a total estimated economic impact of almost $26 million.
“We envision the new neighborhood will continue to evolve into a much sought after destination that will offer something for everyone,” Healey said.
She added, “With almost 3,000 jobs on campus, we bring economic development opportunities as well as vocational training through a partnership with the CPS Southside Occupational Academy. The McCormick Place Rooftop Garden provides sustainable local agriculture producing seasonal harvest that yields 8,000 pounds of vegetables annually, and we are thrilled to continue to partner with the South Loop Farmer’s Market this summer.”
McCormick Square offers the complete event experience with exhibition, meetings and hotel space, and a new Hotel and Event Center opening in 2017 with other entertainment and tourism options under development.
McCormick Square will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and help enhance the vitality of the surrounding neighborhoods, including the revitalization of the historic Motor Row Entertainment District.
Chicago had 21 shows ranked on the 2015 TSNN Top 250 trade show list, which ranks the largest shows in the U.S. by net square footage.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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