Hospitality expo attracts hundreds in Rolling Meadows

The Northwest Suburban Hospitality Expo held in Rolling Meadows Thursday showcased hot industry trends, networking opportunities and an array of ideas for corporate events and holiday parties.

The expo provided a one-stop source for everything needed in the suburban market when it comes to meeting and event planning. More than 75 exhibitors from restaurants and caterers to meeting sites, conference centers, hotels, golf courses and specialty businesses were on hand for the event held at the Meadows Club. More than 650 guests registered to attend to explore ideas for corporate events, meetings, luncheons, dinners, conferences, retreats or holiday parties.

"It's about building awareness of the hospitality industry. But it goes beyond the meeting planner," said Dave Parulo, president of Meet Chicago Northwest convention bureau. The expo also generated ideas for consumers planning holiday parties, weddings or other events. "I'm excited about the number of restaurants here," Parulo said as he looked around the room where guest mingled and enjoyed food drinks and interaction with local businesses. Salads, barbecue pork sandwiches, desserts, mini- hamburgers, pizza and fun bar drinks were some of the samples.

Exhibitors came from northern Lake County to Chicago.

Garrett Diamond, owner of Johnny O'Hagan's Irish Pub & Restaurant said it was his first time participating in the expo. "We're trying to promote our private event space. It's a way to get our name out there," he said as he served Guinness beer, burgers and crabcakes.

John Maguire, director of business development at the Lake County Fair Association, was promoting the event center, expo hall, wedding and meeting space at the Grayslake venue.

"There's a lot of energy in the room," said Chris Craven, Daily Herald Business Ledger advertising team leader and director of the expo. "We're providing meeting professionals with products, services and venues in the area."

The Northwest Suburban Hospitality Expo was sponsored by the Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with Meet Chicago Northwest.

To incorporate the entire Ledger footprint, earlier this year, an expo was held at the Tinley Park Convention Center where 60 exhibitors and hundreds of guests attended. And last month hundreds gathered for the hospitality event at Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn.