Business Ledger expo serves up suburban hospitality to record crowd

A record crowd of business people got a taste of the Northwest suburbs' hospitality industry Thursday during the Daily Herald Business Ledger Hospitality Expo - Chicago Northwest.

More than 900 people wandered the Stonegate Banquet and Conference Centre in Hoffman Estates to check out more than 70 vendors showing off their specialties. Businesses from hotels and meeting sites to restaurants and caterers, as well entertainers such as magicians and casino night operators, were represented.

The event drew the largest crowd in the history of the Business Ledger's annual event, according to Chris Craven, advertising team leader and coordinator of the Business Ledger's three yearly Hospitality Expos.

"It really shows the need for events like these that bring people from the industry together to network and to generate new business," Craven said.

For many of the vendors, the event was not only a way to drum up business but also to network with others in the industry in a relaxed format. Jasmine Carlson and Lauren Rullo of Weber Grill Restaurant in Schaumburg noted the atmosphere at the Thursday event was different from other events they've attended.

"The crowd that's here is a lot more fun," Rullo said. "It's an industry crowd, which is great because it allows us to network and meet people in the same business we're in and also meet people who are looking for the services that we can provide."

The booth around Copper Fiddle Distillery was also drawing a steady crowd with its samples of bourbon and gin. Owner Fred Robinson said the expo has helped boost the visibility of his Lake Zurich business, which offers space for events as well as locally produced spirits.

"We really enjoy it. It's great exposure," Robinson said. "We're a local distillery, and everybody wants to buy local. It just fits where we want to take this brand."

Those attending found the event a great place to network and get an idea of what's available in the suburbs.

"Just from the different array of companies that are represented, it's a very good networking event," said Todd Lazzarotto of Classic Party Rentals in McCook. "It's very well put together."

Partners in the expo were Meet Chicago Northwest, hereschicago.com, National Concierge Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, village of Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, Schaumburg Business Association, Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce & Industry and GOA Regional Business Association.