DuPage's hospitality industry sets table at annual expo

Local event planners got to sample a full menu of ideas during the ninth annual Hospitality Expo-DuPage, hosted by the Daily Herald Business Ledger.

More than 850 local business professionals mingled and sampled the offerings from more than 80 vendors at Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn. Vendors included restaurants, caterers, hotels, golf courses and entertainment providers, all offering alternatives to standard business outings.

Attendees had the opportunity to sample food ranging from pulled pork sliders and craft beer from Old Town Pour House in Naperville to lobster bisque by The Clubhouse in Oak Brook and cupcakes from DeEtta's Bakery in Naperville.

Ideas for corporate events or employee parties were also on display, from creating music videos by Pop Noggins in Schaumburg to putt poker provided by All Funds & Games.

For Kevin Tyschper, owner of DeEtta's Bakery, the expo is an opportunity to connect with others in the industry as well as potential customers. This was the second year DeEtta's participated in the event.

"We don't know of any other event like this, where you can really connect with the decision-makers of all of these organizations as well as your peers in one kind of environment," Tyschper said. "We can specifically tie back new business and new relationships to this event."

Dave Pawelek, senior director of strategic partnerships for the Chicago Wolves hockey team, added the timing of this year's expo lined up well with the team's season opener game on Saturday, Oct. 15.

"It's a great opportunity to touch all the people in the hospitality industry and invite newcomers out to see our games," Pawelek said.

The DuPage Expo is the second of three held annually by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. The final expo will be Nov. 10 at Stonegate Banquets in Hoffman Estates.