The Sessions Hospitality and Tourism Professionals Won't Want to Miss at The Summit

On April 28, The Summit will bring together hospitality, tourism, and events professionals from all over the Chicago area to network, exchange ideas, and keep up to date on the latest venues and food and beverage providers. For those in the industry, there are numerous education sessions and roundtable discussions that will give you insight to bring back to your business. 

The Tourism Track of the Education & Eggs sessions has three panel discussions at Recess of interest to those who work for hotels. Moderated by Philippe Gills of the Langham Chicago, Hotel Partnerships — Win-Wins for the Hotel, the Guest, and Your Business will explore how hotels and industry-related businesses can work together to create memorable experiences for visitors. Alexandra Jakubiak of Carol Fox & Associates will lead Meet the Media: Crafting Coverage-Ready Stories That Get Picked Up, where she and three local journalists will discuss the types of pitches that get results. Route 66, the World Cup, and Global Uncertainty: What It All Means for Your Business, led by Cory Jobe of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Board, shows how cities can prepare for major events that result in return visits.

Afterwards, the Roundtable Luncheon at Recess has 12 topics created and led by events industry leaders designed to promote interaction between professionals and an exchange of ideas among contemporaries. The topics are:

• Crafting a Winning Choose Chicago Event RFP Response (ModeratorL Lori Adelsick, Choose Chicago)

• PR Secrets: How to Gain More Media Coverage for Your Business or Event (Moderator: Kathy Bryja, Heron Agency)

• The Next Wave of Social Storytelling: Social Media Strategies That Turn Views Into Visits (Moderator: Margo Hawk, Carol Fox & Associates)

• Cannabis & Events: What’s Allowed, What’s Not, and What’s Next (ModeratorL Kate Nadolski, Culinary Cannibis)

• How to Be Part of Choose Chicago's All for the Love of Chicago Social Media Initiative (Moderator: Joanie Faletto)

• Attracting the World: How to Capture More Business From International Travelers (Moderator: John Curran, Big Bus Chicago)

• VIP Guest Experience in 2026: Personalization, Privacy, and “Wow” Moments (Moderator: Philippe Gills, The Langham Chicago)

• Beyond the Agenda: Immersive Entertainment & Interactive Activations (Moderator: Gretchen Kirchmer, Live Art International)

• Maximizing Partnerships: How to Work With Destination Management Companies (DMCs) (Moderator: Elizabeth Duffy, DMCP, CTC Destination Management)

• Building an Internship Program That Actually Works (Moderator: Tionna Van Gundy, CSEP, Wedicity)

• The Art of Influencer Partnerships: Building Creator Campaigns That Drive Awareness and Action (Moderator: Alexandria Jakubiak: Carol Fox & Associates)

• The 360° Win: Engineering Engagement Where Everyone Profits (Moderator: Joel Steel, Komo Technologies)

You can purchase tickets and register for the sessions here. Bringing your team to The Summit allows your colleagues the chance to split up and bring more ideas back to the office. Buy four or more tickets to save 20%.