Why We’re Introducing Roundtable Discussions at the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago

At Ateema, our deepest core value has always been connecting people in the industry. It’s the foundation of everything we do and the one thing we consistently hear the most compliments about. That said, it took a reminder from an industry friend to inspire us to lean into this value even more for The Summit Chicago. Andrew Brode, President of AV Chicago, Inc. and President of the Chicago chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA), told me he values our Summit because it allows him to meet more and different planners than at other networking events. He said we should lean into this strength more by providing even more networking opportunities at The Summit. His insight reminded us of the unique role the Summit plays in fostering connections and inspired us to take it a step further this year, which is why we introduced our new "Bites, Brainstorms, and Business-Building" Roundtable Discussion Luncheon.

Why Roundtable Discussions?

We know that the most valuable moments at events often happen when people sit down to have real conversations. Our educational sessions are great for learning from industry leaders, and I've been told repeatedly that our trade show is one of the best rooms to work in the industry. But the ability to engage directly with peers, share challenges, and brainstorm solutions is a game-changer. Roundtable discussions also make networking easier and more approachable—especially for those who might find “working a room” overwhelming or intimidating. Sharing lunch with like-minded professionals while diving into meaningful conversations is a more natural and enjoyable way to connect and collaborate.

Here are some key reasons we decided to add this offering to the Summit:

1. Fostering Authentic Connections

Roundtable discussions create an intimate setting where attendees can connect with peers and professionals in meaningful ways. With smaller groups and focused topics, everyone has a voice at the table, and conversations flow naturally—leading to authentic connections and collaborative thinking.

2. Diverse Perspectives and Practical Insights

The hospitality and tourism industry is incredibly diverse, with unique challenges across sectors like event planning, guest services, and influencer marketing. By offering table topics that cater to different interests, such as "Influencer Partnerships: Harnessing the Power of Social Media Creators" or "Attracting the World: Global Marketing, IPW, and Its Impact on Your Business," attendees gain insights from a range of perspectives and walk away with actionable ideas they can implement immediately. You can see a complete list of topics here.

3. Tailored Experiences for Attendees

Attendees choose their table topics during online registration, ensuring that their experience is personalized and aligned with their business goals. Whether you’re interested in concierges, meeting and event planners, guest services professionals, hotel teams, fellow industry marketers and professionals, or social media influencers, this format lets you zero in on what matters most to your career or business. With two 40-minute sessions, you double the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow—all while enjoying a tasty boxed lunch with industry peers.

4. Building Community and Collaboration

The hospitality, tourism, and events industries thrive on collaboration. These discussions are designed to encourage sharing, brainstorming, and networking among like-minded professionals who face similar challenges and opportunities. It’s about creating a sense of community where people can help each other succeed, whether that’s growing their business or advancing their careers.

What Makes This Format Unique?

The "Bites, Brainstorms, and Business-Building" Roundtable Discussion Luncheon is not your average networking conversation. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Interactive Sessions: Attendees actively participate rather than passively listen, making the experience engaging and impactful.

• Curated Topics: Each table focuses on a specific topic, with content and discussion prompts provided to guide meaningful conversations.

• Diverse Audiences: With attendees ranging from meeting and event planners and concierges to social media influencers, wedding planners, and other industry professionals, these sessions bring together a rich blend of voices and expertise.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, the addition of roundtable discussions is about helping our attendees and sponsors thrive. We’ve designed this format to create real value by facilitating connections, providing new insights, and inspiring collaboration. It’s about moving beyond traditional conference experiences and creating something dynamic, engaging, and actionable.

Want to learn more about the roundtable discussions? Visit our website for all the details.

Join Us at The Summit Chicago

Ready to experience the best in networking, learning, and collaboration? Tickets for The Summit Chicago, and the “Bites, Brainstorms, and Business-Building" roundtable discussion luncheon are on sale now! Visit TheSummitChicago.com to secure your spot. Tickets are limited. We can't wait to see you there!