After thorough evaluations of other possible host cities, the NRA officials signed a new five-year agreement with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB).
"Chicago is a world-class destination which provides outstanding business facilities and services coupled with the great culinary, cultural and entertainment attractions that our exhibitors and attendees expect. That unsurpassed combination forms the platform we need to provide the best possible annual marketplace for restaurant and hospitality industry professionals and suppliers," said Steven C. Anderson, NRA president and ceo. "No other city tradeshow venue can, at this time, better satisfy the needs of the growing restaurant industry like McCormick Place."
"NRA's commitment to Chicago is welcome news for the 130,000 Chicagoans who work for hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses that serve our visitors," said Daley. "It is truly a Chicago institution and one that I hope will remain in Chicago for many years to come."
The NRA Restaurant Show, regarded as the Western Hemisphere's largest foodservice and hospitality event, has been here for 56 consecutive years.
"After comparing our world-class city to others like Las Vegas and Orlando, we are proud that the NRA has decided to keep its landmark show at McCormick Place through 2011," said Leticia Peralta Davis, chief executive officer of the MPEA. "We are committed to providing the NRA exhibitor and attendee with a first-rate experience every time they visit our state-of-the-art facility. We are excited with this positive outcome and look forward to hosting this internationally-recognized show for many years to come."
Key aspects of this agreement include:
McCormick Place commitment to improve service. McCormick Place, through structured focus groups, surveys and other measurement methods, will access where, and to what degree, changes need to be made to meet targeted improvements.
Chicago hotel community commitment. Chicago hotels have agreed to increase the number of rooms and room blocks.
Continued CCTB marketing support. CCTB will continue to help us grow our audience with their industry-leading marketing and attendance building initiatives.
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