(The road crew for Chicago the Musical’s touring production recently secured voluntary union recognition and will join IATSE’s Associated Crafts and Technicians Local, marking a milestone for touring theatrical professionals. Photo courtesy of IATSE.)
Union gains in touring theater, a new tourism chief, and streamlined planning for major events highlight a city navigating change across its visitor economy
Chicago’s event landscape is in full motion as May closes out with high-impact conventions, new leadership at the city’s tourism agency, and key announcements across entertainment and sports. From McCormick Place to Millennium Park, the next few weeks reflect both the scale and diversity of Chicago’s visitor economy—with major shows like the National Restaurant Association and ASCO, the return of the Chicago Blues Festival, and ongoing debates over the future of the Bears’ stadium footprint all shaping the conversation.
Major Tradeshows Return to Chicago in Late May
Chicago’s convention calendar heats up in the second half of May with major industry events returning to McCormick Place and other venues. The National Restaurant Association Show (May 17–20) kicks things off with over 58,000 attendees and 2,200+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in foodservice innovation. On May 20, the United States Trade Tasting (USATT) brings wine and spirits professionals together for a one-day event at Morgan MFG. Rounding out the month, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting runs May 30–June 3, welcoming more than 44,000 medical professionals. All three events reinforce Chicago’s role as a top-tier destination for large-scale meetings and exhibitions.
Touring Crew of Chicago the Musical Joins IATSE with Voluntary Union Recognition
The road crew for Chicago the Musical’s touring production has secured voluntary union recognition and will join IATSE’s Associated Crafts and Technicians Local, which represents traveling theatrical workers. The move affects ten stage and wardrobe professionals with Chicago Razzle Dazzle II LLC, the company behind the revival tour. Union officials and crew members praised the decision as a step toward improved communication, training, and labor standards. The recognition reflects a broader trend in the live-events sector, where unionization is gaining traction across concert tours, theatrical productions, and festivals.
Choose Chicago Appoints Kristen Reynolds as New CEO
Kristen Reynolds has been named the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism agency, following a nationwide search. Reynolds previously led Discover Long Island for nearly a decade and brings experience in destination marketing and regional branding. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Chicago’s hospitality sector as it navigates changing visitor patterns and ongoing efforts to attract major conventions and international tourism. Reynolds will be tasked with advancing the city’s recovery and growth amid competitive pressures from other U.S. cities.
Chicago Blues Festival Announces 2025 Lineup with Mavis Staples and B.B. King Tribute
The Chicago Blues Festival returns June 5–8 with a packed lineup of performances at Millennium Park, the Ramova Theatre, and on Maxwell Street. Headliners include gospel and R&B legend Mavis Staples (June 8) and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who will lead a B.B. King Centennial tribute on June 6. The free festival, billed as the largest blues festival in the world—also features more than 40 performances across four stages, including tributes to Denise LaSalle, panels on blues history, and a spotlight on next-generation talent. This year marks the event’s 41st edition.
Chicago Tourism Leaders Address International Travel Uncertainty at The Summit
At this year’s Summit conference in the West Loop, Chicago tourism and hospitality leaders acknowledged growing concerns about a potential dip in international visitors—but voiced confidence in the city’s resilience. With 1,100 attendees across educational sessions, networking events, and a tradeshow, the conference highlighted local efforts to offset global volatility. Industry figures noted that most of Chicago’s tourism still comes from domestic travelers within a 300-mile radius. While international guests stay longer and spend more, local attractions and organizations—from the Art Institute to Skydeck—are focusing on long-term planning amid shifting travel trends.
Bears Stadium Talks Intensify as Arlington Heights and Chicago Make Their Cases
The Chicago Bears’ stadium future remains in flux as both Arlington Heights and the city of Chicago push forward with competing proposals. On the eve of his swearing-in, new Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia met with Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren, describing the conversation as positive and suggesting Warren may favor a move to the northwest suburb. The Bears own 326 acres at the former Arlington Park site and are funding traffic and economic studies to evaluate a stadium and entertainment district. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed the city’s commitment to keeping the team on the lakefront, noting ongoing talks with the Bears about both the Soldier Field-adjacent site and a potential alternative at the former Michael Reese Hospital. Warren confirmed the final decision is between Arlington Heights and the city’s Museum Campus and emphasized the value of “optionality” as negotiations continue.
Hotel Chocolat Opens First U.S. Cafes in Chicago
U.K.-based chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has launched its first U.S. Velvetiser Cafes in Chicago, with locations now open in Lakeview and Lincoln Park. Known for its rich hot cocoa, sustainable cacao sourcing, and sleek Velvetiser machines, the brand opened its Southport Avenue café in early April, followed by a second at Armitage Avenue later in the month. The expansion comes after the company’s $662 million acquisition by Mars and features a menu curated with local partners including Publican Quality Bread and Metric Coffee. Chicago now serves as Hotel Chocolat’s U.S. headquarters and test market for future growth.
NASCAR Streamlines Setup for 2025 Chicago Street Race
NASCAR has announced a significantly faster setup and teardown schedule for this year’s Chicago Street Race, reducing the timeline from 43 days in 2023 to just 25 days in 2025. Pre-race activity begins June 16, with race weekend slated for July 5–6. Changes include consolidating hospitality areas and shifting load-in routes to minimize disruptions around Grant Park. Organizers say the revisions respond to resident feedback and will keep public spaces like Maggie Daley Park and the Museum Campus accessible. The event has generated nearly $250 million in economic impact over its first two years despite weather-related challenges.
