Chicago has been given a variety of names over the years: "The City of Big Shoulders", "Second City", and "The Windy City", just to name a few. But now more than ever, Chicago prides itself on being the meeting, convention and trade show city! Located in the center of the United States, Chicago's infrastructure, transportation access, lively hospitality industry, and unparalleled meeting and exhibition facilities make Chicago the premiere choice for group meetings of any type or size. Annually, Chicago hosts 35,000 conventions, trade shows and other meetings that attract more than 4.4 million attendees who spend an estimated $5.3 billion during their stay in the Chicago area.

This city is always alive with activity. There is outstanding world-class shopping, from the Magnificent Mile, State Street and beyond. Also there is a variety of sporting events, clubs, theaters, cultural events and other attractions to enjoy. Chicago offers more four-star restaurants than any other U.S. city, and a variety of authentic ethnic, regional cuisine and inexpensive dining. Its world-famous museums are amazing venues that pay homage to many disciplines, from art and architecture to science and technology.

Whether you're jazzed up, looking for the blues or you've strapped on your dancing shoes, Chicago's got the answer to your nightlife whims. Chicago is the major metropolis of America’s heartland, with three million people hustling and bustling in the city of skyscrapers that appears to rise straight out of the waters of Lake Michigan, in northern Illinois.

Once a gangster’s hang-out synonymous with infamous names such as Al Capone and Bonny and Clyde, the ‘windy city’ today has a squeaky-clean reputation as an international business and commercial capital boasting an eclectic mix of architecture, world-class theatre, art exhibitions, and super-enthusiastic sportsmanship. Chicago is without a doubt the capital of architecture.

The city's numerous museums are an essential part of any visit- and be sure not to leave Chicago without visiting the former home of the great writer Ernest Hemingway. Chicago is home to the Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) and the Chicago Bears (NFL).

Travel to Chicago foor everything a world-class city has to offer with none of the attitude. With world-class museums and performing arts venues, legendary jazz and blues clubs, more than 7000 restaurants serving everything from haute cuisine to the famous hot dogs, and 29 magnificent miles of lakefront, visitors to Chicago can expect an array of cosmopolitan creature comforts served up with friendliness and charm.

Whether taking in a free concert at Chicago's gleaming new Millennium Park, indulging in a bit of retail therapy on Michigan Avenue, or diving into one of the city's signature deep-dish pizza pies, Chicago just may be everyone's kind of town.