1. 57^th IRA 2012 Annual Convention (April 29-May 2) – The International Reading Association provides training, workshops and exhibits that support literacy instruction and research worldwide. Gather with educators from across the country to learn the latest issues in the field and network for solutions. Dynamic general session speakers, knowledge-packed Teaching Edge sessions and cutting edge products will be available in the exhibit hall. Research events are eligible for continuing education credits and council awards will be awarded to association leaders and representatives. Visit http://www.reading.org/convention.aspx for more information on the convention!
2. NRA Show 2012 Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show (May 5-8) – The National Restaurant Association presents an annual show that provides a marketplace for the foodservice and lodging industry. A business venue offering attendees the best opportunities for networking and exploring new trends and products. The NRA Show 2012 highlights 58,000 industry pros from more than 100 countries and 1,800 exhibitors.  This forum showcases world-class innovations, talent and strategy from across the restaurant industry. Registration is still available online, visit www.resturant.org to register and for more information.
3. 2012 Sweets & Snack Expo (May 8-10) – The 2012 Sweets & Snack Expo is presented by the National Confectioners Association to support the confection and snack industry by bringing buyers, sellers and manufacturing together for networking and education. More than 14,000 candy and snack industry professionals attend from over 60 countries every year. Visit www.allcandyexpo.com to register and for more information!
4. 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting (June 1-5) – The American Society of Clinical Oncology presents its annual meeting, the premier event in the oncology community. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Collaborating to Conquer Cancer”. The meeting features educational sessions, meetings, posters and exhibit floor displaying the latest in equipment and technologies. Visit www.asco.org to register and for more information!
5. IRCE 2012 – Internet Retailers 2012 Conference & Exhibition (June 6-8) – Attend the World’s Largest E-commerce Event. IRCE, the world’s largest e-retailing show, represents every key industry including retail, catalog, manufacturing and consumer services companies that specialize in e-retailing. The show provides influential guest speakers and diverse learning experiences. Visit www.irce2012.com to register!

When your feet are tired from standing all day your head is full of new information and all you crave is a good meal and a comfortable bed, make your way to one of the Burr Ridge Hotels. We promise to make your stay as comfortable as possible and we also welcome companies and businesses to our facilities. Large conference spaces as well as some much-needed quiet time.

Burr Ridge, a luxury community just outside of Chicago, was recently named the second best Midwestern community for quality of life and favorable living conditions by The Business Journal. What makes the Village of Burr Ridge such a great place to live? Well, Burr Ridge’s ranking was based on its healthy economy, light traffic, moderate costs of living, impressive housing and strong educational systems. With all of these attractive amenities situated only 18 miles from downtown Chicago, what’s not to love?

For prospective real estate buyers, Burr Ridge provides the perfect combination of affordability in a luxury community with easy access to downtown Chicago, both airports and I-55.

The Burr Ridge Village Center is home to The Residences at Burr Ridge Village Center where homeowners are provided a maintenance-free lifestyle within walking distance from an array of shopping and dining options. The centrally located residences also enjoy benefits which include a Lifetime Fitness Club, the Burr Ridge Community Center and the Hinsdale Center for the Arts just around the corner.

The Kohler Waters Spa, an area destination within Burr Ridge Village Center, was selected by Chicago Magazine as the best day spa in the area. Treat yourself to an all-day retreat that offers a quiet, peaceful experience. You won’t regret it!

Whether you’re in the area house hunting, simply vacationing in the area or traveling for business, the Village of Burr Ridge welcomes you. The four Burr Ridge Hotels; Chicago Southwest Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and Quality Inn & Conference Center will provide a comfortable, quiet and restful sleep for you, your family, friends or business associates!  The staff of each hotel promise to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable while you visit this very well kept secret.  So, make Burr Ridge your next business meeting or leisure stay at one of the Burr Ridge Hotels!

These two global events are sure to bring a substantial population into the city of Chicago for the week leading up to the G8 summit and NATO summit.  Hotels are booking up extremely fast, many downtown Chicago hotels are already sold out. Your best bet is to make reservations now at one of the four, conveniently located hotels in Burr Ridge, IL, just 15 miles from McCormick Place. With an array of amenities, great service and welcoming staffs, the four Burr Ridge hotels are happy to welcome you! Burr Ridge, a safe, upscale suburban neighborhood, is the ‘natural alternative’ to the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Stay in Burr Ridge and stay at any of the four hotels; Chicago Southwest Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and Quality Inn & Conference Center. Check out the video below for a sneak peak at the Village of Burr Ridge, Burr Ridge Village Center, and a video tour of the Burr Ridge Hotels! Relax after the summits at the internationally recognized Kohler Waters Spa, just down the road from the Burr Ridge hotels.

1. APTA 2012 Combined Sections Meeting (February 8-11) – The American Physical Therapy Association presents their 2012 Combined Sections Meeting which focuses on programming from all 18 of APTA’s sections. More than 8,000 physical therapy professionals will network, meet and visit the expo which features cutting edge products and services. Visit APTA’s website for more details!
2. Chicago Auto Show 2012 (February 10-19) – The largest auto show in North America! Many exciting exhibits like multiple world and North American introductions, a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles and experimental or concept cars will run for the entirety of the show. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. Visit the Chicago Auto Show’s website for discount tickets and more information!
3. Chicago Dental Society’s 147^th Midwinter Meeting (February 23-25) – An educational event for dentists, hygienists and technicians to gain continuing education credits combined with an exhibition by manufacturers and dealers. What started as a gathering to disseminate “dental information” in 1865 has grown into one of the largest dental exhibitions in the United States. The schedule boasts more than 120 speakers and 190 courses. The Exhibit Hall will be filled with the latest products and services that will help to provide the best care for your patients. Visit the Chicago Dental Society’s website for details!
4. 151^st International Kennel Club of Chicago (February 23-26) – McCormick Place presents a public show and competition for canine owners and enthusiasts. Watch demonstrations, competitions and even a fashion show! This event is sure to please everyone, young and old! Visit the International Kennel Club of Chicago’s website for an events schedule and list of competitions!

When your feet are tired from standing all day your head is full of new information and all you crave is a good meal and a comfortable bed, make your way to one of the four Burr Ridge Hotels. We promise to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have recently stolen attention from travel sites such as TripAdvisor, Travelocity and Kayak. Vacationers, meeting planners and students are now flocking to the most popular social media sites where they can participate in more word-of-mouth marketing while planning a vacation or business trip. Using Facebook as a trip planning resource, potential customers can read and weigh in on recommendations from their own friends and colleagues instead of strangers with different wants and needs in a hotel or resort.

Tips & Tricks for Meeting and Travel Planners

-          Check out hotel’s Facebook pages, you may find a review or comment written by one of your friends or colleagues that helps you determine which hotel is right for you and your company. Here is the link for the Burr Ridge Hotels webpage.

-          Use smartphone apps to research travel options and helpful and quick on-the-go resources.

-          Find great things to do in Chicago at www.gtrot.com (restaurants, museums, shopping, etc.) and sort by places, deals or events! You can also connect with Gtrot on Facebook or download their smartphone app.

-          Visit www.trippy.com, a personalized website that will give travelers great recommendations on different types of trips (family trips, budget trips, business trips, etc.).

With over 18,700 square feet of tasteful meeting and banquet space as well as complimentary wireless access in all four of the Burr Ridge Hotels, you can’t go wrong booking a corporate event with the Burr Ridge Hotels. Plus, save up to 40%! Just 18 miles from Downtown Chicago, discover the Burr Ridge Hotels: Marriott Chicago Southwest, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and the Quality Inn & Conference Center, and enjoy one of Chicago’s best kept secrets.

Burr Ridge is located just 1/2 mile south on I-55 just past I-294. The hotels offer well-lit parking lots and plenty of free parking.

What does this mean for the City of Chicago? Good news. The Chicago hotel industry will most likely continue its rebound in 2012. Chicago’s slow recovery is expected to lead to a growth in hotel demand in 2012 and 2013 and hotel performance is likely to continue to improve year-over-year. Many hotels in and around the Chicago area target transient corporate groups in order to book a substantial percentage of their rooms and therefore increase revenue. Some companies are making Chicago their destination for regional meetings instead of planning one large national event.

Because the Chicago hotel industry experiences significant seasonality, the market demand fluctuates predictably in monthly patterns throughout the year. With June, July, September and October representing the high seasons for the Chicago hotel industry (leisure and commercial), many hotels are booked up and availability is slim. Why not plan a business meeting or conference at one of the four hotels in nearby Burr Ridge during these months where rates are lower, rooms are available, meeting rooms are plentiful and you’re still close by to downtown Chicago for those who prefer the city shopping and nightlife? Since the four Burr Ridge Hotels operate with the same great service year round, anytime is a great time to visit, whether it is with a few coworkers or the entire company.

McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the United States, targets mid-sized conventions and tradeshows, also increasing the bookings in many downtown Chicago hotels. Why not pass on low room availability and skyrocketing room rates and head to one of the four Burr Ridge Hotels (Marriott Southwest Chicago, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and the Quality Inn & Conference Center). Just 18 miles from downtown Chicago, enjoy a breath of fresh air and comforting service in a more tranquil, yet upscale neighborhood. No need to deal with the hassles and high prices of downtown, the Burr Ridge Hotels will accommodate you. Free on-site parking and minutes away from the train station, Burr Ridge is the “natural alternative” to downtown Chicago headaches, hassles and high prices.

Take a short drive, or walk, to the Burr Ridge Village Center where almost every retail store carries some sort of holiday deal and offers extended store hours this time of year so you’re sure to have plenty of time to get your shopping fix in! Stores such as Ann Taylor, White House Black Market, Eddie Bauer, and Yankee Candle carry something for everyone on your list. Visit the Burr Ridge Village Center website for a full directory of stores and restaurants.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant as well as the Topaz Café both located in the Burr Ridge Village Center are open on Thanksgiving Day if you’re in the Chicago area for the holiday.

After a long day (or weekend) of shopping, treat yourself to the Kohler Water Spa located in the Burr Ridge Village Center for a relaxing massage or mani pedi. The Spa offers special holiday treatments for the season including the Seasonal Sensation treatment of hydration and seasonal aromas, the Quench Manicure and Pedicure which includes a hydration and fragrance treatment, and the Kohler Waters Wrap which speaks for itself. Make your holiday shopping a little easier by checking out the special offers and maybe pick up a gift card or spa package for a family member or close friend!

Whether you’re driving through Burr Ridge to visit family or just taking a mini vacation, be sure to make one of the four Burr Ridge Hotels your home base during the holiday season. With a relaxing environment and some of the best hotel service around, each of the Burr Ridge Hotels make the busy holiday season more relaxing and enjoyable. Shop, Dine, Stay and Relax in Burr Ridge. Happy Holidays!

Whether you’re planning a party for a small business or a national corporation, any of the four the Burr Ridge Hotels are happy to accommodate you and your guests this holiday season.

Visit www.burrridgehotels.com to view 360° video tours of each of the Burr Ridge Hotels!

Here are some tips to help make the process of planning your company holiday party a bit easier!

- Save money by booking a venue outside the city – save up to 40% by hosting a holiday event at one of the banquet facilities inside any of the Burr Ridge Hotels.

- Food tends to be the top priority for office holiday parties – dinner buffets and hors d’oeuvres and desserts are some of the more popular offerings.

- Many companies are cutting the budget when it comes to the venue. Choose a venue outside of the city to minimize cost as well as extra travel time and traffic headaches.

- Provide a cash bar or offer limited selections rather than offering an open bar to pare down extra cost.

- Cut the caterer and have a holiday potluck – have each guest prepare a holiday dish special to their family or tradition.

- Instead giving out party favors or company gifts, have each guest bring a ‘secret Santa’ gift to trade with another guest!

The Burr Ridge Hotels makes party planning simple! We are happy to welcome and host any size party – whether your company has 5 employees or 500. The Burr Ridge Hotels are nestled in a relaxing, wooded setting, just far enough away from the city to take a deep breath and enjoy the holiday season. Discover the Burr Ridge Hotels: Marriott Chicago Southwest, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and the Quality Inn & Conference Center, and enjoy one of Chicago’s best kept secrets.

Burr Ridge is located just 1/2 mile south on I-55 just past I-294. The hotels offer well-lit parking lots and plenty of free parking.

We’ll be looking for you!

The Village of Burr Ridge Hotels Video Tour! (Right side of the homepage)

1. Process Expo 2011 (November 1-4) – The Food Processing Suppliers Association is the largest U.S. association of suppliers of equipment, ingredients and services to the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing industries. The Process Expo is a trade show where qualified buyers representing every market of the food industry from more than 75 countries meet face to face with suppliers showcasing the newest in processing technology. Exhibitors demonstrate state-of-the-art food processing equipment in baking, beverage, dairy, prepared foods, meat/poultry and pharmaceutical industries.  Visit www.fpsa.org for more info!
2. NASS 26^th Annual Meeting (November 1-5) –The North American Spine Society invites you to join the leading spine authorities representing a multidisciplinary community of specialists including: orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, psychologists, chiropractors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, researchers, administrators and all other health care professionals invest in the advancement of spine care. Visit www.spine.org to view the assortment of guest speakers and talks.
3. Fabtech Expo (November 14-17) – North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event held by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers returns to McCormick Place to showcase new welding equipment and technology. Multiple Pavilions geared toward specific industries and technologies are available for a variety of guest speakers, demonstrations and technical sessions. Visit www.fabtechexpo.com for a full schedule of events!
4. Automation Fair 2011 (November 16 & 17) – Rockwell Automation Inc. invites you to join in celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of the Automation Fair while exploring a variety of manufacturing solutions aimed to improve business profitability. Hands-on-labs and demonstration workshops will also be showcased. This is a great opportunity to explore a wide variety of smart, safe and sustainable manufacturing solutions. Visit www.rockwellautomation.com for a complete list of exhibitors!

When your feet are tired from standing all day your head is full of new information and all you crave is a good meal and a comfortable bed, make your way to one of the Burr Ridge Hotels. We promise to make your stay as comfortable as possible and we also welcome companies and businesses to our facilities. Large conference spaces as well as some much-needed quiet time.

1. The River North Gallery – The greatest concentration of galleries in Chicago can be found in River North near the Merchandise Mart. One of six Chicago Gallery Districts, the River North exhibits various works of art in many different medias; photography, oil painting, sculpture and cultural art. Works of art by Frank Lloyd Wright, Renoir, Chagall, Picasso and Miro are on display throughout the District. You’ll be sure to find quirky and cool holiday gifts here! Visit http://chicagogallerynews.com/district.asp?d=3 for more directions and more information.
2. Wicker Park -  A delightful ethnic area concentrated around Division Street, Damen Avenue, Milwaukee Avenue and North Avenue, northwest of downtown Chicago. Wicker Park is home to one of Chicago’s largest communities of working artists. The trendy boutiques, art galleries and antique shops of Bucktown and Lincoln Park are just a few blocks north. Visit http://wikitravel.org/en/Chicago/Wicker_Park for more information!
3. Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza (November 23-December 24) – A Traditional German American Holiday Market inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany in 1545. Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival has become one of the most popular winter attractions inside the city. Visit http://www.christkindlmarket.com/en/ for more information.
4. The Field Museum Store – Find an abundance of unique, hand-crafted gifts and jewelry, books, stationery and toys at the Field Museum Store. Items from current exhibitions are also showcased in the Museum Store such as the Evolving Planet, Lions of Tsavo and Inside Ancient Egypt. Proceeds from your purchase support the Museum’s ongoing educational and research efforts.  Visit http://store.fieldmuseum.org/ to shop online!
5. Garrett Popcorn Shops – Tons of holiday gifts for just about anyone! With yummy flavors of popcorn like Pumpkin CaramelCrisp, Chocolate Covered CaramelCrisp, Almond CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn it won’t be hard to satisfy that pesky sweet tooth! Garrett Popcorn has been around Chicago since 1949 when they opened their first store on West Madison Street. Garrett’s gourmet popcorn is still made in old-fashioned copper kettles and their popcorn is known globally. Visit their website to order online at  http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/.

No matter where your holiday shopping takes you, be sure to visit one of the four Burr Ridge Hotels; Chicago Southwest Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Extended StayAmerica and Quality Inn & Conference Center. Make one of our welcoming hotels your home away from home during the holiday season! With a comfortable, quiet and restful night sleep you’ll be rested and rejuvenated for another busy day of holiday shopping!