The event, which drew 1,300 people and more than 100 exhibitors was presented by the Illinois Office of Tourism and hosted by Ateema Media and Marketing. "It's a fun day," said Tim O'Malley, CEO of Ateema Media and Marketing. "People get a lot of ideas for content and connections at the event.
" Among exhibitors at the summit were NASCAR, The Berghoff, Blue Plate Catering, Skydeck Chicago, Fashion Outlets, Flyover, Blue Man Group and much more. O'Malley said attendees of the summit had the opportunity to see what Chicago has to offer for international and national tourists and even those visitors from the Chicagoland and nearby states. "Food is a huge (attraction) and also concerts, special events and festivals," O'Malley added.
"Lollapalooza makes a big impact as well as NASCAR and the Chicago Marathon," he said. He mentioned there's often new attractions that will draw travelers to make a point to come to the city from year to year. This year, one of the big, new attractions is Flyover, an immersive flying adventure, at Navy Pier.
Another popular attraction now for tourists is the Big Bus Hop-On HopOff Tours, which travel throughout downtown and the outskirts of the city. O'Malley said among other hot attractions for travelers to the area are outlet malls, such as the Fashion Outlets in Rosemont, theater productions such as the long-running Blue Man Group and The Second City as well as a variety of restaurants serving diverse food. O'Malley said the first summit was held in .
