Nov 20, 2009 1:58 pm US/Central
Another Convention Leaves McCormick Place
But World Of Wheels Is Only Going To Rosemont
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Another convention is leaving Chicago, although this time, it's only heading a jog northwest to Rosemont.
Championship Auto Shows Inc. has held its O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Show at McCormick Place for all of its 48-year history. But come next March, it will be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont instead.
The World of Wheels Show bills itself as the largest auto enthusiast event in the Chicago area.
"The good news is, we aren't leaving the Chicago area," president of Championship Auto Shows Inc. Pete Toundas said in a news release. "The Rosemont venue provides us with more space and accessibility that we are excited to utilize with new exhibit features this year."
Two other conventions announced in the past week that they were leaving McCormick Place, and departing from Chicago altogether.
Earlier this week,
the International Plastics Exposition announced that it is moving to Orlando, Fla., where convention officials say the cost of putting on a convention is much lower. The convention had been held in Chicago since 1971.
Last week,
the city lost Healthcare Information and Management Systems annual meeting, which was at McCormick Place for the first time this year. The group balked when the services of unionized electricians cost them $240,000, and will be in Las Vegas next time.
Officials at the World of Wheels Show said they are similarly concerned about the increasing costs at McCormick Place. Toundas also said in the news release that Rosemont is easier on customers for the show, with more affordable and convenient parking.
There were also reports earlier this week that the National Restaurant Association was considering moving its convention from Chicago, but the group later said this was not true.
Lawmakers, leaders from the labor and hospitality industry, and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority met Wednesday to begin reviewing all aspects of doing convention business in Chicago.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
The Tattooed Ladies of Hollywood
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments