"The Last Person Anyone Thought Would Be a Wedding Planner"

This past September, I had a great conversation (not interview) with my friend and event industry colleague, Robby Celstin. Robby leads the band Final Say, which I book frequently for client events. His podcast "A Chatter of Fact" is an interesting opportunity for two people to share some drinks and stories. In a time of socially distanced life, it was treat to share the story of my life, my introduction to events and some philosophies on event planning. Listen in and find out why I was the last person anyone thought would be a wedding planner. Click on image for link.

NACE Covid-19 Task Force: Phase 4 Guidelines for Illinois and Chicago

The NACE Covid-19 Task Force, has created a summary of the Illinois and Chicago reopening guidelines for events in Phase 4. See below.

This document is taking into consideration guidelines from both the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.  We have highlighted and simplified the guidelines for an easy one page, but you are encouraged to check out the city of Chicago's Hotel/Accomodations guidelines and Food Service Guidelines

Hotels and Accommodations

Food Service and Bars

Also, see the state of Illinois' meeting and event guideline

Meetings and Social Events

Workplace/offices should follow guidelines as presented for those business environments and Food and Beverage providers should follow the guidelines provided under "Food Service" or "Restaurants/Bars" for both city and state.

The initial 50 person maximum is a starting point for Phase 4.  Both city and state have agreed to review the guidelines for "Gathering Sizes" two weeks after entering Phase 4, along with case numbers in city and state.

I encourage each business to consider all the guidelines presented and incorporate them into a Covid-19 Phase 4 plan for reopening and providing services.  We understand that everyone will have slightly different interpretations of the guidelines, but overall the goal is to create safe environments for events, in Illinois and Chicago, so that vendors and guests can feel comfortable working and attending events and that proper precautions and communication have been provided.

A Letter to Governor Pritzker

On May 7th, 2020, NACE Chicago Chapter and the Illinois events community sent this letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker, about the Covid-19 pandemic. We are currently gathering leaders, in the Illinois events community, to create guidelines to host safe events. We hope that these efforts will encourage government to allow events to happen sooner and in a safe manner. Below is the letter sent. Please contact megan@northshoreevents.com if you want your business listed as a supporter of the NACE Covid-19 Response Committee and to take part in creating guidelines for safe events.