Meeting News - May 19, 2008 - (Page 44)

Insider Report: Midwest Meetings Edited by William Ng william.ng@nielsen.com Chicago’s Historic Blackstone Reopens Under Renaissance Flag The Blackstone, a 332-room hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reopened in The Blackstone’s Crystal Ballroom has been revitalized through a preservation effort. March under Marriott International’s Renaissance pennant following a $128-million preservation. On Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s South Loop, the 23-story property, which features 19,670 sf of meeting space, is located in the heart of the city’s arts and theater district and is adjacent to Millennium Park. “The Renaissance brand is a showcase for expressive design and classic service,” said Rita Cuddihy, senior VP of Renaissance Hotels and Resorts. “The Blackstone is a perfect match with its savvy style, singular atmosphere, and rich history.” The hotel’s newly renovated guest rooms combine modern technologies, like flat-screen televisions and high-speed Internet access, with rich fabrics and a mixture of wood finishes to highlight the property’s history as “Chicago’s Hotel of Presidents,” having played host to several U.S. presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Harry Truman, and John Kennedy. “The Blackstone’s ambiance is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services that set the stage for an inspired, distinctly Chicago experience,” said Walter Isenberg, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality Resources, the Denverbased hospitality company that developed the preservation project and manages the hotel. Preserved architectural elements aim to give the hotel’s meeting spaces a distinct, turn-of-the-20thcentury feel. The hotel’s 3,500-sf Crystal Ballroom has been restored, maintaining its “wedding cake” ornamentation and ornate banisters. The original architectural features of the former barbershop, including the marble columns that run along the perimeter of the room, remain in what is now meeting space located on the concourse level. As well, the new executive boardroom maintains its distinguished historic paneled oak walls, checkerboard marble floors, and stained-glass windows. —Phillip Hennessey Sightseeing Cruise Co. Takes Green Actions Chicago’s First Lady Cruises has launched a set of green initiatives for this summer season to meet the needs of environmentally conscious planners. “We’re finding, more and more, that event planners are looking to report back to their superiors that they’re using more environmentally friendly vendors,” said Holly Agra, president and co-owner of the cruise operator. As a result, Agra and her staff have spent the last year improving green standards for its fleet of four cruise ships, which host evening corporate events of up to 225 people. The ships, which offer intimate views of the Chicago skyline and summer fireworks shows, run on 11-percent biodiesel fuel, a clean-burning alternative to petroleum. As well, the company has implemented a comprehensive program to recycle used oil, engine batteries, beverage containers, and cardboard and paper and is working with its partners to provide more green options to planners. “We’ve asked our caterers to provide organic items for planners to choose from,” said Agra. “It just makes good business sense.” The company has been offering boat rides and 44 MeetingNews May 19, 2008 tours on Lake Michigan since the 1930s. Today, planners can organize events on its three vessels: the flagship, 225-passenger Chicago’s First Lady, the 149-passenger Chicago’s Little Lady, and the 125- passenger Chicago’s Fair Lady. A six-passenger boat is available for small functions. Other eco-friendly steps the company has taken include printing brochures on recycled paper, using environmentally safe cleaning agents, and installing low-flush toilets. —PH Set Sail! Chicago’s First Lady takes attendees on tours of Windy City landmarks. www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - May 19th, 2008

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