Chicago announces agreement with ALA for upcoming annual conferences
The Chicago media was buzzing with the news of the American Library Association’s agreement with the city to host the ALA’s annual conference in 2020, 2023 and 2026, in addition to the conference that will be held next summer and the one scheduled for 2017.
“This is great news for our convention industry and shows that Chicago is the place for large, national organizations to come and do business,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The reforms at McCormick Place and Navy Pier have attracted more than $3.25 billion in committed shows and this number continues to grow.”
The ALA previously held its annual conference in Chicago in 2009.
According to the press release from the City of Chicago, “The ALA annual convention attracts 25,000 attendees and generates over 34,000 room nights and is expected to generate estimated direct expenditures of $50 Million.”
According to the release, which quotes ALA President Maureen Sullivan, the agreement benefited from legislative changes and labor reforms.
“We are delighted to host ALA’s Annual Conference in Chicago with greater frequency with our new, multi-year commitment covering 2020, 2023 and 2026. The recent legislative changes and cooperation from Chicago’s labor unions have made this agreement possible,” said Maureen Sullivan, President of the American Library Association. “Chicago is our hometown and such a fabulous city. We enjoy working with our partners at Choose Chicago and McCormick Place and are excited that our attendees and exhibitors will now have the opportunity to experience this city’s great amenities more often.”
“The Labor reforms enacted continue to generate positive results for our customers and resonate well with current and potential customers,” said Don Welsh, Choose Chicago President and CEO. “ALA’s decision to include Chicago in its annual convention rotation is a perfect example of a major customer returning to Chicago as a direct result of these reforms. We are pleased to see positive progress and our team will continue to aggressively pursue all potential customers, who will benefit from Chicago’s impressive convention platform, vibrant city and the significant cost savings resulting from the labor reforms.”
The announcement was picked up by such local news outlets as Crain’s Chicago Business.
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