Americas Best Value Inn Champaign

We’re a sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music, every Topgolf has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.

In 2007, best friends Jonathan Bricklin and Franck Raharinosy had a crazy idea—to practice ping pong night and day and get so good that they could make the USA Olympic Team. So, they got busy doing what any future Olympians would do—throwing a weekly ping pong party! Their parties drew in an eccentric range of artists and actors, musicians and bankers, brokers and broadcasters, and (of course) professional ping pong players and everyone in between. The diversity of the crowd fueled the fun and vibrant energy that remains the essence of SPIN today. Bricklin and Raharinosy joined forces with retired investment banker and former tennis pro, Andrew Gordon, to launch SPIN’s flagship location on Park Avenue in New York City in the summer of 2009. From the moment we opened our doors, we have seen the world-wide growth of an iconic ping pong culture, lifestyle, and movement, which has redefined the game to know no boundaries. It’s all about having fun, not taking life too seriously, making human connections and embracing the contradictions. At SPIN, we come together to socialize and celebrate play. At our core is the drive to connect through ping pong—a game that transcends age, gender, ethnicity, and all physical boundaries. We are the original ping pong social club, your offline social network, a place to call home. We welcome diversity and embrace the unconventional. With venues in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington DC and Boston we encourage you to participate. Do it together and never alone. #UnitedbyPingPong

Since 1981, iO Theater has inspired and trained generations of America’s greatest comedic talents. Our world-renowned training program has helped thousands of performers develop and hone their skills to launch successful comedy and entertainment careers.

AV INTERFACE offers full AV Production services, equipped with projectors, projector screens, wireless microphones, powered speakers, flat screen monitors, interfaces, flip charts, lighting, stage and sound, for events, nationwide.

The Oakville Grill & Cellar Where Napa Valley meets Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Inspired by Northern California’s relaxed ambiance, The Oakville Grill & Cellar will transport you to wine country with fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and the best wines of California. Featuring lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus.

The Alston, an upscale steakhouse blending Midwestern comfort with French-nouvelle cuisine, will debut this May. Our well-appointed, 350-seat steakhouse will be open to the general public. The Alston will also feature an exclusive private member’s club. Guests may also apply to join our private member’s club for those looking to for a truly unique, exclusive experience perched above the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.

A few words from the man himself… Growing up in an Italian-American household, food was always front and center in all family gatherings. I found myself in the kitchen during any family event and have fond memories watching as my mother made sauce, my grandmother made meatballs, and my aunts made cookies. As I got older it became obvious to me that my passion and future profession would be cooking in one capacity or another. I started my training with Inspiration Kitchens in Chicago, followed by stints in my uncle's hot dog stand Mandino's located in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Eventually, I formalized my training in some of Chicago's most beloved restaurants with names such as Publican Quality Meats, Au Cheval, Formento's, and Table Donkey and Stick. While fine-dining kitchens help sharpen my skills, my Italian/American roots were calling. Nothing made me want to make my mark on this industry quite like pizza.

Forward Hospitality group operates unique dining and nightlife concepts in addition to producing amazing events.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned living museum and so much more. Its roots grow throughout greater Chicago and beyond, inspiring all people to connect with plants. The Garden helps build healthier communities through urban agriculture, offers lifelong learning opportunities, leads pioneering plant conservation research, and showcases the beauty of horticulture. The Garden is a nonprofit organization run as a public/private partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.