Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Our American Guest family builds generations of experience into every travel program. Since 2002, our mission has been to capture the imagination of your corporate guests with tailored incentives, events, meetings, and VIP travel experiences throughout the USA and beyond. From initial contact, through planning, sourcing, contracting, and on-site management, we treat your project as if we were the client. Our personal network of global suppliers helps us bring your vision to life. With genuine passion, an international team, and American hospitality, we deliver our promise: your business matters.

Planning your group event at Fogo de Chão, Downtown Chicago is the easiest and most productive part of the meeting planning process. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Entertainment District River North and 5 miles from McCormick Place Convention Center, we proudly offer incredible service, world class Brazilian cuisine, the most flexible meeting and event spaces and exciting bar in the Downtown Chicago Area.

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

Born in the Midwest, Pinstripes is a collection of venues that has rapidly grown across the United States through a combination of made-from-scratch dining, face-to-face gaming, and signature service that makes our guests feel like family. For over a decade, we’ve stayed true to our humble roots by always providing an extraordinary, magical experience — from the first strike, to the first bite, to the first laugh—that brings out the best in everyone. At Pinstripes, we provide a home away from home where people feel like they are celebrating life while eating the best food, playing the best games, and doing it all with the best people. It’s joyous and instantly memorable.

Our classic Sushi By Bou experience includes a timed chef’s choice 12-piece omakase. For extra time at the chef’s counter, and additional pieces, upgrade to our Bougie option. Come early, and stay late, to enjoy our craft cocktails, imported sake selection, and high-energy vibes.

Kinzie Chophouse is a longtime Chicago favorite for private dining, located in the heart of River North just steps from the Merchandise Mart and Riverwalk. The restaurant blends the tradition of a classic American steakhouse with the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality, creating an inviting setting for corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and full buyouts. Our flexible private spaces accommodate everything from executive dinners to networking receptions, supported by chef-driven menus from Executive Chef Dimitri Panagiotopoulos, an award-winning wine program, and attentive, personal service. Planners can customize their experience with tailored menus, curated wine pairings, carving stations, and interactive cocktail elements. Whether hosting a team event, client dinner, or milestone celebration, Kinzie Chophouse offers an elevated, seamless private dining experience that feels unmistakably Chicago.

Chicago's most trusted partner for catered events, workplace dining, and delivery. We're happy people making people happy – 40 years and counting.

A Local’s Guide to Chicago Kayaking Founded by two brothers and their life-long friend, Urban Kayaks gives visitors the chance to experience the Windy City from the water. As native Chicagoans and avid adventurers, our goal is to showcase our hometown in a fun and unique way. While kayaking, guests can interact with our knowledgeable and courteous staff members and even say ‘hi’ to the office’s resident pooches. We absolutely love Chicago and can’t wait to share more about the city that raised us. “We’ve always dreamed of having the outdoors as our office. Now, with Urban Kayaks, we’re able to do what we love while being where we love.”

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.

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