Choose Chicago’s Lisa Nucci

With the Show taking place in Chicago every year, it’s easy to take this incredible city for granted. While the Show floor is packed with excitement, Chicago itself is just as inspiring. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or you’ve been here before, there’s always something new to discover.

We sat down with Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer of Choose Chicago—the official destination marketing organization for the city—to talk about what makes Chicago special, why it’s the perfect fit for the Show and how you can make the most of your time here. Read on for her top recommendations!

1. What makes Chicago such a great event destination?
Answer: One of the biggest advantages of hosting an event in Chicago is how easy it is to get here. We have two major international airports, Midway and O’Hare, and once you touch down, you can be in the city in 25 to 30 minutes flat. We also have an incredible elevated train system that allows you to explore Chicago very easily and we offer a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget. Chicago is a very welcoming and diverse city. With 77 neighborhoods, you’ll get this big-city experience with a small-town vibe.

2. What makes Chicago such a great fit for the Show in particular?
Answer: Chicago is really a foodie town. We’re home to the James Beard Awards, dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants and we really are the culinary capital of the world. You can go around the city and feel like you’re eating food from around the globe. The fact that the Restaurant Show is a staple in Chicago just seems right. I hope that people who are coming to the Restaurant Show can venture out into the city and try some of the amazing cuisine that we have to offer. There’s always something new to explore on the food side.

3. Why is Chicago such a great restaurant city?
Answer: With 77 neighborhoods, there’s so many different cultural backgrounds here in Chicago. You have that fusion of ingredients, that fusion of inspirational cooking. You can try anything you want here in Chicago. People always say that Chicago is a hotdogs and pizza town, and I’m not saying it’s not, but our food scene is so much more than that. The fact that we are such a diverse community comes out in our food. We also have amazing culinary institutions that attract chefs who ultimately open restaurants here.

4. What do you recommend first-time visitors (Show attendees) take advantage of during their trip to Chicago?
Answer: There’s something for everyone in Chicago. If you love museums, check out The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (which is free!), the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry near McCormick Place or The Art Institute of Chicago for rotating world-class exhibits. If the weather is nice, take advantage of the 26 miles of lakefront for a morning walk before the Show. Catch a Chicago Fire soccer game at Soldier Field or indulge in some retail therapy on the Magnificent Mile…I could go on and on!

5. How can repeat visitors enrich their trip to Chicago this year?
Answer: If you haven’t done the Chicago Architecture Tour, it’s a must. It’s a great opportunity to relax, see the city and hear more of the story of Chicago. I’d also recommend checking out the Fulton Market neighborhood, there’s a ton of amazing establishments there. Some of Chicago’s top chefs—like Donnie Madia, Paul Kahan, Stephanie Izard and Joe Flamm—have restaurants in that area. We also just launched Flyover at Navy Pier. It’s a cool way to experience the city in “flight.” Navy Pier in general is a great destination to grab a drink and enjoy the lakefront views.

6. What advice would you give for those looking to extend their trip and turn it into a b-leisure visit?
Answer: I think adding two to three additional nights to experience Chicago from A to Z is great. If you want a quintessential way to kick off the “leisure” part of your b-leisure trip, I’d head to Lou Mitchell's, get a big stack of pancakes and sit at the counter. You will feel like you’re one with the Chicagoans. Consider booking a walking tour or food tour, both of which require more time but offer a deeper look into Chicago’s culture. A stroll along the Riverwalk, starting at the Wrigley Building, is a great way to see the city—don’t forget City Winery for a drink! If you’re traveling with family or a partner, I’d recommend going to 360 CHICAGO or Skydeck. There are limitless options here!

7. What is something about Chicago that not many visitors know?
Answer: It truly is a big city with a small-town feel. We are welcoming and we want people to have a great experience. Also, fun fact—we were voted the most walkable city in the U.S.!

8. How can Show attendees experience Chicago like a local?
Answer: Get out of downtown and hang out in the neighborhoods! Explore Bronzeville, Pilsen, Lakeview and Uptown. Definitely stop by Chinatown, which is close to McCormick Place, and get some amazing dumplings! The neighborhoods are where the locals are.

For more information and ideas, visit Choose Chicago's website.