Who Are We
The CCTB is the voice of the entire visitor industry. An industry responsible for employing more than 132,000 people and contributing nearly $11.5 billion annually to Chicago's economy, as well as $648 million in state and city tax revenues.
We're an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organization with the mission to market and sell Chicago as a world-class meeting, convention and leisure destination. Our primary focus is to bring meetings, events, conventions and trade shows to the McCormick Place campus and Navy Pier. Last year alone, our sales team booked over 600 such events, which are expected to generate $5 billion in direct expenditures.
We accomplish this mission through innovative and industry-leading marketing and promotional programs, campaigns and sales initiatives both here and abroad. And our efforts result in a sustainable economic impact by creating jobs, generating tax revenue and building successful member organizations.
Our efforts reach across the country and around the globe. Tapping into markets in places like the UK, Germany and China to grow your business.
You can see us as something even more. We're a billion-dollar extension to your sales and marketing department.
Did You Know?
Chicago ranks 19th in marketing budgets among competitive cities at $14.2 million. By comparison, number one Las Vegas has a budget of $285 million.
"The CCTB is The sales and marketing choice for The City of Chicago"
- Art Institute of Chicago
What Can We Do For You
We're a gateway to reaching millions of meetings and convention attendees and exhibitors. Markets you can't reach through any other organization. With our help, you'll have the ability to expand your reach and exposure both domestically and internationally -something you can't do on your own.
Moreover, we offer exclusive opportunities available only to our members. The CCTB is the "Face of Chicago," and as a member, you'll be seen as part of the city's "official" publications and websites. You'll have the ability to grow your business by leveraging CCTB resources and tapping into the expertise, knowledge and industry experience of our helpful staff.
Over 45 million visitors come to Chicago annually. The CCTB is your chance to be involved in the industry. It's an opportunity to get in front of these visitors and get a share of their business. One you can't afford to miss.
You don't need to be a huge organization to benefit. Membership in the CCTB is right for just about any size. Our members include attractions, retailers, restaurants, suppliers and services, and many small business owners. If you need to grow your business, chances are we can help.
Did You Know?
McCormick Place campus is the largest meeting facility in the Western Hemisphere, and hosts more than 2.3 million people annually.
"Membership with the CCTB has been instrumental to our success. The staff has been extremely resourceful..."
- Chicago Dine-Around
What Will You Get
The benefits of membership in the CCTB are wide-ranging. We have specifically designed tools to help our different types of members achieve maximum success in their businesses. And we're constantly listening to our members and looking to enhance them.
Among the tools you'll receive with membership are:
- Listings in official publications and our web site with nearly 3 million visits annually.
- Exclusive access to our online convention calendar with key contact information.
- Networking/professional development, including business exchanges, events and educational seminars.
- Pre-qualified leads and referrals.
- Co-op marketing and advertising opportunities.
- Participation in unique programs like Sweet Deals, Chicago - an initiative designed to allow members to post value-added offers during their need period that will be passed on to attendees and exhibitors.
Did You Know?
Navy Pier is consistently the Midwest's #1 tourism attraction, welcoming nearly 8 million visitors annually.
"We found by partnering our limited resources within resources of the CCTB, we're actually able to get a bigger bang for our buck to bring our product to market by doing it in conjunction with the Bureau. It's a win-win..."
- American Airlines
How Can You Get Started
It's easy to join. Simply visit the Members section at choosechicago.com. There you'll find the answers to all your questions and more in-depth information on everything membership provides. Or you can contact us directly at 312-567-8461 or membershipinfo@choosechicago.com.
Remember, by supporting our marketing efforts around the world, you are, in essence, helping us bring new and repeat visitors directly to you.
The words of the famed Chicago urban planner Daniel Burnham ring as true today as they did the day he spoke them. Now is the time to "make no little plans".