Get the latest meeting and event planning industry news: Chicago welcomed a record 57.6 million visitors in 2018, The Robey and The Peninsula Chicago are named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Gold List, and Chicago boasts the most breweries in the United States.

CHICAGO SETS NEW TOURISM RECORD

Chicago Skyline ©City of Chicago

Chicago welcomed a record 57.6 million visitors in 2018 — an increase of 4.3% over the previous year. The increase was also reflected in major meetings and trade shows. Of the 50 largest events at McCormick Place in 2018, 40% broke records for either attendance or exhibition space sales.

THE NOBEL ROOFTOP BAR TO DEBUT AT ST. JANE CHICAGO

The Nobel, an exclusive rooftop bar located on the 24th floor of the St. Jane Chicago hotel, is slated to open this spring. Although The Nobel’s customers will primarily be guests staying in the hotel’s tower suites, limited reservations will be available to the general public. The food menu will be overseen by the chef of the hotel’s acclaimed Free Rein restaurant.

Learn more about The Nobel.

UNITED AIRLINES ADDS MORE ROUTES FROM O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

UNITED AIRLINES MEETING INCENTIVE

This summer, United Airlines will introduce seven new routes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The destinations include Destin and Panama City in Florida, Durango and Grand Junction in Colorado, Eugene and Redmond in Oregon, and Halifax in Nova Scotia.

Learn more about United Airlines’ new routes.

TWO CHICAGO PROPERTIES NAMED TO CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S 2019 GOLD LIST

©The Robey

The Robey and The Peninsula Chicago were featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List of the Best Hotels and Resorts in the U.S. and Canada, representing its editors’ favorites. The Robey is described as a “fresh urban crash pad,” while The Peninsula Chicago gets props for its “in-room tech that’s the true knockout here.”

Learn more about Chicago’s Gold List hotels.

CAMBRIA HOTEL CHICAGO – LOOP THEATRE DISTRICT RECEIVES EGENCIA AWARD

©Cambria Hotel Chicago – Loop Theatre District

Cambria Hotel Chicago – Loop Theatre District has been named one of the Top 100 Preferred Corporate Hotels for 2019 by Egencia. The list represents the best hotels in the global marketplace, as judged by Egencia business travelers, based on superior service, an exceptional guest experience, and outstanding overall value.

Learn more about Cambria Hotel Chicago – Loop Theatre District.

CHICAGO IS HOME TO THE MOST BREWERIES IN THE U.S.

Band of Bohemia Chicago brewery

The Brewers Association has recognized Chicago as the nation’s brewing capital. With 167 breweries in its metro area, Chicago is home to more breweries than any other city in the United States. The Brewers Association noted that Chicago is “a very versatile beer city, with expertise in a number of styles.”

Learn more about Chicago’s breweries.