Chicago Is... President, Michael O'Connor Receives Award Named for His Mother

Joanne O'Connor, founder of Chicago's Leading Destination Management Company (DMC), is Remembered at

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. October 14, 2008

CHICAGO, IL, March 21, 2006. Michael O'Connor, President of Chicago Is . . ., Chicago's leading Destination Management Company (DMC), received the first annual Joanne O'Connor President's Award at the 11th annual conference of the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME), held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The award, named after Michael O'Connor's mother who founded Chicago Is . . ., will be presented each year to a "rising star" in the destination management/event management industry.

O'Connor said, "I am delighted and honored to have received this award, which is made more special by the family connection that created Chicago Is . . . and today, is sustaining and growing it." He concluded, "My mother Joanne was a pioneer among Chicago business people, who helped put the destination management industry 'on the map' in Chicagoland - and through whose efforts, the Chicago hospitality landscape is now dotted with talented professionals who trained under, and were mentored by, my mom." He concluded, "As Chicago Is . . . prepares to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary as the city's leading DMC, we continue to follow, revere and enhance Joanne's rich legacy."

Joanne O'Connor founded Chicago Is . . . in 1976, with partner Mary McPherson, to provide tours for spouses of the thousands of men who visited Chicago to attend conventions. As the business grew, the company became a pioneer in what has become known as the Destination and Event Management Industry, which has grown into a multi-billion dollar business around the country and the world. As Chicago grew into an internationally recognized meeting destination, Chicago Is . . . grew alongside it. The company currently has seven employees and manages dozens of events annually for international associations as well as companies in the pharmaceutical, financial and insurance industries.

About Chicago Is . . .

Chicago Is . . . , is a professional destination management company (DMC) specializing in the design and coordination of special events for organizations hosting activities in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. The company partners with its clients to achieve their business objectives by creating imaginative special events, unique theme parties, and other activities designed to elicit a "wow" from the attendees. They bring together the exciting venues, attractions, and resources that reflect the distinct character of Chicago. Chicago Is . . is a member of Global Events Partners (GEP), a partnership of Destination Management Companies representing key destinations worldwide, and is the Chicago member of The DMC Network.