If you’ll be in Chicago on May 9, you can get a first-hand update on IMTS from Peter Eelman, VP-Exhibitions & Communications at AMT. Peter will be speaking at the Brinks Innovation Competition Luncheon, the theme of which is “Where Are They Now?” – an update on last year’s competition winners.

Other discussion topics at the luncheon include a panel on trends in clean technology investment.

This luncheon is affiliated with Midwest Clean Tech 2012, which will be held at McCormick Place in conjunction with IMTS. You can learn more about that event at www.midwestcleantech2012.com.

Admission to the luncheon is free. It takes place May 9 from 11:30 am-1 pm at the offices of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, 455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Suite 3600, Chicago. RSVP by May 1 to Tracy Rudd at trudd@usebrinks.com.

ZombieFit is an exercise class in St. Charles Illinois where they literally prepare you for the day when Zombies attack.  Each day you will run, jump, vault and throw tires in a foam rubber mock-up of an urban setting after all you need to practice to save yourself from the brain-eating monsters.

They have WOD or workouts of the day to keep you in shape.  I think this is what has been missing in my exercise routine - I needed to motivated by Zombies.

Travel website TripAdvisor recently released its 2011 Food and Wine Destination award winners, and Chicago -- home of IMTS -- came in at No. 3. Yet another reason why we are proud of our relationship with the Windy City!

TripAdvisor's review called it "the perfect foodie town" with cuisines to fit into any budget. The review contains suggestions for a few don't-miss spots, including information on a "food tour" that can take you to the best eats in the city. We're getting hungry just thinking about it!

So next time you're visiting Chicago, bring your appetite. Whether it's an old standby like the famous Chicago dog or a slice of deep-dish pizza, or some exotic cuisine that you've never dared try before, we say ... bon appetit! And congratulations to the city that we call our home away from home.

As you may have heard, a decision was rendered by a judge in Chicago which invalidates portions of the reform legislation at McCormick Place. Efforts are underway to appeal the decision, and in the meantime we have received the following letter from Chicago officials regarding support for the trade show industry. Be assured that the IMTS management team is fully involved and will continue to advocate for your interests. We will continue to keep you updated on this very fluid situation.

Peter Eelman
Vice President-Exhibitions & Communications, AMT

Dear McCormick Place Customer,

You may be aware of the ongoing legal challenge Chicago’s McCormick Place has experienced these past few months regarding historic legislative reforms enacted in May of 2010.  Earlier this evening we were informed that Judge Guzman did not grant our request for a stay regarding specific components of the McCormick Place Legislative reforms.  The two key elements were Exhibitor Rights and Work Rules.

While we expected this outcome, we are now at liberty to take the next step.  Tomorrow morning we will ask the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay while we present our case as to why the recent ruling must be overturned. 

Our state and city leaders will not let this ruling stand.  We are more heartened than you can imagine by this very powerful letter we’ve attached from the entire political leadership of our City and State which amounts to close to a guarantee that the Reforms enacted in May of 2010, reforms driven by your counsels and hard work, will stand one way or another, either by an affirmative court decision or by new legislation reaffirming the reforms.

 We have said that there is no going back. We absolutely need these reforms to be competitive, we know that and we will see them through.

Jim Reilly has been heavily involved in state government and major legislation for thirty years and Bruce Rauner has been heavily involved more recently but neither of us, in that entire time, has ever seen such solid, bi-partisan determination on any major issue as is evinced by this letter.

Based on conversations that David Causton, Bruce Rauner and Jim Reilly have had with all concerned, we believe that action can, and will be, taken in the fall veto session of the General Assembly to resolve the uncertainty and let us move forward full speed ahead.

We are truly grateful to the Governor and Mayor for their leadership in organizing this effort and to the four legislative leaders for their courage and forthrightness in reassuring the convention and trade show industry of our determination as a city, as the state, as the Convention Bureau as McCormick Place’s determination provide the finest, easiest to work in convention center in the country.

We will keep you updated on what you can expect as we continue to advocate for a long-term solution.  Nothing is more important to us.  Thank you for your patience and partnership. 

Bruce V. Rauner
Chairman
Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau                                 

David Mosena
Chairman
Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

Don Welsh
President & CEO
Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau         

Jim Reilly
Trustee
Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority