The Magnificent Mile Association is pleased to invite you to its 2023 Fall Luncheon!
Our featured speaker, Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will discuss the latest trends in tourism in Illinois and how Chicago and The Magnificent Mile district can continue to attract visitors from all over the world. He will also share insights on how the IOT is working to promote Chicago as a premier tourist destination.
Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, will also join Daniel for a dynamic and informative panel discussion led by Kimberly Bares, President and CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association.
Special Announcement
The Magnificent Mile Association will be announcing the winners of this year's Beautification Awards at the luncheon. These awards recognize the efforts of property owners and the talented landscapers who continue to make our Avenue a more beautiful and welcoming place.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:
Daniel Thomas is the Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. IOT is responsible for telling the Illinois story to the world and inspiring it’s over 111 million visitors who visit each year and generate over $308 million in hotel/motel tax revenues.
As Deputy Director of IOT, Thomas leads efforts to attract domestic and international travelers to Illinois with a mission to increase visitor numbers, spending, and overnight stays year over year.
Thomas is a global storyteller and brand builder at heart, with vast travel industry experience and a lifelong passion for tourism.
A native Kiwi, Thomas began his career with Air New Zealand at age seventeen where he worked his way into various management roles. He then led a two-year business turnaround at Sky Tower, Auckland's #1 visited tourist attraction.
Thomas moved to Chicago in 2007 to serve as GM of the John Hancock Observatory, where he imagined Chicago’s now-iconic “TILT” experience and brought the world’s tallest synthetic ice skating rink to the 94th floor. He also led the World Federation of Great Towers, a coalition of the worlds 50 most iconic monuments and a global communications agency.
Now a kiwi-American, he lives in Itasca with his husband, Bobby, and their two dogs, Este and Bourbon.
Member Ticket: $95 Non-Member Ticket: $125 Table of 10: $900
Association Board Members are pre-paid for this event, but should still complete registration.
The Magnificent Mile Association Membership Luncheons bring together colleagues, The Magnificent Mile Association Board of Directors, civic leaders and key stakeholders. Luncheons are designed to create effective interactions amongst members while continually bringing in an exceptional series of speakers that represent the business community.
