Would you like to be pro-active and reach out to potential customers? If you're like many of our successful members, then of course you would!
The CCTB offers a number of resources and tools to help you find these customers and build your business. And in the case of our lead system, we bring them directly to you. If your business is affected by the daily flow of conventioneers who come through town, our various calendars can also help you plan and staff appropriately.
Online Convention Calendar
Our popular convention digest is now online with the most up-to-date information available. This calendar lists every Chicago convention or meeting booked by the CCTB, as well as many other in-house hotel meetings reported to us.
* Different than the calendar in the public section of choosechicago.com, the members-only version includes the name and phone number for the organizing group's main contact. Use the digest to pro-actively contact potential customers, or to help plan service or staffing levels during large conventions.
* Note some corporate meetings are private and not published at the company's request.
Wall Calendar
This annual 3x2-foot calendar features a scenic Chicago photo and monthly entries for the largest conventions taking place at McCormick Place, Navy Pier, and throughout the city. A great planning tool that is easy for your entire staff to access and enjoy!
Business Leads
We've all said it...wouldn't it be great if the customers just came to us? It's actually possible - with the CCTB's lead generating system! Also now online, those planning business or leisure events for 10 or more people can fill out a form specifying what type of local product or service they need. Our system then automatically forwards that lead to any CCTB member in the category selected. You contact the customer directly to make the sale. Leads are generated through www.choosechicago.com.
Online Membership Directory
Don't overlook an important source of business and referrals - your fellow members. Much like the Online Convention Calendar, the Online Membership Directory gives you exclusive access to the actual people making buying decisions and giving referrals to existing clients. In addition to being able to search our 1,400 members by name or category, you can find the name, phone number and/or e-mail address of the company's main contact.
Chicago's "We're Glad You're Here" program
Everyone likes to work with a business that goes the extra mile to make them feel appreciated. The CCTB helps its members do just that through Chicago's "We're Glad You're Here" (CWGYH) program. Created by Mayor Daley as a citywide recognition program for convention attendees, the Bureau helps the Mayor's Office promote and serve local businesses who would like to welcome and show appreciation to all kinds of visitors. See "Additional Membership Upgrades and Special Marketing Buy-ins" for other ways to get involved with CWGYH.