McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, is hosting RetailX on August 24th and 25th. After COVID derailed last year's in-person event, the buzz leading up to this year's conference is palpable. From discovering what's next in the world of retail tech to connecting with the most innovative and influential leaders in the space, RetailX promises to delivery a can't-miss experience for those that make it out to the Windy City. If you're headed to Chicago and want to meet with us, click here or stop by Booth 2009 and say hi!
As you can imagine, there's plenty to do in Chicago beyond the events RetailX has planned. So we've put together a City Guide to help you get the most of your time in Chicago. Whether you want to take in a game, stroll through Millennium Park or chow down on some of Chi-Town's famous grub, we have you covered!
Sports
Watch the Chicago Cubs play host to the Colorado Rockies inside the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field or join us at our exclusive rooftop event looking down on the action. You can wind down after a day at RetailX by mixing and mingling with industry professionals, your peers, and experts from EXCLUSIVE, Klaviyo, Trustpilot and Clyde. We’ll provide cocktails and appetizers (as well as some raffles and drawings for fun prizes). This event is sure to be a home run and spaces are limited so reserve yours now !
Food
Here's a quick primer on Italian Beef: You can order it hot (with giardiniera peppers) or sweet (with sweet peppers); dry (no gravy), wet (extra gravy on top), or dipped (the whole sandwich takes a bath). Al’s Beef in Little Italy claims to be the inventor of the sandwich, and has dominated the Italian Beef awards circuit since it opened in 1938. If you're looking for a spot that the locals give a stamp of approval to, Mr. Beef on Orleans in River North also does the trick.
Deep dish pizza is a Chicago staple and there are tons of wonderful options to choose from. We have to recommend the OG, Uno Pizzeria , and its sister establishment Pizzeria Due in River North. Depending on where you are in the city, Giordano’s, Gino’s East of Chicago and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria can all deliver a top-notch deep dish experience.
And if you're able to save any room, the Rainbow Cone is the way to cap the night. In business for nearly a century, they have perfected the dessert game with cones, cakes and even fresh donuts.
Art
Projecting a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of the Merchandise Mart, Art on theMart's latest program is inspired by the rhythms and melodies of local musicians. The current show, Footnotes, is an animated projection focusing on Chicago footwork, produced by artists and filmmakers Wills Glasspiegel and Brandon K. Calhoun, featuring original music by DJ Spinn, the Chicago Bucket Boys, Angel Bat David, Elisha Chandler and Amal Hubert from Hypnotic Brass Band.
The home of Chicago's only Infinity Mirror Room (created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama) is open to the public once again, presenting a new collection of one-of-a-kind art installations alongside some old favorites. New additions to WNDR Museum include a multi-sensory experience from S̶A̶N̶T̶IA̶G̶O̶X that uses artificial intelligence, sounds, visuals and scents, as well as an installation called I Heard There Was a Secret Chord that allows guests to become part of an evolving virtual choir.
The Art of BanksySeen by over 750,000 people worldwide, The Art of Banksy exhibit hosts prints, canvasses, screenprints, sculptures and limited-edition pieces mainly dated between 1997 and 2008 (including well-known works such as ‘Girl with Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’) as well as lesser-known works on canvas, wood, and paper. The traveling exhibit hits Chicago in early August.
Touristy Bucklist
From the Willis Tower Skydeck to a cruise on the Chicago River , there are high-quality, albeit mainstream, ways to enjoy the Windy City. Take in an improv comedy show at Second City , snap a selfie at the Bean in Millennium Park or chow down on a Chicago Dog at Portillo’s . Fit them all in and you’re sure to grow your Instagram following.
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