News

Here's the latest developments from the team here at Concierge Preferred.

From mayoral proclamations to hospitality industry accolades, stay up-to-date on what’s happening here at Concierge Preferred.

Ateema Media & Marketing Adds Group Sales Expert Lauren Smith to Growing Sales Department

Product line expands to offer more solutions for meeting & event planners

 

(CHICAGO) – Ateema Media & Marketing, leaders in the tourism and meetings and events marketing space, and parent company of Concierge Preferred, Chicago Planner Master Class, and the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago is growing. Today, the company announced the addition of Chicago Meetings & Events industry veteran Lauren Smith to its sales department as the Business Development Manager. 

Smith comes to Ateema from Chez Event Space where she spent four and a half years as the Director of Sales and Marketing. While there, Smith focused on corporate meetings, weddings, charity events, and more, ultimately doubling the company’s sales revenue. Prior to Chez Event Space, Smith drove sales and marketing efforts for boutique catering companies including Catalyst Ranch.

“We’re thrilled to have Lauren Smith join our team as we grow the meeting and events side of our business,” said Tim O’Malley, CEO of Ateema Media & Marketing. “Lauren’s expertise is the perfect balance to our existing experts on the tourism marketing side of our business.”

“We’ve expanded our services on the groups side of the business and Lauren’s expertise in this area is a huge win for our team, our clients, and our partner planners as she will be focusing on helping all of our partners achieve success in the groups space.”

Smith’s unique perspective and experience make her a prime addition to Ateema due to her perspective on both the venue and planner sides of the business.

“I was drawn to Ateema because of their high-level solutions for the groups, meetings, and events space,” said Smith, “they specialize in connecting group-oriented businesses with the right meeting and event planners.” Smith continued, “I understand the pain points that many venues face when growing their meetings and events business. Ateema’s Business Development Program for group meetings & events is the solution for those pain points, and I can’t wait to share it with my connections in the industry!”

For information on Ateema Media & Marketing’s solutions for groups, meetings, and events, contact Lauren Smith at lauren@ateema.com.

 

About Ateema Media & Marketing

Founded in 2001, Ateema Media & Marketing is a Chicago-based media and marketing company with an array of products and services designed to help our tourism and group meetings and events related customers attract business from meeting and event planners, visitors, concierge, social media influencers, and groups. 

Ateema Media & Marketing’s portfolio includes a digital advertising platform, a visitor content marketing program, and a weekly newsletter about things to do in Chicago. Ateema produces Concierge Preferred Magazine, Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, Planner Master Classes, Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards, Mobile Visitor Network, and ChicagoMaps.org, Ateema Media & Marketing also provides a plethora of research and marketing services around the concierge community. For more information about Ateema, visit Ateema.com.

 

National Concierge Association Awards First-Ever Hall of Fame Recognition to Tim O’Malley

Ateema Media & Marketing CEO Recognized by NCA at 2019 Annual Education Conference

MINNEAPOLIS – The 2019 National Concierge Association Annual Education Conference was extra special for Chicago-based company Ateema Media & Marketing and its CEO Tim O’Malley, as O’Malley was inducted into the NCA Hall of Fame. The recognition, a first for the NCA, was announced on August 9 at the national meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The National Concierge Association Hall of Fame recognizes tenured members in good standing, with significant activity level both locally and nationally.

“I’m honored to be recognized by this prestigious organization,” said O’Malley after his win. “This is a great group of people who make a tremendous impact in the industry and I’m fortunate to be involved.”

“Tim is an invaluable business resource,” said Sara-ann Kasner, Founder/CEO of National Concierge Association. “Throughout the years, Tim has been a driving force in developing the NCA Chicago Chapter and and raising funds to help get their members to attend NCA conferences, providing space for board meetings, serving on the NCA Executive Board, lending his staff to create conference logos and so much more behind the scenes contributions to our organization. In short, we owe this man our accolades for devoting his time, his talents and his love for our profession and the NCA.”

Ateema Media & Marketing has been an integral resource in the Chicago concierge community for 18 years. The company has rapidly expanded over recent years and continues to connect businesses, visitors, groups, and concierges through its suite of services including Concierge Preferred Magazine, ChicagoMaps.org, the Concierge Favorites Awards, and the Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago. 

For more information on Ateema Media & Marketing, please visit www.ateema.org.

 

About Ateema Media & Marketing

Founded in 2001, Ateema Media & Marketing is a Chicago-based media and marketing company with an array of products and services designed to help our hospitality and tourism related customers attract business from visitors and meeting and event planners. The company also produces top quality tools for Chicago’s concierge and visitors.

Ateema Media & Marketing’s digital portfolio includes a digital advertising platform, visitor content marketing program, and a weekly newsletter about things to do in Chicago. The producers of Concierge Preferred Magazine, Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, Chicago Planner Master Classes, Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards, Mobile Visitor Network, and ChicagoMaps.org, Ateema Media & Marketing also provides a plethora of research and marketing services around the concierge community. 

 

CONCIERGE PREFERRED HIRES TWO TO MARKETING TEAM

CHICAGO – Concierge Preferred is proud to announce that marketing and content professionals Erica Abdnour and Dillin Ravenscraft have joined their growing team.

Erica Abdnour joins Concierge Preferred as Director of Content Marketing.  She comes to the team with over 10 years of experience in content development, branding and marketing. Her successful background in public relations and digital marketing will also play a major role in this new position.  She’ll be responsible for all Concierge Preferred products, except for events. Erica will also be responsible for concierge relations in an effort to gain more insight to further promote the voice of the concierge.

Dillin Ravenscraft joins Concierge Preferred as Director of Event Marketing.  He comes to the team with significant event and marketing experience. He’ll be responsible for the company’s portfolio of events including Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, Chicago Planner Master Classes, The Concierge Favorites Awards and the networking event series.

“We’re thrilled to have Erica and Dillin on the team!” said Tim O’Malley, Founder & CEO, “their digital, content and event marketing skills will help us to further elevate our game in terms of driving more value for our business, concierge, and planner partners alike.”

Contact information for the team follows:

Erica Abdnour, Concierge Relations, eabdnour@conciergepreferred.com

Dillin Ravenscraft, Concierge Database, dravenscraft@conciergepreferred.com

Patrizia Dell’Orefice, Magazine & Map Distribution, pdellorefice@conciergepreferred.com

Marianna Kudriashova, Concierge Ambassador, mkudriashova@conciergepreferred.com

Call 312-360-1770 to reach any of these team members.

About Concierge Preferred

Concierge Preferred is a Chicago-based visitor marketing company whose product portfolio was strategically designed to drive groups and travelers to our partners’ doorsteps.

Concierge Preferred’s digital portfolio includes their digital advertising platform, the Mobile Visitor Network, a visitor content marketing program, a weekly newsletter about things to do in Chicago and a number of websites. Concierge Preferred also produces industry leading events including Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, Chicago Planner Master Classes and the Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards. The company also publishes Concierge Preferred Magazine and provides a number of research and direct marketing services around the concierge community.

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CONCIERGE PREFERRED NAMED 2017 ‘INTERNATIONAL PARTNER OF THE YEAR’ BY NATIONAL CONCIERGE ASSOCIATION AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CHICAGO (Aug. 29, 2017) – Concierge Preferred won the 2017 National Concierge Association (NCA) “International Partner of the Year” award at the annual NCA Conference held in Houston Aug. 16-20.

For the eleventh time, Concierge Preferred was awarded the prestigious International Partner of the Year award, which is given annually to an affiliate partner who has gone above and beyond in their support of the concierge community.

An international non-profit network dedicated to supporting concierges and affiliated partners in the job of providing a high level of service across the globe, the NCA provides a support structure staffed by leading experts on concierge service.

I am proud and thankful that Concierge Preferred is a member of the National Concierge Association,” says Joyce Fong, President of the NCA-Chicago Chapter. “They have been supportive of the Chicago chapter and the Association as a whole from day one. Their involvement and support is a model for how affiliate members can get involved and reap benefits.”

Additionally, Concierge Preferred’s Director of Concierge Relations and Services, Trisha Carey, was named NCA’s Board Member of the Year. With deep roots in the hospitality industry, Carey has been actively involved with the NCA in various roles over the years and currently serves as Marketing Director of the NCA’s Chicago Chapter.

Trisha applies her strengths to the association showcasing the chapter, and all we do, on a very public level,” says Fong. “As a chapter director, her willingness to step in to assist with other duties is greatly appreciated and noticed.”

Below are the list of award winners as well as some highlights from the weekend.

  • Best Affiliate Partner – Timmie Cortina, Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours
  • International Partner of the Year – Concierge Preferred
  • Leader of the Year – Joyce Fong, President
  • Board Member of the Year – Trisha Carey, Director of Marketing

Additionally, Trisha Carey received her Certified Concierge Pin and Concierge Preferred received their Gold Endorsed Partner Pin.

2017 Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards Winners

CHICAGO (Feb. 2, 2017) – Held in conjunction with the seventh annual “Concierge Day in Chicago”, by proclamation from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, over 500 of Chicago’s top hospitality industry professionals gathered at Concierge Preferred’s Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards on January 26, 2017 at the Hard Rock Café.

Over 170 businesses were highlighted, as they were hand-picked by Chicagoland’s 650-plus suburban and city concierge as their favorite destinations in the categories of shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

An awards show-style presentation took place at the event, in which the top five vote getters in each category were announced and presented with an award.

Concierges’ Top 5 Favorite Shopping Destinations were:

  • Macy’s State Street
  • Magnificent Mile
  • Fashion Outlets of Chicago
  • Garrett Popcorn Shops
  • State Street

The top six, thanks to a tie, Favorite Cultural Attractions were:

  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation Cruise Aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
  • Chicago Line Cruises
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Navy Pier

The top five Favorite Nightlife Destinations were:

  • The Redhead Piano Bar
  • Untitled
  • Arbella
  • Howl at the Moon
  • The Second City

Concierges’ Top 5 Favorites Restaurants:

  • The Gage
  • Tortoise Supper Club
  • Remington’s
  • Volare Ristorante Italiano
  • Carnivale

Chicago Concierge Hall of Fame

As part of the awards, Concierge Preferred inducted Tim Batchelder, concierge at the Talbott Hotel into the Chicago Concierge Hall of Fame. Selected by the hospitality community, these individuals are committed to exceptional customer service; continually educating themselves on all the city has to offer; engaging with the hospitality industry to enable excellent service; and experiencing all that Chicago has to offer first-hand in order to better serve all.

Jon Winke Rising Star Concierge Award

The Jon Winke Rising Star Concierge Award was developed to recognize the young talent in our industry and to ensure that they get the formal recognition they deserve. The 2017 winner was Rebecca Starodub, concierge at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.

The award is named after 37-year hospitality industry veteran Jon Winke, chef concierge at the Ritz Carlton Chicago and the first inductee into the Chicago Concierge Hall of Fame who passed away unexpectedly in 2014.

Jon remains an icon in the industry and will always be remembered for his leadership, passion for service, and the pride he took in his role as Chicago‘s premier Chef Concierge. He was loved by many who say he gave them their start in the hospitality industry and was the kind of guy that other concierges would reach out for advice. It is because of that, and so much more, that this award is named after him.

Art Bryan Concierge Partner of the Year Award

New to the event this year, was the presentation of the first-ever Art Bryan Concierge Partner of the Year Award.

Named after Art Bryan, a hospitality industry veteran and longtime owner of the Redhead Piano Bar who passed away unexpectedly last year, this award was given by the concierge community to a business owner they feel best embodies Art’s legacy, serving as a champion and supporter of the concierge community. This year’s winner was Benny Siddu, owner of Volare Ristorante Italiano and Benny’s Chop House.

About the Concierge Preferred

Concierge Preferred, 10 time winner of the “International Partner of the Year” award from the National Concierge Association, is a Chicago-based visitor marketing company with strong roots in the hospitality industry whose product portfolio was strategically designed to drive visitors to our partners’ doorsteps.

Concierge Preferred provides top quality, inside information and resources to people exploring what to do in Chicago by uniquely leveraging and promoting the voice of the concierge. Their motto “Concierge Tips for Exploring Chicago” permeates each product they produce. From their website, newsletters, and magazine, to the Chicago Neighborhood Maps program and more, Concierge Preferred brings together travelers, the hospitality industry and concierge through visitor marketing services in a manner unmatched by any other company in the industry.

For additional information, please contact Amber Holst
at Concierge Preferred
at aholst@conciergepreferred.com

Theresa Hattar promoted to Senior Account Executive at Concierge Preferred

Tim O’Malley, Founder & CEO of Concierge Preferred, Chicago’s leading visitor marketing company, is eager to announce that Theresa Hattar has been promoted to Senior Account Executive from her previous position as Account Executive.

In her time here, Theresa has made a significant impact on not only our business, but our partners’ businesses as well,” says O’Malley. “She is fun, energetic, and smart and has always provided exceptional customer service in addition to driving results.”

Samantha Krause, Vice President of Advertising, echoes O’Malley’s sentiment. “Theresa is one of the best relationship marketers I have ever worked with,” she says. “She actively listens and will always go above and beyond for her clients and ensure that whatever program she puts together will meet their needs.”

A Chicago area native, Hattar has been a proven leader on the sales team having spearheaded marketing opportunities for the company’s partners—ranging from digital and mobile marketing programs to event sponsorship and print-oriented campaigns—all of which were strategically designed to ensure that her clients stayed ahead of the curve while tapping into the city’s lucrative tourism market.

“One of the things I love most about working at Concierge Preferred is that no two days are ever the same,” says Hattar. “I get to work with some pretty awesome people who are passionate about not only the hospitality industry, but our beautiful city, too. I look forward to my new role and embracing the new challenges it may bring.”

Prior to joining the Concierge Preferred team, Hattar worked for six years as a marketing consultant at Dex Media where she produced digital and print marketing promotions based on her clients’ needs.

A membership and mentor committee member for the River North Business Association, Hattar remains active in Chicago’s hospitality community and was awarded the organization’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts in welcoming and recruiting new members.

A graduate of DePaul University, Hattar studied advertising and public relations with a minor in marketing and was active on campus having played soccer, flag football, and serving on the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee as Chair of the Private Sector.

Trisha Carey Named Director of Concierge Relations

We are excited to announce that Trisha Carey has joined the Concierge Preferred team today as our Director of Concierge Relations.

Many of you may know Trisha from the industry as she was most recently an account executive at Key: This Week in Chicago and marketing manager at Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co. prior to that.

Trisha is also active with the National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter, serving as their affiliate liaison. She will be taking over Amanda Cooper’s position, who will remain with the Concierge Preferred team through the Trade Show on April 26th before moving over full time as a concierge at McCormick Place with our partner Toque & Bottle.

You can reach Trisha regarding any needs you and your teams may have regarding Concierge Preferred products, events, and more at tcarey@conciergepreferred.com or by calling her at 312-588-1786.

Please join us in welcoming Trisha to the Concierge Preferred family as we’re excited to have her on board.

Concierge Day in Chicago 2016

By official proclamation from Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the team at Concierge Preferred is proud to announce that the City of Chicago will celebrate its sixth annual Concierge Day in Chicago on January 28, 2016.

And our city’s concierges surely deserve it. Each year, they make almost five million referrals with more than 1.3 million dining recommendations, 1.1 million shopping suggestions, 658,000 nightlife referrals, and almost 1.2 million tips on cultural attractions.

Concierge Preferred

Concierge Preferred Named "Best Hospitality Publication" by HSMAI

CHICAGO (Dec. 12, 2014) – Just weeks after being named “International Partner of the Year” by the National Concierge Association, the Illinois Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) named Concierge Preferred as the “Best Hospitality Publication” in Chicago at its Hospitality Awards banquet on Dec. 4.

The annual event, held at Serendipity Labs, honored businesses in categories ranging from the “Venue of the Year” and “Hottest Hotel” to “Networker of the Year” and special recognition for Choose Chicago for being the driving force behind brining the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW conference to Chicago in April 2014.

“We’re thrilled and honored to win this prestigious award. These are people who really know and understand the industry and for them to pick us shows that the market appreciates the concierge insight and insider perspective that can only be found in Concierge Preferred,” says Tim O’Malley, president & CEO.

The NCA Names Concierge Preferred "International Partner of the Year"

Concierge Preferred won the 2015 National Concierge Association (NCA) “International Partner of the Year” award at the annual NCA Conference held in San Antonio in August.

For the eighth time, Concierge Preferred was awarded the prestigious International Partner of the Year award, which is given annually to an affiliate partner who has gone above and beyond in their support of the concierge community.

An international non-profit network dedicated to supporting concierges and affiliated partners in the job of providing a high level of service across the globe, the NCA provides a support structure staffed by leading experts on concierge service.

“Not a day goes by where the efforts of this wonderful organization are not felt and seen by the concierge and hospitality communities,” says Sheryl Novak, president of the NCA Chicago Chapter. “From hosting one of the most popular concierge events of the year (their annual Trade Show), facilitating introductions to new venues and tools to make our jobs easier, to championing the first and now annual ‘Concierge Day’ in the City of Chicago, all of these honors are appreciated beyond measure by concierges.”

NCAIntenationalPartneroftheYear

Signature Transportation Group to be Lanyard Sponsor at Hospitality and Tourism Summit Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Erica Abdnour

Concierge Preferred

eabdnour@conciergepreferred.com

 

Signature Transportation Group to be Lanyard Sponsor at Hospitality and Tourism Summit Chicago

(Chicago, Illinois) – Signature Transportation Group, a premier ground transportation company servicing Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, has once again signed on as the lanyard sponsor for the 2019 Hospitality and Tourism Summit Chicago.

From personal chauffeurs to on-call dispatchers, Signature Transportation Group boasts a fleet of vehicles for any occasion including Sedans and SUVs, Sprinters, Executive Buses, Motor Coaches, Trolley’s, and more. Already a mainstay in the hospitality industry, Signature Transportation Group is a go-to transportation service for hotels and venues who rely upon their services for client entertainment, pickups and dropoffs, and more.

“The Hospitality and Tourism Summit Chicago is a fantastic event and we are proud to be supporters for the fifth time,” said Kevin Duff, President of Signature Transportation Group. “We look forward to once again connecting with some great businesses, as well as event planners and concierge.”

Designed to cultivate relationships between concierge, meeting and event planners, and businesses that cater to Chicago’s visitors, the Hospitality & Tourism Summit provides an inside look to the best that Chicago has to offer it’s travelers. The event draws a sold-out crowd each year and boasts more than 300 trade show booths from Chicagoland’s tourism favorites. In addition to the Keynote Panel and trade show, the Hospitality & Tourism Summit will include live music, a silent auction, and ample networking opportunities.

“We are thrilled to have Signature Transportation Group on board as a sponsor of the Hospitality and Tourism Summit Chicago,” said Tim O’Malley, President of Concierge Preferred. “Their continued support over the past five years is truly valued by the Chicago hospitality industry.”

For more information about the Hospitality and Tourism Summit at Navy Pier on April 30, please visit HTSC.co.

 

About Concierge Preferred

Concierge Preferred is a Chicago-based visitor marketing company whose product portfolio was strategically designed to drive groups and travelers to our partners’ doorsteps.

Concierge Preferred’s digital portfolio includes their digital advertising platform, the Mobile Visitor Network, a visitor content marketing program, a weekly newsletter about things to do in Chicago and a number of websites. Concierge Preferred also produces industry leading events including Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, Chicago Planner Master Classes and the Chicago Concierge Favorites Awards. The company also publishes Concierge Preferred Magazine and provides a number of research and direct marketing services around the concierge community.