Best Firms in Chicago representing Hotels and Restaurants

[Elyse Jessica Glickman]

Hi,

I am visiting Chicago the week of October 9-15, and perhaps again in December.  For October, I am trying to get recommendations for publicists and PR firms to call for hosted nights for upscale hotels and restaurants, based on the magazines I am planning to cover it for (one for executives, the other for culinary travel).  I am also interested in people offering street food tours.

I am a Chicago native, but am covering it from a perspective of somebody rediscovering her home town after being away for many years. THough I have been back, I usually spend all my time with my family in the suburbs.

Many thanks!

Elyse

[David Paul Appell]

Hi Maureen!  First of all, I'd suggest you post this on Media Only and our Illinois group.  Maureen Blevins is a member who you might also consider contacting directly.  You could also do a member search using the word "Chicago" and query those who are media and PR.

FYI, I posted a similar query a couple of months ago and didn't get much response.  But ultimately I did find that local PR shop Wagstaff may be the most promising to approach. Recently I was able to stay at and review the cool new Radisson Blu Aqua (in fact, I just posted the review, it's on the homepage right now); the rep for that and its restaurant Filini is Kristen Unger ([e-mail]); others include Caiti Carrow ([e-mail]) for JW Marriott. If I come across any others, I'll post again.

You might also ask Gadling's Grant Martin ([e-mail]) for recommendations on receptive local agencies & hospitality; just say you understand he's locally based and so thought he might have some suggestions.

And we hope once you're back that you'll share a Chicago post or two with us here on Tripatini!

best,
Dave Appell

[Elyse Jessica Glickman]

I tried Wagstaff and all they offered was one night at JW Marriott...nothing else.  I will try Kristin, who I think is out of town to ask about the restaurant, at least.  I will also try Grant.  Thanks for this lead, and I will try to reach out to Maureen.