Chicago broke tourism records in 2023 when hotel revenues in the Windy City reached $1.1B, up 24% from 2022 — and a whopping 102% from 2019 — while hotel taxes generated $62M.

While there are many reasons people are drawn to Chicago, performances last year from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran have been cited as major drivers of this tourism boom, along with NASCAR and other sporting events.

Chicago isn't immune to the challenges that other cities face, however, and retailers have been pivoting past the traditional mall concept and into experiential retail, providing consumers with a more memorable and interactive shopping experience.

Bisnow’s Chicago Retail, Entertainment, and Sports and Tourism event will showcase how the city is adapting to market challenges and finding opportunities to grow. The event will be held at Fifth Third Arena on May 29, and industry leaders will be there to explore the trends shaping the future of Chicago retail, entertainment, sports and tourism. Register here for the event.

Here are five reasons to attend Bisnow’s event:

1. Learn about how top players are adapting to changing consumer behavior and creating opportunities in the demanding retail market from Brookfield Properties Chief Development Officer Adam Tritt.

2. Hear Chicago Blackhawks President of Business Operations Jaime Faulkner, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese and HFA Vice President of Hospitality and Entertainment Nicole Poole explain how new experiential concepts in entertainment and sports capture the attention of locals and visitors.

3. Find out how tourism continues to evolve in Chicago and the unique offerings that make it a must-visit destination from Marylinn Gardner, president and CEO at Navy Pier Inc., and Dustin Arnheim, senior vice president of sales and services for Choose Chicago.

4. Network with some of the top developers, owners, investors and decision-makers in Chicago CRE.

5. Be part of the conversation about how these new trends can cultivate fresh opportunities for retail, entertainment, sports and tourism in the Windy City.

Don't miss your chance to learn how Chicago rises to the occasion in industries from retail to tourism to create new opportunities for economic and community growth. Engage with our sponsors, partners and attendees at this deal-making event. Register here for more details.