ROSEMONT (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With the state getting more of a handle on the pandemic, the Village of Rosemont is revving up to welcome back conventions and conferences this summer.
The Donald E. Stephens Convention and Conference Center in Rosemont announced Tuesday that they will resume hosting trade shows and public events in July of this year.
“The Stephens Convention Center is a major economic engine not only for our community, but for the State of Illinois,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens, in a statement. “This one facility is responsible for $800 million in annual economic impact through everything from hotel stays and restaurant receipts to retail and even gasoline sales.”
The Donald E. Stephens Convention and Conference Center is among the largest such facilities in the United States. Approximately 30 trade shows and public events are tentatively scheduled between July and the end of the year. With close to one million square feet available for shows and events, there is ample space for a limited return to events.
Staff and management are prepared to reopen with the health and safety of attendees at the top of mind. Officials said that by the time the convention center reopens, it will be accredited by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). Considered the gold standard in the industry, GBAC accreditation is given to facilities that have established certain cleaning and disinfecting protocols that are carried out by highly trained professionals.
“The health and safety of our attendees is our highest priority,” said Convention Center Executive Director Chris Stephens. “We closely track and follow all best practices and guidance from the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health.”
Before the pandemic, the Donald E. Stephens Convention and Conference Center hosted around 70 trade shows and 250 meetings and social events per year. Those shows historically bring as many as 1.5 million people to the region.
“We’re excited to take another step towards normal,” said Mayor Brad Stephens. “It’s good for Rosemont and it’s good for Illinois.”
The announcement follows news that the Auto Show will return to Chicago this summer.
Officials are not yet saying which trade shows or conventions will be taking place in Rosemont, Anime Midwest is scheduled to run July 2-4; and the Exxxotica adult entertainment expo and the Chicago Tattoo Arts convention are both set to run July 16-18.
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