For DMA07 Attendees, Chicago Is Our Kind Of Town!

October 3, 2007 — Direct marketers on their way to DMA07 in Chicago this fall should take heed. They might fall in love with the Windy City as quickly as one woman did, years ago, on her way to host a little-known TV talk show, then called “AM Chicago.” “My first day in Chicago, September 4, 1983, I set foot in this city, and just walking down the street...I knew I belonged here,” said talk show diva Oprah Winfrey, often called the most influential woman in the world.

Along with Oprah and DMA07, which will be at Chicago’s brand new McCormick Place West October 13-18, distinguished museums, restaurants of every variety, comedy clubs, blues, jazz, and sports events are some of Chicago’s beloved fixtures. Whether DMA07 conference attendees prefer watching the runways at Fashion Focus 2007 or the Bears take the field, the city offers plenty to see and do.

“Chicago looks forward to showcasing its global attributes and the new McCormick Place West Building to DMA’s membership,” said Tim Roby, Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau president and CEO. “Chicago’s tremendous depth and diversity attract a variety of visitors to meeting and convention venues, as well as world-class restaurants, shops, theater, museums, parks, and more. We hope DMA’s annual conference and exhibition this October will be motivational, inspirational, and educational for all in attendance.”

And with weather historically in the mid-sixties during October, who can resist taking in a home game of the Chicago Bears on October 14, or getting a bird’s-eye view of the city on Navy Pier's 148-foot Ferris wheel? And let’s not forget the hilarious and irreverent comedy of Second City, with shows like “Between Barack and a Hard Place.”

“Each of the six days at DMA07 will be action-packed,” said Paul McDonnough, DMA07 group show director. “But since you can’t have a conference without networking and downtime, Chicago has much to offer. You name it — great sports, restaurants, shopping, museums, theater, music, comedy — they’ve got it.”

Conferees can get help customizing an itinerary of exciting activities during their Chicago stay on the Convention and Tourism Bureau’s site (http://www.choosechicago.com/event_calendar.html), with scores of events listed on any given date.

On October 13, for instance, the top item is already intriguing: Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise” exhibit at The Art Institute of Chicago offers art-lovers the last chance to see the magnificent 15th century bronze doors before they return permanently to Florence.

In addition, visitors can find helpful information through the Chicago Office of Tourism (www.cityofchicago.org/tourism), such as a downloadable history of Chicago Blues, narrated by “Mustang Sally” musician Buddy Guy.

Events of Note During DMA07 Week

· October 4–17, 43rd Chicago International Film Festival, various locations, 312.902.1500, www.chicagofilmfestival.org

· From Midnight to 4 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, After-Hours Jazz Party with Sabertooth, Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave., 773.878.5552, www.greenmilljazz.com

· Noon on Sunday, October 14, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, Soldier Field Stadium, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, 847.615.BEAR (2327), http://www.chicagobears.com/tickets/IndividualGameTickets.html

· 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 14, 8 p.m. Oct. 16-18, “Between Barack and a Hard Place,” The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., 312.337.3992, www.secondcity.com

About DMA07 Conference & Exhibition

DMA07, the largest gathering of direct marketing professionals, is DMA’s annual conference and exhibition. DMA07 will feature more than 150 educational sessions, plus roundtables, case studies, white papers and research reports. DMA07’s exhibit hall will feature more than 500 exhibiting companies. For more information, or to register for the six-day multichannel marketing event of the year, please visit www.dma07.org or call 1.800.293.7279 or 330.425.9330.

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