Trade show organizer Reed Exhibitions is bringing three shows to Chicago because of the deal struck Tuesday between unions at McCormick Place and Navy Pier.
"We are pleased to welcome Reed back to Chicago in a major way," said Emanuel. "The attraction of these shows will create jobs and have a large economic impact on the city, and is directly attributable to our advances on the labor front."
The biggest show of the three, BookExpo America, is set for 2016, and should bring anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 people to Chicago. That kind of turnout would bring the local economy somewhere in the neighborhood of $45.6 million in spending.
American Incentive & Business Travel Market Show would have shows in Chicago in 2013, 2015, and 2017, spending the alternate years in Orlando. The economy can expect to see a $10 million gain each of those years from the estimated 1,500 visitors.
The last show, Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo will be staying in Chicago annually through at least 2014, and will bring the city around $37 million a year. C2E2 debuted in Chicago in 2010, and will remain in the city thanks to the deal.
A major factor in bringing the shows to Chicago were agreements made last fall between two major unions at McCormick Place and Navy Pier.
"We appreciate the changes made in Chicago that enhances the experience and value for our customers and makes it a more attractive destination for them," said Nancy Walsh, the company's executive vice president. "The city is fantastic' centrally located great restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions," Walsh said. "We love Chicago and we want more and more of our customers to love it too."
