Theme
Food for Thought

Get ready to explore the business of food and food marketing along with other tasty subjects as you participate in this year’s global marketing & communications workshops and events with your fellow Confrad members.

Time
Wednesday, June 8th – Saturday, June 11th

Accommodations
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAAH)
12 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603

Phone: (312)-792-3554
Email: chicagoathletichotel.com

Room Rate: $301.48USD

To register, please email kelly.breen@hdmz.com with the following information:

• first & last names
• number of rooms required
• reservation dates (check-in & checkout)

Please complete your reservation by Sunday, May 1st.

Your individual credit card will be charged upon check-in.
To keep up with the latest updates for 2016’s AGM, check back with this blog or follow us on Twitter at @CongradAGM. We look forward to seeing you!

Get ready for Confrad’s 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM) later this week! Please see below for the most up to date agenda:

Wednesday, June 8th
Attendees arrive and register at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAAH) – Michigan Ave

4:00 – 5:30 PM Board Meeting in the Evers Room (CAAH)

5:30 – 6:00 PM Prepare for Reception

6:00 – 9:00 PM Welcoming Cocktail Reception at Cindy’s (CAAH)

Thursday, June 9th
7:30 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Evers Room (CAAH)

8:30 – 9:30 AM Welcome & Confrad Annual Report

9:30 – 9:45 AM Morning Break

9:45AM – 12:00 PM Morning Session – Agency Summaries & Case Studies

12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch in the Evers Room

1:30 – 3:30 PM Afternoon Session – Agency Case Studies

3:30 – 4:00 PM Train to Miller-Coors Offices

4:00 – 5:30 PM Miller-Coors Beer Presentation & Facility Tour

5:30 – 5:40 PM Walk to Water Taxi

5:40 – 6:00 PM Water Taxi to Merchandise Mart and Chopping Block

6:00 – 6:30 PM Merchandise Mart Visit

6:30 – 9:30 PM Chopping Block Cooking Class and Dinner

9:30 PM Optional Social Outing (Andy’s Jazz or the like)

Friday, June 10th
7:30 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Evers Room (CAAH)

8:30 – 9:00 AM Walk to HDMZ offices (55 W. Wacker).

9:00 – 9:30 AM Morning Opening Remarks

9:30 – 10:30 AM Guest speaker: Dana Anderson, CMO of Mondelez International

10:30 – 10:45 AM Morning Break

10:45AM – 12:00 PM Food & Ethics – Jasmin and Denis

12:00 – 12:15 PM Walk to Lunch

12:15 – 1:45 PM Lunch – River Roast

1:45 – 2:00 PM Walk to HDMZ

2:00 – 3:00 PM Creating the Perfect Creative Brief – Daniel

3:00 – 4:00 PM Agency Project Pitches – Klaas

4:00 – 5:00 PM Social Media Discussion – Huw and Simon

5:00 – 5:30 PM The Golden Bull Award and Closing Remarks – Klaas

5:30 – 7:00 PM Free Time

7:20 PM Meet for Trolley in CAAH Lobby

7:30 – 7:50 PM Trolley Ride to Restaurant

8:00 – 11:00 PM Dinner at Erie Café

11:10 PM Trolley Ride Back to CAAH

Keep up with the latest Confrad AGM updates by checking in with this blog or following us on Twitter at @ConfradAGM.

Download this agenda:
Your Updated Confrad AGM Agenda 5.10

On Thursday, June 9th, all agencies will have the opportunity to make a 10 minute presentation about their achievements in 2015 and their plans for 2016.

Here’s what we would love to hear during your agency update:

Finances

• A general statement about this year’s performance vs. the previous year’s
• Your expectations for 2016

Staffing

• Is your agency growing, becoming smaller, or staying the same?

Client relations

• A general overview on how your agency feels about client relations

New business development

• What are you doing to attract new clients?

Creative

• Updates on your offerings and overall capabilities (e.g., print, digital, Internet, etc.)

After the agency updates, we will start The Golden Bull competition. Each agency will have 15-20 minutes to present a case study featuring an example of its best work from 2015/2016. A “panel of experts” will cast their votes for the best of the best and the winner will take home a trophy!

Have questions? Tweet us at @ConfradAGM for more details on the presentations.

Want to know what it’s like being in the Windy City?

In this video, Elise Rousseau (from our Confrad partner, Kabane) and Elias Djemil take you on a tour of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and sights. Get a glimpse of the famous architecture, the bustling streets and, of course, the ever-present pigeons.

If you like what you see (and we’re pretty sure you will), you can find more of Elias’ work at www.eliasdjemil.com.

Here is a sneak peek of the adventures that await:

(Direct Link: http://bit.ly/1V1MQPR)

Did this get you even more excited for 2016’s AGM? Keep up with the latest updates by continuing to check in with this blog or following us on Twitter at @ConfradAGM.

Friday’s lunch will take place at the Bridge House Tavern. Upon arrival, you and your peers will get treated to some prime American pub fare and stunning views of the city. The iconic skyline, the moveable bridges, the bustling waterfront—you’ll be able to see it all from the comfort of this airy, riverside venue.

From the website:

Bridge House Tavern was opened in the spring of 2011 by Mark Hemmer and Ryan See. Their goal was to create a polished casual restaurant along the Chicago River that welcomes every patron. The menu is an eclectic range of new American comfort food and was designed to follow in the long history of gastro-pubs in Chicago.

321 N Clark Street

Chicago IL 60654

Phone: 312-644-0283

http://www.bridgehousetavern.com/

We have made arrangements for golf during your stay in Chicago at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, IL. Westmoreland is a private, park-like course that has been recently renovated by golf architect Arthur Hills. The course is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and HDMZ.

Golf will be available on the following days:

Tuesday, June 7th            tee off after 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 8th       tee off between 8:00-9:00 AM

Saturday, June 11th         tee off after 1:00 PM

Sunday, June 12th            tee off after 2:00 PM

The fee for golf is $240 USD per person per round and covers golf, caddy and refreshments.

As Westmoreland does not accept payment from non-members, your fee will be given to Frank Callahan, who will handle payment with the club on his monthly bill.

Clubs will be available for rent. You can also purchase golf equipment, shoes, clothing and accessories at the Westmoreland Pro Shop. Euros, checks, and credit and debit cards will not be accepted. The shop takes USD only.

If you will be playing golf, please email frank.callahan@hdmz with your preferred date and time.
Once we have collected the responses, we will let you know who has signed up and arrange further details.

Helpful Travel Tips:

1. Plan ahead for the Chicago weather by visiting weather.com.
2. For transportation to the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (112 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL), you can take a cab from Chicago O’Hare Airport. Many cabs will not accept credit or debit cards, so please ask before riding. The cost will be approximately $30-$40 USD and an additional 15% “tip” for the driver.
3. You can use your Uber account from both Chicago O’Hare Airport and Chicago Midway Airport.
4. You can also contact LaSalle Limo Service at (773) 594-9991 and request a limo. It will arrive approximately 15 minutes after your call. The cost is approximately $50 USD. Drivers will expect a “tip” of 15%.
5. ATMs will be available at Chicago O’Hare Airport and Chicago Midway Airport.

Wednesday, June 8th

Attendees arrive and register at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAAH) – Michigan Ave

4:00 – 5:30 PM                   Board meeting at the CAAH

5:30 – 6:00 PM                   Prepare for reception

6:00 – 9:00 PM                   Welcoming cocktail reception at Cindy’s

Thursday, June 9th

7:30 – 8:30 AM                   Breakfast in the Evers Room (CAAH)

8:30 – 9:30 AM                   Welcome & Confrad Annual Report

9:30 – 9:45 AM                   Morning break

9:45 – 12:00 PM                 Agency Summaries & Case Studies

12:15 – 1:30 PM                 Lunch in the Evers Room

1:30 – 3:30 PM                   Afternoon Session – Agency Case Studies

3:30 – 4:00 PM                   Train to Miller-Coors offices

4:00 – 5:30 PM                   Miller-Coors Beer presentation & facility tour

5:30 – 5:40 PM                   Walk to Water Taxi

5:40 – 6:00 PM                   Water Taxi to Chopping Block

6:00 – 6:30 PM                   Merchandise Mart Visit

6:30 – 9:30 PM                   Chopping Block cooking class and dinner

9:30 PM                                Social outing (Andy’s Jazz or the like)

Friday, June 10th

7:30 – 8:30 AM                    Continental breakfast – Evers Room

8:30 – 9:00 AM                   Walk to American Lung Association Conference Room by HDMZ offices (55 W Wacker)

9:00 – 9:30 AM                    Morning Opening Remarks

9:30 – 10:30 AM                  Guest speaker: Dana Anderson, CMO of Mondelez International

10:30 – 10:45 AM                Morning break

10:45 – 12:00 PM                Morning Session – Board Member Workshop

12:00 – 12:15 PM                Walk to lunch

12:15 – 1:45 PM                Lunch  – Bridge House Tavern

1:45 – 2:00 PM                  Walk to HDMZ

2:00 – 5:30 PM                  Afternoon Sessions – Board Member Workshop and The Golden Bull Award

5:30 – 7:00 PM                  Great ready for the evening

7:00 PM                              Meet for Water Taxi – Walk to dock

7:20 – 7:40 PM                  Water Taxi on the Chicago River

8:00 – 11:00 PM                Dinner at Erie Café

Keep up with the latest Confrad AGM updates by checking in with this blog or following us on Twitter at @ConfradAGM.

Download this agenda:
Your Agenda for Confrad’s 2016 AGM

The first night in Chicago for Confrad’s 2016 AGM will consist of a cocktail reception and dinner at one of Chicago’s most historically rich locations, The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Founded by a group of prominent businessmen in the 1890’s, the Chicago Athletic Association offered membership to only the most elite Chicagoans, making the experience quite exclusive. Since then, the club has been transformed into a hotel that offers every modern convenience, while maintaining the vibe of 19^th century luxury.

The reception and dinner will be held in the hotel’s rooftop restaurant & bar, Cindy’s. Often referred to as “the jewel in the crown The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel,” Cindy’s offers panoramic views of Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Lake Michigan, and more. The cuisine is headed up by executive chef Christian Ragano, who is known for his success at Tru, NoMi, and several other renown restaurants. With a menu that offers classic comfort and culinary invention, you are sure to embark on a remarkable culinary experience that will complement an extraordinary view of the city.

From Cindy’s website:

With seasonal freshness reflected in both food and drink, the rooftop dons the relaxed ambiance of a Great Lakes beach house with a view. Executive Chef Christian Ragano, creator of Glencoe’s much loved Guildhall, and former Chef de Cuisine at NoMi,  joins forces with Chef de Cuisine Jeff Arasi, and renowned Spirit Guide and alumni of The Violet Hour, Nandini Khaund, to bring classic comfort and culinary invention via large format style dining over cocktails and apothecaries.

12 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60603

Phone (312) 792-3502

www.cindysrooftop.com

Upon arrival to Chicago for Confrad’s AGM 2016, visitors will be greeted with a wealth of culinary options. We have taken the time to plan out many of the meals in order to showcase some of the city’s best establishments. One of these restaurants that we will be patronizing is the Chopping Block, located in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

There’s no better way to experience Chicago than through food, and some of the best food is created at the Chopping Block. This unique event allows you to act as chef for the evening, cooking your own gourmet meal with the assistance of the Chopping Block staff. The dishes you will create come from different areas of Chicago, including West Town, Greektown, Chinatown, Pilsen, and Little Italy, providing you with a wide range of exposure to Chicago cuisine.

The Chopping Block is also a great way to network with your peers in a more inviting setting, whether it’s while your broccoli is steaming or your pierogis are in the oven. Despite the more relaxed atmosphere, the ingredients you will work with are certainly not compromised. In fact, the quality ensures that the meal you create will be one of the best dinners you can find in Chicago. Don’t worry about reservations; we’ve taken care of scheduling. Sit back and enjoy your meal … after you’ve created it!

From the Chopping Block’s website:

Celebrating a milestone with family and friends should be special. The Chopping Block’s private cooking parties provide a fun and engaging alternative to renting a reception room at a Chicago restaurant or hotel. Our private events for any social occasion offer your guests an opportunity to have fun with a pinch of education thrown in the mix. They will learn valuable cooking skills while making a delicious meal and creating memories that will linger long after the last bite of dessert is gone. From tapas to healthy cooking to cupcake wars, we can customize a menu to fit your group’s needs and tastes. We can execute any combination of hands-on or demonstration activity, or we can simply support your event by catering your meal or cocktail party in our event space. As with any event at The Chopping Block, you choose your level of culinary participation.Celebrate with your friends and family while our staff attends to your guests’ needs while serving up a healthy serving of fun.

Our warm and inviting kitchens are the perfect place to take your guests on a culinary adventure.

 222 West Merchandise Mart Plaza #107

Chicago, IL 60654

Phone (312) 644-6360

www.thechoppingblock.com

Visitors to the Confrad AGM 2016 in Chicago are invited to stay at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAAH). This hotel first opened in Chicago during the 1890’s, and has had a storied existence since then. Patronized by countless famous Chicagoans over the years, this was an elite establishment offering the high life to a select few. This landmark is now accessible to anyone that wants a taste of that world, though it has not lost its distinguished charm.

From the Hotel’s website:

Where members of CAA once recharged, you’ll find a distinctive array of thoroughly contemporary amenities throughout these elegant chambers.

• Central Chicago Loop hotel location along the Chicago Cultural Mile on Michigan Avenue
• Panoramic views overlooking the iconic Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and Lake Michigan, just steps from the Chicago Symphony Center and the Theater District
• Five eating and drinking establishments, including late-night options: Perched atop CAA, Cindy’s rooftop terrace, restaurant and bar; elevated regional classics, Cherry Circle Room; amusement, libations and “pudge-worthy” nosh, Game Room; café by day, rare spirit bar by night, Milk Room; and our own Shake Shack
• 24 hour in-room dining service
• 24 hour fitness facilities (what did you expect?), with complimentary trainer-led group runs along Lake Michigan every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and personal training or private group sessions available upon request.
• Madison Hall Shops featuring one of a kind sundries, unisex apothecary indulgences, natural cosmetics, a fragrance counter, fresh flowers, books, magazines and a curated assortment of “make you smile” lifestyle accessories for women and men
• Comprehensive concierge services
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Complimentary Heritage Bicycles (Our complimentary bike program has been retired for the winter season. Heritage Bikes official season is from May 1 – November 1. Weather permitting, we may bring them out earlier or keep them longer.)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Valet parking

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAAH)

12 South Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Phone 312-792-3554

Chicagoathletichotel.com

Room rate: $301.48USD (includes all taxes & fees)

How to register: Email first name, last name, number of rooms, dates of reservation (check in and out) to kelly.breen@hdmz.com. Individual credit cards will be charged upon check-in.

NOTE: Deadline for reservations is Sunday, May 1, 2016.