I get ideas while traveling. Consider what I see and enjoy might translate in an event or story in my hometown of Chicago. When I traveled to Dubai with my Mom a few years ago, we arrived right after the Dubai Shopping Festival. If you’ve been there, you know that shopping malls take on a life of their own.
Having worked as a volunteer and a hired public relations consultant representing The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, I often bring ideas to the table. This visit to the Middle East inspired me to bring The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival to the leaders that help make the Michigan Avenue district a world-class destination. They loved the idea! We determined that no other city in the U.S.A. had such an event so we claimed the rights, and launched the nation’s first shopping festival in August 2011.
An inspired committee filled with decision-makers from all of the key retailers, hotels and restaurants, as well as major cultural attractions developed celebrity-filled programming for the two-week event that has become an annual draw. In 2012, Kelly Osbourne help us kick off the 2nd annual Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, garnering national coverage with her appearance. TV and social media coverage captured the first “Running of the Heels,” a race for all genders that offered 10 pair of shoes from Nordstrom’s after a 60 yard dash in 2-inch or higher heels. A new outdoor fall fashion show capped the kick off, while a new Taste of The Magnificent Mile brought celebrity chefs and foodies together under a big top beside the Chicago River. Next year’s event begins August 30th.
Visit www.themagnificentmile.com for details.
What have you seen or experienced that inspires your ideas?
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