Daley to McCormick Place: If You Gouge 'Em, They're Not Going To Come Back

By aaroncynic in News on Dec 2, 2009 3:40PM

Conventions have been leaving McCormick Place faster than rats on a sinking ship lately and now Mayor Daley is pointing his finger at the MPEA and trade show managers. After he discussed how the CHA has used stimulus money at a press conference on Tuesday, Daley was asked about the recent trade show exodus. “You have competition from Atlanta, you have competition from Vegas and Orlando and you have to get away from gouging. If you gouge 'em, they're not going to come back,” Daley said.

Conventions are abandoning McCormick Place for alternative locations because it's cheaper. The Sun Times reports a $36,000 difference in the cost of electricity for one booth at a medical trade show between Chicago and Las Vegas. CBS reported a few weeks ago on the incredible costs of items as simple as a case of pop. Daley pointed out the trifecta of problems saying, “There’s trade show managers, McCormick Place and the unions. It’s a combination of the three.” With a projected shorftall of $34 million, if the three don't get their act together soon, Chicago could stand to lose even more next year.