I come from a place they call ‘The Mistake on the Lake’, though some less affectionately call it Cleveland. In my six-plus years as a Chicagoan, I’ve noticed people are never surprised to learn where I’m from. I believe this is part due to the mass pilgrimage of urban-hungry folk from all over the midwest to Chicago. I also believe that everyone who lives here thinks it’s the greatest city ever, so it only seems obvious that I’d leave my depressing life watching barges of steel and coal pass by my window in pursuit of better things.

Recently, RO was chosen to redesign the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau website. The enthusiasm the CCTB team has for this city, and the excitement they have for the potential of their new website is infectious. Chicago is my home now, and I’d sell it to anyone in a heartbeat. But now the challenge is even greater—sell Chicago to the world. In a team meeting someone mentioned many people outside of the U.S. have the impression that Chicago is like ‘a Cleveland’ (gasp—sacrilege!) While I’m not ashamed to say where I come from, I am very proud to say where I live. And why not? Chicago is an amazing city, boasting an unmatched food scene, iconic architecture, culture, sports, shopping, comedy, an incredible beach…the list goes on. There is a palpable energy, happiness and vibrance here. Even in the winter. When it’s cold. And grey. And freezing. We still choose to live here because we love it. And that’s the message we need to communicate. We’re in the business of creating and selling experiences. And I can’t think of anything better to sell than experiencing Chicago.