Quinn & Co. Media Contact: Dee Hampton, 212.868.1900 x357; dhampton@quinnandco.com

Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers Prepares to Unveil Upgrades to
Executive Conference Center with Intimate, High-End Meetings in Mind

CHICAGO – April 25, 2008 – Chicago is a top convention destination, offering many attractions for travelers to experience beyond the confines of the boardroom. Turning its focus on small groups, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers has recently completed a total overhaul of its Executive Conference Center, with an emphasis on intimate meetings and C-level gatherings in mind. The revamped 3,800-square-foot facility, divisible into seven meeting rooms, provides an upscale option for groups in this sought-after city.

“VIP meetings, whether part of a larger group or an independent gathering, need privacy and intimate surroundings,” said Rick Ueno, general manager. “While a large emphasis is often put on major convention business, there is a need for this important niche and demand for small, high-end meetings. This space, while small in size, is designed for making big decisions.”

The refurbished Executive Conference Center, located on the lobby level, will feature all-new, richly colored carpet, wall coverings, millwork, moldings and a redesigned ceiling tile structure. To brighten the space, architectural and accent lighting and custom lamps at the new galaxy granite stone-topped built-in credenza in the pre-function area were added. To showcase the city’s famed structural designs, Chicago architecture artwork will adorn the walls.

New technology has been added to three of the breakout rooms. Parlors C, F and G will provide superior audio visual features including enhanced sound with an in-ceiling speaker system, dimmable lighting and convenient wiring for power, data and voice technologies. Parlors F and G will feature mounted 50” NEC plasma monitors offering cable feed capabilities, video/DVD functionality and laptop compatibility. The monitors gives groups the
possibility to keep low profiles with tech savvy options including multiple video sources setup, advanced configurations and DMX sound system. For those wanting more control Parlor C will boast high technology with ease. The parlor will offer a large drop-down projection screen suitable for presentations to larger audiences and a control panel that can alter room settings with a push of a button. The panel also allows for the user to change the video source type, and the aspect ratio.

In addition to the technology upgrades, high-speed Internet access system components for all the parlors feature best in class Cisco network infrastructure, allowing up to 1,200 fully routable public IP addresses issued via DHCP, supports a wide range of VPN appliances for e-mail and corporate network access, etc. With these latest enhancements, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is continually upgrading and re-evaluating its offerings and services to anticipate and meet the needs of today’s planners and groups. Packages for the Executive Conference Center are available.

To book a meeting at the newly enhanced Executive Conference Center please call the sales team at (312) 329-7001.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago at 301 East North Water Street, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is ideally situated on the Chicago River, within walking distance of Navy Pier, fabulous Michigan Avenue shopping, Millennium Park, the Loop business district and more. This premier meetings and convention hotel features 120,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, including a 40,000 square-foot ballroom (the
largest hotel ballroom in the Midwest), 34 breakout rooms and a 35,000 square-foot exhibit hall. The hotel’s 1,209 guest rooms and suites feature spectacular views and Sheraton’s ultra-comfortable Sweet Sleeper(SM) bed. The hotel also features five distinctive restaurants and lounges, including Shula’s Steak House, one of America’s favorites. Chi Bar, Chicago’s chic new hot spot, was created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers. Chi Bar channels Chicago energy by bringing all the excitement and tradition of the Windy City into one luxe lounge with innovative cocktails, shareable delights and sleek ambiance. Other amenities include a full-service business center, concierge, health club with massage therapy, sun deck and an indoor pool.