I love Chicago – it’s got great food, incredible architecture, fantastic live music and nightlife, and an incredible lake and parks system to run on. If you’re looking for the next location to hold your destination corporate event, Chicago would be great to consider. It’s a city brimming with energy and inspiration. As a professional Chicago event photographer, I recently had the privilege of capturing an incredible gathering at the historic Hilton Chicago for one of my repeat clients, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, an umbrella organization under Greeblue.  I was overjoyed to see the return of a previous speaker, Molly Kawahata, as one of the featured keynote presentations. Her topic was the Science of Hope—a topic that resonated deeply with attendees, as well as myself, and aligned beautifully with the event’s goals.

With over a decade of experience as a Chicago event photographer, photographing events nationwide, I know how essential it is to highlight the unique story of each occasion. From the stunning ambiance of the Hilton Chicago to the inspiring messages delivered, my goal was to document the event in a way that allowed its impact to shine and provided a wealth of new interactive images for my clients to use in their future marketing and educational promotional materials. Read on to discover how this event exemplified the power of professional photography and the profound importance of fostering hope through Goals, Agency, and Pathways.

Why the Hilton Chicago is a Premier Event Venue

We really enjoyed hosting 2024 SPC Advance at the Hilton Chicago is an iconic venue that blends historic charm with modern amenities. Did you know that’s it’s actually the hotel that Home Alone 2: Alone in New York was filmed at?! Its got grand ballrooms, tons of versatile meeting spaces, and a dash of elegance.  Its centrally located adjacent to Grant Park, with easy access to downtown restaurants, other hotels, and transportation options like the Loop.

As a repeat client, this company’s choice of the Hilton Chicago highlights their commitment to hosting impactful events in venues that match their professionalism and vision. In previous years, they’ve hosted events in Austin, TX at the AT&T Conference Center, in New Orleans at the Hyatt Regency, and in Boston at the Omni at the Seaport.

Chicago Event Photographer: Understanding the Science of Hope

One of the most captivating moments at the Hilton Chicago event was the keynote by Molly on the Science of Hope, a framework that provides a powerful lens for navigating challenges and achieving success, two things that you know I looooooove.  Molly maintains that in order to maintain hope you need three essential components: Goals, Agency, and Pathways.

  • Goals: At the heart of hope is the pursuit of meaningful goals—visions of a better future that inspire and energize us. These goals should be authentic and deeply personal, reflecting what we truly desire rather than societal expectations or external pressures. They should be measurable and attainable.
  • Agency: This is the belief that we possess the ability to make our goals a reality. When we feel a sense of control over our actions and confidence in our capabilities, our agency grows, fostering a sense of empowerment that propels us forward.
  • Pathways: Pathways represent the many routes we can take to achieve our goals. Recognizing that there isn’t just one way to success, but multiple paths, builds resilience and flexibility. When obstacles arise, having alternative routes ensures that hope remains intact.

Together, these three elements form the foundation of hope. By cultivating clear goals, embracing a sense of agency, and exploring diverse pathways, individuals and organizations can unlock a powerful source of motivation and resilience. Capturing the energy and engagement of this keynote was a highlight of the event, as it resonated deeply with me as I’m always seeking to foster growth in my personal and professional life.

The Value of Building Long-Term Relationships with Your Photographer

One of the most rewarding aspects of this event for me, and working for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition as their Chicago event photographer is the opportunity to work again with a repeat client. This ongoing relationship has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of their brand, their event goals, and their needs.

Hiring the same photographer for multiple events, regardless of location, offers distinct advantages for businesses. Consistency in visual storytelling becomes seamless, as the photographer becomes familiar with the company’s aesthetic, values, and audience. It also saves valuable time—there’s no need for extensive onboarding or alignment on expectations. Instead, the focus can shift entirely to capturing the essence of each event.

For me, returning to work with the same client enables a refined approach. Familiarity with the client’s preferences, priorities, and the end use of photos allows for more efficiency in planning out my days and priorities during the event.  It helps hone a sharper eye for moments that matter most. The result is a partnership that enhances the storytelling process, ensuring a much larger breadth of photographs that align with my client’s needs.

If you’re looking for a photographer to partner with for your corporate events, regardless of location, reach out—I’d love to help your story shine with crisp, clean and vibrant images.