Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
which debuted in August across Instagram and TikTok. As podcasting continues its rapid global growth—with more than 584 million listeners worldwide in 2025 and contin- ued expansion expected in 2026—Choose Chicago is invest- ing in the medium as a powerful way to reach new audiences through long-form, immersive storytelling. Unlike short- form social content, podcasting allows for deeper conversations, richer context, and sustained emotional connection—making it a uniquely effective tool for modern destination marketing. The All for the Love of Chicago podcast is designed to inspire travel, civic pride, and local discovery by elevating the voices of the people who know Chicago best: the artists, chefs, business owners, cultural leaders, and everyday Chicagoans who bring the city to life. By creating a dedicated platform for authentic, first-person storytelling, Choose Chicago is redefin- ing how a city tells its story—locally rooted, globally accessi- ble, and deeply human. Produced by Choose Chicago and hosted by President and CEO Kristen Reynolds and Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Nucci, the podcast features recurring segments including The Deep Dish, We're Loving It, and Let's ChicaGO, offering in-depth interviews, timely conversa- tions, and entertaining perspectives on the people, places, and moments shaping Chicago today. "Podcasting allows us to do something truly powerful— slow down, listen, and tell Chicago's story with depth, nuance, and authenticity," said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "All for the Love of Chicago was created to ensure Chicagoans have a voice in how our city is portrayed, and this podcast takes that mission to a global stage. Through long-form storytelling, we're amplify- ing local voices in a way that has never been done before— inviting listeners everywhere to experience Chicago through the people who live, love, and shape this city every day." New episodes will be released biweekly and will be available on all major podcast platforms as well as YouTube. The debut episode highlighted Chicago's world-class culinary scene and the citywide excitement surrounding Choose Chicago's Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23 - February 8) and featured Chef Jonathan Sawyer, James Beard Award winner, chef partner at Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails, and host chef of the 2026 First Bites Bash, the official kickoff event for Chicago Restaurant Week. Episode two turned to Chicago's renowned per- forming arts community and the upcoming Chicago Theater Week featuring Glenn Davis, Artistic Director at Steppenwolf Theatre and 2025 Tony nominee. "Our goal is to create meaningful connections— between listeners and the city, and between Chicagoans and the global audience discovering us," said Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer at Choose Chicago. "Every episode is designed to inspire curiosity, spark travel ideas, and offer authentic insight into what makes Chicago so special—while celebrating the voices and stories that can only come from here." For more information and to explore upcoming events, neighborhoods, and trip ideas, visit choosechicago.com. About Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for pro- moting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destina- tion—the city that's Never Done and Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city's unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and more than 55 million annual visitors, generating over $20 billion in economic impact. Follow @choosechicago and tag #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com. B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 IN THE NEWS