Originally published in Where Chicago Magazine
Most party-planners experience the fear of no one showing up to their soiree. But with the numbers that Noreen Heron, director of public relations for the Hyatt Regency Chicago (the largest Hyatt property in the world and the largest hotel in Chicago), deals with, no-shows at her events are the least of her worries.
Actually, Heron never seems worried. She is the picture of poise at her events, introducing her extended circle of contacts to one another, serving as a modern-day matchmaker for Chicago’s business community. Among the special events that Heron executes are the World’s Largest Bud Bowl (benefitting the Christopher Zorich Foundation); the Pepsi Easter Fairy Tale Adventure the Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois); and Eclectic Evenings, a monthly networking event for young professionals.
Heron’s indomitable energy is also used for charitable organizations. She has served on the boards of the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation, the Chicago Academy for the Arts, the Force Marketing Group, The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association PR Committee, the Visa Stars of the Industry, the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau’s PR Committee and the Leukemia Society.
“My biggest work accomplishment is my ability to create events that have not only benefitted my employers by bringing in more business,” says Heron, “but also brought in funds for charities, giving me great satisfaction.”
Heron’s background lies in theater, starting as an usher at the age of 14, working up to director of PR and advertising at the Candlelight & Forum Theatres. “The promotions and events that I have created over the years helped fill theater seats and hotel beds, and hopefully kept other employees in the hospitality industry working!” Heron says.
