Heather Larson to Lead Meet Chicago Northwest

Meet Chicago Northwest in Illinois has promoted Heather Larson to president and CEO of the convention and visitors bureau, effective immediately. Larson previously served as the CVB’s director of sales and joined the bureau in December 2010 when it was then known as Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Larson’s career spans to the early 1990s when she started as a sales manager at the Bismarck Hotel, now the Allegro Royal Sonesta in Chicago’s financial district. She then moved to positions with The Whitehall Hotel, The Drake Hotel and The Fairmont Hotel Chicago before working for three years with HelmsBriscoe. After joining Meet Chicago Northwest, she became sales director in 2014.

“I am honored and excited to be chosen to lead Meet Chicago Northwest as the lead destination promoter,” Larson said. “It is of high importance that Meet Chicago Northwest guides the recovery of our hospitality community. We will start work immediately to engage community stakeholders to assist in laying the framework for our recovery.”

Meet Chicago Northwest provides destination marketing for eight communities near Chicago on the northwest side of O’Hare International Airport.

“Her drive and energy advocating on a national-wide level for the businesses has always been commendable,” said Dieter Heigl, chairman of Meet Chicago Northwest and general manager of the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. “We are thrilled for the opportunities Heather will bring in her new position.”