The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Annual Conference and Exhibition, which attracts 30,000 attendees each year, will return to Chicago in 2015 and 2019, according to HIMSS President and CEO H. Stephen Lieber.
Monday's announcement marked Chicago's first convention signing in the new year, officials said.
HIMSS made headlines in late 2009 when it moved its 2012 convention from Chicago's McCormick Place to Las Vegas, citing high costs.
According to officials, the move was a catalyst for legislation passed last May by the Illinois General Assembly that was designed to cut costs for customers and provide greater flexibility in doing business at McCormick Place. Reduced costs for customers include free WiFi and reduced parking and food costs, while exhibitors will see reductions in charges for electrical services and more flexibility for booth set-up.
"This signing is a great way to propel our convention industry into another year of progress," said Jim Reilly, trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which owns and manages the McCormick Place complex. "2010 was a groundbreaking year, and the reforms made it all possible. We are moving the momentum forward, as we focus on ensuring our customers' continued success in the new year and beyond."
Lieber said HIMSS received positive feedback from company representatives who have exhibited at McCormick Place since reforms were put in place last year.
"We couldn't be more pleased to welcome HIMSS back to Chicago and we are grateful for its role in driving reforms to bring about a new era in our visitor industry," said Bruce V. Rauner, chairman of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. "HIMSS' return is a true testament to the success of the reforms approved last spring and proves that we are well positioned for continued growth and vitality."
Officials say the show will generate $33.6 million in direct expenditures during each convention.
"HIMSS is a highly-regarded convention, and we are happy to welcome the show and its visitors from all over the world back to the city of Chicago," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Our city is a leader in both the medical and technology fields, and we are honored to play host to this important event that stands at the intersection of the two disciplines."
According to the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, due to the reforms, nearly a dozen trade shows have either re-committed to host their conventions in Chicago or committed to bring their business to Chicago for the first time. Collectively, those commitments represent more than $1.6 billion in estimated direct expenditures for the city during the next decade.
"Bringing this major medical convention back is a huge win for Illinois and will strengthen one of our most important economic engines - the visitor industry," said Governor Pat Quinn. "A strong visitor industry is critical to driving more business and economic growth benefiting our city, state and Illinois taxpayers."