Seventh Annual Hospitality Hires Chicago on April 16: Hospitality is a State of Mind

The Partnership and hospitality sector sponsors connect hospitality employers and career seekers for one day, in-person hiring event

(CHICAGO)—The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) today announced the date of the much-anticipated 7th annual Hospitality Hires Chicago 2024 (HHC2024). The Partnership and event sponsors will host this in-person hiring event on Tuesday, April 16, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago’s Loop. This year’s theme is Hospitality is a State of Mind. Sponsors include Chicago Loop Alliance, Choose Chicago, City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, The Magnificent Mile Association, and Near South Planning Board.

There will be a media availability with regional leaders discussing the importance of the event and the sector at 1:30 pm.

Both employers (chicookworks.org/HHC7) and job seekers (chicookworks.org/HHC) must pre-register. The fee for employers to register is $200; there is no fee for job seeker registration. Employers must register by Tuesday, April 2 and career seekers should register by Monday, April 8.

Approximately 65 employers are expected to attend, including Hilton Hotels; Rush University Medical Center; Chicago Police Department; Chicago Transit Authority and more, offering entry-level to senior management positions. All positions provide quality wages and benefits, with employers ready to hire and give conditional offers day of. Dozens of attendees received either a second interview or a job offer on the spot at previous events.

“The Hospitality Sector is rebounding daily, with employers looking for local talent and regional residents with a plethora of experience and transferable skills ready for careers in the sector,” said Partnership CEO George Wright. “More than 1,600 career providers (employers) posted more than 38,000 hospitality positions in Cook County in the past year. Demand is high and we know career seekers are ready take make the most of today’s opportunities.”

“Hospitality Hires Chicago showcases Cook County’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth and opportunity within the hospitality sector,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “By bringing together employers and job seekers, we are not just filling positions—we are building futures, strengthening our community and reinforcing our role as a key player in the hospitality industry. Cook County is proud to support this initiative and looks forward to the positive impact it will continue to make on our local economy and the lives of our residents.”

“Chicago is a world-class city, and our hospitality workers welcome visitors from all over the world,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I want to thank the Partnership for organizing this hiring event and encourage hospitality employers to find future employees through the Partnership’s network of agencies. From abolishing the sub-minimum wage to doubling paid time off, my administration is committed to improving the quality of life for all of Chicago’s service workers so that we can continue to recruit and retain talent in the hospitality industry. I wish all the attendees the best of luck in finding a career in our hospitality sector.”

“Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is pleased to once again host the Hospitality Hires Chicago event, and to welcome the next wave of hospitality industry professionals to our city. We are honored to serve as a connecting force between current and incoming candidates and to assist them in their future career moves. In previous years, our hotel has recruited directly from this event and proudly retains team members within our Palmer House family to this day. We look forward to another successful event on behalf of the hospitality industry of Cook County as a whole,” said Konstantine Drosos, General Manager of Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

Two success stories from last year’s Hospitality Hires Chicago:

“There were many hiring managers from many locations of Chicago in attendance, making the interview process convenient as it was all in one location,” said Jimena Lozano, Host at Lockwood Restaurant of Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. “I am grateful to have left the event with a job at the Palmer House, a historical landmark.”

“I was able to interview with Palmer House among other companies that were present. During my interview, I luckily was hired on the spot and was able to continue my Hilton career,” said Shaquille Paige, Front Office of Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. “I began my hospitality career with Hiltons at McCormick a little over a year before Palmer House. With nearly a year at the Palmer House now, I have learned and experienced so much from some of the very best front desk agents at the longest operating hotel in North America. I’m so thankful that I decided to attend the event and hope to continue to advance my career with Hilton.”

To date, HHC events have helped more than 900 people get hired or secure conditional job offers and has provided more than 325 employers with access to more than a thousand pre-screened work-ready candidates. Employers from retail, transportation, food services, hospitality, and related sectors are committing to hiring hundreds of our residents.

Whether meeting with a career coach or getting help creating a resume, The Partnership’s goal is to provide the support needed to find a career. The Partnership’s networks include ten American Job Centers (AJC), in Chicago and Suburban Cook County Career seekers and providers (employers) can reach an AJC by visiting LevelUpAJC.org dialing 800-720-2515 or visiting The Partnership’s website at chicookworks.org.