Ninth Annual Hospitality Hires Chicago: Hospitality is a State of Mind

Registration Opens Today for the 2026 Hospitality Hires Chicago at The Palmer House Hotel on Thursday, May 28

For Media Awareness: VIP appearance from 11 am to noon, at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St., Upper Exhibit Hall, 3rd floor

(CHICAGO)—The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) today announced career seeker registration is open for the 9th annual Hospitality Hires Chicago 2026 (HHC26), an annual Partnership production. The Partnership and event sponsors will host this in-person hiring event on Thursday, May 28, from 9 am to 3 pm at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago’s Loop, continuing the theme of Hospitality is a State of Mind this year. HHC26 sponsors are Chicago Loop Alliance, Choose Chicago, City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, The Magnificent Mile Association, Near South Planning Board, Origami Works Foundation, and The Partnership.

Both employers and career seekers must pre-register for the event. The fee for employers to register is $200 and there is no fee for job seeker registration. Employers should register by May 14th for pre-screening career seekers and job seekers should register by career seeker register by May 22nd.

The event is expected to include more than 50 employers, including Blue Plate; Cook County; Kimpton Gray Hotel; Northwestern Medicine; Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel; City of Chicago; SELOC; Rome Joy; City Experience Cruise; Hilton of Evanston; Rush Medical and more, offering entry-level to senior management positions. All positions provide quality wages and benefits, with employers ready to hire and make conditional offers at the event. Attendees have regularly received either a second interview or conditional job offer on the spot at previous events.

“We chose to continue the theme of Hospitality is a State of Mind for Hospitality Hires Chicago 2026,” said Partnership CEO George Wright. “We continue to produce an event with a special emphasis on on-the-spot hiring, utilizing a pre-screening process that ensures employers meet ready-to-work career seekers with the skills and abilities businesses seek to make a great hire.”

Who attended HHC last year?

“Cook County has proudly supported Hospitality Hires Chicago since its beginning because we know the hospitality industry is a powerful engine of opportunity for workers, families and our regional economy,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Each year, this event brings together employers ready to hire and residents ready to build their futures. It is always inspiring to see the talent, ambition and optimism in the room. I encourage employers and job seekers from across our region to take part in this opportunity to connect, grow and move Chicago forward.”

“Hospitality Hires Chicago reflects our commitment to connecting Chicagoans to opportunity at every stage of their careers,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By bringing together employers from across the industry with residents ready to work, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting our local economy, and ensuring that more people have access to good jobs with real pathways for growth.”

Hospitality Sector Success Story: From dishwasher to regional manager—Mike C. planned to be a high school history teacher. He earned a college degree and, like so many, entered the workforce during a downturn in the economy. The hospitality industry because his Plan B, as in Be Successful! He started his “second career” as a dishwasher for the food service provider for a major regional hospital. The company noticed his talent right away, and he quickly rose through the ranks in the finance department. “I see the big picture,” he explains. “It may look more affordable to buy the least expensive brand of mashed potatoes, but if making them requires more labor, they may not be the most cost-efficient choice.” Mike C. is now a Regional Finance Manager serving multiple states. From dishwasher to regional manager, Mike’s career is just one example of the advancement opportunities the diverse hospitality sector offers.

Hospitality Hires Alumni Success Story: Silvio S. attended HHC 2023. He had been laid off and interviewed with a major hotel chain at HHC. He was initially offered a part time position on-the-spot and was soon offered a full-time role, which he has held now for three years. A Kenwood native and now a Wicker Park resident, he rides his e-bike to work as a purchasing clerk and says, “Having a good job is 1,000 times better than being unemployed.” His advice to HHC 2026 attendees, “Make sure your resume is on point, be flexible and listen during the interview! Your future employer may see your skills in way you’ve not even realized!”

Whether meeting with a career coach, getting help creating a resume, or participating in On-the-Job Training, The Partnership provides the support needed to find a career or to make that next great hire. The Partnership’s network includes 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.