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Team of Experts

We recognize that for you to be successful, you need support

At Hyatt, we know that fully supported planners make for a seamless event experience. That’s why we provide extensive support for whatever kind of event you’re planning.

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Andrea Kasnic

Director of Sales and Marketing

Andrea Kasnic began her career in the hospitality industry in 1998 and has been Director of Sales & Marketing at HRC since 2009.

Meet the Team

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Anthony de La Rosa

Executive Chef

Chef Anthony started his career a short 33 years ago with Hyatt making contributions throughout the company at multiple properties.  This is his second time working at Hyatt Regency Chicago and we are lucky to have him back as Executive Chef. 

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Cheryl Rothschild

Associate Director of Event Experiences

Celebrating 20 years, Cheryl began her Hyatt career in 2005 at Hyatt Regency Chicago as an Event Concierge. Currently, she is now the Associate Director of Event Experiences.
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Debra Brash

Director of Events

A 25-year Hyatt veteran, Debra leads an amazing team that works to bring customers visions to life in both the corporate and social events. 

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Terry Schwibinger

Associate Director of Events

With over 30 years at Hyatt & more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, Terry brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, & technical savvy to every endeavor. Having worked across a variety of operational roles, Terry is dedicated to creating outstanding experiences through innovation & a deep understanding of what makes hospitality truly exceptional.

 

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James Vinkler

Senior Event Planning Manager

James began his Hyatt career in 2000 at Hyatt Regency Chicago, then in 2011 moved to the Big Apple working for Grand Hyatt New York.  Eleven years later James returned to his Chicago roots bringing a wealth of knowledge to the Events team & his clients! 

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Beth Talamantes

Senior Event Planning Manager

Beth started her Hyatt career 14 years ago at Hyatt Lisle learning the ropes of Food & Beverage. From there took her knowledge to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place & Hyatt Regency O'Hare where she excelled in Events.  We are thrilled to have her as a valuable member of our team!

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Emily White

Senior Event Planning Manager

Starting 18 years ago as an Event Planning Assistant Emily has worked her way up to Senior Event Planning Manager over the years.  Earning her CMP in 2020 she shares her wealth of knowledge with her colleagues & clients & is a mentor to all. 

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Jordyn Shefsky

Event Planning Manager

Originally from Philidelphia & most recently California, Jordyn ventured back closer to home where she brings her passion for corporate events here to Hyatt Regency Chicago. 

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Tyler Towne

Event Planning Manager

Tyler began his journey with Hyatt in 2022 an as Event Planning Coordinator. After learning the ropes in his first Event Planning Role, he was promoted to Event Planning Manager in early 2023, and has been leading Large, Mid, and Small Market Events! 

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Emily Merkle

Event Planning Manager

Emily joined the Hyatt Team shortly after she hosted her first event at HRC. She was impressed with the space, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the team. She has now been a integral part of the Hyatt event planning team for 3 years specializing in social and affiliate events.

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Chris Pierce

Event Planning Manager

Starting his Hyatt career at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville as an Event Planning Assistant Chris decided to trade his flip flops & shorts for boots & winter coats with his move to join the Events team here at Hyatt Regency Chicago.

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Mia Lanzillotti

Event Planning Manager

Mia studied Resort & Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning at Florida Gulf Coast University.  She then made the move back to her hometown of Chicago where she is currently using her degree here at Hyatt Regency Chicago.

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Jennifer Schwartz

Event Planning Manager

With over 10 years of experience, Jennifer specializes in corporate & social events here at Hyatt Regency Chicago. She is dedicated to building strong client relationships, delivering seamless experiences, & reflecting the Together by Hyatt philosophy in every detail. As a proud Chicago local, she is also always happy to recommend favorite spots around the city.

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Carly Wilt

Event Planning Manager

Carly made the move from sunny Florida to the Windy City to join the team at Hyatt Regency Chicago! With a background in Catering & Event Operations, she now specializes in social events & loves creating seamless & memorable events for her customers.  

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Megan Mack

Event Planning Coordinator

As a Together by Hyatt Specialist, Megan combines her event knowledge with Hyatt’s powerful planning tools. She uses this combination to create seamless, personalized, & memorable experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.

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Event Concierge Team

Our Event Concierges, Natalie, Allie and Alexa are here to support you throughout your event and conference.  You will see them on throughout the hotel assisting with all your event needs. 

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Administrative Assistants

Our assistants, Bella, Tonya and Angie work behind the scenes with all your event managers to ensure everything is prepared for your event and conference. 

Preferred Vendors

We’ve established partnerships with these vendors that have a proven track record of working with our hotel and customers to deliver successful events. We’ve done the research and put them to the test, so you don’t have to!

Encore

Event Production/Audio Visual

Encore creates experiences that engage & transform organizations. A leader for in-person & hybrid events, our team of innovators & experts deliver real results through event strategy, design, technology, production & digital solutions.

Contact:

Matt King | Sr. Director of Event Technology
Tel: (312) 239-4669
Email: matt.king@encoreglobal.com

Hello! Chicago Destination Management

Destination Management

Jessica Murphy
Senior Account Executive

Tel: 773-682-6341
Email: jmurphy@hello-dmc.com         

GES

Global Expositions and Tradeshows

Lindsay Williams 

Tel: 312-877-0506
Email: lwilliams@ges.com

Christie's Photographic Solutions

Professional Convention & Event Photography

Email: chicago@christiesphotographic.com

*Headshots & Group Photo Courtesy of Christie's 

Tori Soper Photography

Corporate Event Photographer

Emailhello@torisoper.com