Looking Back on 2021
We weren't sure what we could expect from 2021 after making it through 2020, but after a booming return to live events and weddings, we can reminisce on the year with wide smiles and boundless gratitude.
A year ago, the state of Illinois and City of Chicago were both in lockdown as COVID cases were surging and vaccines were not yet widely available. It was starting to feel like 2021 would be a repeat of 2020. We wondered if events would come back as predicted. The conversations about postponements and cancellations with clients were heavier and more emotional as we continued to push events further into 2021 and even into 2022. But then around early April, the vaccine rollout began and we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel - the City of Chicago would reopen in June! We closely monitored phases, metrics and guidelines waiting to hear the magic words: Phase 5 and full reopening!
Between June and December, our team successfully produced over 25 events and it felt so wonderful to be back doing what we love. The smiles on clients’ faces were bigger than before. The excitement from guests was palpable as they hugged their family members for the first time in over a year. We were lucky enough to be back in venues with some of our favorite vendors and partners finally bringing client visions to life. Even though the pace felt overwhelming at times, we would often find ourselves saying to each other that it felt so surreal to be producing events again.
This year we produced weddings, social events and corporate/non-profit events - ranging in size from 15 people to 275 people. We helped beloved clients plan their micro wedding in beautiful Napa Valley, as their Chicago wedding had to be pushed to 2022 as well as reimagine their event as it moved from a city venue to a private residence in the suburbs. We worked with the Board at Barrington Children’s Charities to plan another Holly Ball fundraiser. We were honored to be included in an incredible multi-day editorial shoot full of inspiration and creativity. We were back at some of our favorite venues like The Chicago History Museum, River Roast, Artifact Events and Bridgeport Art Center. It was a year brimming with stunning client events!
Katherine, Clover Events’ Founder, served as the Director of Programs for the Chicago chapter of WIPA and worked with the rest of the Board of Directors to chart a path for bringing live networking events back to the Chicago live events industry, planning a combination of virtual and in-person events. She even crossed a venue off her bucket list by executing a members-only dinner at the iconic Field Museum. Additionally, Jessica served on the Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago Board and is looking forward to bringing back their in-person fundraising events next year!
We were proud to continue our charitable giving program, donating to and highlighting a charity each month whose mission resonated with us a team. We’re excited to share our 2022 charities very soon!
Whatever 2022 has in store, we’re here for it and looking forward to the exciting events we have on deck!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the endless support and encouragement. We truly love what we do and adore our clients. We’re eager to share more beautiful and inspirational events with you next year.
Happy Holidays from the Clover team!
Katherine, Jessica & Mary
