We’re no strangers to early mornings in event planning, but there’s something about The Big Event that makes a 5:00am start feel a little less daunting. Each May, Lake County Partners brings together hundreds of regional leaders, industry pros, and public officials for a fast-paced, high-energy morning of networking and big ideas—and we’re honored to be the team behind the curtain making sure it all runs without a hitch.
Hosted as-ever at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, this year’s event began with the buzz of coffee-fueled conversations in the pre-function space, soundtracked by the talented musicians of Midwest Young Artists. Guests mingled and reconnected before heading into the Grand Marquee Pavilion for a seated breakfast and an inspiring program.
Kevin Considine, President and CEO of Lake County Partners, opened the program with welcome remarks before passing the mic to outgoing Board Chair Steve Madden. This year’s award honorees included Fortune Brands Innovations, recognized for their ongoing commitment to community investment, and Dr. Michael Karner, who received the Talent Advancement Award for his impact on education and workforce development in Lake County. Each recipient brought their own voice to the stage, offering meaningful reflections on their work and the region’s future.
New LCP Board Chair, Dan Joyce introduced County Board Chair Sandy Hart, whose remarks served as a prelude to the morning’s keynote speaker, Josh Harris. A seasoned leadership expert and author, Josh delivered an energizing talk that challenged attendees to consider what differentiates an appealing place to live, work, and play from one that is left behind in this fast-paced world we live in. His concept of the 30-minute city left guests brimming with ideas on how to enhance the experience of living and working in Lake County for current and future residents alike.
After the program, attendees continued networking made sure not to depart the building before grabbing their signature Big Event takeaway – a double chocolate brownie from Bent Fork Bakery.
Of course, an event like this takes a true dream team. AVP delivered flawless audio and visuals, Cobalt Photography documented every key moment, and the creative minds at a5 elevated the experience with on-brand signage and screen content. And as always, the Lincolnshire Marriott team brought warmth and excellence to the guest AND behind-the-scenes-team experiences alike.
The Big Event continues to serve as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when public, private, and civic leaders come together with a shared purpose. We’re grateful to Lake County Partners for letting us be part of this long-standing collaboration—and we’re already looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026 marking 10 years since we joined the LCP team.