World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Consular Corps to Host 2020 Chicago Consular Corps Gala, Virtually

Annual event will honor 88 international consulates in Chicago and three local awardees

CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 – World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Consular Corps will host the 2020 Chicago Consular Corps Gala: Around the World in One Night, on November 6, 2020. This annual gala is Chicago’s premier international event honoring the Chicago Consular Corps – an international group of consulates representing 88 countries around the world.

“The Chicago Consular Corps gala celebrates all the qualities and attributes that make Chicago one of the world’s great cities,” said Andrea L. Zopp, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. “The virtual nature of this year’s event will allow it to be viewed and enjoyed from all over the world.”

Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot are expected to open the event with welcome remarks. John C. Robak, Chief Executive Officer of Greeley and Hansen will serve as the Gala Chair for the third year in a row. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Ms. Amy Eshleman and Dean, Chicago Consular Corps Gisselle Castillo-Veremis are Honorary Chairs of the event.

During the event, online guests will see Chicago’s cultural diversity and global connectivity come to life. At 6:30 PM (CST) guests can virtually visit regions around the world. The Chicago Consular Corps Gala program begins at 7 p.m. (CST), here notable Chicagoans will be recognized for their global contributions:

• Global Citizen Award: The award honors an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to Chicago’s international reputation, stature and global reach. The 2020 Global Citizen honoree is Jeanne Gang, architect, FAIA and Founding Principal and Partner of Studio Gang.
• Corporate Ambassador Award: The award honors a company that has helped to raise Chicago’s profile as a premier global business destination and has contributed to the economic growth of the city. The 2020 honoree is Loop Capital Markets, LLC, accepted by Jim Reynolds, Chairman and CEO.
• Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) Volunteer of the Year Award: The award honors a CSCI volunteer committee member who has played an important role in furthering the organization’s mission by promoting Chicago as a global city, developing international partnership and networks, and sharing best practices through citizen-to citizen connections, particularly in the areas of culture, education, government relations, and international business. The 2020 honoree is Iwona Wegrzyn-Bochenska, Co-Chair, Warsaw Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.

The event will conclude with a live performance from Chicago Sister City, Milan, Italy. Announcement of the international artist who will perform will be made at a later date.

“This event will showcase the important work of World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Consular Corps in promoting Chicago all over the world and working to drive inclusive economic growth. Work that is now more crucial than ever,” Jose Luis Prado, Chair, Chicago Sister Cities International.

The guest list includes members of the 88 foreign and honorary consulates in Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International volunteers, and Chicagoans and friends of Chicago all over the world. Everyone is invited to attend and unite as a way to empower one another socially, economically and culturally.

Event registration for Around the World in One Night is live at worldbusinesschicago.com/gala.

Follow World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International on social media for daily and weekly virtual stops around the world, video vignettes and special announcements.

“This year’s annual international event demonstrates how connected Chicago is to the world, and the world is to Chicago,” said Gisselle Castillo-Veremis, Dean, Chicago Consular Corps. “We are incredibly proud to work with World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International to foster and sustain citizen diplomacy and promote Chicago as a leading global city.”

# # #

World Business Chicago

World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city. For more information, visit worldbusinesschicago.com

Chicago Sister Cities International

Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI), an initiative of World Business Chicago, advances Chicago as a global city and promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation through citizen diplomacy – one individual, one community at a time – for the benefit of Chicago and its sister cities. To accomplish its mission, CSCI develops programs in the areas of cultural arts and tourism, global education, government relations and international business. Learn more at chicagosistercities.com

Chicago Consular Corps

The Chicago Consular Corps is composed of Heads of Mission representing 80+ countries from all around the world.

Chicago is proud to be home to one of the largest diplomatic communities in the United States. The diplomats representing their countries in Chicago work to facilitate and enhance the relationships between their respective countries and the states that comprise their jurisdiction, specifically in the Midwest. Many of the diplomats located in Chicago are responsible for multiple states and promote trade, tourism, culture and serve the local communities from their countries.