The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau has announced it has secured Solar Power International for 2013, the largest business-to-business solar energy conference and expo in North America. The event, which includes 27,000 attendees from all over the world who represent the solar energy industry, is s expected to bring $38 million to Chicago’s convention industry.

“Chicago’s growing focus on sustainability and green initiatives, coupled with the premier facilities McCormick Place has to offer, make us the ideal host city for the solar convention,” said Jim Reilly, trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which owns and operates McCormick Place.

The Exelon solar facility, which opened earlier this year in the Pullman neighborhood, is evidence of Chicago’s growing green economy. It is the largest urban solar facility in the United States. In addition to the solar friendliness of Chicago, the city was chosen for its airport access, and convenient location.

“Thanks to the many positive changes in our visitor industry, we are not only maintaining current business, but we are attracting new business to Chicago and Illinois,” said Tim Roby, president and CEO of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. “In addition to bringing millions in revenues and showcasing our great city to visitors all over the world, this show bolsters Chicago’s growing solar industry.”

The Solar Power International announcement comes on the heels of recent reforms made by the Chicago Tourism and Convention Bureau. McCormick Place, the city’s convention center complex, implemented reforms designed to cut costs for customers and provide greater flexibility in doing business at America’s largest convention center.

The latest round of reforms, which include free Wi-Fi throughout the convention center, reduced rate parking, hotel expansion, debt refinancing, competitive electrical services, sustainability initiatives, and appointing a management commitment to oversee McCormick Place, are part of a series of changes that will be phased in as a result of the historic legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly last May.

“Chicago’s convention facilities were always ideal, but the reforms enacted this past Spring were a game changer and a key factor in our decision to choose the city,” Brian Tully, executive director of Solar Energy Trade Shows LLC, said in a statement. "Chicago has been a world leader in sustainable practices and is now becoming a leader in renewable energy generation. Chicago is leading the way and helping to power a green, job-creating economy. Those benefits are available to our community in such a favorable environment for our exhibitors and attendees."

Solar Energy Trade Shows is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Solar Electric Power Association and Solar Energy Industries Association, which sponsor the convention.

"I'm very pleased Solar Power International selected Chicago for its 2013 conference and expo, and I'm especially proud that our environmental and sustainability initiatives were a deciding factor in bringing this important international event to our great city,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring exhibitors and visitors alike from all over the globe benefit from conducting business in our environmentally friendly city.”

Image courtesy of Chicago Convention Bureau.