After two years of pandemic stasis, crime stories and a broadly battered image, Chicago is going on the offensive, launching a guerrilla marketing campaign Monday to promote itself as a more influential world city than many realize.
Created by Chicago ad agency Energy BBDO, the pro bono “Chicago Not in Chicago” campaign touts a long list of homegrown innovations — from the cellphone to the skyscraper — that have changed the world, but with little credit given to the city of origin.
“Since its founding, Chicago has influenced the most important cities across the globe,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in an introductory video to the campaign. “The high-rises, mobile phone, Ferris wheel, house music, coffee maker, soap opera and many other things were all created here in Chicago. However, only a few people know that — until now.”
