To business leaders, Dem convention’s real payoff is in civic promotion

Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, called the Democratic National Convention a “game-changer.” (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file)

Chicago’s sluggish comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic got a little push Tuesday from President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee.

With the DNC’s announcement that Chicago will host the party’s convention in August 2024, business leaders exulted that the city will again have a national forum for showing off its best side. But they hope the real payoff comes from other conventions and tourism drawn to Chicago.