BENCHMARK® Appoints Chris Steffich as General Manager for the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago

The David Rubenstein Forum’s dynamic architecture is designed to foster engagement and exchange of ideas while allowing private space for smaller groups and individual retreats. The building is composed of a two-story base and a ten-story tower. Glass walls bring in natural light and afford expansive views of Chicago’s iconic Midway Plaisance, the Chicago Loop and Lake Michigan as well as the University campus and Woodlawn community. The tower is organized as a stack of “neighborhoods” with meeting and communal spaces that offer diverse environments suited to different activities, from structured spaces to more animated and spontaneous features. Each neighborhood coalesces around a central lounge that offers a sense of community and identity. The building prompts its varied conference guests to interact with one another to enhance intellectual exchange. The lower floors of the Forum are open and dynamic with connections to the campus and the community in all directions. Ascending the building, there is a progressive retreat to more contemplative spaces.

For more information on the David Rubenstein Forum please visit davidrubensteinforum.uchicago.edu.

773-702-2110

The University of Chicago is a leading academic and research institution that has driven new ways of thinking since its founding in 1890. As an intellectual destination, the University draws scholars and students from around the world to its campuses and centers around the globe. The University provides a distinctive educational experience and research environment, empowering individuals to challenge conventional thinking and pursue field-defining research that produces new understanding and breakthroughs with global impact.

BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, is a leader in the development, management, and marketing of independent, soft branded, and experiential hard branded resorts, hotels, and conference centers.  In addition to the company’s award-winning full service Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, its lifestyle and luxury Gemstone Collection, and its industry-leading Benchmark Conference Center division, etc.venues, is a leading provider of contemporary city center venues for meetings, signature events, and conferences. BENCHMARK’s combined portfolio features more than 80 unique projects across three continents. The company is passionately committed to delivering personal, inspiring, and memory-making experiences, driving total revenue and profitability, and cultivating an award winning, “Be the Difference” culture for all its employees.  BENCHMARK is based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, with offices in London, England; Miami, Florida; Park City, Utah; Scottsdale, Arizona; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit  www.benchmarkglobalhospitality.com.

Contact: Ken Ellens

KenEllens@aol.com /201-758-2864