City of Chicago, Google team up for first-ever Lake FX Summit + Expo

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The City of Chicago and Google are teaming up for a first of its kind expo celebrating local artists and creativity.

The Lake FX Summit + Expo is the region's largest free conference for artists, creative professionals and entrepreneurs. During the four-day event, thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations visit for keynotes by industry leaders, professional development panels and workshops, networking opportunities, music and film showcases, the Expo resource fair and a marketplace open featuring artisans.

The conference is headquartered at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Other participating venues in the downtown, walkable campus are the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park (205 E. Randolph St.), the new Virgin Hotels Chicago (203 N. Wabash Ave.), the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago (230 N. Michigan Ave.), the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.) and Macy's on State Street (111 N. State St.).

Tracie Hall, deputy commissioner for Arts and Creative Industries for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, talked with ABC 7 live from the event.

Lake FX Summit + Expo

April 16-19

Marketplace 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; brunch conversation at 10:30 a.m.; dance

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Randolph St.

Admission: FREE