Palatine selects event manager for 2025 Street Fest after RFP; staff says contract will lower costs
Summary
Village staff recommended and council approved a contract with Chicago Special Events Manager to manage the 2025 Palatine Street Fest after an RFP; staff expects 20–30% cost savings versus last year and said street-closure and liquor approvals will be handled later.
The Village of Palatine authorized the village manager to execute a contract with Chicago Special Events Manager (SEM) to manage and produce the 2025 Palatine Street Fest.
Staff presented an RFP process that produced four proposals and recommended SEM, saying the principal event partner from prior years remains involved even though the company name changed. Staff estimated a 20–30% reduction in contractual costs compared with last year, citing a lower management fee, sponsorship-sharing arrangements and SEM’s warehouse of equipment that reduces rental expenses. Staff also said SEM’s proposal includes profit sharing on liquor sales; however, the village noted that any street-closure permits, event dates and liquor approvals will be considered in subsequent agenda items.
Council members asked whether SEM would be asked to review the event’s overall format and seek additional savings; staff said SEM “is full of ideas” and that the village can accept or decline suggested changes. Street Fest will mark its 25th year in August, staff said.
The motion to contract with SEM passed at committee and was placed on the consent agenda for the council’s approval.
