GRAPH EXPO 2014: The Allure That Is Chicago

"Smaller investments add a lot of value and are compelling in terms of differentiation," he notes.

Walking the floor, Sommers definitely sensed an optimism that had been lacking at the show the last time he attended (2011). He spent time chatting with a number of colleagues in his peer group and came away with the distinct impression that they, too, were not in Chicago just to eat at the Kinzie Chophouse.