DTLC Holiday Mixer — Community, Connection & Celebration in Chicago

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) brought together marketing and advertising professionals for the CAF DTLC Holiday Mixer—a festive evening designed to celebrate the season while strengthening connections across Chicago’s creative community.

Hosted by the CAF Diversity Thought Leadership Council (DTLC), the mixer created a warm, welcoming space for attendees to network, share ideas, and build relationships that extend beyond the holidays.

A Holiday Mixer with Purpose

The DTLC Holiday Mixer wasn’t just a social gathering—it was an opportunity to come together as a community, connect, and inspire one another. From new introductions to familiar faces, the event reinforced CAF’s focus on inclusion, professional growth, and meaningful industry relationships.

Networking Across Chicago’s Marketing and Nonprofit Communities

A highlight of the evening was the mix of voices in the room, including nonprofit leaders and community advocates. Attendees had the chance to connect with representatives from organizations such as Patrick Lives On, UrbanTheater Company (UTC), Center on Halsted, Flossmoor Art Council, NAMI Chicago, GLOBALMIXX LTD, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.—underscoring the DTLC’s mission to build bridges across sectors and amplify community impact.

Celebrating the Season in Downtown Chicago

The mixer took place at The Staley in Chicago’s South Loop, providing the perfect setting for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and holiday cheer.

With a spirit of celebration and connection in the air, the event gave attendees the perfect opportunity to close out the year — bringing together industry peers in a relaxed, welcoming setting. As the Chicago advertising community continues to grow in 2026 and beyond, the DTLC Holiday Mixer reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to diversity, thought leadership, and community engagement.