The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Conference and Exhibition will return to Chicago in 2015 and 2019, President and CEO H. Stephen Lieber announced Monday at a news conference held at McCormick Place.

The announcement marked Chicago's first convention signing in the new year, officials said. 

HIMSS, which attracts 30,000 attendees annually to its IT trade show, made headlines in late 2009 when it moved its 2012 convention from Chicago to Las Vegas, citing high costs. According to officials, the move was a catalyst for legislation passed in May by the Illinois General Assembly designed to cut costs for customers and provide greater flexibility in doing business at McCormick Place. Reduced costs for customers include free WiFi and reduced parking and food costs. For exhibitors there have been cuts to electrical services and more flexibility for booth set- up.

"This signing is a great way to propel our convention industry into another year of progress," said Jim Reilly, trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which owns and manages the McCormick Place complex. "2010 was a groundbreaking year and the reforms made it all possible. We are moving the momentum forward, as we focus on ensuring our customers' continued success in the New Year and beyond."

Lieber said HIMSS received positive feedback from company representatives who have exhibited at McCormick Place since initial reforms were put in place last year.

"We couldn't be more pleased to welcome HIMSS back to Chicago and we are grateful for its role in driving reforms to bring about a new era in our visitor industry," said Bruce V. Rauner, chairman of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. "HIMSS' return is a true testament to the success of the reforms approved last spring and proves that we are well positioned for continued growth and vitality."

Officials say the show will generate $33.6 million in direct expenditures during each convention it holds in the city.

"HIMSS is a highly-regarded convention, and we are happy to welcome the show and its visitors from all over the world back to the City of Chicago," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Our city is a leader in both the medical and technology fields, and we are honored to play host to this important event that stands at the intersection of the two disciplines."

According to the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, the McCormick Place reforms already resulted in nearly a dozen tradeshows either re-committing to host their conventions in Chicago or committing to bring their business to Chicago for the first time. Collectively, those commitments represent more than $1.6 billion in estimated direct expenditures for Chicago during the next decade.

"Bringing this major medical convention back is a huge win for Illinois and will strengthen one of our most important economic engines – the visitor industry," said Governor Pat Quinn. "A strong visitor industry is critical to driving more business and economic growth benefitting our city, state and Illinois taxpayers."