The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2010 …  Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based hospitality management company, has announced the addition of World of Whirlpool to its management portfolio.  The new World of Whirlpool conference center is located in the historic Reid Murdoch Building in the River North area of Chicago.  Nearby is the landmark Chicago Merchandise Mart with its LuxeHome collection of luxury boutiques.   
 
"I am very pleased to welcome the World of Whirlpool to the Benchmark Hospitality family," said Burt Cabañas, chairman and chief executive officer, Benchmark Hospitality.  "This is an extraordinary meetings and events facility that has been thoughtfully designed to showcase Whirlpool Corporation's innovative consumer products, and to support Whirlpool's company growth initiatives."
 
The World of Whirlpool facility is Whirlpool Corporation's flagship venue in Chicago and is designed as an experience for a wide variety of audiences important to Whirlpool, including trade customers, designers and key influencers. The facility's innovative approach showcases branded kitchen and laundry solutions in settings optimal for training, demonstrations, meetings and special events. 

This private, day conference center features 28,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space within the unique riverfront facility, including several floors of the Reid Murdoch Center's signature clock tower.  The space is comprised of 12 immersion kitchens, an outdoor kitchen with herb garden and fireplace, demonstration laundry rooms, classrooms, an executive board room, a gathering space for entertainment events, as well as skyline dining at the top of the clock tower.

World of Whirlpool's facilities will be supported by Benchmark Hospitality International's award-winning hospitality and conference concierge services.  For 30 years, Benchmark Hospitality has been a leader in the delivery of productive meeting environments.

About World of Whirlpool
The "World of Whirlpool" is Whirlpool Corporation's product experience showplace for designers, trade customers, sales associates, industry influencers and media.  Located in Chicago, Ill., the center facilitates interaction with products from Whirlpool Corporation's brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air and Gladiator GarageWorks.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.