2012MEDIA KIT

OUR MISSIONThe primary objective of Time Out Chicago, its people, products and services is to be the definitive resource for cultural planning in Chicago. In doing so, we aim to build meaningful connections and create rich experiences that serve as a platform for our partners to communicate their message to an audience of engaged consumers.

Whether you are looking to talk to the city’s most dialed-in students, selective parents (and their curious little ones), or hip urban adventurers, we are here to work with you to give your business a competitive advantage in whatever market you serve.

AT TIME OUT CHICAGO, WE CREATE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVE.

A worldwide resource. A local network.For more than 40 years, the Time Out brand has been synonymous with providing the best of culture in cities across the globe. Since its launch in 2005, Time Out Chicago has been curating the best of Chicago’s culture.

As the only locally owned major media company in Chicago, our passion for the city permeates all levels of our organization and is reflected in the products we produce. Our listings are generated in-house and our reviews are completely independent. It is this unique combination of local accountability and independent voice that allows our brand to resonate with the city’s residents and sets us apart from our competition.

A GLOBAL SNAPSHOT:36 city magazines in 24 countries22 guidebooks in 19 countries

THE TIME OUT BRAND

WE ARE THE EXPERTS

• Chicago’s largest cultural reporting team. With more than 25 definitive critics on arts and entertainment, we don’t let any form of culture go uncovered.

• Our editors are authorities in the areas they cover — so much so that other media partners such as ABC’s Windy City Live and Fox Chicago use them as frequent sources and on-air contributors.

WE STAND APART

• Only locally owned major media company in Chicago. Operated by Joe Mansueto, founder and CEO of Morningstar, Inc. and Mansueto Ventures (Inc., Fast Company magazines).

• The market’s only weekly, glossy, four-color arts and entertainment magazine.

• Our circulation continues to grow for each of our print magazines, and our websites have seen substantial growth every year since launch.

WE HAVE YOU COVERED

• The Time Out brand is known worldwide. Each year, more than 35 million magazines are distributed bearing the Time Out brand.

• We go well beyond the printed page, delivering 4.6 million impressions per month across various content platforms.

THE POWER OF TIME OUT

TIME OUT CHICAGOChicago culture, curated.

“Time Out Chicago is the go-to resource for anyone actively consuming culture in Chicago. Our expert team provides

readers with early intel on the best Chicago has to offer so that they can live city life to the fullest. We’re that smart, hip

friend who always seems to know someone backstage.”

+ Frank Sennett, President and Editor-in-Chief

WHAT WE DOChicago culture starts here.

Time Out Chicago is the definitive resource for the culture-consuming Chicagoan. Week after week, our editors scour the city to provide true insight that encourages our readers to spend their time and money on our recommendations. Our formula incorporates quality service journalism with investigative reporting to keep our readers on the pulse of their city.

AGE

21-39: 65%25-34: 44%25-39: 55%35-44: 21%Median age: 33

GENDER

Female: 59.8%Male: 40.2%

MARITAL STATUS

Single: 70%Married: 30%

# OF TIMES GO OUT IN A WEEK

Average: 3 or more times per week

EDUCATION

Attended or graduated college: 95%Post graduate degree or study: 33%

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Average HHI: $95,400

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employed Full Time: 85%Professional/Managerial: 74%

MEDIA CONSUMPTION

75% of subscribers don’t read The Chicago Reader.75% of subscribers don’t read RedEye.79% of subscribers don’t read Chicago Magazine.96% of subscribers don’t read CS.

Source: 2010 Time Out Chicago Online Reader Profile Study, MRI Market Solutions

WHO WE REACHAn audience of influencers and urban adventurers.From the elusive hipster to the chic sophisticate, Time Out Chicago reaches an active and influential audience that embraces the culture around them. These well-educated, cash-rich and civic-minded tastemakers desire to experience all things their city has to offer and connect their friends and family to the brands and experiences they love.

Readers taking to the sky at Time Out Chicago’s Rooftop Party at Vertigo Sky.

Foodies enjoying eats from Chicago’s food trucks at Time Out Chicago’s Food Truck Social.

Readers enjoying the sunset on Time Out Chicago’s Sunset Boat Cruise.

Readers enjoying a music + film event

featuring Inception.

TIME O

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HOW WE REACH THEMRight audience. Right place. Right time.

Time Out Chicago is the area’s premier weekly subscriber-based publication. We employ a paid distribution model (98% of our distribution is subscription-based), ensuring that your brand’s message is received by a captive audience that wants to hear what you have to say.

CIRCULATION SNAPSHOT:

Weekly Readership: 133,750Rate Base: 53,500 | Current Average Circulation: 54,400

Geographic Breakdown: 70% City | 30% SuburbanSuburban Breakdown: North Shore (52%) | West (31%) | South (17%)

52%NORTH SHORE

31%WEST

17%SOUTH

SUBURBAN BREAKDOWN:

Source: Time Out Chicago is an ABC audited publication. Numbers are for six months ending June 30, 2011, subject to audit. Readership is based on 2.5 readers per copy (2010 Time Out Chicago Online Reader Profile Study, MRI Market Solutions). Geographic breakdown from publisher’s own data.

30%SUBURBS

70%CITY OF CHICAGO

MARKETING CAPABILITIESPrime opportunities to engage with our audience.We’ve established a variety of platforms across our core categories that connect our partners with our audience in engaging and authentic ways. From our food and shopping verticals and experiential experiences, to our targeted research and creative services, we offer the expertise of a marketing agency packaged as a world-class brand.

TARGETED MARKETING:

SamplingGifting opportunitiesElectronic messaging: e-ads, e-invitations, e-newslettersDirect mail

CREATIVE SERVICES:

PhotographyArt directionCopywritingCampaign conceptingInvitation designAd designCustom promotional itemsSpec workEditorial design

EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING:

Event sponsorship/partnershipEvent integration/cross promotional opportunitiesEvent managementPhilanthropic/community partnershipsNetworking opportunities

MARKET RESEARCH:

Reader and customer research

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

Media partnershipsTelevision/radio partnershipsCustom publishingIn-book promotional opportunitiesOnline promotional opportunitiesRich media advertisingSocial media campaigns

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIESWe develop high-impact executions to best engage our audience. We have the capability to provide partners with turnkey execution and production. Make a statement with your brand and capture readers’ attention with the following creative ideas.

GATEFOLD

Expand your message off the page with two continuous pages that fold out and extend from the magazine,

thus providing you with two full pages of real estate for your message.

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIESHALF-COVER WRAP

This integrated unit offers premium positioning off the cover of the magazine with a branded internal half-cover image, which, when open, is adjacent to the editorial cover. The front of the half wrap maintains editorial integrity and allows for a playful dual cover, hidden by the half wrap.

SCRATCH-OFF COVER

Wow Time Out Chicago readers with this interactive advertising opportunity and the chance to place your message on the cover of Time Out Chicago! Executed as a cover wrap to maintain editorial integrity of the interior cover, a specially designed cover of Time Out Chicago can include a hidden message covered by a metallic scratch-off layer that will compel readers to uncover the surprise.

AD UN IT(Flips open to the left)

Engage readers to interact with the cover and unveil your message!

YOURAD

SPACE

YOURAD

SPACE

YOURAD

SPACE

YOURAD

SPACE

TOCCOVER

YOURAD

SPACE

YOURAD

SPACE

YOURAD

SPACE

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

POSTER COVER WRAP

16-page piece secured to the cover of Time Out Chicago. This execution features seven pages of branding on one side and

a fold-out poster on the other, offering impactful integration off the cover of the

magazine, and 16-units of real estate from the fold-out poster ;

15 of which are owned by you, the advertiser.

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EDIT CALENDARTime Out Chicago 2012

MATERIALS DUESPACE CLOSEISSUE #FEATURE STORYISSUE DATE

JAN. 12

JAN. 19

JAN. 26 + FEB. 2

Deals

Brunch Double Issue**

** Please note that there is a 10% premium for all insertions in the Double Issue (issue is on newstands for two weeks)

359

360

361/362

Jan. 4

Jan. 11

Jan. 18

Feb. 1

Feb. 8

Feb. 15

Feb. 2

Feb. 9

Feb. 16

Feb. 29

Mar. 7

Mar. 14

Mar. 1

Mar. 8

Mar. 15

Jan. 5

Jan. 12

Jan. 19

367

368

369/370

363

364

365/366

Singles

Secret Chicago Double Issue**

Bars

Spring Fashion Double Issue**

FEB. 9

FEB. 16

FEB. 23 + MAR. 1

MAR. 8

MAR. 15

MAR. 22 + MAR. 29

APR. 5

APR. 12

APR. 19

APR. 26

Eat Out Awards

371

372

373

374

Mar. 28

Apr. 4

Apr. 11

Apr. 18

Mar. 29

Apr. 5

Apr. 12

Apr. 19

Apr. 25

May 9

May 16

May 23

Apr. 26

May 10

May 17

May 24

May 30

June 6

June 13

June 20

May 31

June 7

June 14

June 21

375/376

377

378

379

380

381

382

383/384

Double Issue**

Summer Preview (Summer Fest Guide)

Alfresco Eating + Drinking

Road Trips

Double Issue**

MAY 3 + MAY 10

MAY 17

MAY 24

MAY 31

JUNE 7

JUNE 14

JUNE 21

JUNE 28 + JULY 5

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

EDIT CALENDARTime Out Chicago 2012

JULY 12

JULY 19

JULY 26

Summer Drinking

Cheap Eats

* Early close due to holiday** Please note that there is a 10% premium for all insertions in the Double Issue (issue is on newstands for two weeks)

385

386

387

July 3*

July 11

July 18

July 5*

July 12

July 19

OCT. 4

OCT. 11

OCT. 18

OCT. 25

AUG. 2

AUG. 9

AUG. 16 + AUG. 23

AUG. 30

SEPT. 6

SEPT. 13

SEPT. 20

SEPT. 27

Sex

Shopping Awards

397

398

399

400

393

394

395

396

388

389

390/391

392

Sept. 26

Oct. 3

Oct. 10

Oct. 17

Sept. 27

Oct. 4

Oct. 11

Oct. 18

July 25

Aug. 1

Aug. 8

Aug. 22

July 26

Aug. 2

Aug. 9

Aug. 23

Oct. 24

Nov. 7

Nov. 13*

Nov. 19*

Oct. 25

Nov. 8

Nov. 15

Nov. 20*

Aug. 29

Sept. 5

Sept. 12

Sept. 19

Aug. 30

Sept. 6

Sept. 13

Sept. 20

Nov. 28

Dec. 5

Dec. 12

Dec. 19

Nov. 29

Dec. 6

Dec. 13

Dec. 20

401/402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409/410

Double Issue**

Gift Guide

100 Best Things We Ate & Drank

Sports

Fall Fashion

Lollapalooza

Cont’d ED Guide + Double Issue**

Fall Preview

Theater

Holiday Events/Last-Minute Gift Guide

Fitness Double Issue**

NOV. 1 + NOV. 8

NOV. 15

NOV. 22

NOV. 29

DEC. 6

DEC. 13

DEC. 20

DEC. 27 + JAN. 3

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTE

MBER

OCTO

BER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

MATERIALS DUESPACE CLOSEISSUE #FEATURE STORYISSUE DATE

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTSTime Out Chicago 2012

MAGAZINE PRINT + IMAGE SPECS

Page trim size: 8” x 10.5” / 16” x 10.5” (spread)

Live work area: 7.5” x 10” / 15.5” x 10” (spread)

Bleed size: 8.25” x 10.75” / 16.5” x 10.75” (spread)

Image resolution: 300 dpi or higher

Preferred logo format: Encapsulated PostScript Format (EPS)

PROOFS

All ad material must be accompanied by a SWOP-approved proofing solution and must contain a SWOP-approved color bar. No corrections should be noted on the proofs.

Time Out Chicago is not liable for the final color output of your ad if an appropriate color proof was not supplied. Proofs should be printed at 100% and include all marks (trim, bleed, live) outside printable image area.

AD SIZE TRIM

SPREAD

FULL PAGE

1/2 HORIZONTAL

1/2 VERTICAL

1/2 HORIZ. SPREAD

1/4 SQUARE

1/4 HORIZONTAL

1/4 VERTICAL

1/8 HORIZONTAL

1/8 VERTICAL

1/16 PAGE

15” x 9.5”

7.125” x 9.5”

7.125” x 4.6875”

3.5” x 9.5”

15” x 4.6875”

3.5” x 4.6875”

7.125” x 2.2812”

1.6875” x 9.5”

3.5” x 2.2812”

1.6875” x 4.6875”

1.6875” x 2.2812”

1/4 horizontal

1/2 horizontal 1/4square

1/2

vert

ical

1/8 H

1/4

vert

ical

1/8

V1/

16

MAGAZINE PRINT SPECS (NON-BLEED ADS)

RECEIVING MATERIALS

We must receive your ads no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday one week prior to publication. Please name your ad using the following format:

Advertiser_Issue Date.pdf (example: BarnesNoble_3.17.12.pdf)

If you require our assistance in building an ad, elements and copy should arrive 8 days prior to publication issue date that the ad is to appear. A 15% surcharge will be added for design assistance. TOC IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ADS NOT APPROVED BY AN ADVERTISER BY 5:00 P.M. THE THURSDAY PRIOR TO THE ISSUE DATE.

RESERVING AD SPACE

All ad space must be reserved by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday the week prior to the issue release date.*Holidays may affect closing; please check with the advertising department.

APPLICATIONS + FORMATS

Time Out Chicago requires all ad materials to be provided in PDF format. All PDF ads must be created using thePDF x 1a setting.

DIGITAL TRANSMISSION

Ads can be posted to our FTP site.Host: tocftp.timeoutchicago.comPlease use the format above in the filename.

PRODUCTION CONTACT:

Production Department Time Out Chicago247 S State Street 17th floor Chicago, IL 60604Cheryl Magiera, Production DirectorT: 312-924-9551 • F: 312-924-9560E: cmagiera@timeoutchicago.com

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTSTime Out Chicago 2012

TIMEOUTCHICAGO.COMConstantly connected.

“Timeoutchicago.com serves up exclusive interviews, last night’s party photos, rock reviews, cheeky television coverage, breaking

cultural news and the inside story on what’s happening in Chicago. In-the-know Chicagoans come to our site to get ideas

for where to eat, what to see and where to go to enjoy the best the city has to offer.”

+ Ruth Welte, Web Editor

WHO WE REACHTech-savvy and constantly connected consumers.Timeoutchicago.com invites readers to take the information they’ve learned from our print magazine and join the conversation online, whether it be on their laptops, iPads and tablets, or on their smartphones. Our user-friendly interface allows this tech-savvy audience to stay connected to both our brand and their city as they live out their lives on the go.

AGE

21-39: 75%25-39: 63%MEDIAN AGE: 32

GENDER

Female: 73%Male: 27%

MARITAL STATUS

Single: 74%Married: 26%

DINE OUT

Average: 2-3 times per week

EDUCATION

College degree or higher: 84%

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Average HHI: $94,900

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Employed Full Time: 85%Professional/Managerial: 73%

Source: 2008 Time Out Chicago WebUsage Study, MRI Market Solutions

DIGITAL FEATURES +YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTHSITE FEATURES:

• Over 2.6 million page views per month• Over 400,000 unique visitors per month• Recommended events calendar for easy planning• The latest cultural reviews and Time Out Chicago critics’ picks• Restaurant, bar and event listings filtered by neighborhood, date or theme• Best in class blogs by the industry’s leading experts. The Time Out Chicago blogs: #Chicago, Consume (food & drink), Audio File (music, nightlife), Unscripted (theater, dance, comedy) and more• In-depth coverage of the Chicago media landscape by columnist Robert Feder.• Google maps and transit directions

Sources: 2008 Time Out Chicago Web Usage Study, MRI Market Solutions; omniture, November 2011 Online Audience.

1–

.5–

2–

1.5–

2.5–

3–

3.5–

PA

GE

VIE

WS

(in

mill

ions

)

MONTH (2011)Growth in page views over six months on timeoutchicago.com

100% jump in page views

May

1.6

June

2.3

July

2.5

Aug.

2.8

Sept.

3

Oct.

3.2

CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIESInspiring readers on and off the page.

Let us work with your brand to create custom content within a dedicated section on timeoutchicago.com. We can build campaigns around editorial feature packages and align your brand around targeted content. This digital platform offers turnkey execution and is produced with a custom promotional plan to generate awareness and added value.

MOET HENNESSY (10 CANE RUM, BELEVDERE VODKA, GRAND MARNIER)

Objective: Create a custom section for Moet Hennessy to align its portfolio with Alfresco dining and drinking content.

Solution: Time Out Chicago created a special advertising feature for Moet Hennessy on timeoutchicago.com that featured where to eat and drink alfresco in Chicago.

Result: All Alfresco listings were Moet Hennessy accounts, so each enjoyed special promotion within the page along with placement in a photo slideshow to highlight their venue. Moet Hennessy also enjoyed a roadblock of this section to rotate ads for 10 Cane Rum, Belevedere and Grand Marnier.

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Objective: Align American Family Insurance (AFI) with exclusive Lollapalooza content.

Solution: Create a custom Lollapalooza section on timeoutchicago.com.

Result: Time Out Chicago created “American Family Insurance Presents Your Dream Lollapalooza Lineup 7-Must-See Bands” and unveiled a new band each day leading up to Lollapalooza. AFI owned a countdown billboard on the right rail of timeoutchicago.com that directed visitors to a special advertising feature where a new band was featured each day.

#CHICAGO: Covering everything Chicago

This newsletter collects the best weekly content from the magazine and online across all sections in one convenient place. Subscribers can also enter to win prizes and receive invites to special events. Sent: Thursdays

CONSUME: A food and drink package coveted by Chicago’s foodies.

Chicago’s culinary enthusiasts get the first look at each new issue’s food and drink content, including restaurant reviews, chef profiles, don’t-miss dining events, and previews of highly anticipated restaurants and bar openings.Sent: Tuesdays

AUDIO FILE: Audiophiles get their fix with our critical music coverage.

For music lovers, previewing the week’s top concerts and newly released albums, interviews with musicians, plus photo galleries and live reviews from the hottest live shows around town.Sent: Wednesdays

UNSCRIPTED: Compiling the best of performing arts into one package every week.

From the stage to your in-box, Unscripted showcases reviews, interviews, editors’ top picks and more from our Theater, Dance and Comedy sections. Sent: Wednesdays

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONSContent for everyone. Subscriber selected. A powerful advertising tool.Time Out Chicago’s e-mail newsletters deliver specially curated content direct to the in-boxes of those who care about it most. Exclusive sponsorships are available. Contact your rep for more information. Time Out Chicago’s e-mail newsletters include:

DEDICATED E-MAILSMarketing that works across targeted channels.

Bask in the spotlight of a Time Out Chicago dedicated e-mail! Deliver your advertising message directly to any of our targeted e-subscriber lists (#Chicago, Consume, Audio File, Unscripted and Playdates). Your stand-alone, custom e-mail is received from a familiar and trusted source—Time Out Chicago—and acted on by our responsive audience.

WITH A DEDICATED E-MAIL YOU CAN:

• Promote a special offer, invitation or discount.• Enjoy 100% share-of-voice: this message is all about you!

Utilizing a strong call-to-action in the artwork (ie.

“Click here for discount” or “Learn More” has proven to generate a larger click rate).

AD UNIT SPECS:

Dimensions: 700 x 500File: JPEG or GIF, static image only. 100K maximum file size.Artwork, click-thru URL and suggested subject line (limit 7-10 words) are due 5 days prior to send date. *Subject line is subject to approval and edits by the Time Out Chicago marketing department.

SOCIAL MEDIAJoin the conversation with our audience in the social sphere and communicate real-time.

Time Out Chicago offers advertisers the opportunity to interact with our audience and drive traffic to your website. Raise awareness of your brand or business with promotional messaging on our highly trafficked blogs, Twitter and Facebook feeds. These outlets have grown exponentially over the past year, and we continue to grow into new areas, such as Foursquare, which provides clients with a direct path to an audience that is constantly connected.

OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

• Sponsored tweets (#Sponsor)• Sponsored posts on Facebook• Social package across our blog, #Chicago, Twitter and Facebook properties• Social ads on timeoutchicago.com• Facebook contests

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK:

FOURSQUARE:

TABLET EDITIONAn interactive reading experience.

In spring 2012, Time Out Chicago is launching a weekly digital edition for the iPad. The tablet edition will maximize Time Out Chicago’s print edition, with a user-friendly interface, enhanced editorial capabilities, interactive ad units and click-through to partner sites.

AS A PRINT ADVERTISER YOU CAN:

• Participate in the tablet edition.• Enjoy interactive capabilities and special title sponsorship available for an additional charge.

Touch buttons allow users to interact with the content for a more engaging experience.

DIGITAL SPECSTime Out Chicago 2012Aside from the standard IAB ad units that are intermixed with our content, we offer a variety of custom solutions to further awareness of your brand and make your message stand out. Be sure to contact us to learn more.

ONLINE AD UNIT SPECS

FILE SIZE39K maximum

FORMATSGIF, JPG, Rich Media *All creative elements are due three (3) days prior for standard creative, and five (5) days prior forrich media.

URLPlease provide a Web address for linking banner ads.

HALF PAGE: 300 X 600

HALF PAGE: 300 X 600

MEDIUM RECTANGLE:300 X 250

MEDIUM RECTANGLE:300 X 250

LEADERBOARD: 728 X 90

WIDE SKYSCRAPER: 160 X 600

300x

250

300x

250

300x

600

728x90

160x

600

Randy HanoVP, Group Publisher 312.924.9252rhano@timeoutchicago.com

Trevor Mikus Associate Publisher 312.924.9265tmikus@timeoutchicago.com

Andrew HilsbergDigital Sales Director 312.924.9262ahilsberg@timeoutchicago.com

Mary Helen CutlerSenior Account Supervisor, Time Out Chicago Kids 312.924.9580mcutler@timeoutchicago.com

David Wilson, Senior National Account Manager312.924.9266dwilson@timeoutchicago.com

John Ahlin, Senior Account Manager312.924.9351jahlin@timeoutchicago.com

Megan Carroll, Account Manager312.924.9359mcarroll@timeoutchicago.com

Jessica Malooley, Account Manager312.924.9255jlmalooley@timeoutchicago.com

Chelsea Rosenheimer, Account Manager312.924.9268crosenheimer@timeoutchicago.com

Robert Ruthardt, Account Manager312.924.9263rruthardt@timeoutchicago.com

Max Wastler, Account Manager312.924.9267mwastler@timeoutchicago.com

Sarah White, Sales Coordinator312.924.7272swhite@timeoutchicago.com

Let’s work together and create solutions for your brandor business.