Chicago/Midwest NATAS to Celebrate 2026 Emmy® Nominees at Steak 48

The Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) will celebrate the region’s television and media community on Thursday, September 3 at Steak 48, from 6 to 8 p.m. 615 N. Wabash Ave. The 2026 Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Nomination Party, an evening that combines one of the industry’s most anticipated announcements with a meaningful investment in the next generation of media professionals, will be evening will be hosted by Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues of WMAQ’s Chicago Today. Attendees will enjoy two hours of complimentary beer, wine, soda and hors d’oeuvres prepared by Steak 48, as well as networking with colleagues and friends. 

The nomination party is more than a celebration of outstanding work across the Chicago/Midwest media industry. Every dollar raised through the event will support the Foundation of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of NATAS and its scholarship initiatives. 

NATAS Chicago/Midwest’s Foundation is the charitable arm of the chapter and a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing scholarships to deserving high school and college students pursuing studies and careers in journalism, broadcast television, television production and communications. The chapter’s scholarship program has distributed more than $710,000 to students since the mid-1990s, and the Foundation is working toward a milestone of raising and distributing $1 million in scholarship support.  

The evening will also support the Sara Janz “Take Your Shot” Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Sara Janz, who died January 1, 2025, at age 29. The daughter of retired ABC 7 Chicago traffic and feature reporter Roz Varon, Janz followed in her mother’s footsteps through her enthusiastic involvement with the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of NATAS. The scholarship honors her commitment to the media community and helps carry her legacy forward by supporting aspiring media professionals.  

A Special Thank You to Steak 48 

NATAS Chicago/Midwest extends its sincere appreciation to Steak 48 for generously donating its Chicago venue for the nomination party. That extraordinary support means proceeds from the event can go directly toward scholarships and the Foundation’s mission of helping the next generation of media professionals. Located at 615 N. Wabash Ave. in River North, Steak 48 is a contemporary American steak and seafood restaurant known for USDA Prime steaks, premium Wagyu selections, fresh seafood, caviar menu, and an extensive wine program with personalized hospitality. The Chicago restaurant features multiple dining spaces, including private event areas, and has positioned itself as a destination for celebrations and special occasions. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress.  

Tickets and Event Information: 

2026 Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Nomination Party 

Thursday, September 3, 2026 

6–8 p.m. 

Steak 48 

615 N. Wabash Ave. 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Tickets: 

• NATAS Members: $65 
• Non-members: $80 

Ticket admission includes two hours of complimentary beer and wine and Steak 48 hors d’oeuvres. 

All proceeds raised through the party will benefit the Chicago/Midwest NATAS Scholarship Fund and Foundation, including the Sara Janz “Take Your Shot” Memorial Scholarship.  

Tickets are available at: tinyurl.com/steak48-emmy 

Guests can also find event details and RSVP information through the official NATAS Chicago/Midwest website and the event invitation on Paperless Post.