For nine unforgettable years, Agency Afterhours has called Virgin Hotels Chicago home. What began as an after-work experiment in 2016 became a defining part of Chicago’s creative nightlife: a DJ collective made up of ad-industry professionals, agency founders, and brand creatives who trade pitch decks for playlists after dark.

As Virgin Hotels Chicago prepares to close its doors, HoneyWired celebrates nearly a decade of collaboration, community, and countless nights spent bringing the advertising world together through music.

Created by HoneyWired. Hosted by Virgin. Powered by 60+ Agency DJs.
Born from HoneyWired’s belief that creativity doesn’t clock out at 5 PM, Agency Afterhours was designed as a platform for agency talent to express themselves through music — and meet each other outside the boardroom. The project has featured over 60 DJs from agencies including Leo Burnett, FCB, DDB, Energy BBDO, VMLY&R, Radish Music, Havas, Ogilvy, and more.

The partnership with Virgin Hotels Chicago provided the ideal setting — equal parts hospitality, high-energy nightlife, and creative freedom. From rooftop sets at Cerise to packed dance floors in The Commons Club, every Thursday night became a living showcase of Chicago’s creative class.

Thank You, Virgin Hotels Chicago
A special thank-you goes to Blake Smith, former Global Entertainment Director at Virgin Hotels for starting the program with us and Mary Frances “MJ” Jones, Entertainment Director at Virgin Hotels Chicago, Nashville and Dallas, whose support made Agency Afterhours possible from day one. Their vision for curating a nightlife scene rooted in creativity and community gave HoneyWired’s concept a true home.

Virgin Hotels Chicago’s commitment to showcasing local artists and innovators — from DJs to designers — helped make the venue a cultural touchstone in the city’s creative landscape.

What’s Next
While the physical residency at Virgin Hotels Chicago comes to a close, Agency Afterhours continues. HoneyWired will bring the collective to new stages — including advertising award shows, brand summits, and global creative gatherings like Cannes Lions. The mission remains the same: to celebrate the intersection of creativity, culture, and community through music.

To Every DJ Who’s Played a Set
From Alex Alvarez to Big Esco, Izidora Angel to Do Right Mars, Supes Base to Quicktastic, and every agency creative who’s stepped behind the decks — thank you. Your sets turned a hotel rooftop into an institution, and your passion turned an idea into a movement.

HoneyWired created Agency Afterhours to remind our industry that creativity doesn’t stop when the laptops close — it just gets louder.

Here’s to nine incredible years at Virgin Hotels Chicago — and to whatever stage comes next.