Chicago politicians are celebrating the return of a major convention to McCormick Place. In recent years, a number of conventions decided to relocate outside of Chicago, costing the city millions in tourism dollars. Mondaythe National Restaurant Association announced it’ll stay in Chicago through 2016.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says new legislation changing union work rules makes it easier for conventions to come back to McCormick Place.

“This place would be empty if it wasn’t for the changes that were necessary in Springfield and I know it’s hard for many people, but in the long run, I firmly believe this is better for all the members, better for the citizens and the taxpayers of the State of Illinois,” Daley said.

The head of the National Restaurant Association says she’s seen lower electrical costs since the new legislation went into effect. Nearly 66,000 people attend the convention each year.