So, you have been tasked with the responsibility of finding a beautiful venue for your company’s next private event and arranging an employee transportation. How do you go about choosing an event center in Chicago that will wow your guests? The Windy City is the perfect place for your professional and social events, with an international airport, public transit, accommodation, and plenty of history and culture to stay busy during downtime. Here are some of the best event spaces in Chicago, IL, to host the perfect event, from business meetings and intimate dinners to multi-day conferences.
The House of Blues
The House of Blues is one the most unique Chicago venues and is located near Marina City in the Loop. For more intimate events, you can reserve a smaller semi-private space or go all out and book the entire venue that can accommodate groups of up to 1,800 people.
The University of Chicago
If you organize corporate events for large groups, the University of Chicago should be on your radar as one of the best venues in Chicago, IL. Located in Hyde Park, it provides a flexible event space that can accommodate very large groups, with over 50 meeting and event rooms of various sizes.
The Maggie Daley Park in Downtown Chicago
One of the best event spaces in Chicago is an urban garden within close proximity to the city’s best restaurants and bars. The Maggie Daley Park provides the perfect backdrop for most events, from the most formal to the most casual, and offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline. It is prized for private events during the warmer months, such as cocktail parties and engagement parties. You may reserve a private space that fits the general vibe you are trying to emulate, such as an elegant pavilion in the Cancer Survivor’s Garden, or a more relaxed lawn space and picnic grove.
360 Chicago
One of the best-known Chicago tourist attractions is also one of the best Chicago event venues. Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 Chicago offers dramatic views of Chi-Town through its floor-to-ceiling windows. It can host intimate social gatherings like small meetings with ten guests and up to 550 people for larger events.
The Museum of Science and Industry by the Lake Michigan
While conference centers are great for formal events like corporate meetings, what if you are looking for something more original for your holiday parties? Unique spaces like the Museum of Science and Industry are perfect for those who want to set an unforgettable event and can accommodate up to 12,000 people standing.
The Violet Hour
If you are looking for Chicago event venues to host sophisticated events like fashion shows or bridal showers, the Violet Hour, located in trendy Wicker Park, provides a refined and creative space. Inspired by the tumultuous Roaring 20s, the Violet Hour serves James-Beard award-winning cocktails in an unforgettable environment featuring candlelit tables, a sprawling marble bar, and heavy drapery. It is open every night from 6 pm to 2 am and makes for the perfect place for your guests to socialize and relax after lengthy board meetings. It can also host special events for up to 150 guests.
The Welles Park
If you are considering hosting your next event in a more relaxed environment, Welles Park, located in the heart of Lincoln Park, may be the perfect venue you have been looking for. With its wire-roof gazebo as the centerpiece, it is ideal for laid back wedding receptions and birthday parties. If your event includes families, they will appreciate the presence of a swimming pool, several sports fields, and a playground for the children to burn some energy while the adults socialize. As it is slightly off the beaten path, Welles Park is a great venue for those looking for peace and tranquility.
Shoreline Sightseeing Charter
If party venues on land are not meeting your criteria, take your guests out for a cruise in one of the best venues in Chicago, IL. The Shoreline Sightseeing Charter offers open-air, double-decker boats that can accommodate 75 to 175 passengers and offer an original private dining experience on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
LondonHouse
If you are considering an event space in Chicago, IL, with a fabulous rooftop deck, the London House is one of the best Chicago event venues with a view. Located in River North, the London House features 25,000 square feet of event space, including four private dining spaces and ten meeting rooms.
The Zhou B Art Center
There are plenty of cool venues in Chicago, IL, but this elegant art gallery certainly stands out. It provides the ideal blank canvas for corporate events thanks to the flexible open floorplan of the Moongate space, while the Spirit Space can be turned into a pre-function space with sliding doors.
The Willis Tower
Take your next corporate meeting to new heights in the tallest building in Chicago, IL. The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, may best be known for the Skydeck, a rooftop terrace with glass walls and flooring, as well as the Skydeck Ledge, a.k.a. several boxes standing on the side of the structure that makes you feel like you are walking on air while admiring some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, like the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and Michigan Ave. The Ledge can accommodate between 175 and 300 guests, depending on whether your event is seated or not.
The Greenhouse Loft
Located in Logan Square near Lake View East, the Greenhouse Loft offers 3,000 square feet of flexible event space flooded with natural light. Its flexible floorplan allows you to customize the space according to your needs, whether it is a private dining room or a cocktail party for 225 guests.
Ignite Glass Studios
Ignite Glass Studios rank high among unique Chicago venues. Located in the West Loop, it offers 9,000 square feet of space and is the best venue for special events like film screenings. The reviews speak for themselves as to the quality of the team committed to the success of your event.
The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago is a lavish venue and one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks, located in the Loop, south of River North. Inspired by Art Deco design with extravagant decorations and a monumental staircase, the main room has been completely renovated and can accommodate large crowds and performances.
Convene
Centrally located in the Loop, Convene offers a flexible workspace, such as meeting rooms with a stellar sound system and all the amenities you need for a successful session. Convene offers easy access to Chicago’s main attractions, such as the Field Museum, and accommodations for your guests.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect Chicago event center for your next corporate affair is no small feat, but we hope that this list of Chicago event spaces could put you on the right path. Chi-town offers a wide variety of spaces to accommodate events of all sizes and formality levels, from corporate meetings to whimsical urban wine country-inspired galas. Do not forget to include corporate event bus rentals to your to-do list so your guests can reach their lodgings easily. Please reach out for a personalized quote or more information on how to set up an event in Chicago.
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