Chicago

Why Chicago for Your Next Meeting or Event?

Paired with a beautiful skyline and an exciting urban setting, Chicago is a perfect fit for any event with its large selection of hotels, convention facilities and event venues spread throughout. Home to McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the nation, the city can handle large-scale events, while downtown hotels and venues offer options for smaller meetings, receptions and group events.

There’s also plenty to do once the meeting ends in this iconic location. Groups can take in the city’s architecture, spend time along the lakefront, visit its museums, catch a game at one of the iconic stadiums, and explore Chicago’s food and music scenes. With many of these experiences close to downtown, planners can build full itineraries with all Chicago has to offer.

Source a Chicago Hotel

Transportation in and Around the Area

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and is a massive global hub with many international and domestic flights.
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago and is the largest base for Southwest Airlines. The Orange Line service from Midway to downtown takes about 25 minutes.
• ‘L’ Trains: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates eight ‘L’ train lines. The color-coded system serves 145 rail stations all over town. The Blue Line connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport to downtown, and the Red Line, connects the city’s North and South Sides via downtown, both operate 24/7.
• CTA Buses: With 127 bus routes, CTA is the nation’s second-largest public transportation system. Routes run throughout the city, with stops every few blocks.
• Metra trains: The Metra commuter rail train system connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago. Its 11 routes cover more than 200 stations and 3,700 square miles.
• Shuttles and car services: You can book airport shuttles and private car services in Chicago through GO Airport Express or SuperShuttle Chicago.

Convention Center

Chicago is home to the largest convention center in the nation. McCormick Place offers millions of square feet of event space through four connected buildings, hosting hundreds of events each year. However, the city has hundreds of meeting spaces and more than 170 meeting hotels in addition to the convention center.  

Meeting Hotels

• Hyatt Regency Chicago: On the Chicago River, the hotel has 2,032 guest rooms and 240,000 square feet of meeting space across 80 meeting rooms, including a 70,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
• Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk: Featuring 43 meeting rooms and 125,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The property is on the Chicago River and within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile and the lakefront.
• Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel: The historic property offers 77 meeting rooms and 130,000 square feet of meeting space in the Loop. Its largest space accommodates up to 1,653 reception-style guests, while the hotel can host events of up to 2,000 people.
• Marriott Marquis Chicago: Connected to McCormick Place, the Marriott Marquis Chicago has 1,205 rooms and nearly 100,000 square feet of meeting space.
• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: Near Millennium Park, the 334-room property offers 15 meeting rooms and 28,623 square feet of meeting space.
• Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center: Overlooking Grant Park on South Michigan Ave., with more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, the 871-room hotel accommodates groups ranging from small meetings to large events.
• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: Connected to McCormick Place, the Hyatt offers 1,258 rooms and 57,000 square feet of flexible event space across five venues.

Venues

• Convene Willis Tower: This conference space occupies 90,000 square feet inside the Chicago’s tallest skyscraper, with flexible meeting rooms, breakout spaces and private outdoor terraces.
• Gleacher Center: The University of Chicago Booth School of Business's downtown conference center features executive spaces and conference facilities on the Chicago River.
• Summit Chicago: This dedicated conference and training center on Michigan Avenue features 20 meeting rooms and built-in meeting technology.
• Wintrust Arena: The 10,000-seat multipurpose venue on the McCormick Place campus can work for large-scale events beyond traditional meetings.

Arts and Culture

Check out Chicago's many art museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the National Museum of Mexican Art.

See the city from the water on an architecture-focused river cruise. The Chicago Architecture Center's cruise combines skyline views with commentary on the city's architecture and history.

Catch a Broadway production, a concert, a comedy show or another performance at one of Chicago’s many theaters and live stages. Options include the historic Chicago Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Second City.

Chicago Staples

Take the group to Wrigley Field for a Chicago Cubs game, or arrange a behind-the-scenes stadium experience. Groups also can combine a visit with an event using the Gallagher Way next door.

Take a group stroll through Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Lurie Garden. Groups also can arrange guided tours of the park and garden.

Head to Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, for panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. Groups can step onto the Ledge, a series of glass boxes extending from the building's west facade.

Spend an Afternoon at Navy Pier, combining lakefront views with attractions, dining and entertainment. Groups can ride the Centennial Wheel, visit the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, take a boat cruise, and explore the pier's restaurants and shops.

Take the Water Taxi to see Chicago while traveling between downtown, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus and other major stops along the river and lakefront.

Unique Tours:

Put together a food-focused outing featuring such Chicago staples as deep-dish pizza, or book a culinary team-building experience. Chicago Dine-Around offers hands-on cooking and dining programs for groups of 10 to 250 people.

See Chicago through the film lens on a guided movie-location tour, featuring sites from such Windy City sets as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Untouchables.” Private tours are available for groups and can be tailored around specific films or locations.