About Chicago
Chicago has grown more than 100 times its size from a small trading post on the Chicago River to one of the country’s largest cities. It was founded by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian who began a settlement in the 1780s. Today, the city is more than 234 square miles with approximately 2,746,400 residents.
Choosing Chicago as a brainstorm space is very smart as you can find plenty of great places to have a session. From huge lofts with amazing views of the city to generous retreats in the countryside, Chicago has a lot of spots to get your creative juices flowing. No matter how many people you have.
Interesting Fact: Chicago had the very first television station to be completely color. In 1956, WMAQ NBC 5 started broadcasting in full color on April 15th.
Brainstorm Space Options in Chicago
Creating a brainstorm space in Chicago is not that difficult but there are some things you do not want to forget. For example, you will need plenty of seating and tables for groups to collaborate and it would be great to have a sound system, lighting, and setups. High-speed Wi-Fi is essential too. But don’t forget about food and drinks.
- Furniture
The setting for a brainstorming session should encourage people to mix and mingle to join forces on different ideas. Big comfy couches with ottomans and good lighting as well as standing height tables and stools are great choices to encourage guests to move around.
- Equipment
Besides plenty of pens, paper, and sticky notes, you are going to need projectors, screens, a good sound system, whiteboards, and flipcharts. And don’t forget about the iPads, laptops, and the charging stations to keep them going.
- Food and Drinks
You cannot be creative on an empty stomach so make sure you plan on having plenty of food and drinks for the crowd. You may want to steer clear of adult beverages until after the session is over though.
Brainstorm Space Companies in Chicago
Chicago is the perfect brainstorm space with all of the high-quality event vendors to help you prepare.
- Blue Plate
This company has won over 24 awards in the 35+ years since opening so you know the food has to be great. What began with a small barbecue grill and a van is now a well-known catering company in the greater Chicago area. And with an 18-page menu, you should be able to find the perfect spread for your brainstorm space in Chicago.
- House of Rental
Since 1969, this company has been in business and has a stellar reputation to show for it. Tables, chairs, linens, and even bounce houses, the House of Rental has everything you need and then some. If you are planning an outdoor space, this place also has tents, canopies, and outdoor furniture.
- AV Chicago
AV Chicago has been the city’s leading provider of audio-visual equipment and event services since 1990 with everything you need for your brainstorm space in Chicago. Staging, lighting, video, and audio setups are all available as well as camera equipment, rigging, drapes, and podiums.
Pros and Cons of Brainstorm Spaces in Chicago
Check out the advantages and disadvantages of a brainstorm space in Chicago before signing any contracts or packing your bags. Here are some we think are important.
Advantages
- Natural spaces
Chicago has over 550 parks covering over 8% of the city’s land. From the small 25-acre Millennium Park to the huge 1,200-acre Lincoln Park, there is a plethora of green space in this fabulous city.
- Lots of entertainment
Besides parks, Chicago is also packed with fantastic clubs, bars, and other fun places to enjoy.
- Fantastic food
Try the Chicago deep-dish pizza or the Italian beef sandwich while you are in the city. Or go eat at one of the 24 Michelin-starred restaurants for a meal you will never forget.
Disadvantages
- Winters are cold
If you do not like cold weather and snow, don’t plan your brainstorm session in Chicago during the winter. With an average of 36 inches of snow and temperatures below freezing, you will need your long johns and snow boots.
- Traffic jams
No matter where you go or what time you head out, you always seem to run into a traffic jam in Chicago. It may have something to do with the huge population and close to 60 million tourists.
- Expensive
One thing to remember is that Chicago is very expensive. Whether you are buying a bottle of water or renting a car, you will pay more in Chicago than in many comparable cities.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Brookfield Zoo
Also known as Chicago Zoological Park, the 216-acre zoo boasts 450 species including more than 2,300 animals. It was one of the first zoos in the world to use ditches and moats instead of cages to house their animals. It was also the first one with giant pandas and a fully indoor dolphin exhibit and rainforest simulation. This is a fantastic place to get those brainstorming wheels turning.
- Field Museum
This history museum was established in 1894 and is one of the largest in the world featuring more than 24 million specimens. Some of its most popular exhibits include the Underground Adventure to see what is under your feet, Ancient Egypt with 5,000-year-old hieroglyphs, and the Animal Halls including several man-eating lions.
- Skydeck Chicago
If you want to see the whole city as well as four other states from more than 1,350 feet in the air, take a break from brainstorming and head to Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower. If you are not afraid of heights, step out onto The Ledge where you are able to see everything including underneath your feet where the floor is glass too.
