About Chicago
Chicago, Illinois is the largest city in the north-central state. Known for its commercial opportunity, bold architecture, and fabulous art scene, Chicago is a unique place with something for everyone. The climate in Chicago is continental, with distinct seasons and frequent fluctuations - making it frigid in the winter but mildly hot in the summer. Chicago’s landscape is a mix of cityscape, lakeside views, and natural settings - with everything from skyscrapers to parks and many other attractions within the city.
Because of its abundant commerce, many appealing destinations, and vast opportunity, Chicago is a popular place to host events, especially corporate parties. In fact, many companies call Chicago home and the city hosts thousands of corporate events and corporate parties every year.
- Interesting Fact: There are more than 13 thousand bike racks in the city of Chicago.
Corporate Party Options in Chicago
Chicago is home to many venues and vendors to choose from when planning your corporate party. You can select from a variety of services to design your perfect Chicago event.
- Catering:
Need the perfect fare to complement the party fun? Chicago has you covered. From homestyle meals to sprawling buffets, you can trust a Chicago caterer or food service company to provide the sustenance for your event.
- Photography:
Photography is a great way to commemorate your party. Make the memory last forever with a fun photo booth, candid shots of the group, and stylized pics of the party’s decor and food. For all your photography needs, trust a Chicago professional to deliver.
- Decor:
Decor is a party essential. Keep your event’s theme on point with professional decorating services from Chicago’s finest. You can hire a professional to curate centerpieces and art, create balloon accent pieces, and design flower arrangements for the ideal party aesthetic.
- Equipment rental:
You’ll need certain equipment at your corporate party for the event to function. Maybe rent a karaoke machine, projector systems, audio equipment- whatever will keep the party going. Chicago is home to many equipment rental companies that can provide everything you need for your corporate event.
- Transportation:
Chicago is home to an international airport and comprehensive public transportation systems perfect to get to and around the city. You can rest assured that no guest will find it too difficult to access the city or your event.
- Entertainment:
Consider enlisting entertainment for your Chicago corporate party. From dancers to live music, a professional party entertainer is sure to keep the fun going all night long. There are many local bands and dance studios in Chicago to choose from when picking entertainment for your event.
Party Planning Companies in Chicago
Chicago has many options to choose from in terms of party and event planners. From events big to small, of any style, you can find the perfect planner in Chicago.
- Liven It Up Events:
This full-service wedding and event planning company specializes in corporate events, and have worked with well-known clients include Costco, Facebook, and Allstate.
- Lola Event Productions:
This highly trained creative team of expert event planners has over 70 years of combined experience, and specialize in planning and producing stylish and fun corporate events of all sizes.
- Lili Marie Parties:
Offering multiple packages according to your party’s needs, Lili Marie Parties has five years experience in party planning and can help with things like catering and decor.
Pros and Cons of Corporate Parties in Chicago
Chicago is a unique and vibrant city filled with things to do and places to see. There are many reasons to book a corporate party there. However, there are also disadvantages to planning events in Chicago.
Advantages:
- Commerce:
The commercial feel of Chicago sets up the ideal atmosphere for a corporate party.
- Opportunity:
There are plenty of options from venue to vendor selection in Chicago for your corporate party.
- Attractions:
Chicago is home to hundreds of fun attractions and places to visit while in the city.
- Culture:
The Windy City has a unique culture found in its people, places, and plazas.
- Transportation:
The public transit systems in place in Chicago as well as the city’s international airport make it easy to navigate.
Disadvantages:
- Winter weather:
In the winter months, Chicago often experiences lots of snowfall, which can hinder travel and transit throughout the city.
- Popularity:
Chicago is a highly popular place to book events, making it difficult to book during prime seasons.
- Cost:
It can get expensive to book events in Chicago.
- Crime:
There is crime in the city, in certain areas more than others.
- Traffic:
Like any large city, Chicago has traffic to work through.
Famous Corporate Party Locations in Chicago
There are many fun locations to visit while in Chicago. From parks, to piers, to towering skyscrapers, you can certainly find something to enjoy while you're here. Check out the following locations to take pre-event photos, explore the city, or to draw inspiration for your corporate party.
- Willis Tower:
Known for the amazing view off of the tower’s “SkyDeck,” Willis Tower is a must-visit when in Chicago. It once held the title of the world’s tallest office building at 110 stories. From the decks, you can see over 40 acres of the city below.
- Millenium Park:
Home of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean,” this industrial park is one of the most well-known spots in Chicago. It’s a great place to start when visiting the city, as you can see the towering buildings up close and take pre-party photos with the group.
- Navy Pier:
Originally opened as an amusement park and shipping area, Navy Pier is now among Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. It is made up of 50 acres of gardens, restaurants, and concert venues. For a lakeside view at your corporate party, book at a contemporary log cabin lake house.
