About Chicago
Chicago is a city that sparks fascinating discussions based on historical tidbits and all the interesting things the Windy City has to offer. From inventing the Ferris wheel and Twinkies to reversing the flow of the Chicago River; Chicago will pleasantly surprise you with all of its accomplishments.
Chicago provided the stage for the first televised presidential debate in 1960 when the then Vice President Richard Nixon faced off with Senator John F. Kennedy. Speaking of firsts, the establishment of the Adler Planetarium in 1930 made the city the first in the western hemisphere to open a planetarium. The city also made history with the construction of the first skyscraper in the world in 1885 which is none other than the Home Insurance Building.
A city that serves as a conversation piece is the best place to host a discourse-inclined event. That's why you should consider booking a discussion venue in Chicago for your upcoming function.
Discussion Venue Options in Chicago
Maybe you are organizing your first roundtable discussion or planning a panel discussion for a festival or TV show pilot. In either case, you'll need to bring together various elements and the process is easier if you team up with the local professionals.
- Moderator/MC
A moderator or MC can guide the flow of the discussion and steer the conversation in the right direction. It helps to have a professional take the lead, and it should be a recognized figure who has a wealth of industry knowledge.
- Speakers/panelists
Whether it's a round table discussion, panel discussion, or town hall meeting; there are always speakers or panelists taking part in the discourse. Get at least three industry experts who offer divergent views about the topic at hand.
- Videography
It's always a good idea to record any business-related discussion or a large-scale discourse. You can also live-stream the event and share it on a variety of platforms to reach a larger audience.
- Transcription
On top of recording the function, you'll want to have the discussion transcribed and converted to marketing content. You can use the transcriptions as blog content or use it alongside videos from the occasion to support marketing efforts.
- Social Media Manager
Social media has proven to be an effective marketing tool. You can in turn use it to allow a larger audience to participate in the discussion or to continue the discussion after the function. It helps to have a social media marketer handling the process.
Discussion Venue Companies in Chicago
Discussions feature several figures who come together to share varied perspectives about a given topic. There's usually an audience present who simply observes or asks questions. The seemingly simple function can sometimes prove challenging to put together, but the local experts can help with the process.
- Total Event Resources
Total Event Resources lives up to its name by offering design, production, and analytical services. They also handle logistics, event marketing, on-site staff management, and vendor coordination services.
- K3 Video Production
This full-service video production company serves corporate clients in Chicago and across the globe. They also offer professional photography services and have experience coming up with a range of video productions. They can work on commercials, animations, and documentaries.
- Accelerated Digital Media
Accelerated Digital Media (ADM) helps clients attain tactful and sustainable growth by employing arrays of digital media strategies. Whether you need help driving traffic to your site through SEO or coming up with social media ad campaigns that convert, this company can assist.
Pros and Cons of Discussion Venues in Chicago
The city that is a conversation piece in itself is the ideal place to host any type of discussion. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages that could potentially guide your thought process when looking for a discussion venue in Chicago.
Advantages
- Chicago is truly a multicultural city
Chicago is an ethnically diverse and tolerant city. The accommodating and inclusive environment makes it an ideal place to hold meaningful discussions about diverse topics.
- Shops operate 24/7
Nightlife in Chicago means shopping and you can buy groceries even at 3 a.m. because most establishments operate 24/7. It gives you the needed flexibility when organizing a time-pegged discussion event that's equally time-consuming to plan.
- Home rental is affordable
If your discussion is tied to a multi-day event then participants won't have to worry too much about the cost of accommodation. The cost of housing in Chicago is surprisingly affordable whether you are buying or renting.
- Chicago is very walkable
Besides having a reliable public transit system, Chicago is a very walkable city. The participants of your discussion event have several options to navigate the city including bike-sharing through Divvy.
- The friendly locals
Chicagoans are known for their down-to-earth and genuinely friendly nature. They are the precise crowd you'd want to attend an open admission discussion event.
Disadvantages
- It's an expensive city
Have a decent budget for your discussion event because Chicago isn't an affordable city. You'll spend the most on food, utilities, and transportation.
- Traffic
During rush hour, regular trips take three times longer. It's something worth having in mind when coming up with an agenda for your discussion event.
- Parking
Go for a discussion venue with on-site parking or make arrangements to provide it. Chicago has a terrible parking issue and you don't want it to dampen everyone's experience.
- Violent crime
Chicago has a long history of mobs and violent crimes. It's important to have proper security measures around your event and sensitize participants to be vigilant as they would anywhere else.
- Bone-chilling winters
Chicago winters are grey, snow-filled, and marked by heavy winds. Look for a venue with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Field Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1893, the Field Museum of Natural History was formerly known as the Columbian Museum of Chicago. The museum aimed at showcasing collections gathered from the World Columbian Exposition but changed its name in 1905 in honor of Marshall Field.
- The Magnificent Mile
A section of Michigan Avenue known as The Magnificent Mile is where you'll find luxury shops, galleries, and boutiques. It's also where the John Hancock Center, Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building are located.
- Lincoln Park
Along Lake Michigan's edge, you'll find Lincoln Park stretching over six miles. The green space houses other attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Chicago History Museum.