About Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, is the third-largest city in the United States with a population of nearly 3 million people. It is also known as the American railroad capital and has the most significantly connected stations. Historically, Chicago has contributed to the country's political, economic, and cultural advancement. The people's resilience shines through since Chicago bounced back from the Great Fire of 1871 and rebuilt with a focused approach on public programs, better housing facilities, and administration. It is still a hub for commerce, learning, broadcasting, and manufacturing.
It is also home to some of the best food, theatres, music, educational institutes, and museums. Located along Lake Michigan, Chicago is a great city to live in and has numerous parks, gardens, diverse food options, and a multicultural environment. Chicago is a center for businesses and huge multinationals, and so is a fantastic place to host expos.
Expo Space Options in Chicago
Professional businesses are skilled at helping with food, décor, equipment, seating, and stalls set up to make the expo space in Chicago a success.
- Event Planners
Proper planning is crucial to the success of any significant event, including festivals, meetings, conferences, and expos. Chicago's professional event planners excel at managing large and small expos over several days. Hiring an event management company helps reduce stress, makes things look great, and saves money in the long term.
- Photography
Photographing the expo space in Chicago will give the event credibility, much-needed marketing material, and excellent context for any future trade shows and expos. Professional event photographers can capture the essence of the expo to promote businesses, get future sponsorships, and deliver results to clients and stakeholders.
- Equipment Rentals
Equipment rental companies from Chicago can help provide all the necessary furniture, linen, chairs, and other necessities to ensure that the expo is a hit. These experts help with the equipment setup and disassemble everything at the end. Hiring an equipment rental company also helps reduce the cost of purchasing everything from scratch.
Expo Space Companies in Chicago
Once the Chicago expo space is finalized, it is time to select the experts who will bring it all together.
- Impact 365
Impact 365 is an 18-year events and marketing planning company with a customer-centric, focused approach that puts expos, festivals and events at the forefront of each small and large project. Their five-star service includes full-scale marketing planning and coordination, creative design, vendor management, sponsorship sourcing, and event technologies. They were also awarded the 2021 Best of Chicago Award in the Local Business category.
- Joe U Photo
Joe from Joe U Photo is an ace photographer and works exclusively in the Greater Chicago area. Joe is excellent at capturing the essence of exciting moments at corporate events, private parties, special events, trade shows, branded events, exhibitions, and expos. The photographs are classy, stylish, and extremely high-quality.
- Tablescapes Event Rentals
Tablescapes Event Rentals is a premium rental business from Chicago that focuses on chairs, tables, linen, chargers, coffee and tea service, décor, dinnerware, bar services, glassware, furniture, full-service staff, and other event essentials. They also offer comprehensive packages with competitive rates for small and large events.
Pros and Cons of Expo Spaces in Chicago
Chicago is a fabulous place but is known to have highly frigid winters. It is best to know the pros and cons of the city before planning an expo here.
Advantages
- Sports culture
Chicago is home to 15 sports teams and has been named the Best Sports City in the US three times. It is home to Chicago Bulls (National Basketball Association – NBA), Chicago Bears (National Football League), and Chicago Rush (Arena Football League). Chicago has two ice hockey teams and a major league soccer team.
- Excellent food
Planning a food option for your Chicago expert space won’t be a problem. Chicago is famous for everything from pizza to barbecue and hotdogs. It also has several Michelin-starred restaurants, fabulous food truck spots, and iconic, news-worthy restaurants.
- Multiple parks
Chicago has excellent parks and outdoor and natural areas, and most residents prefer cycling or walking. This city has more than 500 parks. Popular ones are Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, Horner Park, Medill Park, and Oz Park.
Disadvantages
- Crime rate
Some neighborhoods in Chicago are less safe than others. Is known to have street gangs so be sure to know the neighborhood’s reputation as you book.
- Pollution
The air in Chicago is considered highly unsafe, and heavy industrialization and traffic are the two leading causes. The city also struggled with water pollution, but since 2015 has started treating the sewage water before dumping it into the Chicago River.
- Parking
Parking is tough to find in Chicago. It is best to reserve a spot with an online parking provider than rely on public parking lots and garages. On-street parking is also extremely high priced.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a part of Grant Park and is situated in downtown Chicago. It is famous for the Cloud Gate – a 110-ton sculpture made of mirror-like, super-polished stainless steel that looks like mercury. It reflects the sidewalks, buildings, skies, surroundings, and tourists walking by! Near Cloud Gate is the Crown Fountain. This fountain is a modern take on the mythical gargoyles and has the appearance of water flowing through the mouths of (imaginary) Chicago citizens.
- Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry was founded in 1933 and is located at the northern end of Jackson Park. This museum is considered one of the most impressive ones in Chicago and is wholly dedicated to natural laws. The fields of disciplines are industrial and technological development. Some even believe that this was the first museum in America with a 'hands-on' exhibit. It also has the famous OMNIMAX Theatre and several rotational and permanent displays.
- Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is located in downtown Chicago and has countless aquatic creatures from just off-shore. There are also exhibits covering the other underwater regions of the world. Visitors with children are encouraged to check out the Polar Play Zone so kids can dress up as their favorite animal, go for a trip in a toy submarine (make-believe), and touch and feel sea stars. The Shedd Aquarium also homes a humongous stingray touch tank for the thrill-seekers.