Find Hackathon spaces to rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Chicago covers 60,000 hectares of land and is known around the world for its arts, history, sports and environmental sustainability. Some famous and successful people are from here including Walt Disney, Harrison Ford and Hillary Clinton. There are an estimated 86 million people per year who come to explore the numerous attractions, and with so many people coming in and out of the city, a Chicago hackathon space would thrive here.

This town received its name from the Algonquin words of “Chicagou” and “Shikaakwa” meaning “onion field” or “wild garlic”. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, and the first settler to arrive in Chicago, Jean Baptiste du Sable, was an African-American man from Haiti. The city grew quickly thanks to its key location on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, which allowed it to become a thriving commercial hub. It remained an important city in the US with a strong economy thanks to the development of the railways and aviation center.

Hackathon Space Options in Chicago

At hackathons, groups of software engineers and tech enthusiasts meet with the goal of creating new software or hardware. These are exciting but also demanding events that have certain requirements that must be met by the venue.

• Internet Access
  For a hackathon event, you will definitely need access to the internet. There will be lots of developers working together on a project, and you won’t want the internet to stop working or hold them back.
  
  
• Desks and Chairs
  As everyone will be working at their computers, desks and chairs are definitely needed at a hackathon. Make sure that you have enough space to fit everyone and their equipment comfortably in your venue.
  
  
• Screens and Technical Equipment
  To be extra prepared for your hackathon, make sure that you have all the technical equipment that the guests might need. This can include power bars, cables and monitors, among other things.

Hackathon Space Companies in Chicago

Setting up a hackathon with sufficient internet access, desks and chairs as well as other technical equipment can be a lot of work, but you don’t have to do it alone. The city is full of successful companies that can help you set up your Chicago hackathon space.

• Everywhere Wireless
  Everywhere Wireless is an internet provider in Chicago that has supplied reliable internet access to homes, businesses and temporary events all around the town. They can give you fast and secure WiFi so you and your guests can enjoy the hackathon without any setbacks.
  
  
• Office Furniture Center
  At the Office Furniture Center, you can find several selections of desks and chairs either to buy or rent. The professionals at this company can help you plan your event and design the area to maximize your space. As well, they can deliver and install everything for you if needed.
  
  
• Hartford Technology Rentals
  Founded in 1991, Hartford Technology Rentals is a local business that has everything tech-related that you will need for your event. From audiovisual equipment like monitors and projectors to computer gear like cables and charging stations, you will be well prepared for your hackathon space in Chicago.

Pros and Cons of Hackathon Spaces in Chicago

When you are holding a hackathon event, you’ll need to make sure that the space and the city suit all of your needs. Keep reading to see if Chicago is the right place for you.

Advantages

• Easily accessible
  The city of Chicago is a well-known transportation hub that is easy to get to through the O’Hare International Airport. Since it is a major airport, most flights go directly to and from here which will make it easy for people from far away to reach your Chicago hackathon space, and it is great if you love to travel as well.
  
  
• A center for trade and commerce
  Chicago is ranked as the ninth richest city and is the headquarters for many Fortune 500 companies. It has been a top business center in the United States for most of its time since being founded and will be a good location to host a successful hackathon.
  
  
• Culture
  There are a lot of activities to explore in Chicago with more than 100 museums, several conservatories and zoos, many dance and performing arts centers as well as hundreds of festivals. This city has a diverse and prominent culture that stands out in its variety of pastimes, so if you have some extra time after your event be sure to explore the city.

Disadvantages

• Crime
  Some of Chicago’s neighborhoods can be more violent than others with gang activity and gun violence happening daily. Unemployment and inequity are some of the causes for the crime, which are also downsides of the town. Depending on where you choose your hackathon space in Chicago, consider providing security to protect the people and equipment inside.
  
  
• Expensive
  When you are thinking of hosting an event in Chicago, you’ll want to make a budget plan in order to afford everything. You will have to pay more here than you would in some other areas, as the cost of living averages at 20% higher compared to the rest of the nation.
  
  
• Traffic
  With the 3rd worst ranked traffic in all US cities and 7th worst compared to the rest of the world, Chicago can be a difficult place to get around. This is understandable as the city is so big and highly populated, but keep in mind that you might have trouble getting places by car.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Millennium Park
  Millennium Park is part of the much larger Grant Park found in the downtown area of Chicago. The park’s main attraction is Cloud Gate, a 110-ton steel sculpture inspired by liquid mercury that reflects the sky and its surroundings. At this park, you can also find a garden and concert venue, but above all else, it is just a beautiful area to spend some time outside.
  
  
• Museum of Science and Industry
  Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is found on the northern end of Jackson Park. It was first established in 1933 and is said to be the city’s most impressive museum. Here you can learn about industrial development and technology, and how natural laws apply to them. It is also one of the first US museums to incorporate “hands on” exhibits that get the visitors involved and interacting with the displays.
  
  
• Buckingham Fountain
  The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain was donated from the family to Chicago in 1927 and is still one of the biggest fountains in the world today. The cascading water display follows an Art Deco style and is meant to represent Lake Michigan and its four surrounding states. The fountain puts on a show every hour using 15,000 gallons of water per minute and is accompanied by lights after dark.