About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city full of culture and history. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third most populous city in the United States and home to over 2.7 million people. The Windy City is known for its unique skyline, bustling downtown area, iconic sports teams, diverse neighborhoods, and world-renowned museums and theaters.
When it comes to meeting spaces, Chicago has plenty to offer. From small boardrooms to massive conference centers, Chicago offers a selection of business venues. These locations are perfect for conferences, seminars, and other corporate events. Whether you need a space for just a few dozen people or several thousand, there's something in Chicago that can accommodate your needs.
Meeting venues come equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment so that your event can run without a hitch, no matter what size it is. And if you don't necessarily need a massive space for your event, there are also plenty of smaller rooms that can be customized for whatever size gathering you're hosting.
Large Meeting Options in Chicago
- Catering
Catering services in Chicago deliver delicious meals for large groups. Lists of expert caterers offer various menu options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes and selections of cuisines from around the world. These culinary businesses also accommodate personalized requests and offer everything from buffet-style to seated dining options.
- Furniture Rentals
Furniture rental companies in Chicago carry a range of inventory to furnish large meetings and other functions. From folding chairs to banquet tables, these rental businesses supply everything you need to set up your space quickly and efficiently. Most also offer delivery and setup services.
- Flowers
Chicago’s Florists specialize in creating beautiful arrangements for large meetings and social occasions. They accommodate custom requests to curate arrangements and floral designs that include everything from traditional roses to exotic orchids.
- Office Supplies
Office supply stores in Chicago are well-stocked with everything you need to run a large meeting. This includes pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, staplers, and folders. Several of these stores also carry presentation materials such as whiteboards and flip charts and provide branding services.
Large Meeting Vendors in Chicago
- Flowers For Dreams
Flowers for Dreams is a floral business that goes above and beyond to curate and deliver beautiful arrangements. This small, family-owned business is dedicated to providing high-quality, fresh-cut blooms, with same-day delivery available in Chicago and outside Illinois. But that's not all - every arrangement made by Flowers for Dreams supports a worthwhile local charity. So not only will you be getting gorgeous flowers, but you'll also be helping to make a difference in the community.
- Boutique Bites
In 2008, Elaina Vazquez had a vision. She saw an opportunity to create something unique: a catering and event-planning business combining sophisticated cuisine with stunning presentations. And so Boutique Bites was born. Since then, they've produced diverse events around Chicago, from black tie dinners at swanky city locations to tented weddings and multi-day corporate conventions. They manage every event from beginning to end, including supplying rentals, setup, staffing, and execution.
- Wrap-it-Up Parties
Wrap It Up understands that planning any type of event is quite a demanding process. They step in to offer full-service planning with a personalized approach to actualize your vision. The team's ultimate goal is to help you swap the stress and instead, focus on soaking up the fun.
Pros and Cons of Large Meeting Spaces in Chicago
If you're planning on hosting a large meeting, Chicago has lists of caterers, furniture rental companies, florists, and office supply stores at your disposal. Of course, no city is perfect—here are some pros and cons of hosting large meetings in the Windy City:
Advantages
- A sports lover’s parades, Chi-Town is an ideal setting for any athletic function or a high-powered business meeting focused on that industry.
- The Chicago O'Hare International Airport opens the city up to guests from all over the country and beyond.
- With 77 colorful neighborhoods, Chicago presents an endless list of suitable large meeting venues.
Disadvantages
- Chicago winters are often bone-chilling and extremely windy. There are lists of large meeting venues in Chicago that adequately address the seasonal changes.
- Traffic is a major issue in the city, and it helps to choose a large meeting location that is easily accessible.
- Parking is yet another challenge in Chicago, and you should prioritize this aspect when searching for a large meeting space.
Tips on How to Organize Large Meetings in Chicago
Organizing a large meeting in Chicago requires attention to detail but with these tips, you'll be sure to have your event go off without a hitch!
- Consider the room layout and how you want your guests to move around the space: Will there be any breakout sessions? If so, ensure you have enough room for everyone and the equipment needed.
- Have a catering plan: Will you serve a sit-down meal or light refreshments? Have enough tables and chairs for everyone, and let your catering staff know in advance where they should set up.
- Set the atmosphere: Symbolic Chicago is full of unique venues that will give your event that extra je ne sais quoi. Still, you want to set up the space in a way that reflects
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago is one of the most iconic department stores in the city. Founded in 1902, it was initially located on State Street. In time, Saks Fifth Avenue became synonymous with luxury and high-end fashion. Today, the store occupies a prime location on Michigan Avenue and continues to be a destination for discerning shoppers. While the selection of merchandise has changed over the years, the store still offers an unparalleled shopping experience. Whether you're looking for designer clothes, cosmetics, or home furnishings, Saks Fifth Avenue is sure to have what you want.
- Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Rhona Hoffman Gallery is devoted to international contemporary art in all its forms. They love socio-political artwork and frequently exhibit pieces by young up-and-comers and more established artists. It first opened its doors in 1976 under the name Young Hoffman Gallery but recently relocated from the West Loop (a home for many years) to a growing gallery district in West Town. The new space for Rhona Hoffman Gallery has allowed it to display more extensive installations and artworks that wouldn't have been possible in its old location.
- River West/West Town
River West is a neighborhood on the rise. Once an industrial area, it is now home to a creative and diverse mix of businesses and residents. The area's main drag, Milwaukee Avenue, is lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also the perfect location to sample Chi-town’s nightlife, with several popular bars and clubs lining up the neighborhood. And if you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, River West also has plenty of green space, including the 606 Trail and Eckhart Park.
