Find Modern Conference venues to rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Chicago is a large city located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its cold winters, hot summers, and many lakes and parks. Chicago is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, theaters, and music venues.

The city is an important center of commerce and industry and is home to some major corporations. Some of the top companies headquartered here include Boeing, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and McDonald’s Corporation. It is diverse, world-class, and innovative, so it’s no surprise that millions of people come here to visit, have fun, meet, and work.

Chicago is a popular destination for meetings and events due to its central location and wide range of conference venues. Modern conference venues in Chicago offer a variety of amenities and services that can make any occasion successful. From state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment to on-site catering, Chicago's conference venues have everything you need to succeed in your next event.

Modern Conference Options in Chicago

• Audio/visual equipment
  Audio/visual rental companies provide media solutions for diverse events. From projectors and screens to sound systems and microphones, they supply what is needed to make your presentation or speech a success.
  
  
• Videography and Photography
  It is essential to document your conference in Chicago or Live-stream the function to reach a wider audience. Chicago’s videographers and photographers specialize in providing event coverage services.
  
  
• Caterers
  Caterers in Chicago offer selections of menu options, from corporate breakfast buffets to gourmet dinner menus. The culinary experts will adapt to your specific needs while taking into account dietary preferences and restrictions by providing gluten-free and vegan options.
  
  
• Branding
  The conference space should reflect the theme or purpose of your event. Chicago’s branding businesses can supply everything you need, including roll-up banners, retractable banners, and back wall displays.

Modern Conference Vendors in Chicago

• GMarket Chef
  Whether you are planning a corporate event or a private dinner party, Gmarket Chef is the perfect choice for your catering needs. With a wide variety of menu options and a commitment to quality, they always set out to exceed expectations. Frank Kwiatkowski, a Chicago personal chef with a passion for food established the food business in 2016. Their services also include the provision of a personal chef, meal delivery, and corporate chef services.
  
  
• AV Chicago
  For 35 years, AV Chicago has provided high-quality event production and equipment rental services to clients throughout the city. Their experienced staff understands the importance of staying within budget and works closely with clients to ensure that their vision is executed flawlessly. You can easily pick up your rental from their office, or have them deliver it right to you.
  
  
• Benjamin Foote Cinema & Photography
  Whether you're looking for a wedding videographer or someone to produce a commercial, Benjamin Foote CP has the experience and skill to deliver high-quality media. They understand that not everyone has an unlimited budget, so they strive to give customers professional services without breaking the bank. In addition to weddings and commercials, they also offer work on music videos, portraits, and event videography.

Pros and Cons of Modern Conferences in Chicago

Chicago is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States, not to mention the world. It is home to some of the most prestigious universities and business establishments, making it an ideal spot for modern conferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of attending a modern conference in Chicago:

Advantages

• Modern conferences in Chicago offer unparalleled access to industry leaders and thought-provoking speakers.
  
  
• The city is full of culture and activities, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy fine dining or explore local art galleries, you won’t run out of things to do while attending a conference in Chicago.
  
  
• Many world-class hotels are available at all price points, giving attendees various accommodation choices depending on their budget.
  
  
• Chicago is known for offering great deals on flights from many major cities across North America. You won’t have to pay for an arm and a leg to attend your chosen conference.

Disadvantages

• As a bustling urban hub with millions of tourists every year, Chicago can become crowded during peak times such as summer and holidays.
  
  
• Those who don’t know their way around may find themselves lost when walking around downtown areas or navigating more prominent attractions like Navy Pier.
  
  
• While plenty of beautiful restaurants are scattered throughout the city, they can be expensive. It may be more cost-effective for visitors to purchase food items before they arrive or prepare meals in their hotel room if possible.
  
  
• Although driving your car in Chicago brings convenience, it can quickly become a liability if you’re meeting in a venue that requires paid parking.

Tips on How to Organize Modern Conferences in Chicago

From sourcing vendors and attractions to finding available space, a lot of planning goes into successfully hosting an event. However, with the proper research and structure, you can easily execute a successful conference in one of America’s biggest cities. Here are some tips on how to organize modern conferences in Chicago:

• Plan ahead: Start researching early, book venues around 8-10 months prior, and give yourself enough time to make informed decisions regarding vendors and attractions.
  
  
• Choose the right venue: When selecting a venue for your conference, consider features like access to public transport, seating capacity, availability of audio/visual equipment, and other amenities offered.
  
  
• Secure vendors in advance: Be sure to ask about any discounts available for booking and inquire about liability insurance requirements for vendors working with you onsite.
  
  
• Consider entertainment options: Entertainment is essential when planning an event, so take the time to source local bands or comedians that can add value to your delegates' experience.
  
  
• Use local resources in your planning: Take advantage of local resources like the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, which provides free online resources for businesses looking to host events in the city, such as webinars and networking opportunities with other planners across industries.
  
  
• Pick a theme: Choosing a unique theme for your event makes it easier for attendees to identify its purpose, which will help boost ticket sales and engagement rates during the event itself. Consider creating custom logos or branding designs that capture what makes your event stand out from similar ones in the city at that time.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Cobb Lecture Hall
  Cobb Lecture Hall is one of the University of Chicago's most iconic buildings. It is hard to miss, with its splendid Gothic architecture and towering spires. The building serves as a chapel, recitation hall, and classroom building, and it also houses offices for faculty and staff members. Daniel Burnham, a well-known architect, designed the Cobb Lecture Hall, which was completed in 1892. It served as the university's main auditorium until it underwent several renovations. Now, the building houses the university's philosophy department. Even though Cobb Lecture Hall is quite old, it is still an impressive and functional space with charming architectural details that students and visitors enjoy seeing up close.
  
  
• Crilly Court
  Crilly Court is a hidden gem in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. The small, gated court is lined with Victorian-style homes, each with its unique character. Constructed in 1885 by real-estate developer Daniel Crilly, the houses feature turrets, bay windows, and other ornate details that give the street a unique charm. The court is often used as a filming location and has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Crilly Court is also home to various businesses, including a bakery, a florist, and a bike shop.
  
  
• DuSable Bridge
  The DuSable Bridge spans the Chicago River, along the downtown area, linking the city's Loop business district with its Near North Side. The bridge is named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city's founder, and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1997. The current bridge opened to traffic in 2010 and it is the third structure to occupy the site. The first bridge was a wooden structure that was completed in 1857. However, it was quickly replaced by an iron swing bridge due to concerns about its ability to withstand heavy river traffic. The second bridge, which opened in 1892, was a steel truss bridge that served Chicago for over a century. However, it was determined to be structurally unsound and was demolished in 2008. The current bridge is a cable-stayed structure designed by architect Stanley Tigerman.