About Chicago
Chicago isn’t just a rock band from the 70s! This terrific city is the capital of Illinois and can be found bordering Lake Michigan on the northernmost edge of the state. Chicago has a few factors that affect the climate like Lake Michigan and major urban areas, giving it lots of wind and snow in the winter and some hot, hot summers.
Home to some major American sports teams like the Bulls, the Blackhawks, the Cubs, and the White Sox, Chicago is no stranger to the public eye, press events, and premiere entertainment. When planning your next press event in Chicago, you should have plenty of options to choose from for not only locations, but advertising, publicity, and so much more.
Press Event Options in Chicago
When it comes to booking a press event venue in Chicago, you will need to make sure you have the essentials to get started. Here is a list of some press event options to consider:
- Publicity
Getting the word out is one of the most important things when it comes to holding a press event. Writing a good press release and sending it out at the correct time is one of the best ways to advertise. You can also do a grassroots movement like word-of-mouth, social media posts, and advertising through multiple avenues.
- Camera Crews
While these are essential, they will be provided by the news outlets. Try not to direct them, they are professionals. Your job will be to hold a proper press event and they will get all the footage they need according to their platform.
- Press Release
The press release is going to be your hook and bait for your event. This is something that you write up which will describe what your press event entails, then you will send it to all the news outlets you wish to show up and cover your story. The news sources get a lot of press releases, so make sure you send it out at the right time (not too early and not too late, roughly a few days before the event is best).
- Easy Access Location
Make sure your location has easy access for people and vehicles. Hopefully there will be multiple news vans, camera crews, reporters, and interested passerbys. Pick a location that is appropriate to the size of the crew you assume will attend.
Press Event Companies in Chicago
A Chicago press event venue will be a place for gathering information and people. Provide the right atmosphere with the help of local experts.
- Heron Agency
This Chicago-based public relations firm will handle your event planning, market your press event effectively, and help fine tune your internet presence. National Hellenic Museum, Allstate Arena and Hyatt Hotels are just a few of their hundreds of clients.
- Sherman Communications and Marketing Inc.
When it comes to setting up your press event, Sherman has years of experience in helping businesses get the word out to the public. With over 20 years of industry expertise, the team here is a reputable option.
- Interdependence Public Relations
What makes this firm stand out from the rest is its aggressive attitude and powerful AI programming. It is a competitive world out there for public relations and Interdependence has a strong reputation for being esteemed. Social media marketing and brand development are two offerings of many.
Pros and Cons of Press Events in Chicago
Choosing the right Chicago press event venue is important. Here are some positives and negatives about the city.
Advantages
- Reliable public transport
Sometimes, getting around a big city without a car is a nightmare, but Chicago has really put emphasis on their public transport. Take the “L”, rideshare apps, taxis, or buses to get anywhere in the city.
- Affordable by comparison
Any major city is going to be more expensive than a small town, but this city is one of the cheaper ones. Getting the things you need for your press conference are likely to be cheaper here than in other comparable cities.
- Big city = many options
This city is one of the largest in the country. Big city means tons of location options varying in size, price, and quality. You are sure to find a place that is right for your content and your budget.
Disadvantages
- Terrible weather in the winter
Once the winter season rolls around, you are sure to feel it in Chicago. The great lakes bring in some terrible snowstorms, whipping winds, and gruesome temperatures.
- Traffic
Getting from one location to the next in your car might prove to be difficult once that famous Chicago traffic hits. Prepare for the worst and hopefully your commute will land just shy of it.
- Not much nature here
Good luck finding some green areas. There aren’t many to be seen in this city, but if you need cold hard concrete and tall buildings, those can be found just about everywhere.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Field Museum of Natural History
On the shores of Lake Michigan, over 100 years ago, the Field Museum of Natural History began sharing its exhibits with the world. These days, FMNH is bigger and better than ever. Whether you are a history buff, a science lover, or a naturalist in the making, there is always something new to learn and experience here.
- Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue
Sometimes, nothing is better than a bit of shop therapy. The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue consists of 13 blocks, 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels, and an array of picturesque cityscape vistas that seem to come right out of a movie set. Walk the strip, get some great food, or just treat yourself!
- Wrigley Field
For all the baseball buffs out there, Wrigley Field is one of the top classic ballparks to visit in the United States. Built in 1914 and home to the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is the second oldest standing baseball park in the world behind Fenway in Boston. Go for the Cubs, stay for the history.