About Chicago
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and the third-largest in the country. The city has long been an important trade hub between the agricultural Midwest and the ports of the east, and Chicago is known for its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
In addition, the city boasts 24 Michelin-starred restaurants, which is more than any other city. Thanks to the city’s embrace of immigrants over the decades, it’s also home to many different ethnic groups, who have contributed a diverse, delicious food scene of their own. This also adds to the culture and arts in the Windy City.
Chicago has activities for everyone, from four professional sports teams to water sports on the lake, river cruises, world-class shopping, and more. There are also numerous historic sites located throughout the city and surrounding areas, dating from the Native Americans through the Civil War, the Great Chicago Fire, and more.
With its central location, major international airport, and wealth of activities, Chicago is a great destination for a seminar on an endless array of topics. With both modern and historic venues, you’ll be able to find the perfect Chicago seminar space without breaking the bank.
Seminar Space Options in Chicago
Once you’ve chosen your Chicago seminar space, you’ll likely want to enlist the help of some local service providers to help you get things up and running, as well as provide food, furniture, and other perks for your attendees.
- Catering
Chicago’s food scene is vast, from Polish delicacies to old-world Italian and the city’s own signature deep-dish pizza. There are hundreds of restaurants and catering services available to provide your seminar guests with snacks, lunch boxes, hot meals, and more. Many options also offer beverage services for a potential happy hour mixer, and most special dietary needs can be accommodated.
- Audiovisual Equipment
Information is often better received with the help of visual aids such as video presentations, slide shows, professional speakers, and more. If you don’t plan on bringing your own audiovisual equipment, there are several companies that can rent out anything you may need, from complete sound systems and microphones to projectors and screens, laptops, networking equipment, and other accessories.
- Printing Services
Educational programs and seminars often distribute printed materials such as maps, outlines, diagrams, and other learning tools to attendees. Instead of paying a fortune for toner or ink and spending hours in front of your home or office printer, you may want to outsource the work to a local printing service. They can provide printed materials of every type, including large format items such as banners or posters, with a quick turn-around time. Many also employ designers if you need a little help creating your handouts.
Event Planning Companies in Chicago
Your plate may be full preparing information and presentations for your seminar, and that’s okay. Professional event planners can take over the work of organizing your Chicago seminar space while you focus on important content.
- Revel Global Events
Revel Global Events has been organizing and managing successful events in the Chicagoland area for more than 15 years. The firm provides not only efficient and cost-effective organization but a fun experience for participants at conferences and seminars on any topic. Revel offers full-service event management, from site selection to vendor coordination, audiovisual services, webcasting, day-of-event management, or simple consulting services if you just need some guidance or a few inspiring ideas.
- PRA Business Events, Inc.
PRA has been providing exciting, forward-focused events for businesses and professionals since 1981 and continues to be an industry leader in creating transformative experiences. The firm provides services including themed events, digital experiences, team building, event stages, and screen production. You’ll receive personalized attention and a package that fits your needs and budget.
- Naturally Yours Events
Environmental topics are at the forefront of the news in recent years and providing a sustainable seminar experience can help drive your message home. Naturally Yours Events was founded in 2011 to plan spectacular events while keeping the environmental impact minimal. The firm, which offers full-service event planning and coordination, is one of Chicago’s leaders in sustainability and offers many eco-friendly options.
Pros and Cons of Seminar Spaces in Chicago
Once you’ve chosen your seminar space in Chicago, you’ll be ready to greet participants and provide a classic experience in no time. There are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind, though.
Advantages
- Activities
Chicago has activities for every age, interest, and amount of time. Museums, outdoor recreation, sports, and shopping are just a few options the city offers.
- Location
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a major hub for both international and domestic flights, and transportation to your location is widely available.
- Shopping
Chicago has all the upscale, high-fashion brands you’d expect from a large metropolitan area. There are many malls and independent boutiques to choose from.
Disadvantages
- Seasons
Summer is hot and humid and winter can be brutally cold with several inches of snow.
- Expensive
Chicago is the most expensive Midwestern city, with prices substantially higher than other destinations in the region.
- Crime
The city has a high crime rate, but most of it is spread over a few neighborhoods which can be avoided.
Famous Seminar Space Locations in Chicago
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
Located in Lincoln Park, the most-visited park in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Conservatory was constructed between 1890 and 1895 and features an ornate Victorian-era glasshouse. The conservatory is home to exotic plants from around the world, including palms, rare orchids, and more. Outside on the grounds, visitors can view fountains, monuments, and a number of other curated gardens. The Conservatory also hosts several special events annually.
- WNDR Museum
The WNDR Museum is an immersive art experience that challenges assumptions about what constitutes art and invites visitors to interact with and become part of the installments. The exhibits are all-encompassing and feature a variety of lights, sounds, colors, and other interactive experiences. Here you can see the first Infinity Mirror Room in Chicago, which was made by Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist as well as some high-sensory works from other contemporary artists.
- American Writers Museum
Inspired by the Dublin Writers Museum, Chicago’s American Writers Museum opened in 2017 with both a permanent collection and rotating exhibits. Permanent exhibits include a children’s gallery, an interactive bookshelf exhibit, insight into the way writers think, and a section dedicated to Chicago’s own authors. Temporary exhibits rotate throughout the year and have included an in-depth view of Ray Bradbury, selections on immigrant and refugee authors, and “Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice.”
