Plan Your Chicago Convention

Why Convention Attendees Love Chicago

Chicago is easy to travel to and to get around. You can fly into O’Hare or Midway and find your way downtown via the train. Midway is a 30 minute trip by train to downtown and O’Hare is about 55 minutes to downtown with some more stops along the way. Either way, once you make it downtown you will need to grab a copy of the Chicago Visitors Guide. As you learn more, make sure you know how to find the right event planning company.

Accessibility:

Attendees love the ease of access to and around downtown. No matter where your hotel is located, there are lots of options. Here is your guide to the 47 best things to do in Chicago right now.

Exploring:

Walk, run or bike the Chicago Lakeshore, take a hike up The Willis Tower ( The Former Sears Tower), cheer on the Blackhawks or the Bulls. Here is your guide: Chicago Visitors Guide

Dining:

No one ever says that they can’t find a good place to eat in this town. There are plenty of options to satisfy a wide range of taste. Here is your guide: 38 Best Restaurants 2018

Our Team’s Restaurant and Venue Reviews

Kathy Miller: The Gage

I like the vibe and presentation of their food – it’s a delicious experience!  Chicago’s upscale gastropub is situated just steps from Millenium Park at 24 South Michigan Avenue, in the heart of Miracle Mile. The menu is Rustic American, the vibes are lively, and the drink menu is innovative. Chef Christopher Gawronski learned to pay homage to haute cuisine from his Master Chef father.

Michelle Potts: The Signature Room

The Signature Room recently won it 22nd Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence. Even though the drinks may be expensive, it so worth the amazing views from the 95th floor of the Hancock building. Whenever someone is new to Chicago, the Signature Room is always my first go to. You can’t go wrong with a Chocolate Martini and looking out over the city and lake.

Bonnie Coop, CIS: Untitled Supper Club

Untitled is an amazing space to do an event! With 5 unique areas all apart of this space, you are able to build a unique experince for event attendees in several different ways.  My favorite is the Parlor space, which can hold up to 100 recpetion style for a smaller corprotate event.

Delanie Olsen: Loft Lucia

One of my faves because of the open space and exposed brick! You can have smaller, more intimate groups while still creating the big city feel within it. Loft Lucia is a super chic rooftop venue with wide open floor plans located in the West Loop, near the Willis Tower.  Max capacity is 150 guests. with two indoor spaces and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

Lynnea Walsh: The Field Museum

The Grecian elements of the Field Museum’s architecture are remarkable and carry you back in time. When the sun goes down the outdoor lighting adds another dimension to the stunning building architecture. There are endless event space possibilities allowing for planners to be super creative.

Collette Givens: Odyssey Cruises Lake Michigan

I love any of the venues that give you a great view of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. I feel those are perfect backdrops for any type of event both corporate and social. It’s priceless! Up to 200 guests, can enjoy the views of Lake Michigan or the Chicago River skyline. Planners love that there is a dedicated planner to work with and flexible custom package offerings.