Chicago's 2022 MEETING & EVENT PLANNING GUIDE
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Chicago’s 2022
MEETING & EVENT
PLANNING GUIDE
W
elcome to the latest edition of Crain’s Content Studio’s Meeting and Event
Planning Guide, showcasing a cross-section of the city’s myriad venue
offerings and event services providers. While events may look different as we
move into 2022, in-person meetings and entertaining events are back on executives’
calendars.
Our feature story highlights the trends and innovative ways venues have adapted to
keep attendees safe and accommodating of a variety of comfort levels. As you are
making plans for your company’s events for the upcoming year – we hope you’ll
peruse these unique listings which include both boutique and large-scale venues in
the Chicago area and suburbs, and event service providers from catering to event
planning, video production and more.
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 12 12/2/21 9:02 AM
Face-to-face Corporate Events
Make a Cautious Comeback
BY JANE ADLER
THE CHOPPING BLOCK CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
A
fter a long hiatus, in-person meetings are finally back director of special events at the Chicago History Museum. cooking events at its facilities at the Merchandise Mart, and
on the business calendar. But meeting planners and It recently held a luncheon and tour for 50 corporate guests. Lincoln Square. “We work to ensure the safety of our staff and
their corporate partners are taking it slow, especially “People were so happy to be together,” she adds. guests,” she adds. “That’s what I care about.”
with the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and the uncertain An emerging trend is the hybrid meeting, a combination of It’s estimated that the pandemic has cost the meeting
course of the virus over the winter. live participants and virtual attendees. The formula is proving industry about $211 billion, according to data from Tourism
The reality is that people are eager to gather again. so successful that planners expect the trend to grow, eventually Economics and the U.S. Travel Association. Chicago’s
Corporate get-togethers for now tend to be small and often becoming a standard option. convention business took a hit of about $1 billion.
confined to internal teams. However, some big conferences Of course, safety still comes first. Meeting planners and The industry is not expected to hit pre-COVID revenue
are back in session usually with proof of vaccination required. companies don’t want anyone to get sick. Local venues are numbers until 2023 or 2024, according to Meeting Professionals
McCormick Place is hosting conferences with health protocols careful to follow health guidelines to keep everyone safe and International, a trade association.
in place. Large events now include more networking time, comfortable, including their staff.
making up for that lost personal contact. “We work with clients,” says Shelley Young, founder Plans stay flexible
“People are ready to come back,” says Lorelei Kroulaidis, and CEO at The Chopping Block. It offers private The shifting nature of the pandemic presents a challenge for
companies, planners and venues eager to hold in-person events.
Everyone is trying to figure out what works, what’s safe and
how to make attendees feel comfortable.
Meeting planners face the added challenge of arranging
events for companies with locations nationwide. States and
cities have a range of different restrictions. Some places have
lax rules and others are strict. Many companies have their own
internal rules about what is allowed.
“Corporate events are a bit all over the place,” Young says.
Some companies feel it’s OK to hold an in-person event, with a
limited number of people and restrictions in place. Others just
aren’t ready yet.
In general, face-to-face corporate events may include as
many as about 50 people. Masks are required, except during
mealtime. Many companies are requiring proof of vaccination
to attend even small in-person events.
“The priority for companies is to get their internal teams
together,” says Heather Brown, regional general manager
at PRA Business Events, a meeting planning company in
Chicago. Corporate get togethers are less likely to include
outside clients to keep groups small.
At the outset of the pandemic, meeting planners pivoted to
virtual only meetings. The Chopping Block, for example, saw its
virtual event business take off over the last 18 months.
Meetings with a live and online component are growing in
popularity. “Hybrid events are a cool opportunity,” Young says.
The Chopping Block can accommodate from 20-50 people
for the in-person cooking experience at its Merchandise Mart
location. The number of virtual attendees can range from
50-300 people. The advantage of an online component is that
companies can include employees or clients from anywhere in
the world, extending the reach of the experience.
Hybrid meetings increase costs. Planners must consider
both in-person and online audiences. Streaming the live
content isn’t enough, according to PRA’s Brown. “You are really
planning two meetings.”
Meeting planners expect venues to have the technology to
support hybrid events.
Looking ahead, meeting planners think business will pick
up more quickly next spring. By then, they hope the pandemic
will mostly under be control. “We’ve learned how to adapt and
pivot,” Kroulaidis at the Chicago History Museum says. “We’re
ready for the opportunity.”
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 13 12/2/21 9:02 AM
SPONSORED CONTENT
THE DAWSON
VENUES Neighborhood: West Town
730 W. Grand Avenue
312-372-4001
events@gagehospitality.com
ACANTO RESTAURANT + WINE BAR Max capacity reception (standing): 300
Neighborhood: Loop
Max capacity banquet (seated): 250
18 S. Michigan Avenue
the-dawson.com
312-372-4001
events@gagehospitality.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 120
Max capacity banquet (seated): 75
acantochicago.com
CHICAGO’S FIRST LADY
Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile
112 E. Wacker Drive
847-358-1330
chartersales@cruisechicago.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 250
Max capacity banquet (seated): 250
cruisechicago.com/private-events
Dazzle your guests with a fabulous private THE CHOPPING BLOCK
yacht party amongst Chicago’s glittering Neighborhood: River North
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 107
skyscrapers and take in skyline views
parties@thechoppingblock.com
along our spectacular lakefront. Whether Max capacity reception (standing): 200
you’re planning a private corporate event Max capacity banquet (seated): 110
or Chicago dinner cruise, Chicago’s First
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM Lady Cruises work with you to make it truly
thechoppingblock.com/parties
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
1601 N. Clark Street memorable. And with countless safe and
delectable catering options, your event is The Chopping Block is the leader in culinary
312-799-2254
sure to be an unforgettable one for all of your education mixed with entertainment, a recipe
events@chicagohistory.org
Max capacity reception (standing): 500 guests. for a fun and memorable experience! With
Max capacity banquet (seated): 340 two locations in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart
chicagohistory.org/corporate-events and Lincoln Square plus virtual and hybrid
event options, we accommodate a wide
Sip cocktails next to one of Chicago’s first range of private cooking events such as team
“L” cars. Dance the night away against a CARNIVALE RESTAURANT building competitions, unique networking or
Neighborhood: West Loop
backdrop of Lincoln Park’s lush gardens and client entertainment, holiday parties, wine
702 W. Fulton Market
the glittering lights of the city skyline. Tucked tastings or other celebratory milestones. We
312-850-5005
along the grounds of Lincoln Park, steps from sales@carnivalechicago.com bring people together over food and wine
the lake and a short cab ride from downtown, Max capacity reception (standing): 1,200 wherever you may be!
the Chicago History Museum offers a variety Max capacity banquet (seated): 850
of spaces that can be used for corporate carnivalechicago.com
events, daytime meetings, cocktail receptions,
reunions, or just about any type of event.
AUDITORIUM THEATRE
Neighborhood: South Loop
50 E. Ida B Wells Drive
312-341-2334
rentals@auditoriumtheatre.org
Max capacity (seated in theatre): 3,875
Max capacity reception (standing): 1,000
auditoriumtheatre.org/the-building/
rent-the-auditorium
A (RETRACTABLE)
ROOM WITH A VIEW!
CHICAGO NORTH SHORE
CONVENTION BUREAU
Neighborhood: North Suburbs
8833 Gross Point Road, Suite 307, Introducing the ne w four-season convertable rooftop
Skokie, 60077
847-763-0011 ext. 123 at Chicago’s most versatile events venue
kwright@cnscvb.com
MORGAN’S ON FULTON FEATURES
visitchicagonorthshore.com
Bordering Chicago along Lake Michigan,
Chicago’s North Shore offers the unique In do o r / A pr i m e M ultip le I n- house
venues for small to mid-sized events in an area o u t do o r Fu l t o n M a rket levels of c a ter ing a nd
known for its natural beauty, food scene and ex per i en ces l o ca t i o n with flex ib le sp a c e fur niture
culture. Easy access to Downtown Chicago a t t h e pu s h pa n o ra m i c for m eeting s inc lud ed for
and Interstates and O’Hare International o f a bu tt o n ci t y v i ews or p a r ties tur nkey p la nning
Airport with free parking, state-of-the-art
facilities and expert, personalized planning
care delivered by our staff to assist you in
MorgansOnFulton.com 312 374 3686 info@morgansonfulton.com
designing an outstanding meeting or event.
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 14 12/2/21 11:23 AM
VENUES THE GERAGHTY
Neighborhood: Pilsen
2520 S. Hoyne Avenue
312-967-2520
info@thegeraghty.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 1,200+
Max capacity banquet (seated): 1,000
thegeraghty.com
State-of-the-art meeting
facilities in unique spaces THE DALCY
raise the level of your event. Neighborhood: West Loop
Personalized service to fit 302 N. Green Street, Third Floor
your meeting needs in space 773-645-1430
dalcyevents@leye.com
close to after-hours experiences
Max capacity reception (standing): 500
north of
can be sourced by contacting Max capacity banquet (seated): 300
Kimberly Wright, CMP at thedalcy.com
kwright@cnscvb.com HOUSE OF BLUES CHICAGO
The Dalcy is a private event hall located in Neighborhood: River North
ordinary
find your unique venue at the historic Fulton Market District in Chicago. 329 N. Dearborn Street
312-923-7061
visitchicagonorthshore.com/ Sharing its kitchen with Aba, a Mediterranean
kristinatlas@livenation.com
meetingspace restaurant, the 6,000 square foot meeting
Max capacity reception (standing): 1,800
space and 4,000 square foot rooftop patio Max capacity banquet (seated) 400
is the ideal setting for corporate meetings, specialevents.livenation.com/hobchicago
conferences, and events. Elevate your next
event with designer linens, tables, dining House of Blues offers the perfect location
chairs, a state-of-the-art sound system, A/V to host your next corporate event, business
capabilities, and more. meeting, private concert, social gathering,
reception or private dinner. House of Blues
Chicago accommodates 25 to 1,800 guests.
With access to the world’s greatest musical
THE GAGE entertainment, state-of-the-art lighting and
Neighborhood: Loop
sound, custom menus and mixology, this
24 S. Michigan Avenue
epic 55,000 square-foot entertainment four-
312-372-4001
events@gagehospitality.com level space is comprised of three distinctive
Max capacity reception (standing): 150 environments including a VIP Foundation
Max capacity banquet (seated): 80 Room, Restaurant & Bar and a spectacular
thegagechicago.com multi-story Music Hall.
From breakfast meetings and intimate dinners, to cocktail
receptions and office catering, 4 Star Restaurant Group has your
private dining and catering needs covered.
events@4srg.com catering@4srg.com
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 15 12/2/21 9:02 AM
SPONSORED CONTENT
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & KOI FINE ASIAN CUISINE & LOUNGE
EDUCATION CENTER Neighborhood: North Suburbs
Neighborhood: Northwest Suburbs 624 Davis Street, Evanston, 60201
9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, 60077 847-866-6969
847-967-4800 events@koievanston.com
grouptours@ilhmec.org Max capacity reception (standing): 100
Max capacity reception (standing): 100 Max capacity banquet (seated:) 70
Max capacity banquet (seated): 200 koievanston.com
ilholocaustmuseum.org
MARRIOTT LINCOLNSHIRE RESORT
Neighborhood: North Suburbs
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, 60069
847-634-0100
sales@chicagomarriottlincolnshire.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 1,300
Max capacity banquet (seated): 950
chicagomarriottlincolnshire.com
Marriott Lincolnshire’s Golf & Entertainment
Resort is located on 175+ acres of open space
and home to the renowned Marriott Theatre.
Whether you’re hosting 1,000 guests for an
MORGAN’S ON FULTON
LOFT606 organizational meeting, a lavish banquet,
Neighborhood: West Loop
Neighborhood: Logan Square 950 W. Fulton Market
holiday party or a smaller board meeting,
2605 W. Armitage Avenue 312-374-3686
retreat or reunion, we have the indoor &
407-963-0242 info@morgansonfulton.com
outdoor space for your group. Over 45,000
411@humbledhospitality.com Max capacity reception (standing): 650
Max capacity reception (standing): 150
sq.ft. of meeting & event space, including 30
Max capacity banquet (seated): 420
Max capacity banquet (seated): 150 function rooms and three outdoor pavilions;
morgansonfulton.com
loft606.com ideal for any unique & personalized Chicago-
area event. Morgan’s on Fulton offers everything you
This gorgeous sun filled loft is unique as need to host an unforgettable Chicago
they come. Former factory converted to a event. Located in the heart of the flashy
luxury home equipped with a 26’ timber Fulton Market district, Morgan’s features in-
beamed ceiling, skylights running throughout, KIMPTON GRAY HOTEL house catering, contemporary design and
massive gourmet kitchen with state of the Neighborhood: Loop
122 W. Monroe Street furnishings, and now, a fully retractable glass
art appliances, and sleeping space for 20+. enclosed rooftop with panoramic city views
Tay Kaune Photography
312-750-9012
A truly one-of-a-kind space that creates an for all-season entertaining. Whether it’s for
sales@grayhotelchicago.com
indescribable environment for personal and Max capacity reception (standing): 350 a meeting or a party, Morgan’s on Fulton
business connections while also providing Max capacity banquet (seated): 200 delivers unparalleled private event options
private space when desired. grayhotelchicago.com/event-space-chicago with four levels of unique and flexible space.
History, inspired.
Steps from the lake, nestled in the Gold Coast,
the Chicago History Museum is the perfect
location for large staff meetings, presentations in
a cinema quality theater, intimate collaborations,
and lively cocktail receptions.
Clark & North | chicagohistory.org
312.799.2254 | events@chicagohistory.org
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 16 12/2/21 9:02 AM
SPONSORED CONTENT
LE SUD MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
2301 W. Roscoe Street
773-857-1985
events@lesudchicago.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 70
Max capacity banquet (seated): 50
lesudchicago.com
WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO
SNAKES & LATTES CHICAGO Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Neighborhood: Logan Square
11 E. Walton Street
1965 N. Milwaukee Avenue
312-646-1324
872-310-3999
chiwa-salesadm@waldorfastoria.com
chicago@snakesandlattes.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 230
Max capacity reception (standing): 198
Max capacity banquet (seated): 200
Max capacity banquet (seated): 166
waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
snakesandlattes.com
With True Waldorf Service and a dedicated
Eat, drink, and play games in Chicago’s team at your fingertips, Waldorf Astoria
PEPPER FAMILY WILDLIFE CENTER Logan Square neighborhood. Hold your next
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park Chicago is the perfect setting for
party, team building event, client meeting, unforgettable meetings and events in
2021 N. Stockton Drive
or holiday get together at Snakes & Lattes Chicago’s Gold Coast. Discover charming
773-571-0404
groupsales@lpzoo.org
Chicago. Choose from over 500 board games venues influenced by literary icons, Parisian
Max capacity reception (standing): 500 to play while dining or mingling throughout style and 1920s design. Our event spaces
Max capacity banquet (seated): 400 their picturesque indoor Spanish courtyard offer opulent furnishings and bold artwork
lpzoo.org/private-events or one of four uniquely themed dining rooms. alongside modern business amenities. Hilton
From individual private dining spaces to full EventReady with CleanStay delivers event
Lincoln Park Zoo’s newly renovated Pepper restaurant buyouts, they can accommodate
Family Wildlife Center is home to some experiences that provide peace of mind from
groups of up to 198 people. start to finish.
wild event space! The historic Great Hall,
built in 1912, is just over 7,000 sq. ft. and
can accommodate up to 400 seated/500
reception. The 1,100 sq. ft. conference room STATION RESTAURANT AND BAR WEBER GRILL RESTAURANT & GRILL
(80 seated/100 reception), located just off
Neighborhood: West Loop ACADEMY
120 N. Canal Street Neighborhood: Locations in Chicago, Schaumburg
the Great Hall, is perfect for everything from 312-902-1111 and Lombard
birthdays to board meetings. It features floor to info@stationchicago.com 312-467-0574
ceiling windows facing the lion’s habitat and Max capacity reception (standing): 300 eshovlin@thewebergrill.com
state-of-the-art AV capabilities. Max capacity banquet (seated): 120 Max capacity reception (standing): 250
stationchicago.com Max capacity banquet (seated): 200
webergrillrestaurant.com
SERVICES
& PROVIDERS
TINLEY PARK CONVENTION CENTER
REMINGTON’S Neighborhood: Southwest Suburbs
Neighborhood: Loop 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, 60477
20 N. Michigan Avenue 708-342-5485
312-952-6120 sales@eventpcc.com
Max capacity reception (standing): 225 Max capacity reception (standing): 7,000
Max capacity banquet (seated): 48 Max capacity banquet (seated): 2,000
remingtonschicago.com/#privatedining tinleyparkconventioncenter.net
The Tinley Park Convention Center features
Turn to Remington’s to create a memorable state-of-the-art, on-site guest accommodations
experience for your upcoming event! Our BLACKOAK TECHNICAL PRODUCTIONS
at EVEN Hotel, as well as the latest technology, Event Service: Audio/Visual/Photography/
venue can accommodate groups of 10 to free parking and an experienced staff, making Videography
225 guests for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a it ideal for a meeting of 10, banquet for 1,500 2555 S. Leavitt Street, Chicago, 60608
cocktail reception in a variety of private and or expo of 5,000. With 11 first-class hotels and 872-281-7700
semi-private dining spaces. Whether you’re premier dining options nearby, there’s space hello@blackoak.tech
having an intimate gathering or a large to accommodate your event guests. Come blackoak.tech
corporate meeting, our sleek restaurant is and see the 10,000 square feet of possibilities
the perfect spot to host your VIP guests in the - trade shows, banquets, fundraiser galas,
heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park area. We are a modern production company
weddings and more!
based in Chicago, IL, and working nationally.
Our team works relentlessly to be bold in our
design and kind in our approach. As a proud
member of the KEHOE DESIGNS family of
ROANOKE RESTAURANT THEATER ON THE LAKE brands, we have years of experience bringing
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Neighborhood: Loop a fresh approach to in-person, hybrid, and
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
135 W. Madison Street virtual events for corporate, social, and
312-414-1313
Max capacity reception (standing): 300 non-profit clients. Check out our portfolio:
info@theateronthelake.com
Max capacity banquet (seated): 200 www.blackoak.tech.
Max capacity reception (standing): 1,000
312-361-3800
Max capacity banquet (seated): 500
cbane@roanokehospitality.com
theroanokerestaurant.com/private-dining.html theateronthelake.com
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 17 12/2/21 9:02 AM
SPONSORED CONTENT
DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT KUMA’S CATERING
Event service: Catering Event Service: Catering
2537 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, 60616 852 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, 60607
312-678-6965 312-666-9090
il-1976@dickeysfranchise.com catering@kumascorner.com
dickeys.com
CATERED BY DESIGN
Event Service: Catering
9204 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, 60053
847-965-4094
info@cateredbydesign.com
cateredbydesign.com
PIZZA CITY USA TOURS
Event Service: Food tours
Catered By Design’s mission is to bring
NAPERVILLE CONVENTION 773-230-7157
your events to life with sumptuous food & VISITORS BUREAU amy@pizzacityusa.com
and refreshing beverages presented in Event Service: Event Planning pizzacityusa.com
22 E. Chicago Avenue, Suite 205, Naperville, 60540
spectacular fashion. This also includes being
630-305-7701
a good steward of the environment. Our goal ncvb@naper.org
is to continually improve our sustainability visitnaperville.com How about a pizza tour or cocktail experience
practices by working closely with our vendors for your next event? Let 13-time James Beard
and partners to minimize the impact on the No matter your needs, no matter your goals, Award winning journalist NBC Chicago’s
environment. Naperville is your one-stop destination for your Steve Dolinsky be your guide. Author of two
corporate meetings and events. Equipped books on pizza, Steve can either lead an in-
with 18 hotels, and over 300 restaurants, person or a virtual experience, such as the
CATERING OUT THE BOX you don’t have to worry about scouting the History of Chicago Deep-Dish highlighted by
Event service: Catering perfect location or finding the perfect place to pizzas delivered to each participant’s home
4300 W. Lake Street, Chicago, 60624 eat. There’s everything from 4-star, full-service anywhere in the country, ready to bake just in
312-226-2601 hotels, to extended stay locations, to cozy time for the one-hour event.
cotb@me.com
spots for small parties. Whatever you’re looking
www.cateringoutthebox.com
for, Naperville has what you need. Contact
us at VisitNaperville.com for complementary
2021.11 TSE Crains 10X7.25 AD.pdf 1 11/17/21 7:46 AM
services and more.
Chicago is welcoming back meetings, successfully! McCormick Place is the largest and most
flexible convention center in the Western Hemisphere and with 2.6 million square feet of
meeting and exhibit space we have always been #1 for adaptability.
C Healthy Meetings are our priority. As one of the first to commit to GBAC STAR™
M Accreditation, the entire campus, including five world-class hotels connected via skybridges
Y
and the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena, are following the best practices and standards
CM
required by the independent, third-party validation. Explore the entire journey from flight to
MY
floor at HealthyMeetingsChicago.com.
With our amazing convention center, welcoming spirit, 77 diverse neighborhoods, and a rich
CY
CMY
array of meeting and event venues and partners, Chicago is the ideal destination for any
K
meeting.
Scan the QR code to virtually tour McCormick Place.
P012_018_CCB_20211206.indd 18 12/2/21 9:02 AM
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