Like many big cities throughout the U.S., Chicago offers numerous venues, hotels, and activities for planners to create memorable events. But its appeal is unlike any other according to Rose Horcher O’Connor, vice president of client services at Choose Chicago, the city’s destination marketing organization.
“We are a leader in the meetings and conventions industry thanks to our world-class venues and hospitality; the ease of getting here and around town [due] to our central location, two international airports, and walkable neighborhoods; and our unparalleled cultural and culinary institutions,” she says.
With one of its nicknames being the “City That Works” due to Chicagoans’ inventiveness, practicality, and friendliness, the city has residents who are a big source of pride to many. “Chicagoans are the hardest-working people on the planet,” Horcher O’Connor says. “We create incredible events and attendee experiences because we will always go the extra mile to deliver. We collaborate, innovate, and leverage the full force of our deep local partnerships to get every job done, big or small.”
Area business owners are key to creating meetings and events that highlight Chicago’s signature Midwestern vibe, says Katherine Kirk Fenech, owner and CEO of Chicago Is, a boutique destination-management and event-production company. “We love showing our city off,” she says. “We have a great sense of pride, and we love sharing that with attendees.”
Unsurpassed Urban Diversity
At its core, Chicago’s world-class venues can bring nearly any vision to life, whether it’s in North America’s largest convention center, McCormick Place—home to 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space—or intimate historic theaters and inventive spaces with industrial vibes. And groups won’t travel far to explore the city’s most well-known areas. “I feel like everything in Chicago is 20 minutes away,” says Blair Woerfel, owner and lead planner at Chicago-based BW Studio + Events.
Many attendees enjoy easy access to Chicago’s diverse landscapes, from urban beauty to waterfront escapes, gardens, and iconic skyscrapers. For instance, if you are seeking waterfront views near noteworthy cultural landmarks, downtown offers unparalleled options at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Museum Campus. The latter is home to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Planners also can add in social outings at the North Side’s Wrigley Field or the Lincoln Park Zoo, and explore the cultural and architectural gems of the South Side—including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. “Any kind of style or vibe you’re into, you can really have it all here,” Woerfel says.
World-Class Culinary
With its vast cuisine melting pot, Chicago seals its status as a top food destination, whether planners choose classic comforts or award-winning gastronomy for attendees. The city features so many top chefs, in fact, Kirk Fenech says it’s difficult to keep track of them all. “If you leave Chicago hungry, you did it wrong because we have some of the best food in the world,” she says.
Woerfel says most clients try to incorporate regional fare into planning, including Chicago-style hot dogs, gourmet snacks from famed Garrett Popcorn in flavors like CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn, and other options they can’t find anywhere else. “Some of the best chefs come here and stay, so there’s a really high expectation for amazing cuisine,” she says.
Planners can treat attendees to the city’s culinary favorites, such as deep-dish delights from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria or Pequod’s Pizza. Dig into Italian beef sandwiches (and hot dogs) at Portillo’s or the historic Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef. Savor the city’s high-end dining options, from the old-school atmosphere of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse to interactive, multisensory experiences at three-Michelin-star restaurant Alinea.
Woerfel often encourages meeting and event planner clients to consider the city’s more experiential dining offerings, like an alfresco meal on the Odyssey Chicago River cruise boat through City Experiences boat tours. “You can cater in anything that you want on [the boat],” Woerfel says. “And it’s pretty affordable, too. Sometimes, people say, ‘I can’t imagine that’s in my budget.’ But it’s probably closer [to your price range] than you think. So, [clients are] always really excited to find a way to include it.”
Or, she has them eat like a Chicagoan at in-demand spots like Lula Cafe, famous for its tasty spaghetti and baked goods. It also features an extensive menu allowing planners to pull together curated experiences, including collaborations with a mixologist to create crafted cocktails that pair well with the food. “You get the full experience,” says Woerfel.
Endless Art & Entertainment
Chicago’s vibrant and spirited cultural landscape offers eventgoers a wealth of performing-arts possibilities. From “Saturday Night Live” comedian launchpad improv club The Second City to Chicago’s celebrated theater district and world-renowned The Joffrey Ballet to the many live music experiences in legendary jazz, rock, and blues clubs and venues spread across the city and its suburbs, Chicago puts on a show.
“The city is not one-size-fits-all,” says Kirk Fenech. “There’s a large range of nationalities who come into our city, so we’re really an international destination. You can walk down the streets of Chicago and hear someone speaking German or Japanese.”
Meeting and event planners seeking cultural attractions are often looking for something that will bring their attendees together without a ton of effort on their part, says Ellyn Nugent, director of special events at the Field Museum. “Many corporate attendees have already been engaged all day during their conference,” she says. “They would like to just come in and hang out, and have a great experience without having to do too much.”
Her team helps planners navigate the scope of their event based on the group’s size and interests, pulling from a vendor list with suppliers who know how to plan around intriguing, but also invaluable, collections and exhibits. “We love that our clients, our meeting and event planners, do not have to worry about that,” she says. “Those vendors take care of everything.” The museum team enjoys working with planners, says Kirk Fenech, making her job that much easier. Plus, it’s a great venue for all group sizes, including large ones of up to 1,000 people who can gather amid the high ceilings and grandeur of Stanley Field Hall & Balcony. Smaller groups might enjoy more intimate spaces like the Evolving Planet hall housing Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. And there are several outdoor terraces available to host meetings and events surrounded by the park-like grounds. “It’s truly a space that showcases not just Chicago’s history,
but also the city’s parks and waterfront,” says Nugent.
Offering a guided or docent-led experience within an event agenda fulfills planners’ demand for exclusive access they won’t get with a standard admission ticket. “They want somebody to help their attendees more fully experience one of the museum’s exhibits,” Nugent says. “It’s something that’s just a little more tailored and makes the event feel more elevated.”
With an approachable outlook, distinctive character, and robust community spirit, Chicago is the perfect place to cultivate events encouraging conversation and connection among attendees.
Only in Chicago
From Al Capone to MLB’s Chicago Cubs, the Windy City has intriguing history
and culture to engage attendees.
Chicago Gangster Tours: Step back into Prohibition-era Chicago to learn about the city’s infamous crime history. Travel by bus on the “Untouchable Tour” led by guides portraying famous gangsters as they detail exploits of figures like Al Capone and George “Bugs” Moran while you travel to historic neighborhoods and famous crime locations. Or, get closer to the vice with a walking tour combining mob history with the paranormal as you visit actual crime scenes, one-time mobster hangouts, and supposed haunts of legendary ghosts.
gangstersandghosts.com | gangstertour.com
Behind the Scenes at Wrigley Field: Enjoy exclusive access from Wrigley Field’s rooftops, viewing MLB’s Chicago Cubs games and special events from top-of-the-ballpark levels while enjoying unlimited food and drink, including ballpark classics like hot dogs, Polish sausages, pizza, ice cream, and beer. Get a glimpse of Wrigley Field’s inner workings with behind-the-scenes tours, learning about the ballpark’s history and architectural features, and exploring normally off-limits areas, including the press box and team dugout.
“The Devil in the White City” Bus Tour: Inspired by author Erik Larson’s 2003 bestselling book of the same title, this bus tour takes attendees on an exploration of the architectural marvels and technological innovation of “The White City,” the area of Chicago built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which introduced the world’s first Ferris wheel. Then, delve into the depravity of America’s first-known serial killer, H.H. “The Devil” Holmes, who preyed on unsuspecting exposition visitors by luring them to his “Murder Castle.”
Eat Your Way Through Chicago: Take a gastronomic journey via tour bus with Chicago Pizza Tours, which ferries attendees to sample various pies at several long-time favorite pizzerias. Or, you can “Eat the Neighborhood” with a unique foodie experience led by professional forager Dave Odd, during which participants will learn to identify wild, edible plants and mushrooms. Extend the culinary experience with a multicourse meal prepared with foraged ingredients at a neighborhood restaurant.
