Organizing a corporate event can be quite a challenge. It has to be planned meticulously to make sure it all runs smoothly, starting with finding the perfect event venue. If you’re looking to plan your next company event in Chicago, you’re in the right place. 

Located in the heart of the United States, Chicago is incredibly accessible from all parts of the country. It’s served by two major airports, which offer nonstop flights to over 200 worldwide destinations. The city itself has great transport links, including buses, trains, and the iconic “L” elevated train, making it easy for attendees to get around the city.

Chicago also offers a wide range of venues for corporate events, from modern conference centers to historical landmarks. Popular venues include McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, and the Art Institute of Chicago, a stunning museum with event space available.

With everything from deep-dish pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants, you won’t be short of catering options—and the city’s vibrant nightlife is a great opportunity for your team to let their hair down after the business part is all wrapped up.

We’ve compiled a list of the very best corporate meeting spaces in Chicago, whether you’re looking at board meetings, conference spaces, or work social events. Let’s go!

What to look for when sourcing a venue

Finding the right venue involves juggling several factors. First, the venue must accommodate the right number of attendees and have suitable meeting spaces with the right equipment and facilities. The location should also have good transport links (not usually a problem in busy Chicago!) and sufficient parking if required.

If you’re hosting a drinks reception or a conference of several days, it’s important to think about food and beverage options, as well as accommodation if required. The overall cost, including any additional fees (important to keep an eye out for hidden costs) will also determine your venue hire.

The venue you ultimately pick will also be determined by the type of event you’re hosting. Some of the events companies hold at corporate meeting venues might include:

• Meetings with clients or customers: a meeting venue can provide a professional setting creating a positive impression and helping to build constructive relationships.
• Internal meetings or training sessions: an external venue can provide a neutral location for team meetings or training sessions, supporting productive discussions and encouraging participation.
• Conferencing or events: the right space can provide the facilities required for larger-scale hybrid events such as seminars, lectures or product launches.
• Team building activities: the ideal location for off-site training or group activities, helping to develop team cohesion and boost morale.

Let’s see what Chicago has to offer. 

1. The Art Institute of Chicago: a sought-after event space in an iconic museum  Source 

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s oldest and largest art museums containing 300,000 works of art—and it has several meeting spaces available for corporate events. 

From intimate boardrooms to larger spaces that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, the Art Institute of Chicago offers a unique and inspiring backdrop for any meeting. 

For companies considering recurring events, it offers a corporate partner program which provides a 10% discount on space hire, access to an elite network of Chicago’s top business leaders, and opportunities for special museum access and hire.

• Location: Downtown Chicago
• Capacity: up to 600
• Cost: $$$

2. LondonHouse Chicago: refined elegance for your next corporate event Source 

Located in the heart of Chicago, on the North Loop on the Riverwalk, LondonHouse boasts 25,000 square feet of event space. With four private dining rooms and ten meeting rooms (and a three-level rooftop space), there’s plenty of choice when it comes to planning your special event. A top choice for luxury hotels in Chicago, LondonHouse offers some of the best views in the city, and first-class facilities for your attendees.

• Location: North Loop
• Capacity: up to 350
• Cost: $$$$

3. University of Chicago: a functional space inside a world-class institution  Source

In addition to being a globally-recognized hub of education, the University of Chicago also serves as a corporate event and workspace, with 50 meeting rooms available. Most of these are located in Ida Noyes Hall, which feature eight different spaces. With more affordable pricing, this is an ideal option for your next Chicago event, accommodating all types of corporate get-together in a highly prestigious venue.

• Location: Hyde Park, Chicago
• Capacity: up to 475 (theater style) or 250 (reception style)
• Cost: $$$

4. The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: impressive and ideally-located  Source

A 1890s landmark located just across from Millennium Park, this historic hotel offers 17,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including a grand ballroom, a rooftop bar, and smaller meeting rooms. 

The hotel's classic decor and top-quality facilities make it an ideal choice for corporate events, as well as its great transport links and accessibility. It doesn’t get more Chicago than this.

• Location: Michigan Avenue, Downtown Chicago
• Capacity: up to 300
• Cost: $$$

5. Offsite Chicago: a convenient option for professional business meetings 

Source 

On the more affordable end of the scale is Offsite Chicago. A highly professional, functional, and all-inclusive office space, it’s ideal for board meetings, training courses, and brainstorming sessions alike. 

You’ll have the opportunity to choose between the Main Room and the Mezzanine, ensuring you can plan the ideal corporate event that suits your specific needs.

• Location: West Loop
• Capacity: up to 100 standing 
• Cost: $$

6. The Palmer House Hilton: pull out all the stops at a historic venue Source 

This iconic hotel has been a Chicago landmark since 1871 and has several meeting spaces available, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. The hotel's luxurious decor and top-notch facilities make it an excellent choice for grander corporate events that really want to impress. 

Palmer House conveniently offers corporate amenities such as audiovisual equipment, high speed wifi, on-site printing and photocopying services, and even express mail services. It also boasts a spa and fitness center for attendees who need accommodation.

• Location: Chicago Loop
• Capacity: up to 1,500
• Cost: $$$$

7. Embassy Suites Downtown River North: a professional corporate meeting space in the city center Source

Offering an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, the business center at Embassy Suites is the perfect impressive-yet-affordable meeting venue. 

Its Executive Board conference room, The Wabash River room, is perfect for business meetings—with ten ergonomic chairs, a projector, AV facilities, optional catering services, and parking nearby, it ticks all the boxes for a successful event. 

As an extra bonus, popular attractions such as the Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and the Magnificent Mile are all within walking distance.

• Location: Chicago River North
• Capacity: up to 20 standing
• Cost: $$$

8. Nimbler Spaces: an all-round adaptable workspace for corporate events  Source

 If you find yourself in the windy city looking for a space to host your next corporate event, this is definitely one to consider. 

Just one minute away from Riverwalk, Nimbler is a modern space located on the top floor of a historic red brick building on the vibrant North Wabash Avenue, boasting spectacular views. 

Nimbler offers free bike and scooter parking (ideal for those companies with employees based in the city), conference room hours, free beverages, and a great variety of rental spaces. It’s also a great option for companies needing central coworking spaces.

• Location: North Wabash Avenue

• Capacity: up to 20
• Cost: $$

The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel: a classy event space in the heart of Chicago Source

This sleek and modern hotel is located just a five-minute walk away from the Magnificent Mile. It boasts several meeting spaces available, including a grand ballroom, a rooftop terrace, and smaller meeting rooms. 

Its contemporary design, professional air, and on-site parking make it an impressive corporate meeting space in a highly central and accessible area of the city. Its position on the 18th floor of the Aqua Tower means you’ll enjoy some panoramic views while you get down to business.

• Location: The Loop
• Capacity: up to 400
• Cost: $$

10. Ravenswood Loft: an intimate, art-inspired venue for more relaxed company events Source

This space is a brilliant blank canvas for your next small corporate event. It’s full of natural light, it’s highly adaptable, and it has an in-house kitchenette or optional catering services. 

It offers affordable pricing, and on-site staff to help prepare and set up the space for whatever event you have in mind. It’s also a great option for smaller company parties, seating up to 80 for private dining options, and loud music allowed.

• Location: Montrose
• Capacity: 80 seats, up to 100 standing
• Cost: $$

Get ahead and start organizing your corporate event today

Whatever event you’re hosting, whenever you’re hosting it, it’s never too early to start planning—and you can use TravelPerk’s event management checklist to make sure you’re ticking all the boxes. 

If you feel you could benefit from support with the organizational side of things, TravelPerk can help with the book and management of your event, taking the administrative weight off your shoulders. You pick the venue, let TravelPerk take care of the rest! 

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