World-class attractions and Midwestern hospitality aren’t the only things Chicago has going for it. The city is affordable, safe, and easy to get around, plus it offers great group accommodations. And that’s just the beginning.
McCormick Place® Convention Center
The largest and most flexible convention center in North America, McCormick Place is the reason meeting planners choose Chicago for their conventions, trade shows, and special events. Its 2.6 million square feet of event space, which attracts nearly 3 million visitors a year, allow for optimal configurations for groups small to large.
The Lakeside Center – which includes the Arie Crown Theater – is perfect for mid-size meetings, and McCormick Place South is made for major trade shows. The levels of McCormick Place North are ideal for mid-sized and large events, and the LEED-certified McCormick Place West – the newest addition to the campus – has a rooftop garden for receptions.
A series of pedestrian bridges connects the four buildings, which are minutes from downtown and close to hotels and attractions. Despite its immense size, McCormick Place makes attendees feel right at home thanks to amenities like Internet access, restaurants, and shops.
Navy Pier
Stretching almost a mile into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is an entertainment complex that doubles as a meeting venue. The historic landmark with a convenient downtown location has modern, flexible facilities that can accommodate midsize meetings and special events for up to 5,000 guests.
At the eastern end of the pier is the Grand Ballroom, 18,500 square feet of space capped by an 80-foot domed ceiling. Navy Pier also is home to Festival Hall with more than 170,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Lakeview Terrace can accommodate groups of up to 1,000, and the rooftop – available six months of the year – is Navy Pier’s premier outdoor venue. Both are one-of-a-kind spaces for receptions and small exhibitions.
What the CCTB Can Do for You
Another plus to meeting in Chicago is taking advantage of services the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) provides. Experts will help you with tasks like choosing the perfect event venue, promoting your meeting, and building attendance.
Click here for Meeting Planner Sales and Client Services contacts who can help make the most of your Chicago Experience.