Navy Pier offers a unique setting for meetings and exhibitions. One of Chicago's enduring landmarks, Navy Pier opened in 1916 as a combination 
shipping and recreation facility. In 1995, after falling into disrepair during the 1970's and '80's, a new more spectacular Navy Pier emerged.
The $200 million renovation transformed Navy Pier into a world class convention, cultural and recreational center, becoming Chicago's most popular visitor attraction and a premier meeting facility. A picturesque facility located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers state-of-the-art capabilities while bringing a touch of whimsy to small and mid-sized events.
Navy Pier's meeting and exhibition space is perfect for small or expanding events that need more space than hotels offer.
Navy Pier offers:
- State-of-the-art exposition and special event facilities with more than 170,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space
- Over 48,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (divisible into 36 meeting rooms)
- 18,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom offering panoramic lake views
- Over 50,000 sq. ft. of multi-use reception areas
- Loading dock with 10 bays and drive-in access
- Easy accessibility by taxi and charter bus drop-off locations
- Enclosed parking for 1,800 vehicles
Festival Hall:
Festival Hall has been designed to serve both exposition and special event 
needs. Festival Halls A & B offer more than 170,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The facility takes maximum advantage of the Pier's unique lakefront setting, hosting exhibitions, trade shows, scientific conference, receptions, art shows, and meeting of all kinds. The ratio of meeting space to exhibition space provides tremendous flexibility for any show or event.
Festival Hall Features:
- 2 exhibits halls (Hall A: 113,400 sq. ft.; Hall B: 56,700 sq. ft.)
- 60-foot vaulted ceilings (30 foot minimum)
- 36 Meeting Rooms adjacent to Festival Hall (48,000+ sq. ft.)
- A full range of electrical and telecommunications services
The Grand Ballroom:
Navy Pier also features a magnificent Grand Ballroom, which services banquets, performances and special exhibit needs.
The Grand Ballroom Features:
- 18,150 sq. ft. ballroom
- 80-foot domed ceiling
- Panoramic views of Lake Michigan
The city's most popular visitor destination, Navy Pier is home to Skyline Stage (which hosts concerts, plays and other events), the Chicago Children's Museums, a Family Pavilion with specialty shops, and a 3-D I-MAX Theater. Further, the Pier features several themed restaurants, the Crystal Gardens (a huge indoor botanical park), a 15-story Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, and many cruise and sightseeing ships.
Navy Pier also features the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is modeled loosely after the Swan Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon. The seven-story theater complex launched its inaugural season of Shakespeare classics in the fall of 1999.
Click here to visit the Navy Pier website, or send us an email, for information on booking space at Navy Pier for your next convention, meeting or event.