Chicago
Chicago: offering life and soul to any event
CMW VISITS A CITY RIGHT AT THE CENTRE OF THE EVENTS WORLD AND READY TO THRILL, INFORM AND ENTERTAIN A RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES
C hicago’ s stature as a global
hub for business events is rooted not only in its architectural grandeur and logistical muscle, but also in its commitment to hospitality innovation, cultural richness and community connection. For meeting and incentives planners, the Windy City offers not only impressive infrastructure but transformational experiences that elevate business beyond the boardroom.
From the moment delegates touch down at O’ Hare or Midway, Chicago’ s energy is palpable. The city’ s expansive downtown, nestled along Lake Michigan, is a magnet for conventions, conferences, and incentive programmes that blend events with cosmopolitan flair.
Venues that drive impact No venue better illustrates Chicago’ s event ambitions than McCormick Place, the largest convention centre in North America, with 241,500sqm of event space spread across four interconnected buildings. Thee are six grand ballrooms, 170 meeting rooms, and direct access to major entertainment venues such as Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theatre.
The centre’ s sustainability credentials are as impressive as its size, with LEED certification and a rooftop garden.
Steps away from Chicago’ s famed Riverwalk, the Hyatt Regency Chicago serves as the city’ s largest hotel, offering over 2,000 rooms and 22,300sqm of adaptable meeting space. It integrates modern AV tech, distinctive catering options, and versatile breakout rooms, and there is close proximity to top
attractions like Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, which means attendees can easily shift from sessions to sightseeing.
Yet Chicago’ s venues aren’ t confined to convention halls. Willis Tower ' s Skydeck transforms ordinary business events into extraordinary experiences 412 metres above the city. This iconic venue gives a prestigious backdrop for corporate gatherings, with floor-toceiling windows providing 50-mile views across four states – an instant conversation starter.
The 99th floor accommodates up to 300 guests with flexible configurations from intimate boardroom meetings to grand networking receptions. What sets Willis Tower apart is exclusive access to The Ledge – transparent glass platforms extending over the city that provide heartstopping photo opportunities and unique team-building experiences.
Located in downtown, Willis Tower offers convenient access to transportation, hotels, and the city’ s business district. There’ s certainly something powerful about conducting
Above: The Windy City is blowing fresh winds into meeting and event sails business above the clouds that elevates both perspective and outcomes.
Luxury that inspires Chicago also offers elevated hospitality through its portfolio of high-end hotels. The Thompson Chicago, just steps from Michigan Avenue, is a design-forward gem with views over the Gold Coast. Nestled in the hotel is the Tavern on Rush, an iconic gathering spot providing flexible private spaces for intimate meetings or receptions.
New to the Loop, Hotel L7 by Lotte merges East Asian aesthetics with bold Chicago accents. Its spacious group amenities cater to incentive travellers and corporate delegations alike.
Arguably the newest crown jewel of the city’ s hotel scene, the St Regis Chicago, is housed in a sleek Jeanne Gang-designed tower. It boasts opulent rooms, celebrated dining, and wellness facilities, all within steps of renowned cultural institutions.
Incentives with a view When it comes to incentive travel, Chicago thinks outside the boardroom. One of its standout experiences is the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, operated by Chicago’ s First Lady. Led by expert docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, the 90-minute narrated journey presents the city’ s skyline as a living story and is a top-tier offering for international delegations.
Vertiport Chicago ups the ante with helicopter tours that provide thrilling aerial views of the cityscape and lakefront. It’ s an incentive choice designed for impact – ideal for executive groups seeking something unforgettable.
Coming soon, the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side promises to add a new layer to Chicago’ s incentive map. More than a museum, it’ s envisioned as a platform for leadership, policy innovation, and community engagement – a meaningful location for purpose-driven events and educationbased incentives. n
32 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 138