Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2026
10 reasons Chicago is never outdone for meetings
2025-12-26 06:02:56
Plan to hold your next meeting or event in Chicago and discover the unique experiences and amenities your attendees won’t find anywhere else.
1 CONNECTIVITY
Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports help make the city’s Midwest location easily accessible for attendees on both coasts, as well as internationally. Both airports are hubs for three major airlines — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. By car, Chicago is drivable for nearly 50% of the U.S. population. Fourteen Amtrak routes bring passengers from around the country to Chicago’s downtown Union Station.
2 VAST INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
Chicago is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies, 20+ colleges and universities with 200,000+ students annually, top hospitals, tech incubators, and more. Meeting planners can tap into our city’s impressive intellectual capital and resources with the Connecting to Chicago program, which helps meeting professionals source local civic and corporate leaders from 1,500+ professional associations who can share their expertise and contribute to a memorable experience.
3 UNIQUE VENUES
We offer hundreds of unique venues, including sky-high rooftops with stunning lakefront views, scenic outdoor spaces along the Chicago River, historic landmarks designed by legendary architects, and modern spaces with sophisticated technology, accommodating groups of all sizes.
4 TOP HOTELS
Our world-class hotels range from some of the biggest and most luxurious brands to intimate boutique hotels, which means that you’re sure to find just the right fit for your needs. Choose to stay downtown or explore the many hotels available in diverse neighborhoods throughout the city that offer great options for groups.
5 McCORMICK PLACE
Chicago’s McCormick Place is the largest and most flexible convention center in the Western Hemisphere, boasting more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space in four distinct, state-of-the-art buildings (including one of the largest ballrooms in the world). The building offsets 100% of its electricity usage with clean wind energy.
6 INCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOODS AND WORLD-CLASS CULTURE
With 77 diverse neighborhoods, Chicago is home to a vibrant tapestry of communities and cultures from around the world. The city is known for its iconic cultural attractions and events, dynamic theatre, and live music clubs showcasing everything from house to jazz. Attendees can experience the breadth of stories and identities that shape Chicago: From vibrant public art in Pilsen, to community history in Bronzeville, to the LGBTQ+ legacy of Northalsted, and beyond. Choose Chicago’s Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement Choose Chicago’s Inclusive Tourism and Community Engagement team can connect meeting planners with a variety of minority-owned businesses throughout our neighborhoods.
7 ACCLAIMED DINING
Chicago is known for its amazing dining and wide range of cuisines, from gourmet Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning restaurants to classics like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza to international cuisine and signature neighborhood eats.
8 RECREATION AND WELLNESS
After a day of meetings, relax and get a mental reset by heading outside and enjoying Chicago’s great outdoors. Explore the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can take off on a kayaking adventure or hop on one of our famed architecture cruises. Bike along the beautiful Lakefront Trail that winds along Lake Michigan. Stroll through the breathtaking Millennium Park. Or take a dip at one of our many sandy beaches, with the city skyline as an amazing backdrop.
9 ACCESSIBLE
Chicago is proud to be accessible to all visitors, with special accommodations found everywhere from the city’s airports to public transportation to our acclaimed attractions, including sensory-friendly shows and exhibits. Learn more about accessibility in Chicago.
10 EASY TO NAVIGATE
Chicago is one of the most walkable large cities in the country, with a pedestrian-friendly downtown and neighborhoods. It also has a comprehensive system of affordable trains and buses, making it easy to get around the city.
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