WELCOME Welcome to Chicago ONLY-IN-CHICAGO SPECIAL EVENT VENUES CHICAGO SPORTS MUSEUM A s a planner, you are looking for a venue or hotel that’s the right fit for your special event. Whether the goal is to host an intimate board of directors reception and dinner, create an opening or closing night wow reception for a few hundred or thousands of guests, or treat your staff to a fun, casual outing before the meeting kicks into high gear, Chicago promises its own brand of inspiration. pre-game patio parties, suites, conference space and more. Home of the Chicago Bears and a winning array of meeting and event space for 20 to 10,000, Soldier Field recently introduced The Midway, an enclosed 14,000-square-foot event space with a variety of seating for up to 1,000. The Chicago Sports Museum is filled with interactive experiences and a vast collection of sports memorabilia with perfect-for-mingling dining space next door at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch . Lucky Strike has bowling and billiards in an upscale lounge atmosphere. Private rooms and a wine bar serve smaller groups. The addition of FTW Chicago reimagines traditional arcades with cutting-edge games, interactive mini golf, chef-driven cart cuisine, 32 draft beers, four private suites and steam punk-themed décor. In the heart of River North at Medinah Tree Studios, and only two blocks from The Magnificent Mile, The Ivy Room embodies a history of artistic elegance with a ballroom, courtyard and lower-level lounge available for up to 350 guests. Guests experience the story of the Chicago River and 360-degree views of the city and river in the spiraling five-story McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum . With two visually smart event spaces, the Skyline Loft and Sculpture Garden Gallery, the Bridgeport Art Center combines art and a look of raw urban elegance that juxtaposes timber construction, exposed brick, soaring ceilings and unparalleled views. The Museum of Science and Industry captures imaginations with interactive exhibits and event spaces for 15 to 10,000 guests. The Field Museum not only is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, it is a premier setting for meetings and events for 10 to 10,000. Known for a treasure trove of 20 million items that tell the story of Chicago’s past, present and future, GAME TIME Built in 1914, the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field is being restored and expanded to offer new luxury suites, premier club spaces and group terraces. A nearby development will have an open-air plaza, 175-room hotel and building to house Cubs offices, a conference center and retail shops. The Hotel Zachary boutique lifestyle hotel will offer an authentic neighborhood experience. Expect restaurants from four well-known Chicago groups, including a two-story restaurant and cocktail bar. The recently renamed Guaranteed Rate Field , playground of the Chicago White Sox, welcomes groups with DISTINCT PLACES Transformed from a former paper mill into a sophisticated venue in 2015, noted event designer Tom Kehoe created The Geraghty , a 25,000-square-foot customizable space. 22 :: choosechicago.com/meeting-professionals ©CHICAGO SPORTS MUSEUM
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2017: Page 22
