CONTENTS 10 REASONS TO MEET CHOOSE CHICAGO IS HERE TO HELP EXPLORE WHAT’S NEW FESTIVALS & EVENTS CONVENTION FACILITIES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ACCESSIBLE CHICAGO FEATURED PARTNERS TAP INTO CHICAGO’S DIVERSE BUSINESSES RESOURCES ACTIVE TEAM BUILDING IDEAS UNMATCHED PRIVATE DINING IN CHICAGO ICONIC CHICAGO EVENT VENUES GUIDE TO THE McCORMICK PLACE AREA MEET SUSTAINABLY CHICAGO HOTEL COLLECTIONS SEE CHICAGO IN 24 HOURS Chicago is the proud home of the James Beard Awards. Check out our local winners. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant The curated menu of seasonal dishes at neighborhood hub Bronzeville Winery highlights local farms and woman/ minority-owned vineyards. Host a private dinner in the art-filled dining room or on the greenery-lined patio. They can even suggest a music lineup. Choose from six venues at elegant steakhouse The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant , housed in a revitalized 1905 fire station. THE CHICAGO FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT Downstairs, The Blue Room offers secret speakeasy vibes for an intimate dinner of 16, while The Patio rests under lush shade trees. Upstairs, The Veranda boasts South Loop views and seated dinners for up to 40 guests. Michelin-starred Sepia specializes in creative seasonal fare featuring local artisan farmers, including homemade pastas and chutneys. A stylish private dining room welcomes up to 60 seated guests, while smaller groups can dine on the sidewalk patio. Part-modern gastropub, part-1950s-inspired sports bar, The VIG pays homage to mid-century athleticism. A semi-private dining area seats 30 for refined takes on casual eats like lobster deviled eggs and steak sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot for a viewing party. Sunda New Asian ’s private and semi-private spaces can seat groups as small as 24 for platters inspired by culinary traditions across Southeast Asia. Add a sushi-rolling class or plan a Filipino Kamayan feast — adobo pork belly, lumpia, and more served on banana leaves. Big and bold, The Whale is a scene-stealing tribute to Vegas’ Rat Pack era of casinos. Large glass windows open onto a sidewalk patio for an indoor-outdoor lounge experience for smaller groups. Sicilian crab cakes and creative cocktails are a sure hit.
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2026: Page 42
