Chicago, Illinois is a popular meeting destination no matter the time of year because of the vast variety of entertainment and business-related options. The city is full of diverse art, culture, top-rated restaurants, and outdoor fun along the lakefront and Chicago River. Also known for its architecture, your group can get an up-close look at famous Chicago buildings, among them, 875 North Michigan (previously known as the John Hancock Center) or the Willis Tower (previously known as the Sears Tower), through guided cruises along the river or via narrated walking tours. Depending on the season, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and hockey professional sports teams around the city are available to entertain your group. Chicago is also infamous for deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs but has a large variety of dining options available for your enjoyment. No one leaves Chicago hungry.
| CLIMATE AND SEASONS IN CHICAGO | |
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The Best Times to Visit Chicago Late April through June and again in September through early November are the best times to visit the city. Temperatures are ideal during these times. Also, during these months, you’ll find manageable crowds and a broad mixture of festivals and events, all at more affordable prices. |
Average Temperature: 60℉ Seasonal Temperatures:
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MORE TO LEARN AND EXPLORE
Water Show at Buckingham – The Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is one of the most recognizable landmarks, and its hour-long water show is fun for people of all ages. It was constructed out of Georgia pink marble, which was given to Chicago by a grand patroness of the arts, Kate Buckingham. It is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline and is a Chicago centerpiece. While a gorgeous piece of art, what attracts visitors is the light, water, and music show that goes on each hour. It’s a stunning display that makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Meeting planners should be aware that in milder weather, you’ll see a line of wedding parties waiting their turn to have their wedding portraits taken.
The 360 Chicago Observation Deck (formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory) is 1,353 feet above the streets of Chicago. The view of Chicago is breathtaking. Visitors will enjoy an unrivaled view of the city. The observation deck is the place to go for an opportunity to take advantage of the unique 360-degree perspective of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the city of Chicago. This location is ideal for photographs.
Lincoln Park Zoo is nestled among lagoons and mature trees and is ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country, featuring historic architecture and world-class wildlife exhibits. It’s easy to spend the entire day at this tranquil, intimate destination and to forget that the bustling city of Chicago is right outside the front gate. Open 365 days a year with free admission to all, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a premier Chicago attraction.
Millennium Park is one of the city’s free admission sites and is in the heart of downtown. Millennium Park competes with the Lincoln Park Zoo as Chicago’s best place to visit. The Bean (a sculpture known as Cloud Gate) is on its way to becoming Chicago’s top icon.
Navy Pier has a rich history which has evolved into one of the most popular spots for people visiting Chicago. The original purpose of the Navy Pier was to serve as a dock for freighters and passenger ships as well as to provide indoor and outdoor areas for recreation. It was also meant to include events like expositions. Navy Pier is separated into these areas: Gateway Park, Family Pavilion, South Arcade, Navy Pier Park, and Festival Hall.
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is among the world’s tallest skyscrapers standing at 110 stories tall and is the second tallest building in North America. It remains a huge tourist attraction due to the Sears Tower Skydeck observatory offering a view of Chicago at 1,353 feet (412 meters). On the 103rd floor, you’ll be awed by the views extending to four states as you stand in clear, glass observation boxes, known as the “Ledge.” Ledge’s glass boxes reach beyond “the ledge” by 4.3 feet. – which offers a magnificent view if you’re not afraid of heights. There are also 70,000 square feet of meeting space available within the tower.
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Want more information regarding what to do in Chicago? • 8 Things to Do in the Windy City of Chicago |
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MAKE YOUR MEETING MEMORABLE
Tour the opulence of the Gold Coast neighborhood. Start the morning with brunch at Margeaux Brasserie, located on the third floor of the historic Waldorf Astoria on Walton Street. Then take a tour of the Glessner mansion, a historical landmark of 19th-century architecture and among Chicago’s oldest buildings.
If you find you’d like something truly special for dining, Maple and Ash is a swanky steakhouse complete with candelabras, and chandeliers.
Dine in a museum. The Museum of Science and Industry is not only home to thousands of artifacts and exhibits, but it can also be a unique place to dine or even host a meeting or mixer event. If you’re looking for food that’s more seasonal, and a setting that is sleek and modern, consider Marisol. Situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood, Marisol is located in the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sing the blues in an iconic nightclub. The Bassment is a popular choice for fantastic music, lively entertainment, and British underground style. This reservation-only blues lounge is protected by a secret entrance which adds to its exclusive charm. For something incredibly unique, try the catnip-infused tequila cocktail. The House of Blues is another option for an upscale experience, this time with some southern flair. Here there is a variety of live entertainment from music to comedy.
Take in a Broadway show, concert, or musical in a historic theater. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, concerts, Broadway shows, plays, and other performances can be enjoyed at the iconic Chicago Theatre. This stunning building is influenced by French Baroque design and includes Tiffany stained glass and Neo-Baroque stucco elements. You will enjoy the architecture and art as much as you will any performance hosted here!
Savor the city with a gourmet dinner cruise. Dine on a spectacular chef-prepared, multi-course meal while enjoying the captivating views of Chicago. From landmarks such as Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and city skylines to signature drinks, your guests will be dazzled by this exceptional entertainment experience.
Explore the city’s vast culinary options. Chicago neighborhoods are filled with dining and drink experiences that are both pleasing to the palate and to the eye!
- Located in the Lake View area, Dear Margaret is a French-Canadian restaurant packed with flavor that will send you to a remote Canadian village without ever leaving the city. Be prepared to enjoy casual and anticipatory dining that’s made from scratch.
- For something in the West Loop, the Elske is a bright and airy fine-dining, Scandinavian restaurant.
- For the relaxed elegance of regency style, Vincent (Andersonville) is the place to enjoy good cocktails, wine, and approachable dining. The flavorful mussels are unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in Chicagoland,
- Gilt Bar is about eating and drinking opulence. Upholstered walls, marble floors, timber ceilings, and refined details make this a magnificent choice for homemade pasta, and luxurious Italian dishes.
- Three Dots and a Dash on Clark Street is considered the best tropical bar in Chicago and with good reason. Seasonal fruits are used to make fresh juice on site, and the finest herbs, spices, flowers, and rums are sourced from all over the world.
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife. From rooftop lounges to nightclubs and everything in between, Chicago has something for everyone. The perfect cocktail, craft beer or vintage wine isn’t just what’s on the menu. There are endless action-packed choices including axe throwing, darts, and ping pong tables, or you can keep it classic with bowling, arcades, virtual reality, or laser tag. A few suggestions:• Bad Axe in Chicago West Loop uses authentic World Axe Throwing League manufactured axes designed for axe throwing, not hardware store hatchets for live, action thrills.
- Ace Bounce in Waterview Tower is a ping pong arcade bar with stylish U.K. flair.
- Emporium in Wicker Park is a retro revival bar that’s home to classic pinball machines and arcade cabinet games.
- Topgolf Swing Suite on Michigan Avenue is a unique and interactive lounge featuring a virtual, full-immersion golfing experience with one-of-a-kind PGA Tour simulation technology.
WHY IS CHICAGO APPEALING FOR A MEETING?
Airports
There are two major airports servicing the city of Chicago:
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD) provides connections to more cities, more often than any other airport in the world.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a major commercial airport located on the south side of Chicago, just eight miles from downtown.
Freeways
Chicago has multiple freeways cutting through the city, North to South and East to West. There are numerous ways to reach the city, so your meeting attendees will not have difficulty getting into the city of Chicago.
Here are things to consider when planning your meeting in Chicago.
What is the objective? Examples:
- Many company retreats are designed to improve productivity and refocus the efforts of employees. In Chicago, your people will be able to get away from the social politics of the workplace and rediscover their strengths. During this retreat, new leaders will emerge, connections will be made, milestones will be reached, and memories will be made. In the end, corporate retreats help bring out the best in everyone.
- Leadership retreats are also popular in Chicago as this destination offers exclusive luxury where leaders can recharge and connect with each other.
- Incentive travel and meetings can be valuable for companies, key stakeholders, and top performers or high achievers.
Chicago is a perfect location for your next meeting. It will enable your people to be at ease and free up their creativity and potential. There are a lot of places to discover, food to eat, and cultures to experience, which will allow bonding opportunities for your people. Chicago is a perfect place for businesses to conduct meetings and retreats. The Windy City can provide luxurious accommodations, dining, and adventure opportunities. One of these activities alone would be a memorable experience. Combine several of them, and it can strengthen relationships as well as build company loyalty.
Do you need help planning a corporate meeting or incentive travel reward to Chicago? Contact Gavel International for more information.
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