Choose Chicago’s Clients Discuss 10 Reasons to Meet in Chicago
For seven years in a row, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. Plan to hold your next meeting or event here, and discover the unique experiences and amenities your attendees won’t find anywhere else. Here are just a few of the reasons why Chicago should be your next meeting destination. And don’t just take it from us – hear it in the following interviews with some of our top clients.
Two International Airports
Chicago O’Hare and Midway international airports help make the city’s Midwest location easily accessible for attendees. Both airports are hubs for three major airlines — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Chicago also has a comprehensive and accessible transportation system of trains and buses, making it easy to get around the city.
Vast Intellectual Capital
Chicago is home to 36 Fortune 500 companies, major universities, 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 who can share their expertise and contribute to a memorable event experience.
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), accommodating a total of 100,000 attendees.
Top Hotels
Our world-class hotels range from some of the biggest and most luxurious brands in the industry 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 neighborhoods throughout the city that offer great options for groups.
Unique Venues
We offer hundreds of unique venues that feature everything from sky-high rooftops with stunning lakefront views to historic landmarks designed by legendary architects and modern spaces with sophisticated technology, accommodating groups of all sizes.
Inclusivity & Diversity
With 77 diverse neighborhoods representing cultures from around the globe, Chicago is a welcoming city dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Choose Chicago’s EDI team can connect meeting planners with a variety of women- and minority- owned vendors.
World-Class Culture
Attendees will find plenty to do once their meetings are done. Chicago is home to iconic cultural attractions and events, dynamic theatre, storied live music clubs showcasing everything from blues to rock, plus two scenic waterfronts — Lake Michigan and the Chicago River — bordered by parks and dozens of sandy beaches.
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 comfort classics like hot dogs and deep-dish pizza to international cuisine and signature neighborhood eats.
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.
Health-Focused
Chicago has an unparalleled commitment to your attendees’ health and safety. Learn how it’s put into practice at Healthy Meetings Chicago, an interactive digital platform that takes attendees on a journey from landing at one of Chicago’s airports to their arrival at the GBAC STAR™-accredited McCormick Place.
