16 unique neighborhoods along 26 of sugar-white and turquoise water, South Walton the ultimate event destination. small-town getaways like coming no ma where you’re
With and easy driving from Atlanta, Birmingham, spend less time route more time in good company.
With 16 unique beach neighborhoods along 26 miles of sugar-white sand and turquoise water, South Walton is the ultimate event destination. Luxurious amenities meet small-town charm for getaways that feel like coming home, no ma er where you’re from. With convenient airport access and easy driving from Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans, you’ll spend less time en route and more time in good company.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
WITH A VIEW
From resorts to boutique hotels, South Walton is home to unique architecture, breathtaking views and accommodations to suit any style.
From to hotels, South Walton to architecture, breathtaking views accommodations to suit any style.
Sandestin Golf & Spa
Northwest Florida’s beachfront With over square of meeting and event space, Beach can accommodate every
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is Northwest Florida’s largest beachfront resort! With over square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, Hilton Sandestin Beach can accommodate groups of every size.
HiltonBeachMeetings.com •
BUSINESS ON PAR WITH VACATION
South Walton’s endless activities and breathtaking backdrops create opportunities for truly meaningful team building. Unique venues and accommodations blend with incredible dining and nightlife to personalize every experience. Start planning at MeetInSouthWalton.com.
Savvy Suburbs
BY SHELBY DEERING
The suburbs of Chicago offer accessible and cost-saving meeting and event opportunities
Take your meetings from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas
12 Meet + Eat Chicago food halls and markets serve up standout group dining experiences
14 Venue Report
Set the perfect stage with events at magnificent theaters 28 Industry Update
Discover the latest updates through our Meetings + Events infographic and Illinois news
The MPI Chicago Area Chapter convened downtown for a session on inclusivity
Visit Chicago Southland’s Mary Patchin shares her pet-inspired philosophy
Exactly where you should meet.
There’s a little bit of magic when we come together in a place like Traverse City. Where meetings have purpose, people have connection, and business has direction. We can help put it all together...
TraverseCity.com/meetings
Consider Suburbia
» GROWING UP, I SPENT quite a bit of time in the Chicago suburbs, usually with family. My uncle lived in Hinsdale, and nearly every visit included a meal at Egg Harbor Cafe, which opened in 1985 and now has several locations throughout Illinois. Even now, my family and I often stop by the cafe, most recently its Naperville eatery, for a delectable brunch. (The strawberry mimosa is a favorite!)
My grandparents lived near Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, where we would go watch its Fourth of July fireworks show; my mom grew up in the HomewoodFlossmoor area, and we had family friends we would visit frequently in Joliet. These Chicago suburbs offer a cozy sense of familiarity to me, woven with charm and indelible history.
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PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN
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With that said, I’d also acknowledge that the Chicago suburbs might often be overlooked when convening in the Prairie State, perhaps overshadowed by downtown. While the big city has its own list of attractions for planners, don’t dismiss the smaller hubs that dot its outer rings. From Evanston and Naperville to Joliet and Oak Park, each city embodies Midwestern charm and provides myriad venues and activities without the buzz and hubbub of their larger metropolitan sibling. What’s more, you might also find other affordable event opportunities in these locales—such as ample free parking and incentive packages with cost-saving deals.
I implore meeting planners to give these suburban havens consideration; you might be surprised at just how much they have to offer. If you’re looking for a venue with a bit of history, the Oak Park Conservatory is on the National Register of Historic Places. For a thought-provoking atmosphere, venues like the Evanston Art Center or the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin are top choices.
And, unsurprisingly, I absolutely advocate for a group meal at the aforementioned Egg Harbor Cafe—its locations are now conveniently spread across the state, and you also can have the cafe cater if you so choose. While I’m usually an eggs Benedict devotee, the omelets are a must!
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Meeting planners can take events up a notch with activities attendees will rave over
BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN
» WHEN IT COMES TO getting attendees out of the boardroom and into a group activity, it might take something beyond the ordinary to capture interest. Whether it be a walk with llamas up to a picturesque picnic spot, a thrilling helicopter ride above city skyscrapers, or a revitalizing sound bath experience, meeting planners have an abundance of team-building options to consider—all it might take is a little creative thinking.
Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, offers the chance for attendees to take its llamas on a nature walk up to a scenic picnic spot—and, yes, the llamas carry your lunch baskets for you. In Park City, Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, provides horse-centered activities for groups ranging from trail rides to learning about the fundamentals of equestrian care. Additional ideas include goat yoga classes and volunteering at an animal rescue shelter.
Michigan, features racetrack experiences during which attendees can take two full-speed laps with a professional race car driver. Other ideas planners might consider include hot-air balloon rides, all-terrain vehicle and speedboat tours, and snowmobile forays, among others.
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AMANDA CHRISTENSEN
For the thrill-seekers, activities like a helicopter ride or car racing might just do the trick. Twin Cities-based Minnesota Helicopters Inc. offers an array of flight options for groups in Minnesota, such as the Twin Cities Helicopter Tour that flies from the suburb of Blaine and along the north side of downtown Minneapolis. M1 Concourse in Pontiac,
And sometimes, all attendees might want is a relaxing wellness activity to help them rejuvenate between meetings. VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, in Orange County, California, offers several of these, including sound-bathing experiences, during which an instructor will use different sounds and the playing of musical instruments to relax the mind and body. The Ranch Hudson Valley in Sloatsburg, New York, offers a menu of wellness programs featuring activities such as hot and cold contrast plunges and team nature hikes. Other team-building ideas include group fitness classes and meditation sessions.
aubergeresorts.com
brushcreekranch.com
m1concourse.com
marriott.com
minnesotahelicopters.com
theranchlife.com
Clockwise from above left: Trail ride at The Lodge at Blue Sky; M1 Concourse; Llama hike at Brush Creek Ranch; Minnesota Helicopters Inc.
Lake County Charm
The communities that make up Lake County extend a warm Midwestern welcome for meetings and events
BY AMANDA CHRISTENSEN
Over in the northeastern corner of Illinois lies Lake County, a community of several cities, townships, and villages framed by hundreds of lakes and rivers and 30,000 acres of forest preserves. Its county seat is Waukegan, and other major hubs include Mundelein, Gurnee, and Lake Forest. As fall and winter set in, eventgoers can enjoy an abundance of autumnal activities and holiday happenings between meetings held at the area’s hotels and offbeat venues.
VIBE: The diverse makeup of some 52 incorporated cities and villages within Lake County makes for easy access to local experiences and history. The area was originally home to small villages and farming communities of the Native American Citizen Potawatomi Nation. The first colonial settlers arrived in 1834, and today some 700,000 residents call the county home.
TRANSPORTATION: “Lake County is conveniently located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee on Interstate 94, 45 miles from Milwaukee Mitchel International Airport and 30 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport,” explains Maureen Riedy, president of Visit Lake County. “Four Metra train lines also can whisk passengers directly from Lake County communities to downtown Chicago in under an hour.”
VENUES: One of the most notable venues is the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, built in 1928 and home to
historic spaces for up to 2,400 attendees. The grand Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills can host up to 300, while the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center offers a 65,000-squarefoot expo hall for large gatherings. Other options include Independence Grove’s Audubon Hall and The Barn at Timber Pointe in Hawthorne Woods.
HOTELS: “Lake County offers a variety of meeting-friendly hotels, including a full-service resort and a lovely hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan,” says Riedy. The resort she notes is the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, which features 50,000 square feet of function space and access to hiking and biking trails. Illinois Beach Hotel is the only hotel in the state that sits directly on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, and it provides a ballroom with stunning views of the water. Other properties to note
include the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee and Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest.
RESTAURANTS: Dover Straits Seafood House in Mundelein is a family-owned local favorite serving up a fresh selection of seafood, steaks, and pastas with space for private groups and events. Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville boasts an exposed-brick interior and a menu of pub favorites; planners can host an event in its Amber Room for up to 300 standing. Other eateries include Lindy’s Landing in Wauconda on Bangs Lake and Chessie’s Restaurant in Barrington.
MUST-SEES AND -DOS: “Attendees can experience fall festivals and costume parades, haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and Six Flags Great America’s famous Fright Fest,” says Riedy. “The holidays then bring seasonal shows, dancing light displays, and visits with Santa.” She recommends holiday shopping in the historic downtowns of Libertyville, Grayslake, Long Grove, or Antioch. Stroll art galleries like Blue Moon Gallery in Grayslake; take a class at Peter Patterson Glass Shop; or get outside in winter for skiing, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
visitlakecounty.org
Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest; Below, from left: Dining booth at White Hart Pub at Lake Forest’s Deer Path Inn; The English Room at Deer Path Inn
PASS THE POPCORN
» DEL’S POPCORN Shop was first developed as The Popcorn Shop in 1934 in downtown Decatur, Illinois, by typeprinter John Baldwin. The shop was located in the same building as Baldwin’s print business and was intended to help his town recover from the devastating effects of the Great Depression. Nearly 30 years later, Del Barnett took over operations and renamed the company Del’s Popcorn Shop. The Jacobs family would then purchase the business in 1978, and the family still owns and operates it today.
“Over the years, ownership has evolved, however, we are proud to say that multiple generations and seven families within the Jacobs family are shareholders,” says Tyler Jacobs, co-owner and current chief operating officer for Del’s. The business is now headquartered in Springfield and has two other shops in Decatur and Mount Zion. “We sell handcrafted popcorn, fudge, peanut brittle, caramel products, and seasonal products such as caramel apples,” he adds. Whether you are looking to buy one item in bulk or purchase a sampler basket for attendees to try a little of everything, Del’s corporate-gifting options are diverse. Jacobs notes its top product is the signature red tin sampler, which features seasoned, cheese, and caramel popcorn.
There are no order minimums with bulk purchases, and volume discounts become available at around 100 units or more.
Planners hosting events in central Illinois might also have their orders delivered. Or, if you are looking to share a bit of Prairie State history at an event out of state, Del’s also offers free shipping nationwide for orders above $65.
delspopcornshop.com
Dairy Barn Chic
What started as a working dairy barn in the late 1800s is now a refined, historic event venue in Streamwood just outside Schaumburg: Hoosier Grove Barn. Open year-round, the property features 2,000 square feet of space in the barn for functions of up to 150; and indoor/outdoor events are best suited and available from April to November, months during which planners might take advantage of the entire property beyond the barn itself.
“Our space is a fun and unique location to host meetings and events,” says Mallory Lorence, wedding and event manager at Hoosier. “We can have a meeting or luncheon inside, cocktails on campus, and other festivities and activities in the garden or lawn areas.” Planners can feel at ease knowing tables, chairs, linens, drinks and bar items, a projector, sound system, and microphone are provided by the venue, and decor options are also available on-site. Catering can be arranged with a company of the group’s choice.
“With a fully renovated interior, our barn provides the modern advances you need for an event without compromising its rustic charm,” Lorence adds. “We also have a stunning garden area and historic one-room schoolhouse on campus, providing a few different spaces to enhance your event.” hoosiergrovebarn.com
PHOTOS
(FROM LEFT)
Del’s Popcorn Shop, Captured by Kelly, William Zbaren, James Caulfield
Gilded Age Novelty
Glessner House in downtown Chicago was a single-family residence built during the Gilded Age of the late 1880s and designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The Glessner family called it home for 50 years, and today it is a museum showcasing the property’s notable architectural characteristics that served as inspiration for other renowned architects, including Louis Sullivan, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
“There are public tours of the house three days a week,” explains Gwen Carrion, visitor services manager at the museum. “During these 75-minute, docent-led tours, guests explore the 17,000-square-foot mansion; delight in its world-class collection of English and American Arts and Crafts-era furnishings; and learn about the Glessners, a prominent family that had a considerable effect on the development of late-19th- and early-20thcentury Chicago.” Glessner House also offers custom specialty tours for up to 40 people.
glessnerhouse.org
Exterior of Glessner House; Below: Main hall and staircase
What’s for Dinner?
Let every attendee choose their meal at Chicago’s diverse and delectable food halls
BY TODD R. BERGER
» MOST LIKELY, if you went out to dinner with a group of friends in your spare time, you would not limit everyone in your party to choosing only one or two dishes from the menu. But giving attendees the same freedom at just about any corporate or association gathering is a challenging task due to the volume of food required.
An excellent solution to this problem does exist, however, for meeting planners in Chicago: the city’s many food halls. These venues serve widely varying cuisines, are set up for groups, and can warm up the team building with cocktailmaking classes and trivia contests, among other engaging activities.
If you are hankering for a banh mi sandwich while your colleague salivates over an Australian meat pie, arrange an event meal at a Chicago food hall.
From Here On, a food hall that opened in 2022 in Chicago’s Old Post Office on West Van Buren Street along the
Chicago River, has diverse vendors serving everything from traditional barbecue to Indian delicacies. The space is open seven days a week, is available every day for semiprivate and private events, accommodates 350, and has river views.
“Vendors are all local entrepreneurs and chefs we have watched grow in a tight-knit Chicago community,” notes Tim Wickes, director of operations at From Here On. Meeting planners, Wickes says, “can choose from interactive food stations, themed buffets, or curated menus that suit your group’s preferences. We also provide flexible bar packages and interactive cocktail-making classes. Let us know what you have in mind, and we will make it happen.”
When pressed to name a tasty dish from the market, Wickes shares, “I’m really into Babygold Barbecue’s ‘What’s Up Turkey?’ bowl with smoked turkey, red beans and rice, braised greens, slaw,
red onion, and a sprinkle of ‘magic dust.’” The latter is a piquant seasoning infused with paprika, cumin, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
Nearby in the Fulton Market District, Time Out Market Chicago can host up to 800 for a full market buyout, and a private event space on the third floor— Tony’s Rooftop Bar—seats 125. Time Out Market Chicago offers several options for groups, such as “Taste of the Market,” which includes a signature dish from each of the 13 vendors, as well as a preloaded event card choice with which attendees can select a meal from any of the vendors.
“Time Out Market Chicago offers a carefully curated mix of top chefs and restauranteurs, and of culinary and cultural experiences—all housed in a unique building,” says Tiffany Pruitt-Melvin, national event sales manager for Time Out Market, the Chicago outlet’s parent company. She also notes the bright, dynamic colors
of the space, and adds, “Art and culture are integral to the Time Out Market ethos, with local artists’ work prominently displayed throughout the space. A striking two-story mural dedicated to Virgil Abloh [an influential Chicago designer of luxury streetwear] stands as a testament to Chicago’s rich artistic heritage.”
Chicago French Market on North Clinton Street in the 1911 Ogilvie Transportation Center celebrates the heritage of traditional French markets in Europe. In fact, the food hall is run by the Bensidoun family—the largest operator of indoor and outdoor markets in Paris, France, which has been managing such markets for generations. General Manager Leslie Cahill notes, “It is very much a casual, European-themed market. It’s a very earthy, organic place to come that is always changing.”
The food hall has seating for 300, although larger events can expand onto the transportation center’s commuter concourse. Chicago French Market, with 20 vendors, has the largest number and variety of cuisines of any food hall in the city—it offers Filipino food, sushi, Montreal-style pastrami, and Cajun
dishes, among others. Cahill also notes, “It is food from around the block and around the world. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and all the neighborhoods have their own ethnic components; we really try to honor and support those businesses in the neighborhoods.”
For example, the market’s Jian is the first jianbing house in Chicago. Jianbing is China’s most popular street food. Cahill says, “It is a Chinese crepe that is very savory, and it is really delicious.”
Meanwhile, at Aster Hall Chicago— which is connected to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and the luxury retailers of the 900 North Michigan Shops—attendees will find a two-level food hall with the Bar and Study event space and a Topgolf Swing Suite on the upper level.
Annie Flores, Aster Hall’s associate director of sales, sees advantages for planners in the two-story food hall with a capacity of 750. She says, “We can definitely do a multilevel event. Groups can buy out the entire food hall, and we would basically tailor the experience based on their needs and vision.”
Aster Hall is owned by Hogsalt, the hospitality company known for Chicago
eateries like Small Cheval; many of Hogsalt’s restaurants have a presence in the food hall. Flores says, “There is literally something for everybody—anything from sushi to tacos to Mediterranean to pastas. I think it is really special to go somewhere and have something that is appealing to all palates. Plus, Aster Hall has stunning views of the sparkling city lights along Michigan Avenue and an exceptional hospitality team.”
From left: Aster Hall Chicago luxury; Sandwich and cozy dining room at From Here On
Think Theatrical
Take this as your call to consider theaters as venues for all kinds of corporate and nonprofit events BY LAUREN PAHMEIER
» WHEN YOU THINK “THEATER,” the first things that might come to mind are likely movies, musicals, and concerts— whether you’re thinking about your favorite Broadway show or anticipating an upcoming movie premiere. But no matter which type of cultural content is your favorite, part of the reason going to a theater is so magical is because of the immersive environment it creates, where captivated audiences can enjoy a production without any distractions. However, these engaging experiences don’t have to be limited to leisurely pursuits. Planners might capitalize on the feelings and ambience that theaters evoke by hosting their corporate and nonprofit events in them as well.
Of course, conferences and meetings are a natural fit for a theater or an auditorium, as are corporate awards ceremonies where employees can be spotlighted as they walk across the stage to receive their accolade. These few events only scratch the surface of possibilities when it comes to staging theaters for corporate and nonprofit functions, though. Think seated galas and fundraising dinners on a theater’s stage that overlooks hundreds of velvet seats, or perhaps envision something smaller, such as a private cocktail hour during the intermission of a play.
If planners get a little creative with how they’re using these spaces for their functions, their gatherings can be just as
memorable as the best musicals, comedy shows, and concerts. Illinois Meetings + Events spoke with several theater professionals and meeting and event planners across the state to discover all the different ways that corporate and nonprofit events can be executed at these theatrical venues.
Along the same lines as graduation ceremonies—which regularly happen at venues with stages—are awards ceremonies, which can be easily leveled up by hosting them at a theater. Kandiss Hernandez, owner of Center Stage Theater in Naperville, has had planners book these types of events at her intimate venue and thinks employers who want their employees to feel extra appreciated should make the simple switch. “You can get an award anywhere,” says Hernandez. “You can get it at the office, but presenting at your office maybe doesn’t have that special feeling. Instead of just, ‘I got an award,’ you are presented with it. You walk on stage, and you definitely feel like it was an elevated gift.”
At Center Stage Theater, that feeling of receiving is even further amplified thanks to some of the design choices throughout the space. Stars on the lobby floor are reminiscent of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, which will make attendees of such ceremonies here feel like celebrities long before they take their seat in one of the 156 seats in the theater proper.
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT)
Auditorium Theatre, Justin Barbin, James Steinkamp Photography
VENUE R EPO R T Marvelous Teaters
Dazzling stage at Auditorium Theatre in Chicago
Galas are another type of event that often need a stage of some sort, whether it’s for a live auction or for the emcee throughout the night. While a theater would surely provide that necessary stage, the fixed seats in the audience could be a dealbreaker for several reasons: There wouldn’t be space for tables for a seated dinner or a silent auction, plus, it wouldn’t be easy for attendees to get up and mingle as there is often only time to chat before programming begins. However, if a planner stays open-minded—and the stage is big enough—gala attendees can be seated directly on the stage overlooking the theater’s fixed seats, with the programming presented facing the attendees on the stage.
Venues like the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago have hosted galas with attendees seated on the stage, overlooking the venue’s 3,875 seats. Booking and Events Manager Lionell Moore says that hosting events on the stage gives attendees a chance to feel like performers who regularly steal the spotlight. “It gives everybody an opportunity to feel that part of themselves that maybe they didn’t think they would ever get a chance to,” says Moore. “Especially when people are on stage, because they can take pictures outward, looking into the seats. So, it gives you the experience of what our performers on stage feel.”
The Auditorium Theatre is not the only historic venue in Illinois with a big enough stage to host seated dinners and programming. At the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, galas held on the
stage not only look out to the 2,300 fixed seats in the house but also a ceiling that has lights meant to emulate the night sky. “History says it was set to the way the sky looked that opening night, the actual placement of the stars, the constellations. It’s quite amazing,” says Bethany Bohn, director of marketing and private event sales at the Coronado. “It’s meant to look like it’s kind of frozen in 1927, but that is really what makes it beautiful and magical.”
Of course, many theaters put on their own shows, musicals, plays, dance recitals, and more, which means planners might have to work around existing schedules. However, planners should know they don’t always have to rule out show days— at least when gathering at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In the past, corporate and nonprofit planners have booked pre- and post-show dinners here to impress clients or show appreciation to sponsors and the like. Since there are two stages at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, planners might book the lobby of the theater that’s not in use for the evening, and then walk over to the
From left: Gathering at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater with skyline views; The Yard at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater
operating theater come showtime. Groups can even book a private space like the Skyline Room for intermission cocktails, an unexpected, yet fun addition to an already entertaining evening.
When it comes to conferences and meetings, planners almost always need at least a screen for slides, videos, and presentations. A stage, plus theater-style seating, can make these types of meetings much more memorable for attendees. “With a lot of these programs, you’re in a big ballroom where people are spread out at a table, away from each other,” says Todd Felker, event and sponsorship specialist for Mainstreet Organization of Realtors headquartered in Downers Grove. “In a theater, it really gets people in there more intimately; they’re closer together. It’s more of an experience. It’s almost like you’re going to a movie theater.”
Felker has hosted Mainstreet’s “Propel: Innovations in Technology” event in a theater for two of the past three years.
More specifically, he has returned to the Maggie Atcher Theatre at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, where up to 442 people can be seated in the house. “I think a lot of these things have been done at banquet halls and other larger banquet or ballroom spaces,” says Felker. “But the ability to do it there really provided a much more intimate setting and a fuller, robust programming effort because you have all the audiovisual equipment. All the services were there already.”
Historic theaters can also provide breathtaking and unique views for receptions and cocktail hours. At the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, planners might book the decorative Dress Circle on the second floor overlooking the theater and the stage for groups of up to 200 standing or 150 seated. Moore says, “You still feel like you’re in the theater, but you’re not in the seats.”
At the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, planners might book the third-floor lobby, which is adjacent to a balcony that looks out to not only the seating and the stage but also the twinkling “night sky” on the ceiling—as well as the marquee sign out the window for dazzling views from every angle.
When planners get creative and book theaters for their corporate and nonprofit meetings and events, they can certainly take a bow when it’s time for curtain call at the end of the evening. They’re sure to earn standing ovations from event attendees.
Navy Pier Gala event at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Below: Center Stage Theater in Naperville
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Book your next meeting in Lake County, Illinois and you not only get an amazing location with world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, you can also enjoy significant savings with qualifying group bookings. Make your next meeting a success in Lake County. Discover how you can save at VisitLakeCounty.org/Incentives. We bring more
Hyatt Regency Deerfield
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Savvy
Suburbs
Consider a venue in one of Chicago’s suburbs, readied with amenities galore and noteworthy cost savings
BY SHELBY DEERING
Downtown Elgin
It’s no secret:
Downtown Chicago event venues are a favorite among meeting planners. Chic, swanky, and built to accommodate hundreds or even thousands of attendees, along with lavish catering and decorations to boot, these urban destinations make sure there is undoubtedly something to be said about their cache. But take a pause and consider an alternative that’s just as viable, elevated, and sophisticated, and will likely save you some money in the process: the suburbs of Chicago.
Spanning miles and miles in nearly every direction, Chicago is surrounded by more than 200 suburbs—all waiting and ready to host your corporate or nonprofit event. Each city has a distinct feel and flavor to match whatever vibe you’re aiming to achieve, filled with meeting-friendly hotels, event venues, caterers, restaurants, and team-building activities.
These cities stand out in their own way apart from downtown Chicago, and ahead, Illinois Meetings + Events makes a case for considering them as host cities. From lakefront locales like Evanston to cozy Midwestern havens like Elgin and Oak Park, the options are as diverse as they are plenty.
There are several key benefits you will discover when planning an event in one of these smaller havens. In fact, these benefits might make you eschew the glittering venues and activities that are tempting to book downtown. For instance, Qiana Turner, owner and chief event planner at Madison Elyse Events in Chicago, has planned events in Naperville, Joliet, Glenwood, and Oak Brook, and has experienced all the notable benefits firsthand.
First, she points out there’s greater ease when traveling to the venue. In the suburbs, she notes “accessing venues from the expressway or from a main street is much easier than having to navigate down a busy, bustling street like Michigan Avenue or Wacker Drive.” When guests arrive at the suburban destination, they will find ample free parking. “Where in Chicago can you go and not have to pay for parking? Not too many places!” she says. “In the suburbs, any venue you go to has plenty of free parking, or if you have to valet, the cost is minimal in comparison to parking prices in the city.”
Turner also loves the many on-site catering options that can be found in the suburbs. She has found most suburban venues have catering on the premises, which “takes the stress off clients looking to book because they don’t have to go searching for a caterer.”
“The lower stress level of being outside the city creates a conducive atmosphere for networking and collaboration.”
–PAMELA HAILEY, director of sales, Meet Chicago Northwest
Chicago Southland, or the “South Suburbs” as the area is also called, includes cities like Tinley Park and Oak Forest, all well-connected to the rest of Chicago via highway. The benefits of these southern hubs are plentiful and include an ambience you might not find downtown. Specifically, Mary Patchin, president and CEO of Visit Chicago Southland, says the charm of the communities and people is what makes the area special—and there’s the added bonus of convenience.
Outdoor gathering at Dawes House at the Evanston History Center in Evanston
“In the suburbs, any venue you go to has plenty of free parking, in comparison to parking prices in the city.”
–QIANA TURNER , owner and chief event planner, Madison Elyse Events
“Professional services under our purview cover banks, banquet facilities, caterers, colleges and universities, health care facilities, office centers, and supply stores, to name a few,” she lists.
Pamela Hailey, director of sales for Meet Chicago Northwest, says holding an event in a suburb like Schaumburg, 50 minutes northwest of downtown, offers many benefits. She specifies these as cost savings, ease of access, and a more relaxed environment for attendees. “The lower stress level of being outside the city creates a conducive atmosphere for networking and collaboration,” she adds. “Additionally, the proximity to local attractions without the heavy traffic of a downtown environment makes it easier for planners to create a seamless experience.”
While there is a host of suburbs to consider, a select few standout for their accessibility, cost savings, and local canvas of exceptional meeting amenities. Oak Park, located 20 minutes west from downtown
Chicago, is easily accessible by train or car and is home to 25 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed properties. It also boasts an active arts community and is considered by many to have a warm and welcoming feel.
Right in the middle of this idyllic setting is the Oak Park Conservatory, built in 1929 and included on the National Register of Historic Places. It also happens to be a stunning venue choice for events. Here, attendees can marvel at the Edwardian-style glass conservatory that houses over 3,000 plants from around the world. Greenhouses, outdoor courtyard gardens, and an indoor space provide an intimate collection of venues for retreats and meetings, as Patti Staley, director of Oak Park Conservatory, says. Some of the spaces can host upward of 100 people, and the plants and flowers provide plenty of visual appeal.
In Chicago Southland, the grouping of so many small communities lends itself to diverse offerings in attractions and food for events. Patchin points out that many area accommodations provide shuttling to and from Chicago Midway International Airport and hotel rates are significantly lower than downtown Chicago options—despite being 15 to 45 minutes away, depending on the community.
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Park District of Oak Park (2), Ellie Hazlett, Erica McKeehen
Hailey says Schaumburg offers “a unique blend of urban amenities with suburban convenience.” She adds, “Meeting and event planners will find a variety of state-of-the-art venues, flexible meeting spaces, and top-notch accommodations. With its proximity to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and major highways, Schaumburg is easily accessible for both national and international attendees.” Venues to note include the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel and Topgolf Schaumburg.
Then there are other suburbs to ponder, like Evanston, located a half hour north of downtown Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan and showcasing a variety of standout event venues. Consider the Evanston History Center and the Evanston Art Center, where guests will be served a side of culture along with their meeting experience. Planners might rent the history center’s Dawes House for more than 150 attendees, while the art center can accommodate up to 200.
Quieter than downtown and a bit more off the beaten path, Naperville has a treasure trove of venues to consider for your event, like Chicago Marriott Naperville and Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk, An IHG Hotel—places your eventgoers can enjoy upscale
accommodations and the venue for their meeting in the same place. The Marriott property features some 24,000 square feet of function space, and the Hotel Indigo provides the Elements Ballroom, its largest space, for up to 230 people.
Elgin, nestled about an hour northwest outside of downtown Chicago, has several collegiate venues at Judson University, including the historic Herrick Chapel, which can host up to 600 people; and the Edward & Alice Thompson Center, which can accommodate 135 in its Thulin Auditorium. Other distinctive options nearby include the Hemmens Cultural Center and Plank Road Tap Room.
Beyond the logistical and stress-relieving benefits of hosting in the suburbs, there are other advantages when it comes to saving money. Turner notes
Clockwise from left: Outdoor gathering in the Rubenstein Memorial Garden at Oak Park Conservatory in Oak Park; Tropical Room at Oak Park Conservatory; Event setup at Evanston Art Center in Evanston; Art display at Evanston Art Center
there are often lower or even no room rental fees. “Many suburban venues either do not charge a room rental fee or offer a nominal fee for room rental,” she explains. “In some cases, venues that do have a room rental fee might waive it if the required food and beverage minimum is met. Additionally, most venues will have a minimum requirement for either food and beverage spending or guest count.”
And speaking of food and beverage minimums, Turner says these tend to be “considerably less in the suburbs than in Chicago.” She adds, “Taxes are also lower in the suburbs versus the city, so you will not pay as much for an event as you would there.”
When referring to Chicago Southland, Patchin says, “Not only is our region the most economical, but we also offer incentives based on actualized hotel room nights. In addition, we give grants to nonprofit organizations holding events in the Chicago Southland area.” All of which are things to keep in mind if you would like to pick up some perks while hosting a suburban event. Hailey agrees that, in general, planners might save significantly by hosting events in the suburbs— and specifically in Schaumburg. “Costs for hotels, venue rentals, and dining are generally lower than those in downtown Chicago or by Chicago O’Hare International Airport,” she says. “Free parking is a substantial savings for attendees, and the overall
cost of doing business in the suburbs is typically more affordable, allowing planners to maximize their budget without sacrificing the quality of the experience.”
The Oak Park Conservatory is an example of a venue that includes many of these cost-saving benefits. Staley says the conservatory offers various packages depending on the size of the rental, and new for 2025, an outdoor high-peak tent will be included in the rental cost, season and weather permitting.
Additionally, Staley says, “We work with many customers for whom this is their first time hosting an event and understand how to work within a budget. Bringing in food from a favorite restaurant is one of the many cost-saving options appreciated by our customers.”
If you’re not yet wholly convinced already to host an event in Chicago’s outer ring, allow Turner’s concluding advice to soak in: “Don’t overlook having your event in the suburbs! You can achieve the same level of excellence—often at a more affordable cost.”
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Meet Chicago Northwest, Lisa Littel Photography
From left: Meeting at Topgolf Schaumburg; Exterior of Chicago Marriott Naperville
CVB SHOWCASE
This handy guide to Illinois convention and visitors bureaus will help you find the perfect spot for your event
Illinois State Capitol in Springfield
Elgin Area Serves Unique Spaces
847-695-7540 | exploreelginarea.com
The Elgin Area is the perfect destination for events and meetings of all sizes—it is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Elgin provides attendees with free parking and plenty of area attractions. Some of its most sought-after spaces are:
• Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Northwest–Elgin
• The Hemmens Cultural Center, a renovated 1,200-seat theater
• Heritage Ballroom, which accommodates 300 people
• The Highland Loft, a downtown Elgin showcase
• Randall Oaks Golf Club, with picturesque views and a patio
• Villa Olivia, four unique indoor spaces for 30-300 guests
• The Venue at Goebbert’s, featuring space at Goebbert’s Farm Whatever space planners are looking for, the Explore Elgin staff will assist in finding the best fit for any gathering. Begin planning your next event by calling 847-695-7540 or visiting exploreelginarea.com/meetings.
Elgin
located just 40 miles northwest of
Elgin, Illinois | ExploreElginArea.com
Martini Room
Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Grand Victoria Casino
As one of the Midwest’s premier meeting and convention destinations, Tinley Park sets the stage for great events.
The Tinley Park Convention Center offers 58,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space and can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 6,000 attendees at a single event. It also provides attendees with abundant free parking, complimentary internet access, accommodating staff, and more. With its modern design, versatile spaces, and impeccable service, the convention center is ideal for any event.
Located just 30 miles south of downtown Chicago with two interchanges off Interstate 80 and two train stations on the Metra Rock Island Line, Tinley Park is right in the middle of the excitement. With 11 lodging options (and two more on the way), plenty of great local restaurants, and awesome events happening around town weekly, Tinley Park has exactly what planners need to make the perfect event. Start planning the next gathering today at visittinleypark.com/meetings-events.
Elevate Your Events in Southern Illinois
Looking to shake up your next meeting or event? Williamson County, Illinois, is your ticket to a refreshing change of pace. The heartbeat of southern Illinois, it is home to quaint communities that offer a blend of unique venues and warm welcomes that turn ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences. No matter the gathering type, you will find the perfect spot to inspire creativity and connection. The Pavilion in Marion boasts flexible spaces with a touch of elegance, making it ideal for larger events that need room to breathe. For something more intimate, explore the charming options in Herrin, Carterville, and Johnston City. And it is not just about the indoor spaces: Step outside and let the natural beauty of southern Illinois’ parks and scenic landscapes add a refreshing backdrop to your event. So, break away from the usual and bring your next event to life in Williamson County. Fresh ideas and new connections await!
Make your next meeting one for the history books and meet in Springfield. Planners will find unique, customizable convention space throughout the three pricipal areas of Springfield, which boast 4,000 overnight rooms and 325,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau offers multiple services to help planners. Services include transportation assistance; pre-meeting promotional materials (printed and digital); brochures; printed attendee bags, name badges, and covers; and a tourism ambassador. Choose Springfield and take the stress out of planning.
Situated in central Illinois, where interstates 57 and 70 meet, Effingham offers the perfect location to connect with others. With 17 hotels and more than 70 restaurants, Effingham provides the best in Midwestern hospitality.
If your appetite for collaboration is as strong as it is for haute cuisine, plan a dinner meeting at farm-to-table restaurant Firefly Grill. If space is what you are craving, check out the sprawling conference rooms at the Thelma Keller Convention Center. If your definition of happy hour involves a historic downtown location and handcrafted cocktails, enjoy the vibes at Wheat Penny cocktail bar along North Banker Street.
For more information about Effingham’s meeting spaces and activities for attendees, visit visiteffinghamil.com.
SUSTAINABILITY SAVVY
» WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINABILITY in events, it can be hard to know where to start. From decor and plastic water bottles to food waste and carbon footprints, meetings and events can have a huge impact on the environment—whether it’s a meeting of 10 or 10,000. According to Feeding America—a nationwide nonprofit network of food banks, food pantries,
he U.S. 380 milliontons ofplastic isproduced annually.
in
and local meal programs working to end hunger—nearly 80 million tons of food are wasted in the U.S. each year, which is equivalent to 149 billion meals. Plastic Oceans International, a global nonprofit working to end plastic pollution, reports that of the more than 380 million tons of plastic produced each year, up to 50% is for single-use purposes. While the numbers might seem intimidating, to the right are just a few ways planners might create more eco-friendly events to help reduce waste and better conserve resources. 50% of plastic producedannually is s ing leuse.
Decor + Production
Avoid single-use or throwaway items like pens or plastic bags for event swag.
Employ sustainable light and energy sources such as LED bulbs and solar power.
Use recyclable event stationery and signage and incorporate reusable decor into your setup.
Invest in flowers and plants native to the region for displays that will both enhance your event space and support local businesses and ecosystems.
Venues + Suppliers
Consider local sites to avoid large amounts of plane or car travel.
Plan environmental group activities like trash pickup or tree planting.
Work with sustainable caterers that prioritize local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly ingredients.
Choose venues and hotels with sustainability certifications and eco-friendly operations.
Food + Drink
Donate excess food to local food banks or pantries.
Compost leftover organic materials.
Provide reusable water bottles for attendees.
Manage portions and preferences using advanced attendee meal selection.
Galena Resort Launches Wellness Programs
The 6,800-acre Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, located on the shores of Galena Lake, debuted its integrative group wellness programming in September, transforming corporate meetings and retreats into more holistic wellness experiences for attendees. With an emphasis on fostering team building, reducing stress, and increasing focus, the
CHICAGO
program is anchored by the resort’s Stonedrift Spa and spans a menu of activities, including sound baths, guided hikes, yoga, aromatherapy, and more.
“Wellness is increasingly recognized as an essential component of successful corporate meetings,” says Colin Sanderson, director of sales and marketing at the resort. “Studies, like the ‘2024 Global
TRIUMPHS—AGAIN
» FOR THE EIGHTH YEAR IN A ROW, Chicago was named the Best Big City in the U. S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, voted on by more than 500,000 readers. From hosting major events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention, the Nascar Chicago Street Race, and the renowned Lollapalooza music festival to seeing an overall increase in hotel room stays across leisure and business visitors, the city had a stellar year for its tourism and hospitality markets in 2024. According to Choose Chicago—the city’s official sales and marketing organization— group hotel demand this summer totaled 1.1 million room nights across the months of June, July, and August, marking a 7% increase from last year, with a total of 3.4 million hotel room nights booked across all traveler markets. The city’s busy summer season also welcomed more than 670,000 international visitors, a notable 11% increase from last year’s numbers. “Chicagoans know that our city is second to none, and now we have yet another accolade to prove it,” says Mayor Brandon Johnson in a prepared statement. “This honor is a testament to the strength, warmth, and resilience of Chicagoans and the beauty and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. ”
If planners are looking to get in on all the hubbub of a thriving city, there is little shortage of venues and activities to choose from. McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, boasting some 2 million square feet of function space to work with. Remarkable culture and historical outlets to add a tour of include the Field Museum, American Writers Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. And, of course, get up close with nature and wildlife with a visit to Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, or one of the city’s refreshing parks— Grant and Millennium parks sit right along South Michigan Avenue. choosechicago.com
Meetings and Events Forecast’ by American Express, show that 77% of meeting planners view wellness elements as critical for enhancing the attendee experience.” In addition to these new health-focused options, the resort’s proximity to Chicago and the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa makes it suitable for groups looking for both seclusion and convenience.
While the resort has an existing list of more traditional team-building activities like golf and horseback riding, these new additions of group wellness activities facilitated by certified professionals include relaxing sound bath sessions; yoga, fitness, and stretch sessions; guided walking, hiking, and nature tours; mindfulness and meditation workshops; self-guided facial classes; aroma-therapy and hydrotherapy sessions; hair and makeup classes, and more.
Beyond these pampering add-ons, the resort offers 15,000 square feet of on-site gathering space spanning its Eagle Ballroom, Point Patio, and outdoor spaces that include championship golf courses. Available accommodations include cozy guest rooms and more than 100 private villas and homes. eagleridge.com
Group yoga at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena
All Things Inclusivity
Attendees gathered in downtown Chicago on Aug. 7 for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Chicago Area Chapter’s 2024 Summer Education Program held at The Dalcy, an event hall in the city’s Fulton Market District. This year’s event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and was named “Aspirational to Operational: A Workshop on Developing a DEI Strategy.” It welcomed 73 participants and included a presentation on designing inclusive event experiences led by Certified Diversity Practitioner Zoe Moore. It operated as a sequel to the 2023 program, “Designing Experiences as a Champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” and was followed by a group lunch held at the nearby Aba restaurant’s rooftop.
1. Pamela Laite 2. Anthony Molino and Sara Broderick 3. Zoe Moore
4. Maureen Larson and John Nawn
5. Katrina Whaley 6. Allison Hines and Hilary Saurer 7. Barb Balugarus, Laura Bergersen, and Becky Flanigan
8. Akilah Armand-Hazlip and Tanya Mishigian
Calm, Cool, and Collected
The unflappable Mary Patchin took over Visit Chicago Southland in July and brings a serene, big-picture outlook inspired by her parents—and her cats
BY TODD R. BERGER
Mary Patchin, who became the president and CEO of Visit Chicago Southland in early July, exudes tranquility. She credits her parents with her serene nature, noting they instilled in her a strong work ethic, sense of humor, patient temperament, and calm spirit. “It was always ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff, look at the big picture,’” she says. “I take things in stride. I always realize there could be something worse and something better in every situation.”
The Visit Chicago Southland enterprise that Patchin now oversees requires just this kind of big-picture outlook—as well as grace under pressure—as the convention and visitors bureau represents some 58 south and southwest Chicago suburbs. She notes, “We represent up to Bedford Park, which is [the location of] Chicago Midway International Airport,
down to Peotone, east to the IllinoisIndiana border, and west to Homer Glen.”
Patchin joined Visit Chicago Southland in 1999 after graduating from Purdue University Northwest in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in restaurant, hotel, institutional, and tourism management. During her 25 years with the convention and visitors bureau, she rose through positions as sales associate, director of sales, and vice president of sales, before taking over the organization following the retirement of longtime President and CEO Jim Garrett.
An animal advocate who raises chinchillas and rescued kittens, Patchin sees much of what she does relates to the four-legged residents of the region. “I always refer to a difficult situation being like talking to a cat,” she says, noting that, much like people, sometimes cats listen,
and sometimes they do not—and that is perfectly natural. “If you can argue your case to a cat and win, you’re doing pretty good that day. I always take life like that.”
Patchin realizes there is much competition out there when it comes to destinations, another challenge she tackles head-on at Visit Chicago Southland. “Someone can book in Illinois one year, go to Michigan the next year, and then go to Florida,” she explains. “We recognize that, and always ensure our clients have the best experiences for their meetings and events here.” She says even if clients cannot return every year, her team works hard to keep the area in planners’ rotations. “I am always looking to not only bring in new business, but to also help existing clients stay in the area and grow,” she says. “I think that is absolutely mission critical today.”
