Black Meetings and Tourism

May / June 2023

Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498279

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 65 of 76

B M & T ••• May/June 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 65 C H I C A G O AREA GUIDES WORK & PLAY IN THE WINDY CITY BY CLETUS RAMSEY Voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for the sixth year in a row by Conde Nast Traveler readers, Chicago is ready to wel- come groups of all sizes from large scale corporate conferences to family reunions and other small scale occasions. The Windy City has one-of-a- kind hotels, venues, and services that can adapt perfectly to today's needs. Whether you're planning a large or small meeting, Chicago has the space, culture, and people to make it eventful. From McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the Western Hemisphere, to one-of-a-kind museums, gardens, and lakeside venues such as famed Navy Pier, you'll find the perfect convention, conference, and special event space in Chicago. The Collection at McCormick Square offers unmatched flexibility, letting you define the space based on your needs. You have a variety of dynamic spaces to choose from, including three hotels, Wintrust Arena, and McCormick Place. There's also the bustling neighbor- hood around McCormick Square that's booming with delicious dining and fun nightlife options. Just steps away from Lake Michigan the Collection at McCormick Square is the perfect location for your meeting or events no matter how large or small. The area is home to world-class hotels, including the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, providing thousands of hotel rooms and meeting and event spaces of all sizes. And the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena offers a multi-purpose event center, capable of hosting general sessions, private concerts, or other large group activities. Located between two major airports, the Collection at McCormick Square is a convenient des- tination in a great city for business and play. With more than 170 flexible breakout spaces, 6 exhibit halls, and ballrooms ranging from 9,000 to 103,000 square feet, the Collection at McCormick Square provides flexibility and endless options for all of your meeting or event needs. Near McCormick Square, you'll also find the first tri-branded Hilton hotel, a rooftop bar, a craft brewery, tons of great dining options, the Prairie Avenue Historic District, and more. Navy Pier is one of Chicago's top attractions, welcoming more than 9.3 million visitors a year. The events facility is equipped with more than 170,000 square feet of exhibit space, over 48,000 square feet of Festival Hall meeting space (divisible into 36 meeting rooms), an 18,000-square-foot AON Grand Ballroom and Rooftop, boasting panoramic lake views as well as over 50,000 square feet of multi-use recep- tion areas. Stretching six city blocks into Lake Michigan, this year-round destination boasts some of the most stunning views of the city skyline and picture-perfect Lake Michigan, not to mention numerous sights, events, and attractions, from din- ner cruises and firework displays over the glistening waters to live music and film screenings under the stars. Fortunately for meeting planners, Navy Pier is also a spectacular venue for events of every kind. With AON Grand Ballroom, Festival Hall, and meeting rooms to choose from, Navy Pier's con- vention centers have the flexibility to accommodate every item on your event wish list. Chicago has many big hitters in the art museum world, including the renowned Art Institute of Chicago and the cutting-edge Museum of Contem- porary Art, to name just a few on a very long list. But The Chi is also home to a collection of smaller under-the-radar art museums. For a uniquely immersive arts experience conference attendees are encouraged to head to Chicago's trove of intimate museums and galleries, exhibiting everything from local design- ers to international photographers. Make certain to Contact Tiffany Elum, director of Sales at Choose Chicago, if you are thinking about bringing your meeting to Chicago. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites 345 Congress Plaza Hotel & Conference Center 835 Four Seasons Hotel Chicago 345 Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Chicago- Alsip 193 Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile 1,175 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile 323 EXHIBITION FACILITIES McCormick Place Total Space 2.6 million sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 173 Largest Ballroom 100,000 sq. ft. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Choose Chicago – (312) 567-8481 www.choosechicago.com McCormick Place photo credit: Mike Gustafson

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Black Meetings and Tourism - May / June 2023