Conference Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Conference Venues Rental Guide

Chicago is an excellent business location and is well-known as a center of international business. Chi-town is a hub for world-class art and culture, exclusive dining, technology and architecture, among other things. The city offers an ideal venue for conferences, seminars, meetings, congresses, product launches and other types of business events. Whether you are searching for a tiny conference room for a board meeting or a large convention centre for an international conference, Chicago has it all. We've compiled a few tips to help you choose the best conference venue.

• Set a budget for your venue and stick to it. You must first set a budget before you can begin looking for venues for your next conference. After determining how much you can afford to spend on a conference venue, you can begin looking for a location that meets both your needs and your budget. It's easy to get caught up in the planning process, but setting a budget for your venue and your event in general, will help you meet your goals y without costing you a fortune. 

• Choose a conference venue that suits the event's theme. You have to make sure that the venue you select can convey your company's vision and values through its design and ambiance. If you are organising a different type of conference, such as an academic or a training one, or perhaps even a discussion with a specific topic or cause in mind, you may require a different type of conference venue. No matter what you are planning, Chicago has plenty of excellent venues to offer.

• Consider the event's structure. Put yourself in your attendees' shoes and try to envision how they will experience the event. Choose a venue that will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You want to make sure your attendees are getting the most out of your conference. To maximise their experience, you need to make sure you have established a clear event structure and timeline beforehand. Therefore you need to be looking for a venue that enables you to execute your vision for the event flawlessly.

• Ensure that the venue has everything you require. Check in with your venue manager to see if there is any equipment you may need, such as conference call facilities, a microphone, a projector and screen, a decent sound system, and whiteboards or flipcharts. If your conference is large, you may also need to plan for extra space for breakout groups or catering, as well as anything else you may require. You don't want any unpleasant surprises on the big day, so double-check ahead of time. And don't worry if you're on a tight budget. Chicago has fantastic conference venues ranging in price. Most importantly, verify that the venue can comfortably accommodate all conference delegates. 

At the end of the day, nothing is more important than ensuring that your event communicates its vision and serves its purpose. Conferences are held to address a specific topic through communication and the exchange of ideas. To get the conversation going, you'll need to construct an event that piques people's curiosity and entices them to show up on the day of the conference. You want them to not only show up but to actively participate. To understand what attendees are looking for, put yourself in their position and ask yourself some leading questions that can help you tailor your conference. Here are some helpful questions from the point of view of a potential attendee that you can consider:

• Is the conference's theme relevant to me? - You will be able to identify the demographics of your attendees. 
• What am I willing to spend on a conference ticket? - If you are organising a ticketed event, this will assist you in determining a ticket pricing range.
• What makes this conference unique and exciting? - To spark people's interest you need to provide them with a new experience or point of view.
• Will this event provide me with the opportunity to network? - Just as you, as an organiser, have objectives, guests expect something in exchange for attending your event. Many people attend conferences only for the excellent networking opportunities they offer. You can include entertainment or a break area for mingling.
• What will I gain from attending this conference? - People take time out of their day to attend your conference, and they expect to leave with more knowledge and insight about the topic. Make sure to convey your subject in an engaging manner, incorporate technical equipment into your delivery and take full advantage of your venue in order to take your conference to the next level.

Conference delegates want value for their time and money, and they anticipate that the event will keep them busy and interested. It is always necessary to consider their wants and needs. You may be stuck with your own vision for the occasion as an organiser, but with events like conferences that rely significantly on attendees and their positive feedback, it's always best to design the event with different points of view in mind.

FAQs about Conference Venues in Chicago, IL

How much does it cost to rent a conference venue in Chicago?

There are many different types of conferences, ranging from private company meetings to ticketed events with hundreds of attendees. The hire fee for a conference venue in Chicago will vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, size, and any equipment provided by the venue. Most smaller venues for private conferences and meetings charge between $30 and $70 per hour. The hire fees for larger conference venues range between $250 and $8,000 or higher per session. Per day prices start at around $2000 and can go up to $4000 or more. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are some of the best conference venues in Chicago?

• One grand conference space we highly recommend is The Parlor at Colvin House. It boasts a magnificent and opulent environment that can accommodate up to 100 seated delegates. This location also has all of the necessary conference equipment you may need.

• Artifact Events offers a one-of-a-kind setting for up to 833 seated delegates. This is  an excellent choice for a conference venue because it provides a totally unique atmosphere. which you might find ideal if you want to hold your conference in an outdoor setting.

• If you are searching for a venue that offers cutting-edge technology, The Alpine at Swissotel Chicago may be the ideal location for your conference. This fantastic venue, which is located in the Inner Loop, can accommodate up to 220 seated guests and is also ready to provide an excellent catering experience.

• River North is ideal for a smaller conference of up to 60 people. This facility has everything you might want: it is filled with natural light, but it can also be adapted to accommodate multimedia presentations, and it provides catering.

How far in advance should I book my conference venue?

It's generally a good idea to book your venue as far in advance as you can. If you begin your venue search as soon as possible and book your venue at least 9 to 12 months in advance, you will be able to ensure that everything goes as planned and that you have enough time to make any adjustments.

How can I ensure my conference will be successful?

When planning a large event, you must ensure that everyone is satisfied and content. Make sure the venue you chose has all of the facilities you require, such as restrooms and parking spaces. Check to see if the location is wheelchair accessible and if an elevator is available, and if there is enough space for all participants to be comfortable. If the event lasts longer, make sure to provide food and refreshments. Include entertainment options that will keep the conference interesting. Make sure to present guests with a clear and realistic event schedule, including break periods.