Corporate Event Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Corporate Event Venues Rental Guide

If you are planning a corporate event in Chicago, rest assured that you will find the perfect venue in a matter of a few clicks. From elegant hotels with amazing views to spacious industrial lofts, the city has everything you need. It doesn’t matter if you are hosting a gala, launching a new product or organizing a networking event – there’s an abundance of spaces to suit every occasion. All you have to do is browse our listings and if you need some extra inspiration, read on for our top advice on event planning and space rental!

What types of corporate event venues can I find in Chicago?

The city offers many different venue types that are a great fit for corporate events. So, let’s start by exploring some of your options.

• Hotels – Many upscale hotels, such as Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown, boast elegant function rooms, banquet halls, boardrooms, meeting spaces and more. They’re typically well-equipped, plus you don’t have to worry about catering or accommodation. Some of them also offer amazing views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

• Event centers – All across the city, you’ll find versatile event spaces that specialize in large-scale happenings, including corporate functions. Elegant halls, beautiful ballrooms and more await to be discovered!

• Universities – The city’s universities, such as Loyola University or the University of Chicago, are also great options for corporate events. They offer lecture halls, event spaces and meeting rooms with state-of-the-art AV technology. You can also count on on-site catering and accommodation facilities.

• Lofts – Spacious lofts and converted warehouses can be great venues for large-scale events if you’re into a little bit of an industrial vibe. They tend to be highly flexible and customizable, so if you’re looking for the maximum of freedom, this could be the perfect option. You’ll find these types of spaces in the areas of Logan Square and West Loop.
• Cultural institutions – Chicago is filled with cultural institutions. This may sound like a less obvious option, yet it’s still worth considering. For example, some of the city’s museums, such as the Chicago History Museum, feature amazing event spaces ideal for corporate functions. Theaters can also accommodate events such as presentations or seminars.

• Private dining rooms – A restaurant can work perfectly for events such as business lunches and meetings, especially if you find one that offers a separate dining space, where you can enjoy some privacy and discuss business matters without distractions. There are many fantastic restaurants all over the city, so whether you’re looking for something downtown or on the West Side, you’ll surely find exactly what you need.

Things to consider when renting a Chicago venue for a corporate event

There is a lot of planning that goes into event organization. One of the most important steps is choosing the ideal space. Unsure where to start? Have a look at our checklist!

• Type of event – Are you planning a conference, fundraiser, team building event or something else entirely? The type of event you’re organizing is one of the main factors that will guide you in your search for the perfect venue. Take some time to come up with a vision of your event, then ask yourself what kind of venue would best suit this vision.

• Budget – Consider the size of your budget. Just to be on the safe side, try to include some margin in case of unexpected expenses. Once you know how much you’re prepared to spend, use Tagvenue to browse corporate event venues that fit your price range.

• Number of attendees – Next, think about how many guests you’re expecting to show up at the event. Are you planning an intimate business lunch or a large banquet? Knowing the estimated number of attendees will enable you to narrow your search to venues that offer the right capacity.

• Facilities – Do you need any special facilities to be able to run your event smoothly? Make a list of everything that will come in handy: AV equipment, projectors, whiteboards, wheelchair-friendly facilities, etc. Tagvenue’s search engine enables you to filter venues by facilities, so you can easily find a space that ticks all the boxes.

• Location – Pick a convenient location for your event, i.e. one that is easy to find and easy to get to. Think about the availability of parking spaces or easy access via public transport. If some of the attendees will be arriving in Chicago from other cities or countries, consider the venue’s proximity to the airports (Midway International and O’Hare International) or Union Station, and check whether there are any accommodation facilities nearby.

• Catering – You’ll also need to figure out the catering, whether in the form of light snacks or a full meal. Some venues, such as hotels and dedicated event centers, will offer on-site catering, so you can simply choose one of their menu options. It’s also quite convenient if you’re hosting your event at a restaurant. In other cases, you may need to look for external caterers to provide the food and beverages for the participants. Whichever option you go for, remember to consider potential dietary restrictions.

FAQs about Corporate Event Venues in Chicago, IL

What are some of the best corporate event venues in Chicago?

Check out some of our suggestions:

• Swissotel Chicago – A stylish hotel and meeting center located on East Wacker Drive, with sophisticated interiors and comfortable, fully-equipped meeting spaces.
• Bar Sol – Timeless design, panoramic views and just the best vibe for a corporate party. Find it in Cathedral District.
• Workbox - River North – Book the iconic Rooftop Lounge and marvel at the views! You can also use the rooftop deck and indoor lounge as a breakout area. Perfect for conferences, business meetings and social events.

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

Prices for booking a corporate event venue in Chicago start at around $200 and reach up to $7500 per session for events with fewer than 200 participants. Expect the costs to go up in the case of larger events. Some Chicago venues also offer prices per person – depending on venue size and standard, they can range from $16 to $92 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What is typically included in a corporate event package?

Corporate event packages are usually priced on a per person basis and in most cases cover the costs of space rental and catering. Depending on the venue, the package can include a three-course dinner, a lunch buffet or light snacks, plus beverages. If you’re booking a conference center or a meeting room, the package may also include equipment rental, notepads and pencils for all attendees, etc.

Which areas of Chicago have the best corporate event venues?

You’ll find plenty of choice in the bustling downtown area – from famous hotels to modern conference centers, some of which boast fantastic views of the city skyline and the lake. If you’d like to rent a spacious loft or a converted warehouse, check out the formerly industrial areas of West Loop and River North, or the artsy Logan Square. And if you’re looking for an elegant restaurant, there are great options all over the city, from the high-end spots in the fabled Restaurant Row to the waterfront restaurants on the Chicago Riverwalk.