Event Venues and Conference Rooms: Meeting Venue Rentals in Chicago
Do you want a change of scenery or a unique meeting spot in Chicago, IL, that has as much drive and character as your team? Maybe you're looking for a temporary meeting room that takes you out of the city hustle and into a quiet, historic space in the trendy West Town neighborhood, or one that allows you to brainstorm while surrounded by nature near Lake Michigan. No matter your vibe, goal, or preferences, Giggster is where you'll find and book premier meeting spaces in Chicago and beyond.
Whether you're planning your next corporate event in one of the fancy restaurants along Chicago Ave, a board meeting in a River North art center, or a training session in a loft of a converted factory with NYC vibes, Giggster has a curated list of inspiring locations in the Windy City to elevate your meeting without breaking the bank.
Your event venue can make or break the overall impression your company leaves, so browse our Chicago listings and discover the perfect setting that ticks all the right boxes. Your team's next great idea is just a few clicks away on the Giggster app.
Why Choose Giggster for Meeting Spaces in Chicago
Award-winning hotels with suites and conference rooms, like Waldorf Astoria Chicago, are a smart choice for business meetings. But if you want unique spaces and hidden gems that will get your team's creative juices flowing, Giggster offers a diverse range of options across Chicago, IL, suitable for any occasion or style.
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Choose from a meeting space with a view of the river or the vibrant city. Each can comfortably accommodate a small group and features fast, secure Wi-Fi, a wireless speaker and camera setup, a 65" TV screen, and more.
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If you prefer a more modern look for your meeting rooms, take a look at our multipurpose event space conveniently located near an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and a culturally diverse community. It can also host birthday parties, weddings, retirement celebrations, and holiday bashes.
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For informal meetings, networking, or casual interviews, attendees will be pleased if these events are held in an outdoor oasis, such as a patio and café, which is easily accessible in the heart of Lincoln Park. The open-air patio can seat up to 40 guests.
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A few minutes west of the West Loop is a banquet hall/chapel space, which has been hosting countless corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, film productions, photo shoots, and more. There are plenty of chairs and tables, so you can cross them out of your list of items to buy or rent.
Transform Your Meeting in Chicago Starting at Just $19/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Find the perfect space for your meeting, wedding, award ceremony, or private party among Giggster's 556 incredible Chicago locations. Many are packed with state-of-the-art amenities to help bring your vision to life and can be booked for as little as $19/hour.
Hassle-Free Booking: One of the key steps in the event planning process is made easy on Giggster. Here, you can view photos, check real-time availability and facilities, see pricing, and contact the host directly—all in one place, on the handy app or website.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Plans can change in a heartbeat, which is why we offer a 24-hour cancellation window after your booking is confirmed. You can cancel and receive a full refund, as long as the booking was made at least 48 hours before your event.
Platform Protections: Make your experience feel secure and stress-free when you book a meeting venue like New Space | Tables & Chairs Included | Free Hour with Giggster by adding optional cancellation, liability, and damage protection to your booking.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Chicago
Chicago is a favored destination for meetings, conferences, and other corporate functions, and it's easy to see why. But like anything, it's not a perfect place and has its own set of drawbacks. So before you book a spot in the Windy City, weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Advantages
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Chicago is a world-class city with an impressive food scene, stunning architecture, and wonderful attractions, such as the Field Museum, so renting a venue here can make your event feel more exciting and significant for your guests.
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Because this city in Illinois is a major hub, it's so easy for people to get to different locations across the city and the country by train or plane. You can access more locations with relative ease.
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Chicago offers tons of conventional and one-of-a-kind venues that match the tone of your event and align with your goal, from modern studios and creative offices to banquet halls, co-working spaces, and conference rooms with city views.
Disadvantages
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Chicago has been ranked as one of the world's most expensive cities, so even if you find budget-friendly meeting spots in neighborhoods like Logan Square, you might find the services, lodging, and even transportation to be a bit pricey.
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If your venue is in a busy location, you and your attendees might have to deal with traffic and limited parking, especially during rush hour, which can be stressful.
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Chicago earned the nickname "the Windy City" for a reason. Sure, the summers are beautiful, but if you're looking at outdoor spaces in winter, be prepared for the cold temperatures, windy weather, and snow.
The Best Type of Venue for Your Meeting in Chicago
Don't just limit your options to conference halls or boardrooms. Explore other fantastic locations you can book for any social gatherings or professional occasions.
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Art Galleries or Museums – Be Inspired. Give your team a break from the usual office environment and book a local museum or gallery. Chicago loves its history and culture, so there's no shortage of cultural facilities that offer a private space for meetings. Take our West Town gallery, for example, which offers an open layout, ample natural light, and a personality that will spark your team's creativity.
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Lofts/Industrial Spaces – Hip and Creative. If a less formal, more relaxed vibe is your thing, you can't go wrong with lofts and other industrial settings like a converted warehouse. The high ceilings and large windows make the space look bigger and brighter, and give you ample room to work.
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Studios – Create Your Own Setting. Chicago has numerous production, fitness, dance, and photography studios, which provide a blank canvas and a controlled environment for your gathering. You're free to set up the space exactly how you want to match your vision.
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Hotels – Convenient and Reliable. Chicago hotels are the go-to for corporate functions for many reasons. They often have suites, halls, and meeting rooms of different sizes, as well as on-site catering, decor, and AV equipment, so you have everything in one location.
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Event Spaces – Ready For Your Team. Dedicated event spaces know how to handle even the most complicated events, so you can rely on them to ensure your meeting runs smoothly from start to finish. Like most hotels, they also have professional staff who will work closely with you to turn your vision into a reality.
How to Plan a Meeting in Chicago
You want to bring people together in the vibrant and dynamic city of Chicago, but you're not sure where to start? Keep reading for ideas that will help you put together a productive meeting that leaves a positive impression.
Define Your Goals – Before you do anything, determine what you want to achieve with this meeting. Do you need to make a big decision, brainstorm new ideas, present new information, or something else? Your answer to this can guide you in choosing the ideal venue and the right format to support those goals.
Who Needs to be There? – Do you have to invite all the members of the organization or just the key players? Perhaps you just want a less formal meeting with potential clients or investors. Whatever the case may be, the guest list is a vital part of planning your event.
Find a Meeting Spot – You'll want to think about location—is it easy to get to for everyone, especially those traveling from out of town? What are the nearby facilities, and does it come with the amenities you need for the meeting?
Set Up the Space – The decoration is important, but it's not just how the space looks, but also how comfortable attendees will be. That's why you must also think about the activities you want to have and how you want them to interact with each other and with the host.
How to Save Money on Your Meeting in Chicago
Holding a meeting in a major city like Chicago, IL, doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's how you can save cash without sacrificing quality or experience.
Can you schedule your meeting on an off-peak date?
If you don't have a fixed schedule or are not following a strict timeline, hold your meeting on a less busy day and time. Midweek is often the peak of the work week, when people are most focused and available for productive discussions and events, so try to book a meeting space on a Monday or Friday, or even early morning or late afternoon. You'll be surprised by the discount you can get just by shifting your timing a little.
Go beyond the heart of the city.
Chicago's downtown areas, like The Loop and River North, are sought-after locations, but they come with a premium price tag. To save more, look at neighborhoods that are still well-connected by the L train but are a bit outside the main business hub. They often have more unique and affordable locations, but don't look or feel cheap.
Do you really need fancy audio-visual equipment?
That meeting room, equipped with a large projector, a sophisticated sound system, or multiple monitors, may seem fancy, but you don't have to book it right away. Those extras will only add to the overall cost but might not serve you any purpose. For example, if you're meeting is more of a discussion, maybe all you need is a whiteboard.
Fruitful Chicago Meetings with Giggster
Experience a refreshing change of environment and step outside the ordinary with Giggster's amazing selection of inspiring meeting venues in Chicago. The possibilities are as diverse as this dynamic city, so don't limit your options. Browse our listings and choose the right setting that sets the tone for your success on the Giggster app.
