Let’s face it – Chicago is an amazing city. The MICE events industry in Chicago, like many other major cities, took a hard hit during the pandemic and has taken some time to recover back what it once was. While specific stats for Chicago alone aren’t always publicly broken out, a broader U.S. and global context gives us a pretty solid picture of the trends ripple effecting the Windy City, one of North America’s top MICE hubs. Chicago is a major central point for the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), as it’s a central spot for both coasts. If you’re considering an incentive travel project, corporate retreat or meeting out of town – Chicago is just 2.5 hrs from NYC and gives you an all round incredible experience for your team.
O’Hare International is easily accessible both nationally and internationally for global teams. The city offers multiple large-scale event venues such as McCormick Place, offering over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space is the largest convention center in North America and ideal for a range of expos, trade shows, product launches and large scale team events.
Media source: Sawyer Bengtson
Venues in Chicago
Chicago stands out alongside Las Vegas and Orlando as a key U.S. MICE destination due to its world-class venues (like McCormick Place), robust infrastructure, and convention-friendly ecosystem. The city offers multiple large-scale and boutique event spaces for a range of corporate events.
Chicago and growth for MICE events
Chicago stands out alongside Las Vegas and Orlando as a key U.S. MICE destination due to its world-class venues, like McCormick Place, with robust infrastructure, and convention-friendly ecosystem. Many venues are turning to more eco friendly practises: McCormick Place having green certifications and eco-initiatives. Combining business with leisure, blending conferences with memorable local experiences, continues to attract planners and attendees to Chicago
Chicago’s Tourism & Business Travel Comeback
In 2022, Chicago rebounded with nearly 49 million total visitors, raising from 60% over 2021, and reaching about 80% of its pre-COVID peak of $60.8 million in 2019 Reddit. In 2023, tourism surged further to 51.96 million visitors, generating a record $19.2 billion in spending Wikipedia.
Despite leisure travel recovering sooner, business travel took a little longer to get back on track. MICE industry activity has been a slower return, which is why we’re bringing the city back onto your radar. Choose Chicago partner with the MICE industry to give you the best tips on planning incentives, meetings and corporate events in the windy city. Visit their website for a range of activities, venues, hotels and suppliers to speak with for seamless events in Chicago.
Notable MICE venues in Chicago
McCormick Place
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, hosting 2.6 million sq ft of exhibiting space, 6 incredible ballrooms, over 170 meeting rooms, and a 10,000-seat arena for large-scale corporate events.
Navy Pier Event Center
The Navy Pier Event Center is an iconic waterfront venue offering 170,000 sq ft of exhibiting space, 34 meeting rooms, and grand ballrooms. The venue also offers beautiful outdoor spaces and breakout rooms.
Vertiport Chicago
Vertiport Chicago is North America’s largest helicopter landing facility and provides 18,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Vertiport is located on a privately owned, 10 acre site with a 5 acre tarmac boasting amazing views of the Chicago skyline.
Civic Opera House
The Civic Opera House is a gorgeous venue with the 3563 seated Ardis Krainik Theatre. The venue boasts an elegant grand foyer supporting up to 1,100 guests and is perfect for a range of incentive, expo and MICE programs.
Hotel Venues
There are also a range of full-service hotels within Chicago with full MICE event capabilities.
The following hotels combine accommodations and substantial meeting facilities which are ideal for seamless multi-day conferences: