CHICAGO VENUES LIKE NO OTHER

Looking for a venue that will wow guests at your next event? Check out these extraordinary venues you’ll only find in the “Windy City.”  Chicago is the only US city blessed with eventspaces ranging from sky-high perches with amazing views in some of the world’s tallest buildings to lakeside venues that take full advantage of Chicago’s stunning waterfront. 

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is Chicago’s downtown playground for the arts, creating a giant expanse of green space in the city center (“the Loop”). There are several event venues located throughout this sprawling park, including the stage of the architecturally- (and acoustically-) impressive Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Rooftop Terrace that offers dazzling skyline views and the tree-lined Chase Promenades, just steps from Michigan Avenue and overlooking the popular Cloud Gate sculpture. Millennium Park can accommodate up to 7,000 people, with many spaces for smaller groups.

Navy Pier

This iconic Chicago landmark dramatically juts out into Lake Michigan, providing sweeping water and skyline views. Navy Pier offers two exhibit halls and 36 meeting rooms. But the real stunners are the nostalgic 18,000-sq.-ft. Aon Grand Ballroom, which is original to Navy Pier’s 1916 construction and features an 80-foot-tall domed ceiling (accommodating up to 1,100 for dinner, with additional seating for 300 in the balcony); and the seasonal Rooftop Terrace, a 27,000-sq.-ft. space equipped with a 50-by-100-ft. tent that can accommodate 350 for a sit-down dinner or 1,000 guests on the entire terrace.

The Crown at Tribune Tower

This hidden gem venue is located 25 stories atop the historic Tribune Tower, at the juncture of North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. The private outdoor veranda nestled within the flying buttresses of the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower’s 25thfloor provides your guests with dramatic views of the city. The venue also includes an indoor lounge featuring a copper-topped bar decorated with vintage printing plates from the venerable Chicago Tribune newspaper. The Crown can accommodate up to 150 people for cocktails.

Adler Planetarium

This waterfront space-science museum offers out-of-this world venue options. The spectacular Solarium features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Book the Solarium (370 seated dinner/477 cocktail reception) and guests will have access to the adjacent outdoor terraces with spectacular Chicago skyline views. The Grainger Sky Theater is perfect for presentations or cocktails (195 theater seating/400 reception), and features a dramatic 36-foot-tall domed ceiling. The Clark Family Welcome Gallery features futuristic architecture and colorful customizable lighting, making it the perfect spot for an intimate dinner or reception (80 seated/150 cocktails). Arrange for a thrilling private sky show or high-tech telescope viewing in the Doane Observatory.

360 CHICAGO

Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center (the fourth-tallest building in the city), 360 CHICAGO was named one of the Best Views in America by Travel + Leisure, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Michigan and four states. 360 CHICAGO offers four flexible event spaces that can accommodate groups as small as 10 and up to 550. Each space offers stunning views, with vistas of the cityscape, lakefront and The Magnificent Mile below. Or do a full buyout of the entire 94th floor and bask in true 360-degree views.

Willis Tower Skydeck

Take your next meeting or event to new heights at the 99th-floor Willis Tower Skydeck, located in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Your guests will be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views that can span up to four states and nearly 50 miles on a clear day. The flexible venue space can be set up theater, classroom or reception style, accommodating up to 175 seated/300 for a reception. Time your cocktail event at sunset to see the city transform from day to glittering night. You can also arrange for private VIP access to The Ledge, composed of glass balconies that extend four feet beyond the building to create an unforgettable viewing experience from 1,353 feet up in the air, located on the 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago (the highest observation deck in the United States).

GMS Global Management Services, Inc. is a leading destination management and event planning company with offices throughout the US and Canada.  We specialize in custom-tailored programs for meetings, events and incentives throughout North America. Let us showcase our services in planning your next special event in the US or Canada.

Of Art and Great Architecture

Architecture can say a lot about a city. Its oldest builds can tell a rich history; and the modern buildings seem to always find a spot in the city’s heart and skyline. Global Management Services found some really cool venues that you should check out for your next event if you find yourself in any of these cities.  So next time trade in the humdrum hotel ballroom for a place with real history.

New York City

Built in 1930, the Chrysler building was once the tallest building in the world until the Empire State Building was built just 11 months later. The Chrysler Building is one of the buildings that the entire world recognizes, even if they may have never stepped foot on American soil.  With its beautiful art deco style, it has made several cameo appearances in movies and TV shows. The lobby is open to the public, so stop by to look at the intricate details that the Art Deco was known for. Only the lobby is open to the public, but there are plenty of event spaces where you can get a great view of one the most iconic building in New York City.

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim family was well-known for their influence on the art world as both artists and art collectors. Having so many connections to artist and architects alike, Frank Lloyd Wright deigned this museum. Opened in 1959, the Guggenheim Museum is a great example of contemporary art. You can even host your event there, with a variety of spaces to choose from. For something small, there is always The Wright, a café that can seat 75 people, or for a larger, grander event, there is the Ronald O. Perlman Rotunda, which can hold up to 250 people for a seated dinner, or up to 1,000 people for a reception.

World Trade Center

The World Trade Center was originally built in 1973, with the Twin Towers being the tallest buildings in the world upon completion. In 2001, the world trade center was attacked by terrorists, leaving the property destroyed. As a way of looking toward the future, the World Trade Center was—and still is—being built, with a memorial park and museum on the spot where the twin towers once stood. On the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors is the one world observatory deck. There, you can take in some of the best views of Manhattan. There is even a restaurant and bar that you can stop by to wine and dine. The observatory is also available for private events, from meetings to holiday parties.

Boston

MIT Kresge Auditorium

Known as the Kresge Oval to MIT students, The MIT Kresge Auditorium is another great example of mid-century architecture. Designed by Eero Saarinen, it was meant to serve as a place for MIT students to come together in 1955. Today, it still hosts many events and brings people from all over the world to relish in beautiful design. Since this is considered a public space, it may not be suitable for an event. However, there is always the MIT Museum which is always available for events, even without a college sponsorship.

Old North Church

Founded in 1722, the Old North Church is one of the oldest churches in Boston; and service is still being held there. As a part of American history, this is the church were Paul Revere saw the signal of the British coming. On horseback, Revere rode what we now call the Freedom Trail that played such a pivotal role in the revolutionary war. You can have your own personal tour for an after-hours group event. Enjoy the gift shop and chocolate shop with authentic practices of making 18th century chocolate while having the option of renting the outdoor space or turning the gift shop into an event space for a cocktail reception. 

Massachusetts State House

Built in the late 1790’s, the Massachusetts State House is a great example of the Federal style that was popular during the time of its construction. The gold-plated dome is a new addition compared to the rest of the building. Originally, it was just made of wood, but it suffered from leaks, so a copper coating was put on it in 1802. It wouldn’t be coated in gold until 1874. The second floor of the state house is available for daytime or evening events, with a capacity of up to 750 people.

Chicago

Chicago is known as the birthplace of American architecture giving rise to so many prominent architects.  The city is blessed with an abundant of buildings bearing the signatures of famed architects of well-known styles.  

Carbine and carbon building

Chicago is well known for its neo-gothic and Art deco styles, the Carbine and Carbon building was designed by the sons of Daniel Burnham and it was completed in 1929. Carbine and Carbon were expanding and wanted to show off their success at the time, and that is why we have the Carbine and Carbon building today. Rumor has it that the appearance is resembles that of a champagne bottle, with its green exterior and the 24k gold leaf on the very top of the building. The building is home to the Hard Rock hotel, but the St. Jane Chicago Hotel will soon take residence in the building.

The Rookery

Designed by Daniel Burnham and John Root, the Rookery was built in 1888 and is considered to be in the heart of downtown Chicago’s financial district. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the lobby to what we know it as today. All three of these architects once held offices in this building. Now, it is the home of US Bank. The lobby is available to host great events, from a seated dinner with a band with a capacity of 170 to a cocktail reception with the capacity of 400 people.

The Willis Tower

Although most locals still call the building by its old name “the Sears Tower,” the Willis Tower was built in 1970. Ever since its completion in 1973, it has been an icon of downtown Chicago. It was the tallest building in the world until 1998. With 110 stories, the Willis Tower is home to many offices and attractions, including the Skydeck, where you can see up to four states from the 103rd floor. You can also hold your event on the 99th floor with its 360° views for breathtaking effect. Seat up 175 people, or have a guest list up to 300 people for a non-seated event.

San Francisco

Painted Ladies

Also known as “Postcard Row,” the Painted Ladies of San Francisco were built during the Victorian era. It was actually quite common for Victorian and Edwardian houses to be painted in many bright colors. However, through earthquakes and repainting, many of these homes were lost or permanently altered. You can find the Painted Ladies of San Francisco in Alamo Square, but you can also find painted ladies in Baltimore, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Toledo, Ohio, and Cape May, New Jersey. Chances are that someone is currently living in at least one of the houses, but you can always get a nice view from them by hosting an event on Alamo Square Park. Alamo Square Park has recently been updated, receiving 5.3 million dollars to invest in fixing the irrigation system as well as adding new trees and landscape to this iconic San Francisco landmark. Like any San Francisco Park, Alamo Square park is available for special events.

Palace Hotel

Built in 1875 and rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, the Palace hotel is a historical landmark known for its decadence and modern spaces. Staying here means staying in the same place that many celebrities and presidents chose to spent the night.  Stop by the Garden Court for tea time under a glass dome and crystal chandeliers or stay on any of the 9 floors of the hotel. The palace hotel is known for its excellent meeting space. Instead of spending hours in a room that looks like you never left the office, have your meeting in a ballroom that will take you back a century.

Transamerica Pyramid

Built in 1969, the Transamerica Pyramid was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It is still the tallest building in San Francisco, and on the 48th floor, you have 360° views of San Francisco. The 48th floor is also available for intimate dinner parties, as well as training sessions, product launches and corporate meetings. The Transamerica pyramid also has a visitor center at Redwood Park.

Los Angeles

Chateau Marmont

In the 1920s, the Chateau Marmont used to be a luxury apartment building. When the Great Depression hit, many people could not afford the rent. So, the Chateau Marmont was converted into a hotel. Not only that, it was also one of the first earthquake-proof structures, surviving five major earthquakes. For those who love gothic castles, this Neo Gothic structure would be the place to stay. Because this used to be an apartment complex, most guestrooms have full kitchens and dining rooms. For those who don’t feel like cooking, the hotel’s famed restaurant would be perfect for a farewell dinner in the City of Angels.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

In 1987, Lillian Disney donated 50 million dollars for the City of Los Angeles to build a performance venue in the memory of her husband, Walt Disney. The project was finally complete in 2003 after facing some budget issues. Even then, the building’s stainless steel was increasing the surface temperature of the surrounding sidewalk up to 140° F. The glare was also causing accidents. After sanding down the matte finish, everyone started to love the Concert Hall; and is now home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is also open for catered events through Patina catering group. Well known for their restaurants in the Greater Los Angeles Area, as well as in the rest of the country, you can have a seated reception dinner right next to where one of the most well-known orchestras in the world would play.

The Mayan Theater

This pre-Colombian style theater opened up in 1927; but in 1990, it became a night club. Every Friday and Saturday night, you can dance the night away while admiring this ornate revival-style that took over in the late 1920s. You can even rent the space for an event that will certainly add a little spice to the evening. With a 5,000 square feet stage as well as two dancing floors, it would surely be a night to remember.

Talking about some of America’s interesting architecture really shows the diversity of what the US has to offer. It would be much better if you were to see these magnificent buildings for yourself for your next event. Contact GMS today, and we can show what your event may look like in any of these and other architectural gems in the US or Canada.

Canada’s Cultural Melting Pot

No city in North America has seen such a fast and deep transformation as Toronto. Let GMS guide you for a tour of Ontario’s Capital.  You’ll see very easily why Canada’s largest city is considered a multicultural, world-class destination.  This bustling metropolis overflows with exciting opportunities.  Let’s explore and experience this vibrant city’s rich cultural scene.

A city of charming neighborhoods, Toronto offers a diverse and unique culinary scene like no other.  The city is blessed with nearly 10,000 restaurants of any cuisine imaginable.  Take your group for a truly international culinary tour within a few square miles.  No passport needed.    

The same goes for local brews.  Toronto is burgeoning with craft beer scene.  Let’s take your group for a tour of Steam Whistle Brewing Company, situated in the historic Roundhouse Building, which dates back to the locomotive era.  Here you’ll find out more about this award-winning lager.  Your group can also sample some tasty ale and then ring the actual steam whistle.

Ontario is home to some world-renowned wines.  GMS can guide your group for a tour of the local wineries. A quick daytrip to breathtaking Niagara Falls (just over an hour away) will allow your group to stop by numerous world-class vineyards (and try some delicious wine).

Known as “Broadway North,” Toronto is also home to a vibrant theater scene not to mention some of best-known museums and art galleries anywhere.  

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the iconic CN Tower, one of the tallest structures in the world, which so easily dominates the city’s brilliant skyline. 

From dining to art, culture and adventure, Toronto has it all.  Whether you are in search of a perfect meeting or an incentive destination, Toronto has something for everyone in your group.  This cosmopolitan, international, multicultural city is home to some amazing, world-class experiences.  Let GMS introduce your group to an incredible city flavored with a taste of famous Canadian hospitality.

Toronto

Ontario

GMS Global Management Services, Inc. is a leading destination management and event planning company with offices throughout Canada.  We specialize in custom-tailored programs for meetings, events and incentives throughout North America. Let us showcase our services in planning your next special event in Canada or the US.