Archive for May, 2009

Backyard BBQ Companies in Chicago

[ 0 ] May 31, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

The votes from the Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Awards are in, and you helped vote us “The Best” in 9 snoutstanding categories. Thank you for your votes! We value your business and are proud to continue serving you the best BBQ for years to come.

Best Ribs
Best BBQ
Best Caterer
Best Carryout
Best Appetizers
Best Place to Work
Best Comfort Foods
Best Business Lunch
Best Theme Restaurant

Thank you again for your support. With more than 200 national, regional and local awards for our barbecue, choose from our BBQ Chopped Pork, Texas Beef Brisket and Pulled Chicken Sandwiches or, for heartier appetites, savor our Barbecued Ribs and Country-Roasted Chicken with made-from-scratch side fixins and cornbread muffins. Whether for 10 or 10,000, indoors or outdoors, we’ll bring the fun of a good ol’ backyard barbecue to your event.

Backyard BBQ Companies in Chicago

Contact Famous Dave’ BBQ and Catering in Chicago

Contact Picnics in Chicago for your backyard bbq

Contact Tasty Catering in Chicago for your backyard bbq

Top Chicago Hospitality School Lexington College Hosts Kraft Foods Leader at 2009 Graduation

[ 0 ] May 31, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Lexington College Commencement
Top Chicago Hospitality School Lexington College
Hosts Kraft Foods Leader at 2009 Graduation

Lexington College, one of the premier hospitality schools in Chicago, hosted Kraft Foods Business Manager Stacy R. Rychlewski during commencement ceremonies at the Merit School of Music in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, May 13.

Addressing Lexington’s graduates, parents, friends and family Rychlewski said, “the time you have invested in yourself is one of the greatest investments of all.” Ms. Rychlewski has been in the foodservice industry for the past 24 years and serves on the Industry Advisory Board at Lexington College. She currently manages a 52 million pound business, including iconic brands consisting of Ritz, Premium Saltines and Honey Maid Graham Crackers.

“Thanks to our educational team at Lexington our students have a higher than average graduation rate and we maintain our long-held 95% job placement rate. As one of the top hospitality schools in Chicago, we know how crucial bright, young talent is for an industry so important to the region,” says Susan Mangels, President of Lexington College. “The Class of 2009 graduates will someday lead Chicago’s hospitality industry.”

Graduation festivities began at the College on May 12, and included Lexington’s annual President’s Breakfast honoring the graduates, followed by the Awards Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony recognizes students, faculty, and staff achievements. Following the ceremony a Thanksgiving Mass was held in the College chapel for the Class of 2009 and give thanks for another fruitful academic year.

On May 13, Lexington College held its 31st commencement at 7pm at the Merit School of Music. The Class of 2009 was represented by seven young women who were proud to celebrate as they embark on distinguishing themselves as leaders in their industries, and in their careers.

Lexington Alumna, Elaina Alexander, AAS’ 90 addressed the graduates and identified how her education from Lexington College propelled her into a long and fruitful career in hospitality that has included positions at the Palmer House Hotel, Chicago Bears, and a teacher at the Viking Cooking School. Additionally, Ms. Alexander has opened a successful catering company, Celebrations Cakes and Caterings.

To conclude the ceremony, student speaker, Yvette Vicenteno ‘09, acknowledged the hard work and bright futures of her fellow graduates. Lexington wishes the Class of 2009 success in their continued journey.

Why Lexington?
Lexington College, the world’s premier all-women’s hospitality management degree-granting colleges, educates students to work in all aspects of hospitality management. Students are attracted by a rigorous four-year curriculum, strong industry partnerships, paid internships and a 95% job placement rate.

About Lexington College
Blood on Satans Claw divx
Lexington College is the only private, women’s hospitality management degree college in the United States. As one of the top hospitality schools in Chicago, Lexington College grants a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Hospitality Management and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Hospitality Management. Students pursuing the BAS select a concentration in culinary arts, event planning, hotel/restaurant management, or health care and wellness.

For more information about Lexington College, please contact Megan Goggin at 312.226.6294 x228 or pr@lexingtoncollege.edu.

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Chicago Event Production Companies

[ 0 ] May 30, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Chicago set designers and Staging Companies

Here’s Chicago’s Planner Preferred Full-Service Set Design and Staging Companies in Chicago including Event Production/Audiovisual Services (A/V), Set and Stage Designers/Construction, Full-Service Set Design and Staging Companies and Chicago’s best meeting and event planners.

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The Meetinghouse Companies Inc. Planner Preferred!
781 North Church Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630.941.0600

The Meetinghouse Companies is a full-service event design and production company with in-house capabilities including scenic decor, event technology, business theater, and floral design. Based in Chicago, the Meetinghouse Companies serve Fortune 1000 clients around the world. Combining innovative design and creative messaging with the utmost attention to detail, the Meetinghouse Companies produce fully integrated, cost-effective events that deliver exceptional results. Click here to view more details and contact information

Ivan Carlson & Associates Planner Preferred!
2224 West Fulton
Chicago, IL 60612
312.829.4616

Ivan Carlson & Associates specializes in scenic design, themed decor, stage sets and creative event design for corporate special events. We operate a 40,000 square foot facility on Chicago’s west side that is home to dynamic props, intriguing themed decor, unusual set pieces and an array of scenic design elements. ade shows and meetings. Click here to view more details and contact information

M&M, The Special Events Company Planner Preferred!
493 Mission Street
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630.871.9999

M&M is essentially an extension of your event team, providing: Tenting, Tables & Chairs, Linen, Table Settings, Décor, Floral and more! With more than 150,000 square feet of event equipment and over 150 event professionals, fleet drivers and installers, M&M works closely with you making your events a spectacular success! Click here to view more details and contact information

Absolute Production Services Planner Preferred!
9827 W. Farragut Street
Rosemont, IL 60018

Absolute Production Services is a full service event, meeting, seminar, and exhibit production company. Since our inception over 13 years ago, APS has established itself as a leader in the production industry. Our services range from a straightforward corporate meeting to a remote concert in the Blue Ridge Mountains with an attendance of 30,000 people and include the single largest simulcast in promotional marketing history, managing over 200 industry professionals simultaneously in 45 markets. Our success has been possible due to our relentless focus on the three cornerstones that define our company: Our People, Our Process, and Our Relationships. Click here to view more details and contact information

Total Event Resources Planner Preferred!
1920 Thoreau Drive
Suite 105
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847.397.2200

Under the leadership of President Kathy Miller, Total Event Resources has worked with Fortune 500 companies and associations nationwide in the management and production of their major events, trade shows and meetings. Known for our creativity, attention to detail, vast resources and commitment to success, we’ve built our business on staying at the forefront of innovation within the meetings and events industry. Click here to view more details and contact information

Below are some additional options for Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies in Chicago including Event Production/Audiovisual Services, Set and Stage Design/Construction, Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies for company meetings, corporate events, large outdoor events, in house hotel events, Chicago conference centers, Chicago convention centers and more.

Event Architects
311 West Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Event Creative
311 West Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Five-Star Audio Visual
550 North Commons Drive, Suite 101
Aurora, IL 60504

Freeman Company Chicago
5040 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60644

Kobotech Inc.
8 South Michigan Ave., Suite 810
Chicago, IL 60603

Plexus Productions LLC
821 Sivert Drive
Wood Dale, IL 60191
630.860.2948

Redline Event Services Inc.
4932 West Cullom Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

Ronsley Special Events
1200 North North Branch St.
Chicago, IL 60622

SCS Productions
28 Congress Circle West
Roselle, IL 60172

Stage Right Inc.
13610 Boulton Blvd.
Mettawa, IL 60045

Stellar Productions Inc.
1201 Laura Lane
Lake Bluff, IL 60044

Williams/Gerard Productions
420 North Wabash, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Hereschicago.com for all of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies in Chicago including Chicago’s Top Event Production/Audiovisual Services, best Set and Stage Design/Construction, Full-Service Set Design/Staging Companies for company meetings, corporate events, large outdoor events, in house hotel events, Chicago conference centers, Chicago convention centers and more.

Chicago Casino Party Rentals with Chicago&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#039;s Classic Party Rentals

[ 0 ] May 30, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

For the best in Casino Party Table Rental Chicago, IL, Casino Night Equipment Rentals in Chicago Illinois, and Chicago Casino Party Games visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s party rental place for fundraisers, non profits, corporate events and client events.

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Classic Party Rentals

Chicago Casino Rentals

Looking for an exciting new twist to your next occasion? Deal us in. Classic Party Rentals’ entertaining casino events add fun and flair to corporate parties, special gatherings, holiday celebrations and fund-raising activities. As a fully licensed casino event supplier, we can advise you in the proper methods of operating a successful casino night and outfit you with the highest-quality equipment, accessories and services.

Casino Games in Chicago available with Classic Party Rentals

Black Jack Tables
Texas Hold’em Poker Tables
Roulette Tables
Slot Machines
Craps Tables

Casino Gaming Requirements

According to Illinois Gaming Laws, casino nights held for charitable fund-raisers must obtain the following three licenses: Charitable Games License, Charitable Providers License and Charitable Suppliers License. All licensing must be complete at least 30 days prior to the event. Upon request, Classic Party Rentals would be happy to guide you through the process.

Visit our listing on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planning directory for casino tables and casino games for your next event in Chicago.

Caribbean Cruising Club of Chicago for Chicago Sailing Charters

[ 0 ] May 27, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Caribbean Cruising Club of Chicago for Chicago Sailing Charters
980 N. Michigan Ave
Ste 1400
(between Walton St & Oak St)
Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 659-6550
www.cruisingclubchicago.com

Let us Bring the relaxing Caribbean Sailing experience to you and your family and friends this summer as we take you blue water sailing on Chicago’s stunning lakefront and provide you extraordinary views of the Chicago Skyline aboard our luxurious, high performance Passage 42 ft. Yacht, DREAMZ. Whether you prefer to sail, swim and bask in the sunshine of the day or enjoy the evening sunset and extraordinary nighttime skyline views, your sailing experience will be relaxing and unforgettable.

Whatever your sailing needs our service oriented Captain and crew will make your sailing experience memorable.

Please call for availability and rates for the 2009 season

History
Established in 1996

ABOUT OUR VERY SPECIAL CRUISING YACHT …..

She was specifally designed with passenger comfort in mind as a live-aboard cruiser.. A mid-cockpit yacht…There is a spacious aft deck perfect for basking in the sun or having a cocktail while watching the sunset over the stunning Chicago Skyline… We are completely outfitted with a built-in TV/VCR, built-in microwave oven and a stereo system complete with individually controlled speakers in the main salon, aft and forward cabins. We are also completely airconditioned and have an 8 kilowatt generator to supply 110 power while under sail.

For a complete list of Chicago Sail Boat Rentals, Sailing Charters, Chicago Cruises, and Charter Boats and Yachts

, visit Hereschicago.com.

Welcome to The Abbey Resort Lake Geneva for Meetings & Events

[ 0 ] May 25, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Lake Geneva Meetings,Lake Geneva Meeting Space

Lake Geneva Meetings & Events Start with The Abbey Resort

Whether you’re looking for a fun family vacation, romantic getaway, girlfriends spa retreat or exceptional meetings and events, look no further than The Abbey Resort on beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Celebrating over 45 years of hospitality excellence, The Abbey Resort & Spa is a treasured and famous icon, nestled on 90 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. Totally renovated in 2005, it is the only full-service resort on the shores of nearby Lake Geneva.

• Our 40,000+ sq. ft. of function space, featuring our grand Harbor Balloom, is highlighted by panoramic harbor views and natural surroundings, our meeting space creates an inspiring environment for every business gathering

• The dedicated Geneva Lake Conference Center features 9 state-of-the-art meeting rooms designed to maximize your group’s comfort and productivity

• Multiple outdoor venues including our West Shore Pavilion – a 6,000 sq. ft. tented structure with a private patio for receptions, banquets and cocktail receptions

• 334 newly renovated lake house-inspired guestrooms and suites with marble and stone bathrooms and LCD flat screen TV’s

• Abbey Group Pursuits: On-site Custom Corporate & Interpersonal Teambuilding Events designed by our Abbey Specialists

• Golf: Over 400 holes of Wisconsin’s finest golf just minutes away

• The all-new Avani Spa –The Midwest’s most spectacular new spa!

• Group boat cruises, water sports and parasailing create a unique and memorable group experience

• A variety of on-site dining options including Fontana Grill, The Waterfront & Café Latté

• 90 acres of lusciously landscaped grounds on the glistening shores of Lake Geneva

Visit our ad on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Resource Guide to meetings and events featuring Planner Preferred venues, resorts and meetings spaces.

Tasty Catering Ranked Number One Best Place to Work in Illinois Second Year in a Row

[ 0 ] May 21, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Tasty Catering Chicago Caterers

Tasty Catering Ranked Number One Best Place to Work in Illinois Second Year in a Row

Tasty Catering has been named the number one Best Place to Work in Illinois in the small- to-medium category (25 to 249 employees) for the second year in a row. Selection is based on criteria developed by Best Companies Group, including employee surveys and interviews.

“Being named Best Place to Work in Illinois for a second year confirms that Tasty Catering is succeeding in its efforts to provide a superior work environment that values each and every team member,” said Larry Walter, Chief Operations Officer and cofounder, Tasty Catering. “We know that it is our people that make the difference in our ability to grow.”

Tasty Catering was competing with 19 other well deserving candidates for this number one spot, including Skender Construction, Assurance, Laurus Strategies, Quest Diagnostics, Delnor Hospital and Comcast.

Eugene Rios, Tasty Catering operations director and 17-year employee participated in the survey. “Tasty Catering offers its employees more than a job. We are empowered to deliver results that exceed our customers expectations.”

This Best Place to Work in Illinois ranking is one of many important honors that Tasty Catering has received recently. In January, the company was named 2008 Caterer of the Year by leading trade publication Catering magazine.

About Tasty Catering

Tasty Catering, a suburban-Chicago based corporate catering and event planning services company, has been exceeding the catering needs of Chicago area corporations and organizations for more than 20 years. Known for its commitment to excellence and attention to detail, Tasty Catering is built upon the single premise of providing its customers with exceptional service and quality. Tasty Catering customers include Cushman & Wakefield, Hamilton Partners, Sherman Hospital, University of Chicago, Comcast, RSM McGladrey, Cummins-Allison and Harris Bank.

Tasty Catering, 2008 Caterer of the Year and the Best Place to Work in IL, is the “go-to” caterer for Chicago business. Tasty Catering is WINNER! 2008 NICE Awards — Best Catered Event under $10,000, Best Picnic and Best NICE Team Event. The company is also a winner of the 2008 Entrepreneurial Quest Award given by DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center. Tasty Catering is a Wall Street Journal Winning Workplaces Top Small Workplace and is listed on the Inc. 5,000 food and beverage category as one of the fastest growing companies in the Midwest.

Tasty Catering offers corporate catering with a wide menu selection for meetings, customer or employee events, training classes, open houses, tenant appreciation programs, company picnics, holiday parties or special events. We handle event planning and coordination. Our focus is on quality and service. Our goal is to make your job easier.

Contact Tasty Catering

MPI Chicago Area Chapter To Induct Jim Grillo, CMP of Hereschicago.com into Hall of Fame

[ 0 ] May 21, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Jim Grillo, CMP

Third Meetings & Events Industry Award in a Year is a Charm for the Chicago-area Entrepreneur

Chicago, IL – May 20, 2009 Hereschicago.com, the acclaimed online resource guide for the meeting and event industry, announced today that its president and founder, Jim Grillo, CMP will be inducted into Meeting Professional International-Chicago Area Chapter’s (MPI-CAC) 2009 individual Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor will be bestowed to Grillo alone in 2009 for his outstanding contributions to awareness, professionalism and growth of the meetings industry. Members of the Chicago Area Chapter will gather for its Annual Awards Gala which will include Grillo’s induction to the Hall of Fame on June 2, 2009, at the Millenium Knickerbocker and the Drake Hotel. The ceremony will include several additional Chapter awards designed to recognize the talents, skills, accomplishments, and dedication of select members and industry colleagues. The news of the MPI-CAC award completes a trifecta of industry awards bestowed upon Grillo and HeresChicago.com within the last year: He recently was the recipient of the 2008 Illinois Meetings & Events magazine’s “Supplier Hall of Fame” Award and the 2008 Alternate Media/News “Emmy Award”.

Grillo well-surpassed the added MPI-CAC Hall of Fame criteria of serving in a leadership capacity and providing time and/or resources to MPI: Serving as president of MPI-CAC in 2003-2004, Grillo has been a frequent volunteer for the local chapter, helping promote industry partners, guiding student members into their first jobs, and serving as a committee member within the international organization from 2003-2008. His ongoing visibility and efforts have resulted in attracting over 100 new members. Further, Grillo served as president of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing International Chicago Chapter from 2001-2004, while leading many other industry leadership initiatives. Currently, Grillo is a leading advocate of the Travel Industry Association of America’s “Meetings Mean Business” initiative, which is designed to call attention and promote the benefits of meetings within business and their respective impact within communities and global marketplace.

Current president of MPI-CAC, Laurel Rhoads McCarthy of Krisam Group, stated, “I am thrilled to announce that Jim “Mr. Hospitality” Grillo will soon be inducted into the MPI-CAC Hall of Fame. Our community is one of many fortunate recipients of his heartfelt support.” Ms. McCarthy, the Director of Sales for the Krisam Group continued, “On behalf of our entire membership, many thanks and congratulations to Jim for receiving this well-deserved honor.”

Grillo stated, “It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers within the Chapter and the hospitality community. I am fortunate to have stumbled into an industry and profession that I love and care about.”

To reach Jim Grillo, CMP contact Hereschicago.com at 630.916.8000 ext. 3. For additional information on the MPI-CAC’s Annual Awards Gala and a complete event schedule, visit www.mpi-cac.org .

About HeresChicago.com

Launched in 2004, HeresChicago.com is Chicago’s preferred online resource guide among meeting and event planners seeking Chicago solutions for their meetings, events, client outings, corporate activities, ground transportation needs and meeting and event services. In addition, its online directory offers suppliers cost effective and efficient marketing options. The firm conducts networking events, education via video site tours, podcasts and article coverage about Chicago’s meetings, events and hospitality industry. President and founder Jim Grillo, CMP (certified meeting professional) is an accomplished meetings industry leader, serving as President of Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter, President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association of Illinois, and as a committee member for several industry organizations. He also is the recipient of such esteemed awards as the 2008 Emmy Award, Alternate Media/News; 2008 Supplier Hall of Fame Award, Illinois Meetings & Events; and 2009 individual Hall of Fame Award, Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter. For more information, call 630.916.8000 ext. 3, or contact us at Hereschicago.com.

About Meeting Professionals International – Chicago Area Chapter

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community, helps its members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide. The 1,300+ member Chicago Area Chapter of MPI, established in 1976, empowers its members to increase their strategic value with education, professional development and business growth opportunities. For more information, visit www.mpicac.org.

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Media Contact:
Gretchen Kihm-Stegall
Trifecta Marketing Resources, LLC
for Hereschicago.com
847.681.0506
gretchen@trifectaresources.com

Shaws Crab House Chicago Private Rooms for Events and Group Dining in Chicago

[ 0 ] May 20, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

shaw's Crab House Chicago

Shaws Crab House Chicago
21 E. Hubbard
Chicago, IL 60611

Shaw’s Crab House is Chicagoland’s premier seafood restaurant. Shaw’s honor’s our maritime heritage with a daily selection of truly superior seafood. At Shaw’s we don’t save the sparkle just for the holidays. Shaw’s Crab House offers the perfect setting and impeccable service to make any occasion exceptional.

Total Capacity and Names of Group Rooms (if applicable):

1. Oyster Hall of Fame Board Room – 30 Max
2. Private Dining Room – 80 Max
3. Craig’s Club Room – 12 Max
4. The Oyster Bar – 200 Max
5. The Main Dining Room – 350 Max

Total Capacity of Venue: 500

Private or Semi Private Space Available: Yes

Room Set at Capacity: Anyway the client prefers

F&B minimum to reserve/use the room(s):

Yes

Rental Fee to Reserve/Use the Room: Yes, these vary based on availability

Our most Important Target Market is?

Corporate as well as social business, looking to host their event in the heart of river north at a unique seafood restaurant

We are most proud of our ability to?

To work with our clients in creating a menu and environment that suits all tastes, from corporate to social

We are famous with customers for our ability to?

Make our guests feel all their needs are being met by our professional staff

Unlike our competition, we offer customers?

An attention to detail unlike those of our competitors

We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best?

Food, service and flexibility

Our company enhances customer lives by offering?

The highest recognition and reassurance each of our guests deserves, in an environment unique to the Chicago market

We offer our customers the best?

The freshest seafood available

Recent Clients:

1. Merk Pharmaceutical 2. Anheuser Busch 3. Media Mark 4. Neal, Gerber and Eisenberg 5. Robert Baird

Awards/Achievements: James Beard, Wine Spectator

Shaw’s Crabhouse is perfect for the following groups seeking great restaurants with private rooms:

Anniversary in Chicago
Chicago Bachelor/Bachelorette
Chicago Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Chicago Birthday Party Place
Chicago Bridal Shower
Company Meetings in Chicago
Conventions/Conferences in Chicago
Corporate Events in Chicago
Fund Raiser in Chicago
Graduation Party in Chicago
Group Travel Restaurants in Chicago
Non Profit Events in Chicago
Private Party Place in Chicago
Retirement Party Restaurant Space in Chicago
Reunion Locations in Chicago

Shaw’s Crab House Chicago is a Planner Preferred vendor on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planning resource directory.

Contact Shaw’s Crab House Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Announces New Outdoor Tented Chicago Event Space Opening Spring 2010

[ 0 ] May 11, 2009 | Chicago Party Planner

Brookfield Zoo Announces new Chicago Event Space

This amazing 24,000 square foot, clear-span tent that was recently constructed at Brookfield Zoo by Classic Party Rental and will once again be available in the Spring of 2010 for large customized events in conjunction with our beautifully landscaped 216 acre campus.

Just 14 miles west of Chicago, close to three major expressways and complimentary parking for all guests at after hour events, Brookfield Zoo not only offers a most unique event experience, but also convenience and affordability that is sure to please your guests.

The tent will certainly be in high demand next spring, especially due to the fact that we also plan to open our Great Bear Wilderness exhibit at this time. It is going to be a fascinating 7.7 acre habitat consisting of roaming Bison prairie, underwater Polar Bear viewing, and would be a most unique and memorable setting for cocktails before dinner!

For more information on customizing your event, please contact and mention “Here’s Chicago”:

Brookfield Zoo
Susan Schoen
708-688-8357
susan.schoen@czs.org
Watch our video!

Visit Our Web Page on Hereschicago.com

Brookfield Zoo’s beautifully landscaped, 216-acre campus is home to 3,000 amazing animals and offers unforgettable events. Guests can enjoy cuisines from around the world while exploring world-class exhibits such as Habitat Africa!, Seven Seas, and Tropic World. We offer corporate picnics, weddings, meetings, galas, birthday parties, and much more!

Chicago’s Event Planning Guide