Chicago Watercraft small boat custom cruises for northerly island concerts, bachelorette parties, corporate events, unique client outings, and more.  10 - 12 people on your own boat on Lake Michigan!

Enjoy a Northerly Island concert and hear a great show surrounded by all your conveniences of your CW party boat! It’s like Ravinia on the water. Why spend $100+ on tickets, parking, drinks? Listen to Your favorite music on the lake with spectacular views. Charter a CW party boat/yacht; use our caterer or BYO food and beverage. Spilt costs!

Visit Chicago Watercraft and ask for Captain Vernon Patrick.  Tell em Hereschicago.com sent you!

Shedd Aquarium is pleased to announce the exciting details about the reimagined Oceanarium, its new exhibits and experiences. A rushing river pours into a pristine estuary where marine and freshwater fishes meet. A greatly enlarged sea lion habitat features new staging areas and trainer platforms. An otter trail weaves along the coast. Powerful birds of prey take wing. Small groups of guests—guided by trainers—can wade into the water and make connections with beluga whales. An unforgettable theater experience will unfold on the Oceanarium stage.

For Chicago sightseeing and group tours, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s resource for group tour planners and meeting and event planners.

The awards honor the dedication and creativity of event professionals who have earned the respect and admiration of their clients and peers. The award winners were selected through an online reader poll. The winner are:

Best Attraction – Navy Pier
Best Audio-Visual – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Banquet/Reception Venue – Tie between Galleria Marchetti and River East Art Center
Best Boats/Cruises/Charters - Kanan Cruises
Best Caterer – Blue Plate Catering
Best Conference Venue – Gleacher Center
Best Convention & Visitors Bureau – Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau
Best Destination Management Company – On the Scene
Best Eco-Friendly Supplier – Greg Christian Catering and Events
Best Entertainment – Just for Fun Entertainment and Events, Inc.
Best Décor – Kehoe Designs
Best Florist – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Golf Resort – Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Best Historic Venue – Chicago History Museum
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (less than 440 rooms) – The Blackstone Hotel
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (more than 440 rooms) – Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Best Photography/Videography – Tie between Promax Productions and Studio T Photography
Best Rental Service – Classic Party Rentals
Best Teambuilding Facility/Organizer – Corporate Event Interactive
Best Transportation – Windy City Limousine
Best Unique Venue – Chicago Illuminating Company
Best Venue Outside Chicagoland – Pheasant Run Resort
Editor’s Pick Best Event Décor – Ivan Carlson & Associates
Editor’s Pick Best New Intimate Event Space – Vertigo Sky Lounge
Editor’s Pick Best Casino – Horseshoe Casino Hotel
Editor’s Pick Best Experimental Event Expert – Minding Your Business

New this year, Illinois Meetings + Events magazine recognized its first-ever Hall of Fame, chosen by the magazine’s editorial advisory board.

Lifetime Achievement – Bill Pry, Partner – BBJ Linen
Best Special Events Planner – Andrew Schorr, President and Principal – In the Loop
Best Meeting Professional – Kimberly LaBounty, President – Apex Management & Special Events Inc.
Best Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional – Justin Rhodes, Associate – Corporate Events for Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago
Best Supplier – Jim Grillo, President – hereschicago.com
Best Up-and-Coming Supplier – Renee Barricklow, Event Producer – Kehoe Designs, Chicago

“We are pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of these organizations and individuals to the meetings and events industry, which plays an important role in Illinois’s vitality and economy,” says Lauren Hurley, editor of Illinois Meetings + Events magazine.

Thank you to our event partners; Underground, The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. and Classic Party Rentals.

Illinois Meetings + Events magazine is one of eight regional meetings and events magazines published by Tiger Oak Publications, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn.  The idea-driven magazine focuses on the issues facing today’s meeting and event professionals in Illinois and beyond and looks to address all aspects of the industry through in-depth feature stories, insightful departments and helpful news and updates on tips and trends. For more information and to view photos from the event, visit www.ilmeetingsmag.com.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planner resource guide featuring Chicago’s top Planner Preferred vendors for Chicago meetings and events.

We hope you enjoy watching our video holiday card with Hereschicago.com’s brand new video correspondent Jen Knoedl as she skates, dances and poses for pictures as “Santa Chicago” at Millennium Park.  We set out to do something “different” and wanted to put a smile on the faces of visitors to Chicago in addition to delivering the spirit of the holidays to you!  We wish you a VERY happy holiday season and hope you enjoy a smile and a laugh as those at Millennium Park did while we were filming this video for you :-)

 Jen Knoedl, Hereschicago.com video correpondent

Starting in January of 2009, Hereschicago.com will begin offering video coverage with ”personality”.  If you are interested in adding ”fun and personaility” video coverage to your next event, send us an email.

We are happy to have added Jen to the Hereschicago.com video correspondence team! Jen Knoedl is a certified Funologist who helps to remind people that the purpose of life is simply to enjoy it.  Specializing in video, Jen has been creating delightful content for the NBC Street Team, Chicago2016 organization, HeresChicago.com and other Chicago-based sites since her move to Chicago this summer.  Prior to taking Chicago by storm, Jen was a Native Austinite spending over eight years in Corporate Marketing, most recently IBM.  Today, Jen offers a range of funological services- from emceeing events, corporate fun training, event promotion, hosting videos and anything else that tickles her fancy.  View Jen’s intro video

You may rent a boat and set your own course, or charter a boat so you can relax while one of our Coast Guard licensed captains takes you where you want to go. Feel free to bring your own refreshments.

Chicago Sailing Boat Charters

Would you like to get away from it all for a few hours? What about acharter sailing adventure on the lake with a professional captain as your sailing master and host? At Chicago Sailing we provide you and your guests the opportunity to enjoy a personal holiday for as long as you choose.

Corporate Team Building in Chicago

Managing change, transformational leadership, team relationships and communication are all ideas that are best experienced first-hand rather than discussed in a conference room. Chicago Sailing’s Team Building offers a custom-designed program that has proven to be extremely successful for participating companies. Experienced instructors guide each team through a series of challenges while sailing, which emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, cooperation and fun.

Your group’s safety is our higest priority, we start all our events with a full group safety briefing on land with a second individual team briefing by your instructor once sailors board their yachts.
 
After drawing crews for the boats, the entire group attends a chalk-talk session stressing the fundamentals of sailing, crew positions and cooperation toward a common goal. Then it’s off to the races! Your group will sail a series of races, each lasting about 30 minutes. Crewmembers will rotate positions at the end of each race - helmsman, mainsail trimmer, port jib trimmer and starboard jib trimmer.

Prior sailing experience is definitely not a necessity. Our professional coaches will make sailors out of each participant and have your entire group thinking about challenging for the America’s Cup by the end of the event.

Our race events come complete with flags, race committee and all the trimmings of a really competitive corporate event. Popular at either end of a conference or just as an individual event to build motivation and morale, the thrill of on-the-water competition makes this one of the most fun, non-intimidating and creative team building opportunities in Chicago.

Visit Chicago Sailing and tell them Hereschicago.com sent you!

Join the thousands of winners at Horseshoe Casino! You can choose from a wide variety of slots and tables in an atmosphere as legendary as Jack Binion himself. And with more than 350,000-square-feet of gaming space, there’s no doubt you’ll find your lucky slot or table. From video poker to blackjack, roulette to keno! There’s no shortage of action at Horseshoe Casino.

The Venue at Horshoe Casino

Designed by renowned Montreal-based Scéno Plus, The Venue features fully flexible configurations with technologically superior in-house production systems designed exclusively with cutting-edge equipment. Audio-visual equipment includes three giant HD screens that combine lighting with multi-layered video projections to create a wide range of interactive special effects. To ensure the highest quality in sound, acoustics are supported by a highly efficient and versatile audio system able to substitute or complete the most demanding touring technical requirements.

Equipped with high comfort telescopic seating, the 90,000 square foot facility can undergo complete transformation in less than two hours to accommodate anything from intimate performances to large-scale entertainment productions. The Venue’s general admission floor can fit up to 2,400 people, for a total room capacity of more than 3,300. The Venue can welcome up to 150 tables and 1,500 seats, all easily storable in-house.

A three-level lobby, featuring walls composed of LED pixels and immersive lighting, has been designed to greet guests with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, a 3,500 square foot area hosts six VIP suites, with three rows of seats and a full-service salon featuring couches and plasma televisions offering guests a uniquely intimate and comfortable entertainment experience.

Dining at Horseshoe Casino at Jack Binion’s Steakhouse

A trip to Horseshoe is not complete without a visit to one of our celebrated restaurants. There’s plenty to choose from: Dining elegance overlooking Lake Michigan at Jack Binion’s Steak House, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Home Cookin, scrumptious fare at J.B.s Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads and the delicious Asian cuisine at Fai Choi.

A fabulous fine dining experience overlooking Lake Michigan, Jack Binion’s Steak House features choice prime rib, steaks, veal and seafood. Since 1993, Jack Binion’s Steak Houses have treated tens of thousands of steak-loving casino enthusiasts and have been a mainstay at each Horseshoe location.

Whether it’s our buffet, gourmet sandwiches and salads or Asian cuisine, Horseshoe Hammond has something for everyone.

Groups and meetings at The Horseshoe Casino
 
Join us in creating your next event in our brand new, state-of-the-art facility. The Venue, located on the second floor of the new and luxurious Horseshoe Casino, is a dynamic space conveniently placed close to, yet removed from the bustle of action in the casino.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s resource directory of all meeting and event venues for your next group, meeting, or event.

Dining at The Drake Hotel - Chicago’s Finest Afternoon Tea Service

Tea has been a long tradition at the Drake Hotel, Chicago, though not always in the fashion that it is today. The Palm Court began serving Tea during the holiday season of 1982 and dignitaries the likes of the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, Hilary Clinton have sipped and supped here since. In 1958, Queen Elizabeth joined us for tea at the Drake. This was a historical moment not only for the Drake, but also for Chicago.

In the 1970’s, the Palm Court served tea to her majesty the Empress of Japan. The uniqueness of the beauty of the room centers around a gorgeous limestone fountain with a giant urn as its center motif dating 275 years old, this French bronze place was introduced in the room by designer David Williams. Most importantly, the ambiance of this afternoon affair is greatly enhanced by the live harp music performed 365 days a year by our musicians dressed in classical evening gown attire. The Palm Court is available for special occasions and private functions.

Afternoon tea
Afternoon Tea takes place daily in our traditional Tea Lobby featuring live harp music performed 365 days a year . There are several seatings per day from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, each last approximately an hour and a half and reservations are recommended.

Evening Cocktails
Elegant, cozy bar taking the best of wines and champagnes by the glass. Palm Court is a pre-dinner meeting place, or it could be a meeting place for drinks after work. Food will also be offered at the Palm Court, with a menu comprising of soups, salads, sandwiches and sweet selections. Also, a large selection of imported beers, spirits and cocktails made with premium mixers.

Afternoon Tea
Open Daily - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
                                                                       
Live Harpist
Monday through Friday - 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday - 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Cocktail Service
Sunday through Thursday - 11:00am to 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday - 11:00am to 1:00am

LIVE HARP MUSIC
is featured during tea time.
Harpist Performance Schedule:
Weekdays - 2:00pm to 4:30pm;
weekends - 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

LIVE MUSIC
Come down to The Drake for a little spin in front of the gorgeous fountain. Or just relax on the big, comfy couches with a nice cocktail, and watch the dancers like the rest of us! Live entertainment is provided every Friday & Saturday nights. Food will also be offered daily from 5.30p.m. to 10p.m. at the Palm Court, with a menu comprising of soups, salads, sandwiches and sweet selections

Visit The Drake Hotel Chicago’s Palm Court

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s complete resource guide for planning events in Chicago

Buddy Guy’s Legend’s Chicago Blues Club

Since its opening in June of ‘89, Buddy Guy’s Legends Chicago Blues Club has built a reputation as the nation’s premier blues club. Mr. Guy’s personal reputation as the crowned king of Chicago’s electric blues scene and his 50+ years in the music business have made Buddy truly a legend himself. As a blues club, Legends is distinguished for its innovative scheduling of local, national, and international blues acts. In the nineteen years that Legends has been open, the stage has been graced by some of the world’s most talented musicians. Van Morrison, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, Bo Diddley, The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, Dr. John, Lou Rawls, David Bowie, ZZ Top, Junior Wells, Slash, John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Greg Allman, and The Pointer Sisters are just a few examples of the talent that has graced the stage. Buddy Guy himself takes the stage every January, selling out over a dozen shows year after year, delighting crowds that have traveled from all over the world.

While the Legends stage has played host to a myriad of true blues legends, the walls themselves talk, filled with pieces of Buddy’s and blues history. Where else can blues fans find original art work painted on the wall, records, rare photos and Grammys, along with personal items from some of the world’s most influential performers? You’ll see Koko Taylor’s evening gown from 1957; two of Buddy Guy’s Grammys and his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame statue; a photo of Buddy, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan taken at Vaughan’s final concert. A world-renowned collection of guitars can be found over the main bar, signed by B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, as well as Jimmy and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

In November 1994, Eric Clapton graced the stage with three sold-out performances. The unprecedented concerts awed the crowd as Clapton called up Otis Rush to jam and nodded to the Who’s Pete Townsend, who had stopped by to take in the show. Legends truly lives up to its name.

There is only one place in Chicago to experience the finest blues seven nights a week, enjoy southern Cajun soul food and behold a major archive of blues memorabilia. That place is Buddy Guy’s Legends. Voted “Best Blues Club” several times over by Living Blues Magazine, Citysearch, and AOL, Legends continues to be a mecca for the blues.

Best Blues Clubs in Chicago:

Blue Chicago Blues Club   (312) 642-6261
 
Buddy Guys Legends Chicago Blues Club  (312) 427-0333
 
Kingston Mines Chicago Blues Club  (773) 477-4647
 
Rosa’s Lounge Chicago Blues Club  (773) 342-0452
 
Blue Chicago On Clark Chicago Blues Club  (312) 661-0100
 
Lee’s Unleaded Blues Chicago Blues Club   (773) 493-3477
 
Blues R & B Chicago Blues Club (773) 528-1012

Visit Hereschicago.com for Chicago Bars and Nightlife for your next party or corporate event.

Addison Cinemas - Addison
1555 West Lake Street
Addison IL, 60101
Phone : (630)932-0864
Rental and Meeting information: (630)932-4572
   
Chicago Heights Cinemas - Chicago Heights
1301 Hilltop Avenue
Chicago Heights IL, 60411
Phone : (708)747-0800
Rental and Meeting information: (708)747-0928
   
Elgin Fox Ultrascreen Theatre - Elgin
111 South Randall Road
Elgin IL, 60123
Phone : (847)622-1000
Rental and Meeting information: (847)622-3023
   
Gurnee Cinemas - Gurnee
6144 Grand Avenue
Gurnee IL, 60031
Phone : (847)855-9940
Rental and Meeting information: (847)855-9945
   
Orland Park Cinemas - Orland Park
16350 South LaGrange Road
Orland Park IL, 60462
Phone : (708)873-1900
Rental and Meeting information: (708)873-1586

Marcus Theatres are available for special group shows or special events. Day care centers, scouting groups, clubs, churches, school groups and many other organizations find an outing to a Marcus Theatre an enjoyable, as well as affordable experience

THEATRE RENTALS
 
Group Shows

Marcus Theatres are available for special group shows or special events. Day care centers, scouting groups, clubs, churches, school groups and many other organizations find an outing to a Marcus Theatres an enjoyable, as well as affordable experience.

Choose a current Hollywood blockbuster or select from a list of available movies. We can work with your group to make your event one that will long be remembered.

Special rental and group rates are available.

Group minimums, available films and available showtimes apply. Groups may qualify for discounted admission for regularly scheduled showtimes.  Large groups may arrange private showings of current movies, or other available movies, during other times. If the film or showtime you request is not available, or the size of your group does not qualify for group rates, you will be contacted by theatre management to discuss alternative options.
 
Meetings

Rent a Marcus Theatre auditorium for your next meeting. We feature plush, comfortable seats, a great meeting environment and flexibility to fit your group’s needs.
 
FUNDRAISING
Marcus Theatres offers a fresh and innovative Fundraising Program! Your organization can make hundreds or thousands of dollars by selling Marcus Gift Certificates and Marcus Movie Tickets! What makes Marcus Gift Certificates and Marcus Movie Fun Tickets a great way to raise funds for your organization? EARN FREE MOVIES! To help raise money for your organization, as an added incentive each participant who sells at least $200.00 worth of Marcus Movie Tickets and Gift Certificates will receive TWO FREE MOVIE PASSES!

EASY TO SELL! Everyone loves the movies and there’s no better place to experience movie magic than at Marcus Theatres. Marcus Movie Tickets and Gift Certificates sell themselves and are great for people of all ages!

NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED! Marcus Movie Tickets and Gift Certificates are compact, easy to store and require no refrigeration…not like pizzas, candy, or cookies that take up a lot of space and require special handling.

FAT-FREE! People are more health conscious than ever before! Although we don’t suggest you eat them, Marcus Movie Tickets and Gift Certificates are fat-free and give people the entertainment they crave.

WILL NOT SPOIL! Have you ever found the sticky remains of an uneaten fundraiser candy bar on the top of your fridge months after purchasing it? That will not happen with Marcus Movie Tickets and Marcus Gift Certificates. No matter what your taste, they will always hit the spot!

NO EXTRAS! You won’t have any leftovers because after members of your organization take orders, we supply only what you need. You won’t have to eat the extras…there aren’t any!

A GREAT NAME! For 70 years the Marcus Theatres Corporation has entertained millions of people. Let our great name work for you! Contact us and start fundraising today!

Plan your next group outing with Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s group tour and meeting planning directory.