WINDY is available for private charters, for weddings, parties, corporate functions, planning committees, reunions, church outings and Worship Sails, tour groups, team building, and educational experiences. Windy may be chartered for a maximum of 150 guests. YOUR EXPERIENCE aboard WINDY is meant to be an outdoors one. However, we also have a grand interior “salon”, which can hold 50-70 standing guests, available for dining and for getting out of the sun or weather. It is adjacent to our kitchen, or “galley”. The caterer usually sets up buffet style inside the salon, or and guests are free to move in and out.

c: Capt. Randall – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me

Tall Ship Sailing Adventures

These 60 or 75 min. Skyline Cruises are the family favorites! Each day of our daily and weekly sailing schedule is unique, with every trip dependent on the direction of the wind. No two tours are alike. Each sail also has a tour theme led by our enthusiastic crew-educators! Our tall ship crew are multi-talented individuals, many of whom have experience in the study of history, maritime lore, the arts, music, and theatre- ready to bring their experience to enhance your enjoyment aboard Windy! You can simply relax on deck in quiet, or gather around for storytelling and hands-on fun!

Tall Ship Educational Sail Training Programs

Educational cruises are offered to school, church, scouts, corporations, and other groups. This program provides a variety of hands-on activities and several talks on topics including maritime history, sailing, maritime arts, physics, navigation, marlinespike, seamanship, marine wildlife, group dynamics and the like. Call to discuss your desires, as we can design an event for your students.

We already have a great program for badge work for Girl Scouts! Programs are designed for each group. Much more details are located on the Education page on the web site. In 2008, over 8,000 students sailed with us!

Tall Ship Private Charters

The WINDY is available for private charters, weddings, parties, corporate functions, planning committees (no phones to distract members), team building, reunions, church outings, tours, fun getaways, and educational experiences. Groups as large as 150 can be accommodated. A full range of menu options can be provided by the ship’s caterers. Call early to confirm availability and to make plans. Reservation dates are guaranteed with payment. Also consider a Pirate Themed Charters for something truly extraordinary!

Corporate team building activities are also offered.

Unique views?
Chicago’s Skyline from Lake Michigan, Navy Pier

Our most Important Target Market is?

Private charters, for weddings, parties, corporate functions, planning committees, reunions, church outings and Worship Sails, tour groups, team building, and educational experiences.

Chicago’s alternative to conventions, meetings and conferences, The Odeum Expo Center, Villa Park, Il – Recently renovated in 2010

Conveniently located 30 minutes west of Chicago, near O’hare airport and 10,000 hotel rooms!

Building Specifications

15 acre site
Capacity 2000 Cars
130,000 square foot facility
Direct drive access to exhibit
floor from parking facility
212′ clear span building
Concrete floors – 400 psi
Ceiling clearance:
North & South Halls:
- 26′ lowest point
- 50′ highest point
Insulated Pitched Roof Mezzanine:
- 18′ lowest point
- 40′ highest point
Heated and air-conditioned
Telephone, ISDN, gas, water and compressed air

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Freight Access

Two drive-in, overhead doors
- North Hall – 10′ wide x 14′ high
- South Hall – 14′ wide x 14′ high
18 additional 6′ wide doors
2 additional 8′ wide doors
Elevator 8′ x 5′

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Food and Beverage

Catered Meals
Cocktail Lounge
Concessions

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Electrical Services 

In-House electrician
120 volt, single phase,
60 cycle
208 volt, single phase,
60 cycle
208 volt, three phase,
four wire, 60 cycle
480 volt, three phase,
four wire, 60 cycle
Total amps available 3,000 plus;
3 phase

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Lifts

2 fork lifts, 5,000 lb. capacity ~ 13′ high
Scissors lift, 400 lb. capacity ~ 30′ high
Aerial lift, 800 lb. capacity, ~ 46′ high

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Exhibit Space / Meeting Rooms

Over 85,000 square feet with minimum pillars
South Hall – 22,000 sq. ft.
North Hall – 22,000 sq. ft.
Upper Mezzanine – 14,000 sq. ft.
Banquet Hall – 9,000 sq. ft.
Lower Mezzanine – 6,000 sq. ft.
Other Areas – 12,000 sq. ft.
Can accommodate 600; 8′ x 8′ booths
All exhibit services and equipment available “in house”, including piping, draping, tables, chairs, staging, carpeting, electric
Audio/Visual equipment
Telephones, floral pieces, hostesses
A variety of meeting space is available accommodating from 10 to 5,500 people
9,000 square feet Banquet Hall that breaks out into 4 meeting rooms, approximately 1,800 sq. ft.

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Additional Areas in Facility

North Conference Room
Lounge
Promoter’s Office
Box Office
Security Office
First Aid Room
Referee Room
Pro Shop

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In House Convention Services

Pipe & Drape
Tables
Staging (16′ – 7′)
Audio Visual
Compressed air
Floral
Water
Chairs
Carpet
Signs
Telephone
Sport Court
Right to work facility, security, ushers, stagehands, and other labor can be made available through the ODEUM as requested.

Click here for more information or to contact Brad or Jamie at the Odeum Expo Center for your next business meeting, conference, sporting event, wedding or convention

Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel & Spa in Chicago – Contact Sandi Robinson (312) 202-6001

Visit Hereschicago.com event planner resource directory for more unique Chicago event spaces

Classic Chicago Party Rental is the Midwest’s largest event rental company and among the largest in the country. Our 35 plus years of experience combined with our wide selection of event and food service equipment along with our extensive inventory of tents and clearspan structures can accommodate all types of events.

Classic Party Rentals has many target markets which include corporate functions, weddings, outdoor celebrations, catered affairs, fundraising galas, home entertaining and large scale national events.

We provide:

Classic Tents
Unique Tabletop Rentals
Prime Event Group
Designer & Lounge Furniture
Chameleon Chairs

Click here for more information or to contact Valerie Braun of Classic Party Rentals.  Please mention hereschicago.com when contacting me.

Il Mulino Chicago
1150 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL

With its Chicago presence, the restaurant serves that famous food in the sumptuous Second Empire style Biggs Mansion.

The Small Private Dining Room:
Located on the second floor of the Mansion with four east-facing windows offering tree-top views of our 100 year old elm trees, this room offers seating for up to 30 Guests for a sit down event, or cocktail space for up to 50. It is especially popular for corporate board meetings, but the carved marble fireplace, crystal chandelier and ornate mahogany wainscoting make it perfect for lavish social events as well.

The Large Private Dining Room:
Also located on the second floor of the Mansion, the large private dining room boasts two working marble fireplaces, three crystal chandeliers and five foot tall mahogany wainscoting. Windows offering views both east and south make this the perfect space for a daytime office meeting or bridal shower. As many as 70 guests can sit down for lunch or dinner in this lovely room, 100 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. There is also a petite bar adjacent to this room with crystal sconces and a beautiful silk Italian tapestry.

The Outdoor Patio:
The front yard of our property, built by renowned Chicago architect Edward Burling in 1874, is home to one of Chicago’s most serene outdoor gardens. Wrapped in a period appropriate black wrought iron fence and home to flower boxes over-flowing with ivy, Guests enjoying our outdoor space feel as if they’ve stepped back in time. Depending on the season, we can serve pre-event cocktails and hors d’oeuvres outside beneath the twinkling Italian lights, or you may entertain a group as large as 50 for a sit-down dinner in your own “secret garden.”

The Entire Facility:
For a truly “over the top” event, the entire Il Mulino Chicago Mansion can be rented out. In addition to second floor rooms described above, the first floor offers three working fireplaces original to the home, as well as a large bar and three dining rooms outfitted with bookcases and five gorgeous vintage chandeliers. The entry hall is dominated by a grand, two-story carved staircase topped with a magnificent 18 branch chandelier. Due to the popularity of our restaurant dining rooms, restrictions and minimums for buyouts do apply.

For more information, details or to contact Nicole Boston of Il Mulino Chicago, click here to visit our listing and mention Hereschicago.com

The highly anticipated banquet room at Sunda is NOW OPEN for last-minute holiday luncheons, dinner events or for a private party, corporate events, wedding rehearsal dinners, and groups and parties of all sizes. We are also booking events and meetings for 2010. Call me for a quick proposal… I can accommodate you!!

DATES STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL OF OUR VENUES:

The Underground: Private venue for 50 – 200 guests on Dec 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 still available. Beverages and passed appetizers starting at $50* per person!

Rockit Bar and Grill River North: Private and non-rrivate Parties for 25 – 250 guests on Dec 14, 15, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers starting at $45* per person!

Rockit Bar and Grill Wrigleyville: Private parties for 50 – 90 guests on Dec 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers starting at $40* per person!

Sunda Banquet Room: Private parties for 40 – 125 guests on Dec 14 – 19, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers and sushi starting at $60* per person!

Contact Nicole Salerno, Director of Events for more information and mention Hereschicago.com

Chicago’s Featured Planner Preferred Bus Charter Transportation Companies – Bus Charters, Trolley Rentals, Ground Transportation Coordination/Services, Limousine/Sedans

Chicago Bus Charter Services/Rentals/Companies

Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company

Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company – Chicago’s Planner Preferred charter bus rental company. We provide transportation for Chicago’s corporate groups, company parties, shuttle service to conventions, city tours for new hires & visitors, group specialty tours, golf outings, one day tours, bachelor/bachelorette parties, convention shuttles, proms, graduations, tradeshows, senior outings, weddings, sporting events and team building outings.

Coach USA Chicago

Coach USA Chicago is Chicago’s Premier Motor Coach and Bus Company providing Airport Transfers, Charter, City Packages, Convention/Meeting Services, Custom Group Tours, Incentive Tours, Meet & Greet, Mini Bus, Motorcoach, Multi-Lingual Guides, Multi-Lingual Tours, Receptive Services, Sightseeing, Groups, Step On Guides, Transit, Van Rentals and gound transportation services in Chicago and the Chicago Suburbs.

Riteway Bus Service

Riteway’s Charter Bus division offers Chicago charter bus rentals for all of Illinois. Riteway works with a wide variety of groups within the Chicago area to accommodate your Chicago charter bus rental needs. Groups include but are not limited to: universities, K-12 school groups, church organizations, corporate functions and conventions in the greater Chicagoland area. Riteway is your one stop Chicago charter bus provider for almost any city in Illinois. Some of the cities that we service are: Northern Illinois, Buffalo Grove, Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake forest, Skokie, Evanston, Highland Park, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, and Oak Brook, IL. Our Chicago charter bus associates can help you organize your charter bus rental no matter what the occasion or destination.

Colonial Coach Lines Chicago

Colonial Coach is one of the most established charter companies in Chicago, Illinois. Our modern fleet of over 80 motor coaches and transit buses can accommodate from 21 to 72 passengers. With over 100 years of charter management experience and the DOT’s highest safety rating, you will always feel safe traveling with Colonial Coach Lines.

Chicago Ground Transportation Staffing/Coordination Services

Ariel Airport Services Inc

Ariel Airport Services Inc. is a unique supplier of multilingual travel services at major U.S. airports and cities. We cater to the corporate and leisure group needs of Meeting and Event planners, Corporations and Destination Management Companies, Receptive Tour Operators & Travel Agents. Our experienced staff is in charge of every detail, none are too large or small. Your clients are guaranteed a stress free and pleasant trip from start to finish and you can have peace of mind. We understand the importance of high standards and quality of service, and our professionalism and attention to detail leave nothing to chance.

Chicagoland Transportation Solutions, Inc.

Chicagoland Transportation Solutions, Inc. is a full service ground transportation company. We offer charters, meet & greet services, small to city-wide shuttles, scheduled service, tour services, and group activities. Our customers enjoy the fact that we focus on a few core services and perfect them to excellence instead of trying to do everything average.

Chicago Limousines Services/Sedan Companies

Executive Chauffeuring Limousine and Sedan Service

Call Executive Chauffeuring for all your business and personal ground transportation needs, such as: Airport Transfers (O’Hare, Midway & Mitchell), Chicago Corporate Travel, Chicago Conventions, Chicago Weddings, Sporting Events, Concerts, or just a “Night on the Town”. We have a perfect vehicle for any occasion.

O’Hare-Midway Limousine Service®

O’Hare-Midway Limousine Service®, a unique, service oriented, dependable, professional transportation company serving the Chicagoland area and beyond. Specializing in a fleet of Limousines, Sedans and Deluxe Mini Coaches. We realize that our success is the result of customer satisfaction – satisfaction that must be renewed every day.

Related Services

Chicago Meeting Venues - Chicago Corporate Activities - Chicago Restaurants with Private Rooms – Chicago Sightseeing - Chicago Conference Centers – Chicago Meeting Services - Corporate Entertainment - Chicago Nightlife/Bars – Chicago Private Party Spaces

Visit our directory of Chicago’s directory of resources for Chicago Bus Charter,Chicago Bus Rentals,Transportation Services, Chicago Corporate Functions, Convention Shuttles, Trade Show Transportation, Senior Outings, Trips, Ski Trips, Golf Outings in Chicago, Chicagoland, Proms, School Groups, Bachelor/Bachelorette, Parties, Weddings, One Day Tours, Multi Day Tours, Sporting Events (Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs) to Wrigley Field, U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago Stadium, United Center, AllState Arena, Kane County Cougars, Schaumburg Flyers.

Capt’s Log

This has been a great year with many memorable events and a strong finish despite the difficultly of the economy.

Our course is set toward the upcoming summer and warmer weather. We are planning some new sailing tours with new themes.

We are planning to teach more students and inspire more smiles than ever before.

We are sending our warmest wishes during this cold month! We also want to introduce you to just a few things coming up on the horizion.

Give the Gift of Summer for the Holidays

We are offering gift certificates that are now available online to help you with your holiday hints and lists.

Certificates are good for merchandise and for sailing adventures on all 3 boats (Windy, Red Witch and Crescendo).

WIN the $150 “Gift of Summer”

Sailing Events on Deck for 2010

Windy Wedding Giveaway Do you know someone getting married this spring? Let them know about our elegant wedding that we are giving away on Tall Ship Windy (additional details will follow).

Chicago hosts Tall Ships 2010 Windy and Red Witch are the host ships for this event: Aug 24-29. Based on the success from 2006, we know this will be a sell out. For a private adventure, reserve your date and time NOW. Public ticket sales will be announced here first, so stay tuned.

Strictly Sail boat show Navy Pier will be hosting this event in their Festival Hall from Jan 28-31. Windy and Red Witch are the represented in the Tall Ship Chicago 2010 booth. Stop by and shoot the breeze.

Chicago’s Spirited Sailing Fleet

From pirates to martime history tours, elegant events to “Cocktails & Skyline Sails”, we have a venue that will suit you!

Tall Ship Windy
Located at Navy Pier
Up to 150 guests.
Public sails, fireworks and elegant private events.

Tall Ship Red Witch
Located at Burnham Harbor
Up to 49 guests.
Public sails, fireworks, corporate and impeccable private events.

Sloop Crescendo
Located at Burnham Harbor
Up to 6 guests.
Private sails, fireworks, corporate and champagne suppers.

Great Lakes Events

Let our pros make your next event exceptional by reflecting your personal style!

We specialize in team building, corporate, private/themed events, remarkable birthdays & gourmet soirees on all 3 boats.

We’re known for our Red Witch Royale. Find some new favorites from a dozen flagship cocktails and perfect summer menu pairings! info@greatlakesevents.net

Stay aboard for our upcoming event notifications, promos and email only discounts. We welcome your feedback.

Members of Lakeshore Maritime Collective:

Capt Bruce Randall & Dr. Karen Randall
Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago
Windy of Chicago, Ltd
Lakeshore Sail Charters, LLC

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events, LLC

Patti Lock
Great Lakes Marketing Group, LLC

401 E. Illinois St. #332
Chicago, IL 60611

Win
“Gift of Summer” $150 We are giving away a $150 gift Certificate!

Here’s the info:

Who?

Anyone can enter – one per email address (tell your friends).

What? Share your sailing comments.

Where? Windy, Red Witch, Crescendo

When? Now would be nice!

How? Make an entery in one of our guest books above.

Then what? A random drawing will take place on 12/20/09. Winner will be notified by email!

Please stop in Salute Wine Bar. We have fun, affordable events that will add a little spice to everyone’s snowy months! The three most common descriptions I hear everyone say about Salute are INVITING, COZY, CHARMING. We are hiking the charm up a notch with our WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE! It’s a warm, delightful addition that really lights up the room every night.

The soft, plush couches set around the fireplace are the perfect spot to enjoy a toasty beverage or an incredible glass of wine. One of our newest winter liquor treats is Faretti Biscotti Liquor, which will amaze you. The aromas and flavors are exactly like fresh baked, almond biscotti with a touch of zesty, orange peel and anise! It has inspired the CANNOLI MARTINI (vodka, faretti, splash cream) and the MIDNIGHT BISCOTTI (vodka, faretti, kahlua & baileys).

A few of our other cuddle-up, winter creations are BLACKBERRY-GINGER HOT TODDY (honey, lemon, fresh blackberries, ginger syrup & brandy), HOT CHOCOCELLO (home-made chocolate cello steamed to a frothy head and finished with shaved chocolate), TEMPLTON GINGER-APPLE (small batch rye whiskey from Iowa, ginger liquor & spiced apple cider. Served chilled), and lastly WALNUT PEAR MARTINI (spiced pear vodka, red chili mead, lime twist and an intriguing walnut-black pepper rim!) Imagine sipping one of these and tasting one of our new desserts like the ITALIAN S’MORES (toasted marshmallows, strawberry glaze, chocolate ganache and laced with a crunchy graham cracker crumble!)

If the atmosphere, wine and cocktails don’t get your heater revved, we are also releasing our NEW LUNCH MENUS and LATE-NIGHT MENUS. We are open for lunch at noon and keep it going ’til 2am (3am on Saturdays-kitchen open ’til 1am).

Mondays-LIVE JAZZ hosted by Chicago’s choice for jazz & blues WDCB 90.9 FM (no cover)

Tuesdays- WINE EVENTS (all flights will be around $10 range). Interactive or taste on your own! We feature themed wine flights, liquor tastings and food flights. Our sommelier/wine director always on hand to sit and chat, answer any questions, get some tips on ordering wine in restaurants or pairing food/wine for your holiday dinner. (2nd Tuesday of Month is VINO DI CASA a more scheduled event with occasional great speakers that are firmly planted in the world of wine)

Thursdays-ITALIAN MOVIE NIGHT (no cover). These movies were so wildly popular during warmer months when they were shown outside on the patio. We’re not letting the snow stop the fun. We’ve brought it inside and feature select 1/2 bottles of wine!

What about wine? Starting in January we are being “neighborly” and inviting other countries into our lovely Italian cafe! Each month we’ll have fun featuring and comparing wines from all over the world. Example-BIG RED SHOWDOWN (every country has their kings of red-Bordeaux, Barolo, Tempranillo, Shiraz, California Cabernet…you can see which ones you deem regal with side-by-side tastings), WORLD CUP OF WINES (Yes, it’s that time again! In June Italy will be defending the cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Can you think of a better time to pair up the rustic, exciting South African wines and the suave Italians?). These are just a few to give you a taste of what’s in store.

Step inside the doors of the Hotel Orrington for business or pleasure and prepare to be amazed after our recent full property renovation. Come explore our renovated, historic Four Diamond North Shore luxury hotel in Chicago, a full-service hotel where you can enjoy updated modern amenities; complimentary wireless high speed internet in all the public spaces; a variety of dining and lounge options including Globe Café, Indigo Lounge, Blu Sushi Lounge; plus a state of the art Conference Center and elegant Grand Ballroom.
 
Hotel Orrington Meetings
 
Our hotel’s 12,000 square-foot rooftop International Association of Conference Centers certified facility, located on the ninth floor, is a very popular purpose-built meeting venue in greater Chicago. And when your social celebration demands perfection, the Hotel Orrington is the only hotel choice on Chicago’s North Shore. From weddings and anniversaries to charity fundraisers and special events, Hotel Orrington is a setting of grace, beauty, and charm.
 
Hotel Orrington Weddings
 
One of the finest hotels on Chicago’s North Shore, the Hotel Orrington first opened it doors in 1928 when people came from miles to stay with us. Be a part of history, as the Hotel Orrington now has the pleasure of hosting third- and fourth-generation weddings.

All eyes will be on you when you walk down our beautiful and historic grand staircase entering into our ballroom. You will forever remember this day shared with family, friends, and love ones. Let Hotel Orrington be part of that memory.
 
Hotel Orrington Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
 
Be part of the history… the Hotel Orrington now has the pleasure of hosting third- and fourth-generation Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to the Jewish community. From Kosher catering, special packages, and floor-length linens to a sumptuous sweet table, we provide the venue for an affair to be remembered.
 
Hotel Orrington Family Reunions
 
The Hotel Orrington is a perfect location for a family reunion in Chicago. Close to Lake Michigan and surrounded by the vibrant culture of historic Evanston, Illinois, the Hotel Orrington provides a wonderful setting to make new memories and catch up with your family in a great central North Shore Chicago setting. All of our facilities from our guest rooms and suites to our restaurants and ballrooms are well-suited to family get-togethers and our expert staff can provide a wide range of recommendations and suggestions to create an exciting and wonderful time for all.