We’re the answer to the same-old, same-old corporate event! Take great meeting space, delicious menus, unique event areas, and add a reputation for great service, fun teambuilding events, signature drinks, lively bars, world-class billiards and shuffleboard, and 200+ games and simulators, and you’ve found D&B – the perfect something-for-everyone place!

Watch our Video of all of our event spaces at Dave & Buster’s

Oak Room (banquet): 100 dining, 150 reception, 175 theater. $150 rental includes LCD projector, screen, podium, microphone, and dedicated service staff.

Viewpoint 1 (billiards): 30 dining, 45 reception. $30 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (1 table), snooker (1 table), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.

Executive Billiards (billiards): 30 dining, 45 reception. $50 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (2 tables), shuffleboard (1 table), a private television and dedicated service staff.

Viewpoint 2 (billiards): 75 dining, 100 reception. $60 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (5 tables), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.

Viewpoint 3 (billiards): 45 dining, 65 reception. $40 per hour rental fee includes free billiards (3 tables), shuffleboard (1 table) and dedicated service staff.

Lower Level: Capacity of 500. Lower Level rental agreemetns are custom created and have no fixed rental fee.

Total Capacity of Venue:
2000.

Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes

F&B minimum to reserve / use the room (s) :
No

Click here for more details or to contact Kristen Banks, Event Manager of Dave & Buster’s directly - Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me

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

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.

ROUTE 66 made its spectacular debut in 1994 in The Netherlands under the direction of Leslie Gray and proved to be a success in a wide variety of venues all over Europe, performing to a ’standing room only’ audience in the 9,000 seat AHOY amphitheatre in Rotterdam as well as intimate dinner parties, trade shows and corporate events. In addition, ROUTE 66 appeared on several popular television shows, sang back-up for major Dutch pop artists and was a featured headliner in a well-known theme park located on the German border. Leslie returned to the United States in 1996 and recreated this successful group here in Chicago.

This fabulously entertaining quartet crooned on WTMX as guests of the Eric & Kathy show and on WGN radio as guests of the Dean Richards show; raised the roof of the United Center for Bulls games; had the special honor of singing the National Anthem for the Chicago Bears Game at Soldier Field; appeared on the WGN morning show singing their beautiful a cappella rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of the 4th of July; helped kick off the Solar Car Exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry and contributed their unique 40’s USO style to many corporate events at the U505 submarine exhibit; created a buzz for tradeshow clients such as the International Housewares show at McCormick Place; entertained at a “Support Our Troops” fundraiser in Bartlett and at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Lake Bluff; represented Kraft, lighting up Daley Plaza with their fantastic harmonies as they helped launch their new product; traveled to Washington DC to help liven up the annual Mass Mutual Convention and to Milwaukee for Northwestern Mutual, and were back in Chicago at Soldier Field for State Farm; and are a favorite at corporate events, private parties, summer festivals and holiday celebrations throughout Chicagoland, from Batavia to Wilmette to Olympia Fields!

ROUTE 66 appeals to audiences of all ages! Their versatility allows them to offer clients a wide range of performance options, from an a cappella repertoire during a cocktail hour to a complete stage show with music, costumes and choreography – making them suitable for any venue, large or small. ROUTE 66 also offers an a cappella repertoire of traditional holiday carols and contemporary holiday classics in November and December especially for the festive season!

Click here for more details or to contact Route 66 for your next special event, party, corporate event or tradeshow

Browse our Chicago Theme Party directory for Chicago ’s best theme party, theme party places, Chicago theme party planners, theme party rental companies, Chicago prop rentals, and Chicago theme party ideas. Find Chicago ’s best theme party ideas, decor, props and event design companies. Themes include Chicago movie themes, roaring 20’s theme party themes, jazz and blues themes and other hot Chicago theme party ideas.

Visit our directory of Chicago Theme Party Planners and mention Hereschicago.com

For corporate meetings you get a New York style white space that can be transformed into any type of design. We have a collection of colorful and comfortable mid-century style furniture that can be mixed, matched and arranged as you would like.

New York style white
space ideal for creative
thinking and entertaining
4,000 square foot loft with great daylight
Original hardwood floors
Wireless internet
Mid-century furniture collection available at
no extra cost
Convenient location in Chicago’s booming West Loop
LCD projector, easles and in studio sound system
In house event coordinator and photo services

Corporate Functions -Focus groups, Strategic marketing meetings, Cocktail parties,
Tech Suites, Team Building, Employee orientations, Recruitment, Customer appreciation,
Annual celebrations, Product launches

West Loop Studio Chicago Weddings:

For weddings West Loop Studio is a little unconventional and completely sensational.

This historic top-floor loft is easily transformed to any theme or design style. From an intimate sit down dinner of 100 to a cocktail reception of 200 our event staff can assist you with all the resources you need to create the events of your dreams!

West Loop Studio Unique Features

4,000 square-foot floorplan
17 foot ceilings with bowstring trusses
9 foot windows with city views
Original restored maple floors
Remodeled bathrooms
Spacious dressing room and prep areas
Freight elevator for easy logistics
Professional Photography Package
Our most exciting and talked about feature!

Contact Jamie Kelter of West Loop Studio and mention Hereschicago.com

Just 20 minutes from downtown, you’ll discover Chicago’s hottest new special events destination. Created by the same team who designed the Coliseum at Caesar’s Palace, the Venue offers incredible flexibility and state-of-the-art sound and production capabilities. No matter what the event, this extraordinary showroom easily transforms into an extravagant dinner gala, an elegant theater, or an electrifying concert space featuring six luxurious VIP suites. The Venue is equipped with cutting-edge telescopic seating that can retract in under six minutes, providing an expansive space that can accommodate a seated dinner for up to 1,200 or an elaborate cocktail reception for 3,000 guests.

For more information or to contact Martha Link at The Venue, click here and mention Hereschicago.com

33 Club Chicago Private Dining Video from Hereschicago.com on Vimeo.

Video produced by Hereschicago.com

Chosen as one of the Open Table 2009 Diners Choice Top 50 US restaurants that have “Vibrant Bar Scenes” 33 Club offers a selection of cutting-edge versions of classic American fare with an extensive variety of upscale bar snacks and a uniquely affordable array of wines. Surrounded by the energy of diverse neighborhoods, the restaurant provides a luxurious, private club feel in the heart of Old Town. At 33 Club patrons can enjoy the ambiance of the grand old clubs of yesterday. Whether it’s a dinner with friends or a gala cocktail reception, 33 Club’s dramatic elegance and lively atmosphere make it the ideal location for any gathering. Great place for your corporate events, wedding rehearsal dinners, birthday party, client event, holiday party and more!

Contact Nina Madonia, Private Dining Manager of 33 Club Chicago and mention Hereschicago.com

As the winter weather takes hold of the Chicagoland area, many companies are already busy working to select and plan their 2010 summer outing – typically the largest event of the year and the one requiring the most planning. Even though many companies were unable to hold a summer outing in 2009, most of them are planning for a return to their summer outing in 2010. Through my experiences with summer outings and client feedback, I have identified key components of the decision-making process that planners should consider to ensure their summer outing matches the mission and objectives of the event while maximizing value, participation and fun. Most importantly as the economy continues to rebound, don’t wait! Many companies are already booking their summer outings to guarantee the location and date of their choice.

Mission & Objectives
The first step in the decision-making process is defining the summer outing’s key mission and objectives. Without determining these elements, it is virtually impossible to plan and select an event that maximizes participation, fun and value for employees and guests of all ages. Some of the questions to consider in this step include:

• What is the budget for the event?
• Is a focus of the event to build camaraderie and goodwill amongst employees and/or employees and their families?
• Is the event focused on enhancing relationships amongst employees?
• Is the event strictly to reward employees?
• Is the priority on younger employees (generally without families) or those employees with families or both?
• If the priority is on both, how will the needs of the different groups be addressed?

Once the objectives are determined, the planning and selection process for the ideal summer outing begins.

Weekday vs. Weekend Events
The next step in the decision-making process is determining if the event is to occur on a weekday or weekend. With benefits to either option, the company’s mission and objectives drive this decision. For instance, a company looking to provide a highly engaging and entertaining event for employees and their families would prefer to host a weekend event to ensure family members are able to attend. However, clients who want to guarantee a high employee attendance rate and want to focus on building relationships amongst employees are likely to choose a weekday event. In addition, weekday events are typically less expensive since family members do not attend.

Day vs. Evening Events
After selecting the day of the week, planners must choose the best time of day to hold the event. Traditionally, summer picnics are held in the afternoon taking advantage of the warm weather, time off work during the week and the optimum time for family members of all ages to attend, just to name a few. However, a recent trend towards evening picnics held from 5:00-9:00 PM has proved popular with many companies. Evening picnics are a good choice for a variety of reasons such as cooler weather, lower costs, larger range of available dates and more!

Whether selecting a traditional afternoon picnic or opting for the newer evening picnic trend, planners must make sure to match the advantages of each to fit their needs.

Exclusive Company Event vs. General Admission Event
With the day of the week and time selected, the next step is choosing the type of event: an exclusive interactive event or a general admission event. Exclusive company events are private events strictly for the company, such as private summer picnics or BBQs, company softball tournaments and interactive receptions. These events provide a great environment for internal networking and enhance relationships between the company, the employees and their families. General admission events take place in public environments such as amusement parks and zoos. These events are designed to be a reward or “thank you” to employees and their families. While they may provide a short lunch for anyone interested, the intent of the event is for guests to enjoy the venue with their families independent of the company. Both event types are intended to reward the employees along with enhance employee morale. Exclusive company events are also designed to build goodwill and camaraderie along with enhancing relationships between the company, employees and their families since the group is together (or in the same area) throughout the entire event. Your event objectives will determine which event type meets your specific goals.

Book Early
Now that you’ve selected the details of your event, it is imperative to start the process of booking your event early. Certainly one of the key ingredients to a great event is booking the location and date of your choice. In order to accomplish this, you should start planning no later than February of each year and preferably sooner. Make sure your employees have something to look forward to this year and book your 2010 summer outing now. The sooner you book, the more value you receive on your investment throughout the year.

Now that you are ready to book your outing, here are some key factors when selecting the company to best execute your next summer event…

Award-Winning Experience: Selecting a company with the experience to handle every aspect of planning the event, selecting trusted quality vendors and making your event run seamlessly with no hassle for you is a key element to a successful event.

Activities for All Ages: Find a vendor who provides activities for all age groups attending the event. Regardless of each attendee’s interests, select a company that provides an array of activities capable of entertaining everyone. Do not forget those guests without children. The group that is always the most challenging in terms of motivating to attend on a weekend are those 20-30 somethings without kids. If they comprise a reasonable percentage of the company be aware of the following realities:

- They will not travel far. If you are a downtown company, do not book a summer event in the suburbs. Despite their best intentions, they will not attend.
- Make sure there are activities specifically for them and clearly promote these activities in your correspondences. If kids are involved, you do not want the 20-30 somethings to assume the event is only focused on families.
- This group also prefers Saturday late afternoon events to weekend midday events.

Premier Venues: Location! Location! Location! Location is the key to an event and an element that requires a planner with access to the right venues.

Hassle-Free Planning: Find a vendor that allows you to focus on enjoying your event and mingling with your employees and co-workers. From acquiring permits and selecting the caterer to adding interactive entertainment and facilitated activities, the company must handle all the details of your event so you don’t have to worry. You just sit back, relax and enjoy the event. Best of all, you get all the credit!

Cost-Conscious Planning: Many options exist for cost savings that still allow for an amazing event. Find a vendor who knows how to meet your budget but not reduce the value of your event.

I hope that you find this information helpful as you look to plan your next summer outing. Best of luck in 2010.

Murrel Karsh, President and Co-Founder of Windy City Fieldhouse, the Midwest’s largest Team Building and Entertainment Company. WCF has helped define team building and summer picnic trends over the past 11 years.

WCF is an Inc. 5000 honoree, awarded to the nation’s fastest-growing small businesses and a recipient of Illinois Meetings & Events Magazine “Best Team Building Company” Award for three consecutive years and nominated for a fifth again this year.

WindyCityFieldhouse.com

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Join WCF’s Interactive Corporate Events Group on LinkedIn

Rockit Ranch Productions’ (Sunda, The Underground, Rockit Bar & Grill) CEO Billy Dec returns to his old North Side stomping grounds by launching an exciting series of fan-requested nightly events at Rockit Wrigley (3700 N. Clark Street) beginning Friday, January 8. 

The Chicago nightlife veteran / restaurateur explains, “Through caring service and interaction with over 10,000 customers a week at all our venues, asking for feedback on facebook and from my followers on twitter, and reading customer comments online, I put together the ultimate weekly line-up according to my clientele’s wishes, so I already know they love it- they told me so!”  Check out the highlights in image below, with rest of press release to follow!!!!

Fridays – Karaoke! Tired of Karaoke only on weeknights? No problem! Rockit Wrigley now has one of the only weekend Karaoke nights in Chicago with special prizes and giveaways if you rock.

Saturdays – Rock DJ Mash Up Party!  You want a let-loose party night? Well then, Billy Dec is bringing it to you every Saturday night along with his favorite DJs mashing rock with all genres!  (Plan on surprise performances from local talent who find Billy on twitter, as there is a private pre-party for those who follow him on Twitter.

Sundays – Live Music. We respect and appreciate the ever-present talent pool of Chicago’s musicians so Rockit Wrigley is providing a platform for them to jam and guests to enjoy! Comfort food and drink specials, games on TVs, and acclaimed musicians making special cameo appearances are all part of the package.

Mondays –50%-Off Wine and More! OK wine lovers- we hear you! Rockit Wrigley now nods its head in the direction of viticulture, featuring 50%-off wine (bottles and glass pours) with complimentary wine tastings brought to your table by guest pourers, wine makers and vineyard owners from around the world offering unique wines with contemporary comfort food wine-friendly specials. Fun, educational and delicious!

Tuesdays – All Skate. Everyone loves the Ice Rink at Wrigley Field across the street. On Tuesdays it’s half-off, and so are Rockit Wrigley’s new winter warm-up drinks (with or without alcohol) including Chocolate Perfection, Super Cider and the Peppermint Paddy. We also treat ice skaters to half-off kid’s menu items and homemade soups all week long.

Wednesdays – You Cook It! You want our award-winning recipes? OK! Here’s a fun and unique “eat what you make” cooking class taught by Executive Chef Gottwald! Students choose favorite items from Rockit’s varied menu, get into the kitchen, learn about ingredients, techniques and tricks-of-the trade, and then serve their masterpiece in the dining room to their awaiting friends and family! The best part—the class is free (guests pay for food and beverage). Space is limited, so book in advance!

Thursdays – Cub-aholics Anonymous.  Apparently during off-season feelings of listlessness, abandonment and general malaise fill the hearts of Cubs and Wrigley Field fans, so Rockit Wrigley is launching a Cubs Fan support group. Join a lively Cub-friendly social scene to celebrate all things Cubs with sports media, ball players, giveaways and a nice view of Wrigley Field across the street.
 
Second Annual Chilifest Benefits Greater Chicago Food Depository – During Rockit’s Second Annual Chilifest, January 18-22, a portion of all sales of bowls of chili will benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization dedicated to battling hunger in Chicago, culminating in an exciting karaoke fundraising event for the food bank hosted by Billy Dec at Rockit Wrigley on Friday, January 22 from 8 p.m. to 2a.m. with a V.I.P. and media reception 8 to 9 p.m.

Rockit Wrigley is located at 3700 North Clark Street and is open Monday through Wednesday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday and Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Valet parking is available, delivery is available on grubhub.com and the private party room overlooking Wrigley Field is available before and after all Cubs games.

For more information or if you would like to plan a group outing, special event or pre Cub game meeting or client outing, contact Nicole Salerno, Director of Events for Rockit Ranch and mention Hereschicago.com