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.

Packages available on events booked prior to August 31, 2010.

Package includes general admission, welcome table with maps upon arrival, and private outdoor seating area alongside the breathtaking Jackson Park Lagoon.

Picnic buffet served from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Quarter Pound Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers
Chicago Style All-Beef Hot Dogs or Polish Sausage with all the Trimmings
Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Old Fashioned Potato Salad
Vegetable Pasta Salad
Fresh Watermelon Slices
Assorted Cookies and Lemon Bars
Iced Tea, Lemonade and Water

Adults (12 & older): $45.00 per person
Children (under 12): $35.00 per person

Pricing does not include sales tax and 20% service charge.

Minimum 100 people.

Click here for more information on picnics at the Museum of Science and Industry – Mention Hereschicago.com

Absolutely Chicago Segway from Hereschicago.com on Vimeo.

About the Absolutely Chicago Segway Fireworks Tour – This lakefront tour is absolutely breathtaking. We’ll glide along the lakefront on The Segway Personal Transporter to our secret spot for viewing the City’s fireworks show. It’s difficult to decide which is more spectacular the fireworks or the Chicago skyline in its evening splendor! Seasonal.

Our other tours include:

Art and Architecture Tour – Chicago is world-renowned for its incredible architecture. Our guests will see examples of Chicago’s most famous sculptures, and be amazed by stories of the architects and buildings that made our skyline famous.

Museum Campus Tour – We’ll visit the scenic grounds of The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field. This sightseeing tour has plenty of photo opportunities!

Private and Group Tours – If you’re planning a company event, get out of the stuffy conference room and into the open air with a private tour. Choose from one of our standard tours or we can bring Segway PTs to you (within a 40 mile radius of Chicago) for a customized adventure. Translated tours are available.

Click here for more information or to contact Timmie at Absolutely Chicago Segway – Be sure to mention that you found us on Hereschicago.com

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

It’s opening week for the Cubs season and we invite you all to Brixen Ivy rooftop for networking and to watch the game on Friday April 16th!

It’s all inclusive! Enjoy a food and drinks and watch the Cubs game on Brixen Ivy Rooftop all while networking with colleagues and friends.

When: Friday April 16th, 2010

Where: Brixen Ivy Rooftop, 1044 Waveland Avenue

Game: Cubs Vs. Houston

Game time: 1:20 pm

Click here to view details or to register

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

Follow WCF on Twitter

Become a Fan of WCF on Facebook

WCF’s Event Blog

Join WCF’s Interactive Corporate Events Group on LinkedIn

Chicago’s Featured Planner Preferred 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.

Starved Rock Lodge Meeting Space

Superman: Doomsday trailer For Whom the Bulls Toil video Surrounded by 2600 acres of spectacular natural beauty, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center provides an inspiring setting for your next meeting, retreat or special event.

Our well-appointed venue offers flexible meeting space, custom catering, team activities, comfortable accommodations, along with indoor and outdoor options for recreation and relaxation. Accessibility is another key advantage: We are open year-round and conveniently located just 90 minutes from Chicago, near I-80 and I-39, in Starved Rock State Park–one of the 7 Wonders of Illinois!

• download Crimson Tide

Let Starved Rock Lodge host your business meeting, retreat or conference in one of our six meeting rooms.

Whether you need a traditional, structured meeting room with all the technical amenities or an out-of-the-box setting for your group workshops and activities, Starved Rock Lodge offers something to suite every imaginable meeting or retreat need.

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The Matrix dvdrip

• The Heist psp

For a complete guide to Chicago Meeting Space and Historic Venues, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s online resource guide for meetings and events.

Only Angels Have Wings buy

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!

Big Fish release

Raging Bull movie full

Thank You for Voting Us “Best of the Best” in 9 Categories!
Our Favorite Awards Are Those Given by Our Guests

Dark City on dvd

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.

Gone with the Wind full movie

Reign Over Me ipod

• Clash of the Titans movies

Best Ribs
Best BBQ

Dark City hd

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.

Contact Famous Dave’ BBQ and Catering in Chicago

Reservation Road release