Located within miles of O’Hare international airport, along the Schaumburg Woodfield corridor in one of Chicago land’s most sought after business and commercial districts, The Meadows Club is the ideal venue for your upcoming convention.

The exceptional quality of our facility is evident in its technologically advanced design, tasteful interiors and personalized service. The spacious banquet foyer has several plasma screens and wireless accessibility in the lobby areas. In addition to the main foyer, the pre-function foyer is perfect for all your reception and registration needs.

The majesty of the main banquet halls is reinforced by the soaring 22’ ceilings with four domes lit by luxurious crystal chandeliers and the uninterrupted column-free expanse. Strategically located, drop-down screens along with the 14’ wide screen on-stage ensure that your staged event gets complete coverage. The specialty lighting and rigging over the 40’ wide stage is designed to meet any of your staging requirements.

The state of the art audio-video system, combined with the fully integrated dimming system, wireless accessibility with dedicated T1 lines and complete teleconferencing and video conferencing facilities will make your event memorable. The three luxurious VIP suites with attached bathrooms will undoubtedly be appreciated by your special guests, while the luxurious interiors and outstanding service will make each of your guests feel special.The main banquet hall can comfortably seat 1000 guests.

For smaller conferences, it can be divided into three smaller ballrooms, each with its own staging area and bar. In addition, the facility also has two meeting rooms with business center facilities.The well equipped kitchen is designed to accommodate a variety of cuisines and our experienced executive chefs will customize a menu to cater to your palate.

Hear all about the features of The Meadows Club Conference Center in this podcast with Swapna Sathyan, V.P. of Project Development and Marketing.

Click Play to listen

The Meadows Club is a Planner Preferred Vendor on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings and Special Events Directory.

Jim Grillo, NBC5 Street Team

Sooooo….I figured I would check out the newest restaurant to hit Chicago so I stopped into the new ZED 451 Chicago on North Clark Street and put Gina Cresap, Event Sales Manager and Rhonda Drury, Director of Sales of ZED 451 “on the spot”. Keep in mind, the following podcast interview was impromptu and neither Gina or Rhonda knew that I would ask them to provide an “audio site tour”. It is not easy to talk into a microphone without notice (or…with notice for that matter), but, Gina and Rhonda knocked it out of the park!!!!!!!!!

Click the “PLAY” button below to hear the actual “on the spot” audio site tour of ZED 451. You will hear genuine passion and excitement in the following interview from both Gina and Rhonda and how unique this venue is for groups, corporate events and friendly gatherings. Not to mention, ZED 451 has one of the very few “outdoor rooftop” spaces downtown! Summer time, here I come - this place is gonna be the place to be!

For a list of Chicago Restaurants with Private Event Space, visit Hereschicago.com.

Have a great summer!

Jim

 Wine blending allows the creation of unique flavor profiles and combined tastes. It is easy enough for the novice or can be complex enough for the connoisseur. Spearheading the trend of wine-blending, Just Grapes offers wine-blending classes that teach students everything there is to know about this practical yet entertaining way to experiment with wines. Typical Bordeaux Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot are found in the Fusebox kit. Selling this kit furthers Just Grapes’ mission to make wine simple, fun and functional.  “We are very excited to be the only wine shop in Chicago carrying the Fusebox blending kit,” Just Grapes CEO and Corporate Sommelier Don Sritong said. “With the trend of at home wine blending steadily rising, it was only natural for Just Grapes to provide our consumers with a fun and easy way to participate in this unique activity.  This is a perfect item to use for corporate team building.” The Fusebox blending kit is currently available exclusively at Just Grapes for $120.  

ABOUT Just Grapes Just Grapes brings the passion of wine country to Chicago by simplifying the world of wine for local consumers.  A wine shop supporting the idea that wine education should be simple, fun and functional, Just Grapes specializes in private and corporate wine-tasting events, wine retail and wine education.  Focusing primarily on corporate wine education, Just Grapes’ Owner and internationally recognized Corporate Sommelier, Don Sritong, offers unparalleled wine expertise and consultation at the corporate level, both on and off-site.  Just Grapes services include corporate entertainment, team building, wine cellar consultations and more.  Just Grapes is located at

Guidebooks and travel sites offer some great advice and insight on how to find and enjoy what Chicago has to offer.   But, savvy travelers know long-time locals often can provide an unparalleled perspective on a great city like Chicago.   Here are five “must-do” activities suggested by a life-long Chicagoan.

1. See Chicago from the Water.   The Chicago skyline truly is one of the most dynamic and compelling urban vistas in the world.   From the towering modern office buildings to the span of classic buildings along Michigan Avenue, the skyline is breathtaking and best appreciated from a distance.   Outside of flying, the best way to view the skyline is by water.    Many boat tour operators dock along the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue and offer hour-long or longer tours from May through October; the cost is around $25 for adults.   Some feature commentary on the landmark buildings along the river, and some pass through the locks onto Lake Michigan.   Or, visitors can take the Chicago Water Taxi from the foot of the Wrigley Building (400 N. Michigan Av.) to the dock at Madison Street.  The 11-minute ride costs just $2 each way.

2. See Chicago from on High.  The landscape surrounding Chicago is flat.  Very flat.  The only way to take in full depth and breadth of the area is from a very tall building.    On a good, clear day, it’s possible to view as far north as Wisconsin and east into Indiana and Michigan.  Some hotels offer dramatic views of the city, but the best perspective comes from an observation deck.    The Sears Tower Skydeck in the building of the same name rises 103 stories or 1,353 feet in the air, offering 360-degree views.   Another option is the John Hancock Observatory, which soars 94 floors along North Michigan Avenue.  Both observatories charge admission fees, and crowds can be lengthy, especially on clear summer days.  Another option:  visit the Signature Room restaurant and lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock building.  There’s no admission fee, but you’ll get a tremendous view for the price of a cocktail.

3. Ride the El.  Chicago’s “el” – the elevated rapid transit network operated by the Chicago Transit Authority — is how many get to and from work.  But it’s also a great way to see neighborhoods from a unique viewpoint.   The most interesting line is the Brown Line, which winds its way from downtown through hip and historic neighborhoods.   Pick up the Brown Line el at the Clark and Lake station and head north.   Your train will twist and turn its way through Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Ravenswood.    Along the way, you’ll see historic homes and businesses, and even get peeks of the downtown skyline.   Exit at Armitage Avenue for some high-end shopping, or continue up to Southport Avenue for dining and clubs.   The cost is $2 per ride.

4. Eat an Italian Beef.  Deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs originated here, of course, but these days, good examples of these culinary mainstays can be found outside the city.  But another iconic comfort food item really can only be found here.  It’s the Italian beef sandwich.  Not a Philly or French Dip, the Italian beef is seasoned roast beef cooked in natural juices and served on Italian bread.  Order one dry (no juice) or wet (dipped), and opt for hot peppers (called giardiniera) or sweet peppers.    Every beef stand has its own carefully guarded recipes.  In the downtown area, two stands stand out:  Mr. Beef on Orleans Street or Al’s Beef on Ontario Street.    Remember to take lots of napkins.  Expect to pay around $5 to $6 per sandwich.

5. Visit Lincoln Park.    Some clarification:  There is both a 1,200-acre park and a cool adjacent neighborhood named after the 16th President.    Both offer plenty of things to do without spending a lot of money.  The park,  located just north of downtown, stretches along Lake Michigan for around two miles and features the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a couple of beaches, running paths, harbors, tennis courts, a golf course, a summer theater and a driving range.  Stroll west to explore pocket neighborhoods like Old Town, DePaul and Sheffield where tree-lined streets are flanked by turn-of-the-century brownstones, greystones and row houses.  Restaurants, bars and shopping abound, especially along North Clark Street.  Getting to Lincoln Park is easy from downtown.  Take the #151 Sheridan bus along North Michigan Avenue and exit when you reach the park.

Visit Chicago’s Online Resource Directory for Chicago Restaurants, Private Event Space, Chicago Charter Boats, Chicago Bus Companies, Chicago Team Building Companies, Attractions and Sightseeing Tours at Hereschicago.com.

Located in the heart of River North on the corner of Clark and Superior, ZED451 is the culmination of decades’ worth of international travel and research.  In our warm, contemporary, 18,000 square foot space, we sought to set a new standard in modern upscale dining through our unique approach to the dining experience.  There are no menus, you choose from a wide selection of meats, fish, and poultry, and our tableside chefs bring the offerings directly to your table.  Help yourself to our seasonal harvest tables and take as much – or as little – as you wish.  At ZED451 you control the pacing and portions, stay as long as you want and eat what you desire.

I know…what you really want to know about is the bar.  Well don’t worry, that is just as unique and exciting as the dining experience.  The 451Lounge is located on the first floor and is an unbelievable urban retreat from the city, but the real place to see and be seen in Chicago this summer will be the 451Rooftop.  An outdoor bar and lounge space with a 360 degree view of the city skyline.  All of our specialty cocktails in both lounges are made daily with freshly squeezed juices and the wine list, like our cuisine, highlights selections from around the world!

For a list of Chicago’s Planner Preferred Restaurants with Private Event Space, visit Hereschicago.com

Let hotels bid on your group business! 

“This is not just your regular “hotel renovation”, it’s a hotel innovation!” says Grillo. Fresh off a complete overhaul which began in January 2007, the lavish hotel boasts a sleeker, more luxurious hotel, equipped with the latest technologies accommodation has to offer, including: a sixth floor technology lounge with tech butler and areas with the latest state of the art technologies and personal gaming consuls – from Xbox to Guitar Hero.

Guests included Gilda’s board, Chicago VIPs, local politicians and industry heavyweights.

“Leveraging the latest in music technology, Jazz pianist Jon Davis performed a ‘remote’ piano performance at Hotel Sax Chicago from New York’s Carlton on Madison Avenue.

The simulcast performance was transmitted via the Internet to a signed limited edition Elton John Signature Series Red Piano (valued at $80,000) by Yamaha. The rare piano mimiced his every keystroke live on the fourth floor of the hotel. The piano was up for silent auction at the end of the night. A simulcast such as this has never been performed in the United States. This event was a sensory explosion! If you were ever looking for a “wow” factor, you got it at Hotel Sax.  “The Sax was a Chicago Bash!”

Another entertainment highlight was Peque – a virtual drummer/DJ/VJ flown in from Madrid to perform an aural & visual sensation with his MIDI suit, which creates sounds, music and video merely by his various motions. The United States has never seen an entertainer of this nature until this event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago, a local organization offering free support to cancer patients and their families.

This is certainly competition to “The Donald”!

For a complete list of Chicago Hotels for Meetings and Conferences, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings Directory.