Top Near South Side Conference & Summit Venues

• Spaces for 30 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

The Office is an intimate speakeasy located just beneath The Aviary, serving classically themed cocktails and vintage spirits. In The Office, sip on rare, antique spirits or enjoy traditional cocktails created by our professional bartenders. Not in the mood for any of the cocktails on our menu? Choose Dealer's Choice and our bartenders will create a one-of-a-kind drink using your favorite tastes and spirits. Exclusive to The Office, there are also delectable culinary options. It's an opportunity to use all of your senses — sight, smell, sound, temperature, and taste. The Aviary is one such location. This cocktail bar is the idea of chefs Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas. The Aviary is a playground where your expectations of a night out drinking are tested and redefined. The Aviary is known for its innovative cocktail presentations, such as the In-The-Rocks, Vacuum Pot, and The Porthole, but it's also known for its cutting-edge ice program and exquisite food. The Aviary was named to Food & Wine Magazine's list of America's Best New Bars, Esquire's list of Best Bars in America, and the James Beard Foundation's award for Outstanding Bar Program in the United States as a result of these programs. For smaller groups, The Office is ideal. This cozy, private speakeasy, located downstairs from the Aviary, can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. The Office offers a more traditional beverage menu as well as light family-style fare. Please complete the form on our website to request a private event at The Aviary, and we will contact you as soon as possible.

• Spaces for 15-30 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Chit Chat is a basement lounge in River West

• Spaces for 150-749 Guests
• 4 Boats

On Chicago's Lake Michigan or Chicago River, our all-inclusive events combine an intriguing venue, delectable eating, and incredible entertainment to create an unforgettable experience. Allow our in-house professionals to assist you every step of the way as you plan a one-of-a-kind event for you and your group. Weddings On the lake, say "I do." Your marriage and vows will have a backdrop befitting of your moment with customisable ceremony and reception settings. Allow our skilled wedding planners to handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Social Are you planning a get-together with your closest friends and family? We have the ideal location for you! Our dedicated onboard personnel is here to ensure that your special day runs smoothly, whether it's a milestone birthday or anniversary. Corporate Come aboard and get away from your work! Your team has the right environment to get together to celebrate, create, and learn, whether you're having a team–building event, corporate happy hour, or anything in between. The Odyssey Lake Michigan is a four-level dining vessel with three climate-controlled dining decks on the inside and two viewing decks on the outside. Plated meals are available onboard, as well as onboard entertainment and elegant touches throughout the yacht. The Odyssey Chicago River is a glass-enclosed, single-level, climate-controlled dining ship that cruises the Chicago River. Elegant plated eating is available onboard, along with architectural narration and up-close views of Chicago's renowned architecture. The Spirit of Chicago is a four-story dining ship with three climate-controlled dining decks and two observation decks on the outside. Buffet-style food, onboard DJ entertainment, and interactive activities are available throughout the vessel. The newly remodeled Chicago Elite is ideal for any event of up to 150 guests, with two completely covered, climate-controlled decks and an open-air skydeck affording panoramic views of Chicago's spectacular skyline.

Cruising on a charter yacht around magnificent surroundings converts any gathering into a world-class experience, regardless of the type of event you're throwing. Your guests will enjoy delectable cuisine and a new perspective on the city, while you will appreciate the many thanks you will receive for helping to make a wonderful event even more memorable. Our company's brand history extends back nearly a century, to the foundation of Boston Harbor Cruises in Massachusetts in 1926, and Hornblower Group on the west coast of the United States in 1980. We have a long history of experience and innovation across our expanding portfolio, and we have consistently reinvented the marine hospitality business. Our offers include water-based activities, land-based experiences, overnight cruise experiences, and ferry and transportation services, and we now have a presence in 111 nations and territories as well as 125 U.S. cities. Our sea and land-based activities include City Cruises, a sub-brand that offers dining, sightseeing, and special events.

Viaggo's in Chicago's West Loop area provides you and your guests personalized packages suited to your party size and dining preferences, whether you're planning a small gathering or a massive festa. Make a reservation for your group dining event or inquire about our catering services. We provide an attractive and delightful eating experience that draws people back time after time. Salads, soups, and sumptuous desserts round out our extensive menu of regional Italian pastas, meats, and fishes. Executive Chef Nicolas Biscaglio's signature adaptations of classic Italian meals are served alongside popular staples like Rigatoni with Braised Pork Gravy and Eggplant Parmesan. To provide a pleasantly memorable experience, we only use the best quality products! Our goal as a hospitality-driven establishment is to make every guest feel like family the moment they come through the door. At Viaggio, we welcome you to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself! Get to know the Chef... Chef Nicolas Biscaglio, who grew up in a large Italian household, recalls his early interest in the culinary arts. Nick learned a lot of his cooking skills while spending evenings in the kitchen with his grandmother in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Nick's passion in Italian cuisine was started by his grandmother, but he continued to deepen his knowledge and expertise on his own. He studied at Chicago's Cooking and Hospitality Institute. Nick worked as a line and lead chef for numerous restaurants in the Elmwood Park and Melrose Park communities while attending CHIC, where he learned the fundamentals of the culinary industry. Nick continued to advance in the restaurant industry after graduating in 2001, directing the kitchen at a number of prestigious restaurants for more than two decades. We are ecstatic to have Nicolas as our chef de cuisine at Viaggio in Chicago's West Loop. His upbeat attitude and innovative nature are credited with his accomplishment as a Chef. Nick continues to instill these qualities in his employees and excite customers with the foods he produces at Viaggio on a regular basis.

Loft 644 is located in the heart of River North. When planning an event, loft 644 is the place for you!

The state-of-the-art amenities at Vertiport Chicago cater to the specific needs of helicopter passengers. From a 30,000 sq ft hangar with a private maintenance bay and 24/7 line service, to a dedicated business center and office space, Vertiport offers a premier FBO experience to all of its clientele. Vertiport Chicago is North America's largest helicopter landing facility, with 30,000 square feet of event space in the manner of an industrial helicopter hangar. This uncommon find offers a completely transformable area with many branding possibilities and the city's easiest load in and load out. Vertiport is situated on a 10-acre private property with a 5-acre tarmac and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline. The tarmac can be used for guest parking, additional outdoor areas, or to triple the event's footprint by tenting it. This location is ideal for car shows, sporting activities, and large-scale private/corporate gatherings. Our venue serves as a blank canvas that can be converted into any size or kind of event. Full-service, on-site planning is provided as an option to help with all the specifics. The return of a dedicated commercial helicopter facility to Chicago is marked by Vertiport Chicago. Vertiport Chicago, North America's largest and Chicago's only vertical helicopter landing facility, opened in April 2015. The company’s expansive facility serves as a Fixed Base Operation (FBO) for helicopter owners and operators and is located on ten acres of land boasting 30,000 square feet of hangar space, 11,700 square feet of office space, a 24-hour refueling station, a single take off and landing spot and eight helicopter parking spots. Because of its location in the Illinois Medical District, Vertiport has become an ideal center for EMS services, handling emergency medical flights for neighboring hospitals.

For private event and catering requests with parties of 20+ people, please feel free to call or email anytime.

• Spaces for 18-120 Guests
• 2 Restaurants

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue is an American restaurant with globally-influenced cuisine, situated on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue within The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida. The restaurant draws its name and spirit from Sophie Gimbel, a pioneering American fashion designer who led couture at Saks for over four decades — and whose philosophy of precision and elegance shapes the venue's approach to food and hospitality. The space features a dining room, a bar with views into the kitchen, and an outdoor terrace bar and lounge offering both covered and open-air seating. For private functions, the venue accommodates up to 50 seated guests or 120 for a standing reception. A dedicated private dining room seats 18 and is well suited to intimate dinners, business meetings, and social gatherings. Chef Jaryd Hearn develops seasonal menus built around locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by craft cocktails and curated wines.

• Spaces for 50-150 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Bernie's Restaurant & Bar, located in Chicago's historic River North district, opened its doors in the summer of 2015. Chef Zack Sklar's first effort in the city of Chicago follows a successful career in Michigan, where he has been at the helm of several successful culinary projects. Bernie's, which is located on the corner of Erie and Orleans Streets, is situated in an appealing and informal yet polished atmosphere that includes family-style sitting, beautiful turquoise banquets, vaulted ceilings, and an unusual assortment of textiles, among other things. In addition to our wood-fired pizza oven and two big bars, we also have a seasonal rooftop terrace that is perfect for both regular eating and special events. We take great pleasure in providing each of our visitors with a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience. Our seasonal and progressive cuisine, which draws on flavors from Spain to coastal Italy, Provence, and beyond, features many locally produced foods and draws inspiration from across the world. With attentive and polite service, we also offer specialty cocktails, microbrewed beers, and a well curated wine selection, in addition to our other offerings.

• Spaces for 70-120 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 1 Bar
• 4 Total Spaces

The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile offers flexible event spaces for your next celebration in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue along the iconic Magnificent Mile, this centrally located hotel provides a convenient setting for hosting guests while enjoying easy access to the city's renowned dining, shopping, and attractions. Whether planning a business meeting, networking reception, milestone celebration, or weekend gathering, The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile combines a prime downtown location with comfortable accommodations to create a seamless event experience in one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods.

• Spaces for 70 Guests

• Spaces for 75-100 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

Allow our team of event planners to guide you through the unique interior and outdoor spaces and internationally-inspired menus to help bring your celebration to life. A private salon seats 10 to 12 guests, with additional seating on the private outdoor terrace. Allow our team of event planners to guide you through our unique interior and outdoor spaces, as well as our internationally-inspired menus, in order to help bring your celebration to a successful conclusion. A private salon with seating for 10 to 12 guests is available, with additional seating available on the private terrace. The salon, as well as the entire bar, are available for purchase. We can provide you with pricing and additional information upon request. The Peninsula Chicago has received more than 16 years' worth of Five Star and Five Diamond awards under the direction of Maria Zec, Regional Vice President and the first female General Manager of The Peninsula Hotels. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Ltd Board of Directors has recognized the contributions of certain company leaders by naming restaurants and bars in their honor. In recognition of Zec's dedication to providing memorable experiences for hotel guests and patrons, Z Bar was named in her honor. Maria, who is originally from northwest Indiana, considers Chicago to be her hometown, but she is also an avid traveler who has visited many countries around the world. Zec's traveling companions are her husband Bob and, on occasion, her two pugs, Duchess and Tulip, who are both devoted to her. From its perch on the edge of Chicago's Michigan Avenue, this is a jet-haven, setter's where inventive cocktails, menus, and music take center stage. TOCK is now accepting reservations for a limited number of seats on the bus.

At ZED451 you can embark on a personal culinary experience, where the best of a Brazilian steakhouse meets an abundant selection of international flavors. ZED451 is Chicago’s Brazilian steakhouse, where chefs bring a wide selection of fire-grilled fare and hand-carved rotisserie directly to your table, allowing you to taste the season’s freshest picks at your own pace. Since the entire menu is made from scratch in house, you can be sure that your meals are made to impress. Use the river stone at your place setting to create your own dining experience – place the stone in front of your plate to signal you’re hungry for more, then put it on the tray when your appetite is satisfied. Walk up to our signature Harvest Table to choose your own portions from unlimited samplings of fresh sides, salads, soups, and charcuterie. Dine in the comfort of ZED451 and the sleek main dining room for the full experience, or enjoy lighter bites in our bar, lounge, or rooftop terrace surrounded by sky-high views of the Chicago cityscape, a great way to take in a night with friends. Whether you’re looking to sample a few of your seasonal favorites, indulge in a full-course dinner or relish our house-infused specialty cocktails all night, you can look forward to traveling the world without ever leaving your table.

• Spaces for 120-200 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

Learn about the art of the event! LUMA provides the appropriate room for you, whether you're looking for a daily meeting spot or an upscale dinner party venue. Space Specs: - For events, there is 3,450 square feet of gallery space available. - Capacity: 120 for a seated meal, 200 for a reception; The temporary exhibition(s) on display determines the maximum capacity. - Permanent collection of art from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods (available for viewing only; no food or drink allowed) - Lecture Hall of William G. and Marilyn M. Simpson - State-of-the-art Audio/visual equipment - Beautifully decorated and furnished spaces - LUC Catering offers a variety of creative catering alternatives. - An experienced event coordinator is on hand to help you create the perfect celebration. The Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) was established in 2005 on Loyola University Chicago's Water Tower Campus. LUMA is housed in Lewis Towers, a landmark 1926 Gothic Revival structure on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The William G. and Marilyn M. Simpson Lecture Hall, the Solomon Cordwell Buenz Library of Sacred Art and Architecture, the Museum Shop, the Push Pin Gallery, and the Harlan J. Berk Ltd. Works on Paper Gallery are all part of the 25,000-square-foot museum. At all levels of participation, LUMA welcomes new members and volunteers. The museum is devoted to the study of spirituality in art. The Martin D'Arcy, S.J. Collection at the Museum is one of the best in the Midwest for medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art. Changing exhibitions focus on many world religions and spiritual practices. The historic Lewis Towers on the Magnificent Mile, in the center of Chicago's cultural and retail district, are home to LUMA. Please contact us at luma@luc.edu or 312.915.7600 for additional information about event options, cost, and availability.

• Spaces for 80-200 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 4 Ballrooms
• 4 Total Spaces

Located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just one block from the Magnificent Mile, the Water Tower Campus of Loyola University Chicago serves as a full-service conference and event center in the heart of downtown. The campus spans several historic and modern buildings — including Lewis Towers, built in 1927, the Corboy Law Center, and the Schreiber Center — each offering distinctive event spaces that look out over the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Four principal event venues accommodate a range of gatherings, from intimate meetings to receptions of up to 200 guests. Beane Hall, in Lewis Towers, features medieval vaulted windows, ornate ceilings, a fireplace, and rich textiles alongside views of iconic Chicago landmarks. Regents Hall, on the 16th and 17th floors of Lewis Towers, offers a wrap-around balcony and striking views of the Magnificent Mile. Kasbeer Hall on the 15th floor of the Corboy Law Center is a spacious modern hall with floor-to-ceiling windows and a built-in digital wall and sound system. Wintrust Hall, a premier event space on the 9th floor of the Schreiber Center, features an open floor plan with 2,600 square feet and panoramic views of downtown Chicago. State-of-the-art technology and audio-visual services are available across all spaces, and gourmet catering can be arranged for any event.

• Spaces for 38 Guests
• 1 Restaurant

At Smyth + The Loyalist, we approach everything we do with warmth, vitality, and craftsmanship, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Our objective is to make your event a thoughtful, personalized experience from start to finish, whether you choose our private dining room or a buyout of Smyth or The Loyalist. Our private dining area, which is located on the lower floor, harmoniously integrates the personalities of the two restaurants to which it caters. With an exposed brick wall and distressed wood beams throughout, the area is reminiscent of a stylish yet homey urban loft. The old leather couch and forest-themed backdrop behind it provide warmth to the space, while the richly grained dark wood tables offer playfulness. With audio/visual capabilities, the tiny area is ideal for both celebrations and business events. The Loyalist Meets Smyth is a unique way to experience a private dinner that we have developed. This innovative family-style dining experience marries The Loyalist's French-inspired meals with Smyth's culinary vision to create an engaging, convivial evening of exceptional bites. The chefs carefully create each menu based on seasonality and frequently include delicacies not found at either restaurant. This one-of-a-kind, family-style experience may accommodate up to twenty people. The ocean's bounty is featured boldly and gently throughout the menu at Smyth, and innovation ebbs and flows from it. Our private dinner experience begins with a half-hour of canapés and beverages, followed by a ten-course seated tasting menu. A buyout of our light and airy main dining area can accommodate larger gatherings. This exclusive event will begin with a cocktail hour of passed canapés, followed by a seated tasting menu at our handcrafted wood tables.

Elske requires that all of our visitors and personnel wear a mask while on the premises. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, we urge that you stay at home. Please show consideration for our personnel and your fellow diners. Thank you for your understanding and support at this difficult time. We are looking forward to having you as our guest for dinner! Elske's private dining room was designed to be a welcoming, relaxed area where family and friends can come together to relax and enjoy delectable cuisine in Atlanta. Chefs David and Anna Posey's food is a fusion of soulful cooking with modern techniques and an open, wood-fired hearth, which they created at their home. A small or large gathering, dinner, or cocktails and snacks are all possible in this setting. For each of these events, we offer a package that is tailored to your needs.

• Spaces for 80-100 Guests

Our outside garden can seat up to 20 people, or our back dining room with views of the garden can seat up to 30 people for a seated meal and 40 people for passed hors d'oeuvres. A complete restaurant buyout can seat 60 people for a seated dinner or 80 people for a cocktail reception. On Tuesday through Thursday evenings, we can accommodate up to ten visitors, and on Friday and Saturday evenings, we can accept up to six guests. Please contact Camilla Gray, our Events Manager, by filling out the form on our website or emailing events@musketroom.com for more information or if you have any concerns about having an event with us. Musket Room is a well-known local restaurant that consistently provides a sumptuous dining experience, whether it's for a special occasion or a supper with friends. Since 2013, the Michelin-starred restaurant has been dedicated to providing the kind of attentive, customized service that makes regulars feel like family and newcomers feel at home. Chef Mary Attea heads a culinary team that draws on their diverse backgrounds, international travels, and personal preferences to create vibrant flavors and imaginative recipes that defy categorization. As a result, cuisine is transported in a pleasant, elegant atmosphere with a long bar, intimate nooks, and a big garden for al fresco dining. Mary Attea is the Executive Chef at The Musket Room in Manhattan's Nolita area, a Michelin-starred restaurant. In February 2020, Attea took over the head of The Musket Room, ushering in a tectonic shift in the restaurant's genre from New Zealand cuisine (which it had been known for since its establishment in 2013) to a more globally-inspired menu. When the pandemic struck the following month, she played a critical role in assisting the all-female ownership and management team in weathering the storm and maintaining their Michelin star. She draws on her extensive fine-dining experience as well as her family's culinary memories to create menus that defy categorization, deftly fusing Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Asian, and new American influences into dishes that are completely unique while remaining firmly rooted in their histories.

Home to rebellious classic cocktails and Chef Matt Troost's unusual bar cuisine, the bar is housed in what was formerly a turn-of-the-century tailor store with a décor that pays homage to the early days of punk music. No-frills, low-fi neighborhood tavern where everyone is welcome to come as they are and eat, drink, and have a good time in the process. As part of a redevelopment of an old tailor shop from the turn of the twentieth century, the bar offers original versions of classic cocktails made by beverage director Kristina Magro, which are served with chef Matt Troost's cult-inducing, varied bar cuisine. Good Measure was selected one of the 33 Best Bars in Chicago by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019, and it was also awarded one of Chicago's Best Burgers by the Chicago Tribune the same year and again in 2021, according to the publication. A reviving River North neighborhood bar serving up cult-inducing burgers by Chef Matt Troost and the bar's own renditions of classic cocktails, good Measure is an oasis in the midst of the city. When the room is bathed in red light, the volume is kept at its highest setting.