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2023

Corporate Holiday Guide Your guide to holiday party planning

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CREATE YOUR HISTORIC MOMENT

With breathtaking views just steps from the lake, the Chicago History Museum is the perfect location for your next event.

We offer several event spaces, an outdoor plaza, and a theater to allow for gatherings of up to 1,500 people. Add a lively after-hours cocktail reception to unwind after a productive day.

Set the perfect scene for your next event at the Chicago History Museum.

1601 N. Clark St. | chicagohistory.org | 312.799.2254 | events@chicagohistory.org

MANGIA & BE MERRY!

HOST YOUR NEXT CORPORATE EVENT AT ROSEBUD RESTAURANTS!

SOCIAL@ROSEBUD-RESTAURANTS.COM | 773-325-9700 | ROSEBUDRESTAURANTS.COM

Crain’s Corporate Holiday Planning Guide 2023

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ith the holidays around the corner, it’s never too early to start planning your annual holiday party. Be stress-free when it comes to your celebration with help from Crain’s Corporate Holiday Planning Guide. This guide has the inside scoop for hosting the perfect holiday event for employees, clients, vendors and beyond.

With a variety of suggestions for the perfect endof-year party – from locations to group activities to inspiration – it ensures your party is better than ever.

Sit back, relax and reunite with colleagues at an entertaining dinner show. Engage in a little friendly competition with your co-workers. Or keep it classic and book a private event space! Every holiday party celebrates a little differently, and everyone deserves an unforgettable experience.

Let the party planning begin!

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BLVD Steakhouse

Chicago History Museum

817 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60607 • 312-526-3116

1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614 • 312-799-2252

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levate your next holiday event in the heart of Fulton Market at BLVD Steakhouse. Enjoy sophisticated yet approachable service and Celebrity Chef Joe Flamm’s menu of prime cuts and fresh seafood in the restaurant’s luxurious dining room or on the new all-season covered patio.

Events for up to 300 guests with customizable coursed menus and selections from an award-winning wine list can be accommodated.

Esenam Photography

host@blvdchicago.com • blvdchicago.com

T

he Chicago History Museum invites you and your guests into our warm, historical home for the holidays. Be a guest at your own holiday celebration at the Chicago History Museum. Tucked along the gardens of Lincoln Park, the Chicago History Museum offers a variety of spaces that can be used for corporate events, daytime meetings, cocktail receptions, reunions and, of course, your holiday festivities. events@chicagohistory.org • chicagohistory.org/corporate-events

Think Outside The Ballroom This Holiday Season

lmstudiochicago.com twentysixchicago.com CORPORATE HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap LM Studio 808 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605 • 312-995-0134

41 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611 • 312-266-0400

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ake your next event one to remember at LM Studio. The light-filled two-level atelier overlooking historic Michigan Avenue and Grant Park features an open floorplan, custom bar and a modern design; the perfect setting for your next celebration.

At LM we have years of experience catering a wide variety of events; no event is too small or too large. Our clients love us because we make even complex events easy. Our expert team will work with you through each step of the process to create unique and memorable experiences that your guests will talk about for years to come. info@lmstudiochicago.com • lmstudiochicago.com

J

ake Melnick’s Corner Tap is Chicago’s favorite hangout for great burgers, terrific salads, home-cooked specialties, decadent desserts and an awesome selection of beer and cocktails — all enjoyed in a comfortable and welcoming neighborhood spot.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate get-together for family and friends or a corporate reception, our experienced event planner will customize a menu that is sure to satisfy the cravings of 15 to 400 guests. The crew at Jake’s will make your event a huge success by providing first-class service in a laid-back setting and enough fun to keep the good times flowing and the partygoers going! jmctevents@levyrestaurants.com • jakemelnicks.com/private-events

Enjoy sophisticated yet approachable service and Celebrity Chef Joe Flamm’s menu of prime cuts and fresh seafood in our luxurious dining room or on our new all season covered patio.

Host an energetic dinner party at our award-winning restaurant inspired by Celebrity Chef Joe Flamm’s Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine.

blvdchicago.com

rosemarychicago.com

817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL

932 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL

Holiday events in the heart of Fulton Market that

E L E VAT E YO U R E X P E C TAT I O N S CORPORATE HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Maple & Ash Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

8 W. Maple St., Chicago, IL 60610 • 312-944-8888

220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 • 312-397-4017

A

dd an artful twist to your next event! Featuring spacious and flexible event spaces, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago provides a sophisticated and distinct setting for your company’s event. Our unique indoor/outdoor event spaces are centrally located in Streeterville and will impress your guests and inspire creativity among colleagues.

Interested in hosting your next event at the MCA? Schedule a walkthrough by submitting an information request at mcachicago.org/events. You can also contact us via email at events@mcachicago.org or by phone at 312-397-4017, Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm. events@mcachicago.org • mcachicago.org/rentals

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ocated in Chicago’s luxe Gold Coast neighborhood, Maple & Ash is known for its grand celebrations. Opened in 2015, the award-winning destination is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse — mixing modern aesthetics with world-class service to deliver multiple unique hosting experiences.

From corporate holiday dinners to family gatherings to full buyouts, we love to make you and your group feel special. No matter your party size or occasion, Maple & Ash has a space to make your experience unforgettable! chicago.events@mapleandash.com • mapleandash.com

HOST YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT AT THE FRIENDLY CONFINES

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Pazzo’s Chicago

Rosebud Restaurants

311 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 • 312-913-1600

Various Locations • 773-325-9700

M

angia and be merry this holiday season with Rosebud Restaurants!

With nine locations across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, our versatile spaces cater to every need, ensuring that your event is nothing short of extraordinary.

Whether you envision an elegant corporate affair, a heartwarming reunion, or a festive cocktail reception, our talented team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. From meticulous event planning to flawless execution, we take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all.

Join us this holiday season and embark on a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression. social@rosebud-restaurants.com • rosebudrestaurants.com

P

azzo’s Chicago is a prestigious restaurant and event space that has its home within the extraordinary architecture of 311 S. Wacker Drive. For more than two decades, we’ve been serving authentic recipes with an urban flair, suitable for fine outings or daily dining. Our events are second-tonone, whether for business or pleasure. At Pazzo’s Chicago, we know how to celebrate! Whether for a small business meeting in a private room or a large corporate gathering in our Atrium – we’ll work with you to plan a flawless event. And if you are celebrating a personal milestone or choosing Pazzo’s for your special day, let our Event Managers and Chefs work with you to create an experience that neither you nor your guests will ever forget. pazzos311@pazzoschicago.com• pazzoschicago.com

Rose Mary

Twenty Six

932 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 • 312-995-0134

2 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60654 • 312-995-0134

E

O

host@rosemarychicago.com • rosemarychicago.com

Every event at Twenty Six is expertly catered by our in-house caterer, LM Catering & Events. With over 10 years of experience producing events large and small across the Chicagoland area, you can rest easy knowing that the team at LM is handling all the details.

levate your next holiday event in the heart of Fulton Market at Rose Mary, a 130-seat, award-winning restaurant inspired by Celebrity Chef Joe Flamm’s Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. With a variety of spaces for seated or reception-style events and customizable coursed menus, we’ll surely take your celebration to the next level.

verlooking Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood, Twenty Six is the ideal destination for your next celebration. With a unique combination of indoor/outdoor space, the venue is complete with an open-air rooftop terrace, custom lounge furniture and two bar areas.

No matter the occasion, your guests will enjoy the expansive views, delicious food and drink and modern lounge environment.

Info@twentysixchicago.com • twentysixchicago.com

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Waldorf Astoria Chicago 11 E. Walton St., Chicago, IL 60611 • 312-646-1324

WhirlyBall 1825 W. Webster Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-486-7777

E

xperience the ultimate indulgence at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago with our curated selection of favorite things. Delight in exclusive perks, including 10% off food and beverage, complimentary event space rental, and a private 30-minute consultation with our Cocktail & Couture Manager to craft a unique holiday mocktail or cocktail.

Enjoy a special guestroom rate and double Hilton Honors points to elevate your stay.

To add a touch of surprise, mention the word ‘holiday’ during your inquiry, and we’ll reveal an extra favorite thing just for you! Our opulent hotel offers a choice of three ideal holiday event spaces, accommodating 10 to 170 guests. Situated in the heart of the prestigious Gold Coast, Waldorf Astoria Chicago exudes glamour and luxury, promising an unforgettable experience.

From the awe-inspiring courtyard to the breathtaking lobby, every moment here is designed to make your guests feel exceptionally cherished. Allow us to treat you and your guests to an enchanting celebration filled with sparkle and elegance because everyone deserves something extraordinary. chiwa-salesadm@waldorfastoria.com • waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com

C

elebrate the holiday season at WhirlyBall! Our venue in Bucktown features fist-pumping activities, chef-driven holiday event packages, built-in A/V, and meeting spaces perfectly suited for your group’s holiday celebration.

Between our signature game, WhirlyBall, along with bowling, LaserTag, and pop-up games we have everything covered for you to Eat. Drink. and Game ON this holiday season!

Our Chicago location is two floors and 50,000 square feet of fun! It features three WhirlyBall courts with spacious gathering spaces, eight bowling lanes, and a 32-tap craft beer bar on the first floor. Upstairs features VIP private bowling lanes, a multi-level LaserTag arena, break-out rooms and divisible event spaces with seating for up to 250 people. Add our complimentary parking and a festive atmosphere and the venue is perfect for end-of-year corporate celebrations or your next team outing. New this year: We’ve added live action stations created for groups of 50 or more! Ask us about buyout events for over 1,000 people!

Book your holiday party before it’s too late! Prime dates in December book quickly: Call us at 773-486-7777 or submit your event inquiry at whirlyball.com. reservations@whirlyball.com • whirlyball.com

Wrigley Field

Windy City Limousine

1101 W. Waveland Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • 773-388-8165

847-916-9300

H

oliday season is soon upon us. There is no better way to enjoy it than from a Windy City Limousine Bus or upscale Black Car. From office parties to theatres to Casinos and sporting events, we have you covered.

Our Buses range from 14 to 56 Guests.

We even have Party Buses. Our Black Cars are perfect for a romantic night out. We also have scheduled Holiday light tours for groups of six to 56. All our vehicles are sanitized, modern and beautiful. Our Chauffeurs are uniformed and professional.

W

rigley Field invites you and your guests to make the Friendly Confines your home for the holidays! With festive, unique event spaces across the ballpark and surrounding campus, Wrigley Field is the perfect setting to host your holiday parties, corporate gatherings, intimate celebrations and more. Take your holiday event to the next level this season by offering one of our many exclusive holiday experiences, including on-field private chalets, private ice rink rentals, premier club rentals, team-building curling experiences, seasonal food and beverage packages, and other holiday activities that your guests will enjoy!

Our talented events team will bring your vision to life from start to finish and create an unforgettable and distinct holiday experience. wrigleyfieldevents@levyrestaurants.com • wrigleyfieldevents.com

Windy City has the largest fleet in Chicago, but we still sell out for these events. Book early and enhance your experience. Find out why we have been named “Best Transportation Company in Illinois 11 times.

Call 866-94-WINDY or download the Windy City App. Our Team is waiting to assist you.

PS: We can also get you to the airport on time and help you in every other city. info@windycitylimos.com • windycitylimos.com

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Elevate the experience How to create a successful corporate holiday event

By Jane Adler

Bring warmth to your holiday event surrounded by sparkle and elegance only at Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

CHIWA-SALESADM@WALDORFASTORIA.COM

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orget the ho-hum chicken dinners and Santa hats. This year, planners are taking events from ordinary to next level. The goal is not only to make a big impression but also to boost engagement and interaction, especially since more hybrid work means less time together in the office.

“Companies want experiential events,” says Adam Elias, CEO at WhirlyBall, with three locations in

11 E Walton Street, Chicago, IL | 312-646-1324

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WHIRLYBALL.COM

the Chicago area. WhirlyBall combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball and bumper cars. “The game promotes teamwork on a level playing field,” Elias adds. The venue also offers bowling lanes, a laser tag arena and a private, four-lane VIP bowling suite, along with catering packages.

At the Chicago History Museum, a corporate scavenger hunt was based on the venue’s popular Chicago Fire exhibit. “It was a great team building experience,” says Lorelei Kroulaidis, director of special events at the Museum. “People want to connect.”

Building on the experiential theme, chef-driven food stations are growing in popularity. “Guests want to be social, not seated,” says Madison Larson, event sales director at the Sancerre Hospitality. It operates the BLVD Steakhouse and Rose Mary, a Croatian-Italian restaurant.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Chicago

“We’re not seeing as many seated events,” agrees Lauren Hammond, director of branding and communications at LM Catering & Events, which operates several catering venues and restaurants.

Instead of formal table seating, guests move from

311 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 312-913-1600 PazzosChicago.com

Celebrate at Pazzo’s. Corporate and Private Events.

(Continued on next page)

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MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT UNFORGETTABLE AT MAPLE & ASH Contact us at chicago.events@mapleandash.com to start planning today!

8 West Maple Street Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 944-8888 | www.mapleandash.com

station to station, a setup that promotes interactions and free-flowing conversations. Guests can mingle while they customize their own meals from stations offering everything from tacos to poke bowls and homemade pasta. Steakhouse stations are winners too, along with holiday dessert buffets.

The latest food offerings have a creative twist. At WhirlyBall’s recent holiday menu showcase event, the top choice was a familiar and satisfying comfort food—a grilled cheese and tomato soup appetizer.

LM Catering & Events offers an individual cone charcuterie instead of the traditional shared board.

“It’s a conversation point,” Hammond says.

Cocktail receptions haven’t gone out of style, but they’re going modern. There’s more variety. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and custom drinks are popular options.

More attention is being paid to dietary restrictions and healthy food alternatives, according to Maya Kobaslija at the Rosebud Restaurant Group, which has eight area locations. “Mocktails are big,” she says.

Food station signage that lists ingredients is becoming routine.

Venues are decked out for the holidays. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers a “red-hot holiday.” Everything is red. The ballroom walls are covered with red gel. The candles and linens are red. Traditional red poinsettias dot the room. “It’s really impactful,” says Waldorf ’s CORPORATE HOLIDAY GUIDE

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Steve Thompson, director of catering and events.

Companies are also customizing event spaces with their own branding. Photo backdrops ready for Instagram postings are popular.

Another way to elevate the experience is with entertainment. Companies are bringing in speakers and hiring DJs. Casino nights and raffles are still crowd-pleasers.

“Businesses want holiday events with that big wow factor,” says Emily Carley, director of marketing at Maple & Ash, an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Menus can be customized. The fire-roasted seafood tower served tableside is a showstopper. “It’s decadent,” Carley says.

A tight budget doesn’t mean companies have to skimp on the experience. Opt for breakfast or lunch. Also, companies are hosting holiday parties before Thanksgiving or in January.

Prices are lower and the dates are less likely to conflict with personal holiday plans.

The most popular days for corporate events are during the workweek on Wednesday and Thursday. Weekends are generally reserved for family time. The best advice from event planners: Get started now.

CORPORATE HOLIDAY GUIDE