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Corporate events hot spots in Western suburbs

If you're looking for the perfect location to host your next corporate event or important gathering, the Western suburbs offer plenty of options.

The locations here offer amenities to suit the needs of every business or event planner, and can make sure your organization's event comes off without a hitch.

Success means the customers are happy, and attention to detail on everything from food to space to trouble-free Wi-Fi are refined to ensure complete satisfaction.

Here are some destinations to consider when you begin the planning stage:

Farnsworth House, Plano

14520 River Road, (630) 552-0052, farnsworthhouse.org

The Farnsworth House, designated a national historic landmark in 2006, was designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe between 1945 and 1951.

The House sits on seven acres and presents a unique setting. The breathtaking architecture and landscaping offers the picture perfect surroundings to complement your private event. From meetings to cocktail parties, the Farnsworth staff is ready to help you make the right impression.

Nestled among the trees on the scenic Fox River, the grounds are spectacularly landscaped - this picturesque site makes an attractive and truly unique location for all special occasions such as corporate meetings, seminars, weddings and bridal showers.

Farnsworth House event rentals are available April to October. To obtain a rental estimate or more information regarding current pricing, complete the online event rental questionnaire and a special events coordinator will be in touch.

The Farnsworth House can also provide a list of caterers to assist you with your event.

Hotel Baker, St. Charles

100 W. Main St., (630) 584-2100, hotelbaker.com

The Hotel Baker, built in 1928 and on the National Register of Historic Places, provides a unique combination of old world charm and modern amenities along the Fox River in downtown St. Charles.

While the Hotel Baker has established a tradition of elegance and personal service for weddings, the hotel also caters to those seeking a unique venue for business meetings, a conference or banquet.

The Hotel Baker has everything to support your meeting objectives from intimate meeting rooms to exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations to help you create the most memorable, effective event possible.

Designed for maximum comfort and flexibility, Hotel Baker accommodates groups from 10 to 300, along with a culinary staff to provide outstanding cuisine for your breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings.

Hotel Baker's dedicated and professional staff will handle all of the details so you can focus on the business at hand. Whether you need multimedia presentation equipment or other materials, the staff will take care of all the behind-the-scenes work. Take advantage of added incentives when you book multiple meetings at the same time.

Carleton, Oak Park

1110 Pleasant St.

(708) 848-5000 or (866) 599-6674, carletonhotel.com

From small intimate affairs to large celebrations, the Carleton offers innovative cuisine combined with an elegant decor and a professional staff. More than 6,000 square feet of banquet and event space is available, making the Carleton the ideal location for social events, business meetings and corporate retreats.

Class, quality and ambience are the signature of events hosted by the Carleton, which offers a personal touch to make each event unique. Event coordinators are eager to assist you in planning your celebration.

There is a variety of private space and a diverse banquet menu ideal for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, family gatherings and the like.

Rooms include the Grand Ballroom, holding up to 200 people. The Columbian Room, built in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition, holds up to 50 people for private dinners. The Plaza Bar is ideal for wine receptions or smaller gatherings. The Foxboro Room holds up to 90 people for business meetings, and the Barclay Room is decorated in a wine cellar theme and holds up to 30 for private dinners.

Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook

1717 31st St., (630) 206-9566, mayslakepeabody.com

The Mayslake Peabody Estate, a National Historic Landmark, is being restored by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District to establish it as a cultural and educational center. The hall currently serves as a venue for architectural tours, lectures, and artistic performances. Sections of the hall are available for private functions.

Whether you are planning your company meeting, retreat or presentation, Mayslake Hall offers a unique and stimulating environment. The estate can accommodate small groups of 10 or larger groups up to 150. The estate offers additional event services such as coffee and tea breaks for your meetings.

The Event Hall was the former chapel in the retreat wing built by the Franciscans in the 1950s. The Event Hall has beautiful stained-glass windows with towering ceilings, and is used for numerous events. It can accommodate a maximum of 120 guests including the head table, with a dance floor for a plated dinner event, or for a cocktail-style reception.

The Portiuncula Chapel is a replica of the original in Assisi, Italy, and is available for weddings, baptisms, memorial services and other special ceremonies.

Today, the district is raising funds to serve the purposes of the continued restoration, preservation and operation of the estate.

Morton Arboretum, Lisle

4100 Route 53, (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org

Why settle for just a room with four walls when you can enjoy a room with a view? The Morton Arboretum has venues for every occasion, and each comes complete with picturesque views that make any event memorable.

The Arboretum hosts corporate meetings and picnics, social events, showers and children's parties. Located right off Interstate 88, the Arboretum has several venues, from the historic Thornhill building to the modern simplicity and openness of the Visitor Center, provide ideal settings for professional business events. There is plenty of free parking, nearby paths for walks, and facilities that are wheelchair accessible. It offers a varied, healthful menu of food and beverages will appeal to the most discriminating palates.

Whether holding a corporate retreat for a small group or delivering a formal presentation to a large audience, the Arboretum offers settings with inspiring views, bright, airy rooms that can accommodate different meeting arrangements and intimate areas for receptions and networking.

Le Chocolat, Naperville

127-129 S. Washington St., (630) 355-5720, lechocolatdubouchard.com

Le Chocolat du Bouchard was founded in 2004 and has since created a business concept that is of varied design and offerings that attract a broad base of people with diverse interests. The staff aims to have chocolate, pastries, and drinks that appeal to both chocoholics and the most discerning chocolate connoisseur.

Le Chocolat du Bouchard is able to add sweet elegance to any corporate meeting, employee appreciation, bridal showers and almost any gathering with sweet tables for 50 to 1,000, along with dessert trays. Le Chocolat, which can also host themed parties, offers hors d'oeuvres, brunch buffets and plated lunch packages.

Much more than just a chocolate shop, Le Chocolat du Bouchard presents a Patisserie featuring gourmet pastries and croissants, an American bakery with decadent custom cakes, an espresso bar featuring more than 40 specialty lattes, cappuccino, mochas and hot chocolates, a party room, our own private line of products, and of course chocolate.

Paramount/Copley Theater, Aurora

23 E. Galena Blvd., (630) 896-6666

Experience the heart of downtown Aurora with seven unique spaces available, including the Paramount Theatre, the Atrium and the Copley Theatre.

Paramount Events can accommodate any occasion, big or small, from corporate meetings and parties, to training seminars, business expos and workshops and reunions with the Fox River and cityscape is your backdrop.

After your meeting, guests can enjoy everything downtown Aurora has to offer including a casino next door, hotel nearby and restaurants within walking distance - with convenient access to the Metra and Interstate 88.

The impressive, newly renovated Meyer Ballroom in the North Island Center next to the Hollywood Casino is the largest space of Paramount Events with endless possibilities. With three individual ballrooms that join into one massive space, the Meyer Ballroom is ready for your next huge production. The jaw-dropping space includes floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Paramount and Fox River.

While the Paramount seats 1,851 people, the Grand Gallery serves as the new lobby for the Paramount, and its two-level space can accommodate up to 550 people.

The Atrium can accommodate 200 people, the Copley Theatre has 173 seats and the Marquee Room has room for 100 people.

The venues can also arrange everything from valet parking to projectors for PowerPoint presentations, along with wireless microphones and special lighting.

North Central College, Naperville

30 N. Brainard St., (630) 637-5100, northcentralcollege.edu

At North Central College, you concentrate on the content of your event while they take care of the logistics.

North Central College offers state-of-the-art venues for the public to hold special events. The venues include five performing arts spaces, two large exposition halls, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, intimate nondenominational chapel, classrooms, performance and lecture facilities and many other suitable spaces.

The college can host events ranging from 10,000-spectator sporting events to 50-guest meetings. All events are equipped and treated with the same degree of professionalism, customization and attention to detail.

North Central College has several beautiful banquet facilities perfect for business meetings and dinners, wedding receptions, cocktail parties and more.

Danada House, Wheaton

3S501 Naperville Road, (630) 668-5392, danadahouse.com

Danada House, a DuPage County Forest Preserve District facility, has room for any business meeting, conference or special event. The staff also provides all amenities from a morning coffee break, to continental breakfast to full meals.

One of the unique places for business meetings, Danada House marries the new and the old by offering the latest in technology as well as a storied past.

A series of rooms once lived in and used by Ada and Daniel F. Rice to throw lavish parties is now home to the most sought-after business meeting space in DuPage County. The atrium comfortably seats up to 250 guests and features large windows that connect visitors to the surrounding landscape. Danada House also welcomes small business meetings throughout the library, living room and porches for more intimate conversations. You can even meet around the fireplace or break for coffee on the porch.

Meeting participants will experience graceful hospitality in keeping with the building's history while enjoying all of today's modern meeting conveniences. The site is home to many different kinds of events so the staff is prepared to accommodate any food or technology requests needed. Further, the space is adaptable to accommodate any number of people for a small business meeting. In the event that your business meeting requires overnight guests, Danada House is conveniently located just north of Interstate 88 with access to forest preserve attractions such as golf, picnics, hiking trails and even tours of a working farm.

Prairie Landing Golf Club, West Chicago

2325 Longest Drive, (630) 208-7600, prairielanding.com

Completed in 1994, Prairie Landing quickly became known for its unique landscape, meticulously maintained grounds and picturesque setting.

The club has several room configurations to choose from, which can accommodate groups and meetings of all sizes in a comfortable private setting. The adjoining patio used for cocktail hour, breakdown sessions and beyond, offers guests a stunning view of the 9th and 18th holes, while relaxing in the secluded setting.

Prairie Landing offers an extensive menu with several dining and drink options. The staff's experienced catering department will guide you through the menu selections and can assist you with special needs including; audio visual, themed breaks, beverage stations and breakout session space. Prairie Landing is conveniently located immediately south of the DuPage Airport, and close to Interstate 88 (six miles), Route 64/North Avenue (two miles) and Route 38/Roosevelt Road (one-quarter mile).

Hotel Baker in downtown St. Charles. DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO
The event hall at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Submitted Photo
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Submitted Photo
The Paramount Theatre's 1931 art deco auditorium in downtown Aurora. Submitted Photo
DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTONorth Central College's concert hall and fine arts center in Naperville.
  The covered patio area that over looks the main outdoor wedding and event ceremony location on the west side of the Danada House in Wheaton. The mansion and ground can be used for various events but it is most commonly used for weddings. Events can have access to the well groomed grounds, mansion, and attached banquet room. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
  Prairie Landing Golf Course in West Chicago. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.comA view of the back of the mansion and banquet room at the Danada House in Wheaton. The mansion and ground can be used for various events but it is most commonly used for weddings. Events can have access to the well groomed grounds, mansion, and attached banquet room.
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