Host an event at 1871

Host an event at 1871

The vibrant town hall where people come to learn, grow, and be inspired.

Happy hosts

Hear from some past clients why booking your event at 1871 is a guaranteed win!

Jeanne Reidy - Headshot

“1871 was a great setting for our company all-staff retreat. We’re located in the Merchandise Mart so having access to a larger space right here in the building was very convenient. We were looking for an energizing and creative space with lots of light and the 1871 Auditorium was the perfect fit for a group our size. The events team was helpful in planning and execution and the front desk staff is always so friendly and welcoming!”

Jeanne Reidy,
General Manager, Kivvit

Trenton Dunn - Headshot

“1871 has been such a great partner in helping us bring our ThinkChicago programs from ideation to reality. We have hosted a wide range of events and guests in the space, and the staff is always super flexible in helping us meet the specific needs of each. The customer service received at 1871 makes even the smallest team feel fully supported in building vendor relationships, navigating logistics, and utilizing technology to enhance the guest experience. The community and atmosphere provide a great backdrop to any event focused towards to tech and innovation. We will definitely host future programs with 1871!”

Trenton Dunn
ThinkChicago Program Manager, World Business Chicago

1871-IR-events-host-ivette

“The IHCC believes in exposing our membership to the 1871 ecosystem is vital for entrepreneurs. The 1871 team is very welcoming and professional which is key to making our events a success. The space itself is equipped with state of the art A/V which is simple to use and elevates our events.”

Ivette Trevino
Senior Director, IHCC

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Amenities

Our wide range of services makes it easy for you to focus on the big picture, while we handle the little details!

All-inclusive pricing

Flexible event spaces

Fully AV and WiFi-equipped

Facilities and day-of event staff

Convenient River North location

Contact us to learn more about what’s included when you rent space at 1871!

Event hosting options

Our event experiences are designed to fit your accessibility needs!

IRL

In-person at our Chicago headquaters

Hybrid

Tie in to your virtual platform

VR

Create an avatar in our virtual reality campus 

Interested in partnering with 1871 on a topic? Reach out to us to discuss sponsorship and event format options.

Available spaces

Our wide range of flexible event spaces can fit any need.

Auditorium

Our largest event space is perfect for your next panel, keynote speaker, demo day, or reception.

1.25 classroom

Complete with five breakout rooms and plentiful natural light, this space is ideal for your team off-site, workshop or interactive event.

3.12 classroom

This private and off-the-beaten path space is best for mid-sized events including panels, leadership meetings and workshops.

South classroom

Close to the heart of 1871, this space is ideal for board meetings, small panels and team offsites.

Conference rooms

1871 has several conference rooms that can be utilized for small meetings, breakout spaces, or meetups.

Reach out to the Events team to discuss all available options and to obtain more information about each space.

We're Chicago-based

Go to the 12th floor of the Merchandise Mart, which is located on the North side of the river between Wells and Orleans.

Connect with us

Our events pod

Our dedicated events team will help you create and customize your events to meet your business, exposure, and content goals. Direct questions can go to events@1871.com. 

Kaylin Berg
Director of Events

Tenille Johnson
Sr. Manager of Events

Sophie Kowaleski
Events Coordinator

Are you a current 1871 member? Fill out the event request form on the Member Portal!