Where innovation accelerates
Build your custom event experience at 1871's global innovation hub, headquartered in downtown Chicago's historic Merchandise Mart.
1871 event stories
From large-scale events to workshops, panels, and private events, 1871 hosts the best of tech gathers happening in Chicago!Â
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.
Capacities:
275 cocktail, 225 theater, 100 classroom, 40 u-shape, 80 pods
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.
Capacities: 100 theater, 48 pods, 36 u-shape, 80 classroom
3.12 classroom
This private and off-the-beaten path space is best for mid-sized events including panels, leadership meetings and workshops.
Capacities: 60 theater, 34 u-shape, 42 pods, 44 classroom
South classroom
Close to the heart of 1871, this space is ideal for board meetings, small panels and team offsites.
Capacities: 36 theater, 16 pods, 20 u-shape, 24 classroom
Conference rooms
Ask us about our smaller conference rooms, to meet any and all small-meeting needs.
Accommodate 8-10 conference-style
Connect with us
Our events team
Lydia Walters
Director of Events
Olivia Thompson
Manager of Events
Our dedicated team will help you create and customize your events to meet your business, exposure, and content goals. Questions about the spaces?
Meeting all your
event needs, flexibly!
We have the ability to accommodate your event. Our wide range of services makes it easy for you to focus on the big picture, while we handle the little details!
Physical space
Our Chicago office @ 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Online or hybrid
For near and far engagement
VR world
Create an avatar & collaborate in our virtual reality campusÂ
Our amenities
• AV, wifi equipped, & other tech available
• Event staff and facilities to make your event shine
• Marketing support options
• Access into our private, innovation community full of startup founders, entrepreneurs, corporates, mentors, and more
Happy hosts
Hear from some past clients why booking your event at 1871 is a guaranteed win!
“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
“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
“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
