
About Gleacher Center
Welcome to the Gleacher Conference Center: Where Hospitality Meets Legacy
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, just steps from the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the vibrant energy of Michigan Avenue, our event facility offers a premium, full-service experience at the nexus of business, education, and innovation.
A Landmark Location with Iconic Architecture
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Dirk Lohan and Associates - led by Dirk Lohan, grandson of the legendary Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - our building reflects a modernist tradition rooted in excellence. Its clean lines, open spaces, and striking views of the cityscape provide an inspiring backdrop for every event.
A Legacy of Excellence, Aligned with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Mission
As an integral part of one of the world’s leading business schools, the Gleacher Conference Center is more than just an event venue - it’s a cornerstone of academic and professional advancement. University of Chicago Booth School of Business is not only a point of pride for Chicago, but a renowned institution recognized across the nation and around the world for its rigorous thinking, influential alumni, and transformative research.
By choosing the Gleacher Conference Center for your event, you’re doing more than booking a space - you’re directly supporting the mission of this iconic institution through financial contributions that help fund programs, research, and the next generation of business leaders.
We proudly host events where current and future innovators gather, collaborate, and learn—often in the very spaces where some of the world’s greatest business minds have been educated.
Versatile, World-Class Event Spaces
From tiered classrooms ideal for lectures and panel discussions to flexible breakout rooms and elegant reception areas, our venue accommodates a wide range of events - from corporate meetings and academic symposia to social celebrations and networking galas. Whether you're hosting an intimate board meeting or a large-scale conference, our space adapts to your vision.
Our six-story, 50,000-square-foot venue was meant to foster the interaction of people and ideas.
A Full-Service Experience
We are more than just a venue - we are a comprehensive event partner. Our dedicated sales and conference services team, composed of seasoned professionals from the hospitality industry, works closely with clients to craft unforgettable experiences. Every detail, from logistics to layout, is expertly managed with precision and care.
Culinary Excellence On-Site
Catering is provided exclusively by Wolfgang Puck Catering, renowned for its innovation, sustainability, and restaurant-quality cuisine. With on-site kitchens and a team fully dedicated to our operations, we ensure a seamless culinary experience tailored to your event.
Seamless Technology, Hybrid Ready
Our venue is equipped with built-in audiovisual technology and full hybrid event capabilities, allowing for seamless in-person and virtual integration. With an in-house AV team and on-call technical support, your presentations, live streams, and multimedia content will run smoothly from start to finish.
Why Choose Us?
- Prime downtown Chicago location with stunning river and lake views
- Architecturally significant space with a story and legacy
- Adaptable venues suited for both professional and social gatherings
- Full-service amenities and white-glove customer care
- On-site catering and tech support, streamlining your planning process
- Support of a globally recognized business school and its dynamic community
Whether you're planning a strategic retreat, business meeting, continuing education program, product launch, or celebratory gala, we offer a setting that is as refined as your ambitions.
Discover a space where innovation thrives, excellence is tradition, and hospitality is redefined.


Enjoy all the city has to offer
You will find all that Chicago has to offer right outside the doors of Gleacher Center. This includes: boat tours on the river; world-class shopping on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue; museums; dining options that range from a casual drink at a nearby tavern to a four-course meal at one of many fine dining establishments; and much more.
Chicago Children's Museum
700 East Grand Avenue
312.527.1000
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
The Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
312.280.2660
https://mcachicago.org/Home
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
312.443.3600
http://www.artic.edu/
The Field Museum
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
312.922.9410
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/
Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
312.692.3373
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive East
312.322.7827
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
Goodman Theatre
170 North Dearborn Street
312.443.3811
http://www.goodmantheatre.org/
Cadillac Palace
151 West Randolph Street
312.902.1400
http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/cadillac-palace-theatre/
James M. Nederlander Theatre
151 West Randolph Street
312.384.1501
http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/chicagos-oriental-theatre/
The Chicago Theatre
175 North State Street
312.462.6300
http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/
Steppenwolf
1650 North Halsted Street
312.335.1650
https://www.steppenwolf.org/
Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress Pkwy
312.922.2110
http://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/
Harris Theater
205 East Randolph Drive
312.334.7777
http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
312.595.7437
https://navypier.com/
Oak Street Beach
1000 North Lake Shore Drive
312.742.5121
http://www.oakstreetbeach.com/
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
312.742.2000
http://www.lpzoo.org/
Millennium Park
201 East Randolph Street
312.742.1168
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Odyssey Chicago River
455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
312-998-4293
https://www.odysseycruises.com/chicago/cruises/dinner/chicago-river
SHORELINE SIGHTSEEING
312-222-9328
https://shorelinesightseeing.com/