Planning a corporate event is no small feat. Whether you're organizing a networking mixer, a company retreat, or a large-scale conference, the task can feel daunting. Fortunately, Springfield, IL, offers a wealth of options to make your event not only successful but also memorable. 

Why Springfield, IL? 

Springfield's rich history, vibrant culture, and central location make it an ideal spot for corporate gatherings. Known as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, the capital city boasts a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, offering plenty of opportunities for both work and play. 

Finding the Perfect Venue 

Conference Centers and Hotels 

Springfield offers a range of venues tailored to meet the needs of corporate professionals: 

• Bank of Springfield Center: With over 80,000 square feet of space, this venue can accommodate everything from trade shows to banquets. 

• Crowne Plaza Springfield: This hotel provides luxurious accommodations alongside flexible meeting spaces, perfect for hosting intimate board meetings or larger corporate events. 

Unique Venues 

For those looking to offer a distinct experience: 

• Pole Barn Chic Events: This private and stunning venue is where big city glamour small farm town meet! This amazing venue stands out because of the unique attention paid to every small detail. Even the bathroom is a selfie area.! This gorgeous location can serve up to 200 -250 people for a seminar. You are welcome to use their 4 85" TVs for slide shows and/or power points. With onsite parking and hotels located directly across the street, this venue is a hidden gem in the city. The venue, hidden between fields, is a 5,000 sq ft. fully staffed pole barn with jaw dropping decorations.  

• Dana-Thomas House: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural masterpiece offers a unique setting for smaller, more exclusive gatherings. 

•  

• The Pasfield House and The Brinkerhoff Mansion are both fantastic venues to choose from as well for your corporate event meetings! 

 

Catering Options 

Great food is a crucial ingredient for any successful event. Springfield offers a variety of catering services that can tailor their offerings to suit your needs: 

• Hamilton's Catering: Specializing in Buffett style meals; each event is customized; uniformed staff & coordination with your company logo or decor. Is your group 50 or less? Try their drop off catering! Find out more at Hamiltonscatering.com 

• Godfathers Pizza: An array of Italian buffet delights. Choose from pizza, pasta, fried chicken & more. They even offer a city classic - the horseshoe sandwich! 
  Look up more information at godfathers.com 
   

• There are several catering options and fantastic catering companies that we work with, continuously. We have even set up boxed lunched from Subway and local grocery stores  for corporate events.  

Entertainment and Activities 

Keep your attendees engaged and entertained with Pole Barn Chic's 5 acres. Whether it's an outdoor company picnic or races in the front yard, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and have fun. There is even a special renovated party garage specifically for children! With free games lining the wall, 2 85" TVs, a free play claw machine and another bar area, this garage is is an area you will feel perfectly fine letting the kids (or the adults!) hang out inside.  
 
Other locations for team bonding moments could take place at: 

• Lincoln's Home National Historic Site: Arrange a guided tour for your attendees to explore Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy. 

• Henson Robinson Zoo and Knights Action Park are great for outdoor team-building activities or leisure days. 

Transportation 

Springfield is easily accessible by plane (Fly SPI), train (Amtrak), or car (located on I-55), ensuring convenient travel arrangements for your guests. The city is serviced by Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, with several car rental and public transit options available to help your attendees get around with ease.  
 
If you book your event with Pole Barn Chic Events, we will help with any transportation needs from the hotel to the venue, through Perfect Choice Transportation. This includes personal and private limo transportation, or large buses for several guests at once.  
You can check out their entire fleet on Perfectchoicetransportation.com  

Tips for a Successful Corporate Event 

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning at least six months in advance to secure the best venues and vendors. Specifically, because venues tend to book up quickly. Especially if you or your company are needing a Friday.  

2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you hope to achieve with your event to guide every decision from location to agenda. Pole Barn Chic and staff will do everything in their power to make sure your event is nothing but successful.  

3. Consider a Theme: A cohesive theme can enhance the experience and engagement of your attendees. At Pole Barn Chic we love to decorate according to themes and matching logo colors and make sure that we have a plethora of suggestions to follow suite.  

4. Utilize Technology: Leverage apps and tools to streamline registration, feedback collection, and attendee interaction. We have a mobile device charger, 4 85" TVs that can be used for power points or slideshow presentations.  

5. We strongly recommend utilizing the in-house DJ and emcee that Pole Barn Chic works exclusively with, Epic Entertainment. This company is made up of professional DJs, and they can also offer several different types of photobooths for your event, as well.  
    

6. Props or Rentals: Do you need props to go along with your theme? Are you looking for a dance floor to jump on after the meeting is over? Pole Barn Chic has you covered! We are waiting to work for you! Our inventory includes not only tables, chairs, and linens, but it also includes throne chairs, double throne chairs, trees, center pieces, and even an LED Dance Floor as well for all your party needs. 
    

7. A Bar: Your meeting is over. You don’t need to look far for a cold one. Pole Barn Chic Events offers not only a fully stocked bar, but also the Basset certified bartenders needed for your event, as well! Cash bar, open bar or limited bar. The decision is up to you. We are just here to serve you and your company.    

 Just remember, hosting a corporate event in Springfield, IL, is an opportunity to blend professional objectives with the cultural richness of this city. By carefully selecting venues, catering, and activities, you can create an event that will be remembered long after the final speech is given. Are you and your staff ready to start planning your company event? Do you have questions that you would like to discuss with our staff? 

Please, feel free to reach out to our event planning team today to make your Springfield corporate gathering a standout success! Or, you can visit us online at Polebarnchic.com or email us directly! At Pole Barn Chic Events, we are ready and waiting for you and your staff! 
 
As a locally owned wedding venue, we would love for anyone reading this to support locally owned wedding venues. Please like, comment or share this blog on social media. Because we are a locally owned wedding venue, we would like to support 10 more locally owned wedding venue owners throughout the United States. Here are the 10 I am highlighting in this article: