Corporate events are more than just business; they’re opportunities to inspire your team, impress clients and celebrate milestones. Planning them can feel overwhelming, but with the right checklist and a versatile venue, you can create a memorable experience that motivates and engages your attendees. Whether you’re organizing a leadership summit, a training seminar or an awards banquet, Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn provides an elegant setting and unmatched service just minutes from Chicago.
Define clear objectives
Every successful event starts with a well‑defined purpose. Decide whether your goal is team‑building, product unveiling, client appreciation or leadership alignment. Having clear objectives will guide decisions about venue layout, program structure and activities, ensuring that your event delivers real value.
- Team‑building and collaboration
- Networking and relationship‑building
- Product or service launches
- Annual performance reviews or awards ceremonies
Defining the “why” helps set the tone and keeps your planning team aligned. For example, if team‑building is your focus, you might opt for interactive activities like breakout workshops or leadership exercises.
Build your planning team
Even the best planner can’t do it alone. Assemble a small committee with clear roles—logistics, communications, vendor coordination and day‑of execution. This ensures no detail is overlooked and allows everyone to focus on their area of expertise. At Abbington, our experienced event coordinators can serve as an extension of your team, helping manage timelines, vendor communications and setup.
Set a realistic budget
Once your objectives and team are in place, develop a budget that reflects your priorities. Allocate funds for:
- The venue and room setup
- Food and beverage services
- Travel and accommodation for attendees
- Decorations and branding materials
- Activities and entertainment
- Audiovisual needs and technology
Plan for contingencies by including a cushion for last‑minute expenses. A clear budget helps you maintain focus and avoid surprises.
Choose the right date and venue
Pick a date that minimizes scheduling conflicts and accommodates your guests’ travel plans. The venue should support your event goals and guest count. Abbington Banquets offers more than 20,000 square feet of flexible space, including a 15,000‑square‑foot ballroom that can be divided into smaller sections. Located just off Butterfield Road, we’re a quick drive from downtown Chicago, Naperville and Downers Grove, with convenient access to both O’Hare and Midway International Airports. With on‑site parking for over 400 vehicles and nearby hotels, logistics are seamless. Learn more about our corporate event spaces and see how we can customize the venue to your needs.
Select engaging activities
Activities should align with your objectives and keep attendees engaged. Consider:
- Interactive workshops or panel discussions
- Team‑building exercises or group challenges
- Keynote speakers or professional development sessions
- Entertainment like live music or networking receptions
Abbington’s modern audiovisual equipment supports presentations and hybrid events, while our breakout rooms encourage collaboration.
Create a detailed run‑of‑show
A structured schedule ensures your event flows smoothly. Outline each session, including start times, breaks, networking opportunities and contingency buffer. Share the agenda with vendors and speakers, and include a plan for unexpected changes. Our on‑site coordinators can help craft and manage the timeline to keep your event on track.
Arrange catering and accommodations
Quality food enhances your guests’ experience. Collaborate with our culinary team—led by Executive Chef Nick Landeweer—to design a menu tailored to your event, whether it’s a gourmet seated dinner, a buffet or hors d’oeuvre stations. We can accommodate dietary preferences and incorporate local flavors. If attendees need lodging, there are multiple hotels within minutes of Abbington. Explore our Food & Beverage offerings to discover how we make every meal memorable.
Manage travel and logistics
Make it easy for attendees to reach your event. Provide travel details, parking information and transportation options. Abbington’s location near I‑88 and I‑355, plus its proximity to Chicago’s international airports, simplifies travel planning. For large events, consider arranging shuttle services or listing preferred hotels on your invitation.
Execute a flawless on‑site experience
On the day of your event, arrive early to oversee setup, test audiovisual equipment and welcome vendors. Run registration efficiently, start sessions on time and stay flexible. Encourage networking and engagement through interactive sessions and live polls. Our team will be by your side to handle last‑minute changes and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Post‑event follow‑up
After the event concludes, send thank‑you notes to attendees, speakers and sponsors. Gather feedback through surveys to measure success and identify improvements. Share highlights and photos on your website and social media. This follow‑up reinforces relationships and builds momentum for your next event.
Your perfect corporate event at Abbington Banquets
With a comprehensive planning checklist and a premier venue, your corporate event can inspire and delight. Abbington Banquets combines elegant spaces, state‑of‑the‑art amenities and a dedicated team to make planning effortless. If you’re searching for corporate event spaces in the West Chicago suburbs or banquet halls near Chicago that elevate your next meeting or celebration, contact us today to schedule a tour. We look forward to helping you plan a seamless and memorable event.
