Meetings & Special Events in the Aurora Area of Illinois

Plan your next meeting, retreat, or corporate event in the Aurora Area, where historic riverfront charm meets modern amenities just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Our communities offer a mix of boutique hotels, full‑service venues, and unique event spaces that deliver big‑city results at an incredible value. With the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau as your local partner, you get insider access to site selection, room blocks, attractions, and services that make planning easy. Learn more by calling Lisa Wisner, Director of Sales, at (630) 256-3192. 

Why Choose the Aurora Area For Meetings

The Aurora Area combines urban energy and small‑town hospitality along the scenic Fox River, giving your attendees plenty to experience before, during, and after your program. Enjoy award‑winning Broadway productions at Paramount Theatre, live music at RiverEdge Park, golf, shopping, and local dining that turns any agenda into a memorable getaway.

• Convenient Chicagoland access: Located in Chicago’s western suburbs with direct access via I‑88, Metra, and regional airports, the Aurora Area is easy to reach for drive‑in and fly‑in meetings alike. Planners appreciate that delegates can enjoy Chicagoland attractions and experiences without the expense and complex logistics of choosing a site downtown.

• Distinctive venues with character: From a reimagined land-based casino resort to historic railroad and theatre landmarks, our venues offer built‑in storytelling that elevates general sessions, galas, and board retreats.

• Budget‑friendly overnights: Independent boutique hotels and national brands across our communities offer comfortable, cost‑effective accommodations, letting you stretch your budget further for programming, production, or team‑building.

• Local support from the Aurora Area CVB: Our team helps with RFP distribution, site inspections, bid presentations, and connections to restaurants, attractions, and transportation partners throughout the region.

Hollywood Casino Aurora: Chicagoland’s New Meetings & Entertainment Hub

Located directly across from Chicago Premium Outlets, the all‑new Hollywood Casino Aurora is a $360 million, land‑based resort that redefines what a suburban Chicagoland meeting can look like. The property brings together a modern casino with approximately 1,200 gaming positions, a four‑star hotel with 220+ guest rooms, a full‑service spa, high‑quality dining, and a purpose‑built event center—all in one highly accessible campus.

At the heart of the meetings offering is a new, main‑floor event center with more than 12,000 square feet of flexible space, soaring 24‑foot ceilings, and capacity for up to 1,400 guests. Designed to pivot seamlessly between polished conferences and high‑energy entertainment, it can accommodate general sessions, trade shows, banquets, concerts, and large social functions with ease. Breakout areas and pre‑function spaces give planners the flexibility they need for registration, exhibits, and networking.

For attendees, Hollywood Casino Aurora feels like a complete destination. Onsite, groups can enjoy a retail sportsbook, outdoor entertainment spaces, the Drift Spa, and standout food‑and‑beverage concepts including Sorella by Giada and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall with Chicago‑favorite chefs and brands. Chicago Premium Outlets adds built‑in shopping and free time options, while the rest of the Aurora Area’s attractions, dining, and riverfront experiences are a short drive away.

This new flagship property is an ideal fit for:

• Corporate meetings and conferences seeking a self‑contained, upscale environment with resort‑style amenities.

• Incentive programs, sales rallies, and rewards events that combine impactful sessions with gaming, dining, and entertainment.

• Large banquets, galas, and association events that benefit from high capacity, dramatic production capabilities, and on‑site guestrooms.

The Aurora Area CVB can help you connect with Hollywood Casino Aurora’s sales team, coordinate site visits, and pair your program with nearby off‑site options throughout the region.

Herrington Inn & Spa + Riverside Receptions: Boutique Riverfront Retreats in Geneva

In downtown Geneva, the Herrington Inn & Spa and Riverside Receptions & Conference Center combine to create a sophisticated, European‑inspired riverfront campus for corporate retreats, leadership summits, and small conferences. The AAA Four Diamond Herrington Inn & Spa offers intimate guest rooms and suites with fireplaces, balconies, and Fox River views, plus flexible meeting space tailored for executive‑level gatherings.

Directly across the riverwalk, Riverside Receptions & Conference Center adds a historic, rustic‑chic venue with multiple event spaces, fireplaces, and an outdoor courtyard overlooking the Fox River. Together, these properties can host:

• Strategic planning retreats and board meetings in intimate, distraction‑free spaces.

• Multi‑day corporate meetings for mid‑sized groups, pairing on‑site lodging with flexible breakout rooms.

• Client appreciation events, receptions, and holiday parties that take full advantage of Geneva’s charming downtown, boutiques, and restaurants.

Geneva’s walkable setting makes it easy for attendees to arrive and immediately feel like they have escaped to a destination—all while staying close to home.

Paramount Theatre’s North Island Center & Meyer Ballroom: Dramatic Downtown Aurora Events

In downtown Aurora, Paramount Theatre’s North Island Center and Meyer Ballroom transform meetings and special events into show‑stopping experiences. Located on an island in the Fox River, the Meyer Ballroom features floor‑to‑ceiling windows, a neutral modern palette, and panoramic water and city views that frame receptions, award ceremonies, and seated dinners.

Across the street, historic Paramount Theatre—renowned for its award-winning Broadway Series productions—offers glamorous lobbies and performance spaces that can be incorporated into private receptions or full buyouts. Planners love these venues for:

• Annual meetings and recognition events that deserve an elevated, theatrical atmosphere.

• Fundraising galas and association banquets that benefit from professional sound, lighting, and staging support.

• Corporate socials and client entertainment that pair pre‑show receptions in the Grand Gallery with award‑winning musicals and concerts.

With walkable access to downtown restaurants, public art, RiverEdge Park, and the Fox River Trail, Paramount’s venues make it simple to build a multi‑venue program that keeps attendees engaged from arrival to curtain call.

Two Brothers Roundhouse: Historic Industrial‑Chic Meetings & Events

Two Brothers Roundhouse in downtown Aurora is the nation’s oldest limestone railroad roundhouse and a standout for planners seeking a one‑of‑a‑kind industrial‑chic venue. Home to Two Brothers Brewing Company, this multi‑use complex offers a restaurant, tavern, coffeehouse, distillery, and banquet spaces under one roof, along with a spacious outdoor courtyard for seasonal events and live music.

The Roundhouse’s flexible spaces and built‑in craft beverage experience are a natural fit for:

• Casual corporate receptions, tastings, and networking events that highlight local beer and spirits.

• Breakout‑style meetings, association luncheons, and training sessions for mid‑sized groups seeking a relaxed but polished atmosphere.

• Off‑site dinners and after‑hours events for conferences based at nearby hotels or downtown Aurora venues.

With nearby Metra service and ample parking, Two Brothers Roundhouse is as convenient for local teams as it is memorable for out‑of‑town attendees.

Flexible Options For Smaller Meetings & Social Events

Across the Aurora Area, you will find a wide network of boutique inns, hotel meeting rooms, golf clubs, and special‑event venues that can host meetings of around 50–100 attendees, often doing double duty as wedding and social event spaces. These facilities are ideal for training seminars, small association meetings, regional sales gatherings, and team off‑sites that require professional services in a relaxed, local setting.

Working with the Aurora Area CVB, you can quickly identify properties that match your group’s size, style, and budget, from waterfront conference rooms to private dining spaces and creative off‑site options. We can also connect you with partners specializing in sports groups, motorcoach tours, and other niche markets if your program overlaps with tournaments, team travel, or group leisure activities.

Services & Support From Aurora Area CVB

The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is your first point of contact for meeting and event success in our ten‑community region. As a state‑certified, nonprofit destination marketing organization, we are dedicated to helping you host meetings, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and group travel throughout the Aurora Area.

Our complimentary services include:

• Needs assessment and RFP distribution to hotels and venues across the region.

• Site selection assistance and customized site inspections for planners and decision‑makers.

• Guidance on local experiences, off‑site activities, dining, arts and culture, and group itineraries.

• Connections to local service providers, including transportation, AV, décor, team‑building, and tour operators.

Partner with our sales team to streamline your planning process and unlock the full value of hosting your next meeting in the Aurora Area.

Start Planning Your Aurora Area Meeting

Bring your next meeting, retreat, or corporate celebration to Chicagoland's Fox River Valley and discover how our riverfront communities, stand‑out venues, and approachable budgets can elevate your event. To get started, submit your RFP or contact our sales team for personalized assistance with dates, venues, and itineraries.

We are ready to help you design a meeting experience that feels uniquely of the region while delivering all the professionalism, accessibility, and value you expect from a Chicagoland destination.