College and Universities That Prove the Midwest is Best

If you have to be in the middle of anywhere, the middle of America is a great place to convene. Not only is the Midwestern U.S. the most central location of any region in the country, making it more convenient and affordable to bring attendees together in one place, but it’s also comprised of several major metropolitan areas that are unparalleled in resources and attractions.

Of course there’s Chicago, with O’Hare International Airport providing numerous direct flights and travel options, but the city also has a wealth of must-see sights including Wrigley Field, the Willis Tower skyscraper, and the Magnificent Mile. In this region, the University of Illinois Conferences & Special Events is home to a 1,400-acre campus with high-tech classroom spaces, lounges, and overnight accommodations for up to 1,800 people and a dedicated event staff to help plan it all.

Michigan is another popular Midwest destination with the miraculous beauty of all four seasons, top-notch professional and collegiate sports teams, and historic attractions harkening back to the dawn of the automotive industry and the Motown music scene. Here, Michigan State University provides the perfect Big 10 atmosphere with conference space for up to 16,000 people, award-winning catering, and recreational activities including bike trails, golf courses, and bowling alleys. Central Michigan University is another unforgettable venue location in the heart of the Great Lakes, just an hour from Saginaw. At CMU, meetings are held year-round in several University Centers that can host up to 5,000 people.

Here are more of our favorite Midwest picks: