In this film of the year 2026, in the travel and business tourism category, American presidents have a decided tendency to dominate the credits. Of course, it's hard to compete with Donald Trump for the top billing, given the fact that more and more projects to anchor - if that were necessary - the Trump identity in the country's history and the daily lives of its inhabitants. But soon, it will be another President whose name will be associated with a leading MICE infrastructure: in the summer of 2026, The Obama Presidential Center will open at Chicago obviously. Where it all began for the 44th President of the United States.
The new centre is currently under construction in Jackson Park, on the South Side. It claims to have a civic and community approach, and will not a priori embrace corporate events in the strict sense, although the positioning may evolve. The MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Convention, Events) offer will be based primarily on the Forum. This building - which can be partially or fully privatised, depending on the format of the event - offers major advantages for organisers. Starting with the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, with a capacity of 299 seats in theatre configuration.
Another option is the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, which spans the entire west side of the Forum, with large windows overlooking John Lewis Plaza, and can accommodate up to 300 guests for a reception.
The Democracy in Action Lab has seven rooms, four of which can be combined into a single space. In total, it can accommodate up to 299 people, depending on the configuration and number of rooms used.
Finally, the Media Suite is designed for more cultural use: small shows and performances, recording podcasts or radio programmes, live broadcasts... The main studio has a capacity of 100 people.
In addition to the Forum, the MICE heart of the Obama Presidential Center, the project's three other areas can be adapted to meet your event requirements. The Museum, of course, has a capacity of over 600 people if it is fully privatised - 275 for the lobby alone in reception format. The building also has a suite - presidential, of course! - designed for more exclusive events. This VIP room on 7e The first floor can seat 18 people, or 50 for cocktails. And it is rumoured that the Obama couple were particularly involved in the decor, even installing works of art from their private collection.
Less arty and more atmospheric, Home Court is the centre's largest meeting space. It features an NBA-standard basketball court that can host major events, including product launches. Its capacity rises to a thousand people in reception format, with 700 seats.
Last but not least, the vast outdoor spaces can also host XXL events, Windy City weather permitting!
Regardless of Donald Trump's gigantism, the future Obama Presidential Center is set to be the most expensive presidential centre in American history, with a budget of some 850 million dollars!
" The Obama Presidential Center is our way of giving back some of what this extraordinary city has given us. "said Barack Obama in September 2021 at the groundbreaking ceremony. " We're building this centre because we believe it can address some of the central struggles of our time - a time of rapid disruption in technology, the global economy, our environment. In 20 years, in 30 years, I want young people all over the South Side of Chicago to be able to look at this Centre and say, 'This is a sign that I matter. And that I can change the world. "added the former American President.
Barack Obama wanted a place that would make young people on the South Side feel like they mattered. He will also have given event organisers from all over the world another reason to choose Chicago, where MICE will now have its own presidential address.
