360 CHICAGO Plans 96th-Floor Event Venue for 2028

October 20, 2026

By Exhibit City News Staff

360 CHICAGO plans to open ELEVAIRE CHICAGO, a nearly 14,000-square-foot private event venue on the 96th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue, in early 2028. Bookings are scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.

The venue will accommodate corporate meetings, networking receptions, galas, weddings, and other private gatherings more than 1,000 feet above Chicago. Capacity, room configurations, food and beverage offerings, and event packages remain unannounced.

TAKING EVENTS UPSTAIRS

ELEVAIRE CHICAGO forms part of an expansion into the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center. The project will increase 360 CHICAGO’s footprint to more than 50,000 square feet across three floors.

A new three-story staircase overlooking Lake Michigan will connect the existing 94th-floor observation deck with the additional levels. The 95th floor will provide more visitor space and programming, while the 96th floor will operate as a dedicated private event venue.

Parent company Magnicity acquired the two floors in 2024, and 360 CHICAGO announced the expansion plans in 2025.

ORIGINAL ARCHITECTS RETURN

Magnicity has selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the building’s original architecture and engineering firm, to lead the design. SOM will oversee a complete renovation of the new space, with interiors intended to highlight the building’s original architecture.

“As planners are looking at 2028 and beyond, we want to be sure they’re keeping our space top-of-mind and recognize the memorable impact this new venue will bring,” said Nichole Benolken, managing director of 360 CHICAGO and ELEVAIRE CHICAGO.

The company plans to release additional operational details before bookings begin. Interested planners can join a waitlist for early access.

360 CHICAGO operates the observation deck at 875 North Michigan Avenue and is part of Magnicity’s international portfolio of observation attractions. For more information about the new venue, visit elevairechicago.com.

Press release submitted by 360 CHICAGO. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.

Founded in 1994, Exhibit City News is a premier print and digital news resource for the one million industry professionals who produce tradeshows and events year-round. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Exhibit City News works with companies across the United States and the globe. To be added to the distribution list for the quarterly print magazine, please email newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com.

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