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The Drake - Hidden gem in Oak Brook

An interview with Dianne Brady, sales manager at Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

Q: What does the venue have to offer when it comes to corporate meetings?

A: The Drake has over 12,000 square feet of meeting space which consist of 11 meeting rooms ranging from 500 to 3,770 square feet that can accommodate a boardroom meeting of 12 to a corporate meeting for 600 theater style in our grand ballroom. Our other ballroom, is the Three Oak Ballroom, has a unique venue as the room has floor to ceiling windows that over look the Oak Brook Golf Course. If that isn't enough Three Oaks also can lead out to our veranda to continue that business meeting.

We can accommodate custom catering from gluten free to vegetarian and everything in between. Our creative catering staff and Chef Ezequiel, can create the needs of the individual meeting to make it memorable.

Q: Describe the atmosphere and history of the building.

A: The atmosphere is felt once you walk into the Drake you sense a timeless European style with a touch of a modern elegance. With a fireplace as its central focus in our lobby, it's an inviting place to cozy up with a drink from our Polo Lounge to end a long day of meetings.

The history of The Drake goes back to 1961 when it was commissioned to be an extension of the well-known Drake Hotel on Michigan Avenue. With its name connection of The Drake downtown, The Drake Oak Brook started to draw in prominent guests from around the world, like Prince Charles, Frank Sinatra and Rock Hudson.

Our newest renovation and transformation took place in our Grand Ballroom last year. The exterior wall facing north will be replaced with a full length window from the floor to the ceiling to let in a lot of natural light. Other updates like new carpeting and others things will give this room a modern feel while still keeping that historic feel that guests have come to love.

Q: What attracts clients when booking here?

A: There are many different factors of why clients are attracted to hosting an event with us. I would like to say we are a "hidden gem" with such a unique venue and atmosphere that companies are looking for something different for their attendees.

You need to experience that feeling of really being transformed back in time of pure elegance. The location is also another important factor when choosing The Drake. We are centrally located from Midway Airport and O'Hare International Airport and surrounded by a vast establishment from fine dining to an outdoor Mega shopping center.

Q: Tell us an interesting fact about the property.

A: My favorite one is in our Colonial restaurant where an expansive mural graces the walls. The mural is the same wallpaper that was installed in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House by Jackie Kennedy. The wallpaper is from Zuber and CIE and is entitled Scenes of North America. When the hotel was being renovated they were able to restore the mural for future generations to enjoy.

Q: How is social media changing the industry?

A: Our industry depends on word-of-mouth and good reviews of the past travelers to promote their brand. The social media market is expediting that process faster from travelers to get their comments posted as soon as they checkout, either good or bad. It's how our industry can market those reviews that will set us apart from our competitors.

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