Business reception - venue options?

I am looking to host a reception for approximately 100-150 people on a Tuesday evening this summer, and I am having difficulty coming up with solid ideas.

The ideal venue would be downtown/river north/gold coast, and would have a private space available where we could have a speaker or two give presentations/slide shows. I'd like to serve cocktails, appetizers, etc. It will be a business-casual event.

I am somewhat budget conscious, and I'd rather not have to work through a caterer if possible. I'd guess that restaurants/bars with a large private space would be my best bet.

General thoughts so far have included...
Maggiano's, W Lake Shore, Rock Bottom, Fultons, etc, but none of these feel quite right to me.

I am not in the city, so I'm struggling with any other ideas other than hotels.

Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated!

Possible options might include the Holiday Inn at the Merchandise Mart - they have couple of rooms at the top of the building with gorgeous views & they'll do either a hosted or cash bar with appetizers etc. I've been to a couple of business events there & the food was surprisingly good (I know the organizer of the events who told me that the price was very reasonable compared to other alternatives). Its a bit bland location wise but the view makes up for it & there won't be an issue with having a speaker.

Other places to look include the Gleacher Center (next to the NBC Tower, Puck does the catering for them - very nice modern space, I've been to a lot of events there & its probably perfect for your size event) & The University Club (okay, but a bit old fashioned). The Union League Club may be too far south for location.

Also there are a number of art galleries off Randolph & in the River North area which can be hired for such events & though you'd have to work with a caterer for final selections, the galleries usually have a list of approved vendors & packages & you just have to pick.

No caterer, huh? Just kidding, we don't even handle events that size.

Your problem is a typical one. It's hard to find a large event space that's not in a hotel. Here are some suggestions:

Galleria Marchetti
825 West Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois 60622
312/563/0495http://galleriamarchetti.com/
(The food's never been that impressive to me and while the inside is a little tacky, I love the gardens.)

Alhambra
1240 W. Randolph
http://www.alhambrapalacerestaurant.com/
(I've never been, but I know it's big enough to accommodate your group...and has food.)

According to the website, Carnivale can handle groups from 15-1000. Carnivale is one of Jerry Kleiner's restaurants - I have been to smaller, work-related events at his restaurants and have always thought they handled it well. They have a separate catering arm that can work with you.

I don't know how "business-y" this event is going to be, in which case, a hotel may be your best bet, but be forewarned that Kleiner's restaurants tend to be more festive in nature.