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Frequently Asked Questions - Planners How can I reserve space? First, you need to outline your event needs and send them to the McCormick Place Sales Department. To help you with this activity, you may want to use the RFP outlines that are provided in the website under the Event Planner pages ("Book an Event"). Or you can contact our Sales Department at 312-791-6285 to receive a booking questionnaire. Once space and dates are available, you may reserve space by requesting a tentative hold. Twelve months prior to your event, you must confirm your intention of holding the event at McCormick Place. At that point, your event is considered definite and a license agreement will be sent to you for review and signature. The license will outline the exhibit hall(s), meeting space and public space that you require over the dates as well as a payment schedule. Note: Short term bookings will require a more condensed time line. The license agreement must be returned within 30 days of receipt along with a deposit of 50%. If not returned, the space and dates may be released. Once the license and deposit is received, your definite hold becomes a confirmed booking and your space and dates are held on a contracted basis. What is included in the rental fees? The exhibit hall lease includes appropriate heating/cooling ventilation and the services of a McCormick Place Event Manager to assist you with event planning and onsite management. Meeting room and ballroom leases include the appropriate ventilation, the services of a McCormick Place Event Manager and the following:
By contract, event organizers are obliged to provide a Certificate of Insurance for review by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). The certificate must reflect that the event is located in McCormick Place (and/or Arie Crown Theater is being used). It must also be in effect during all dates specified in the license (move-in, operation and move-out). Specific insurance coverage information will be supplied by your McCormick Place Sales representative during the booking process. What services are available through the facility? The following services are provided exclusively by McCormick Place:
McCormick Place can provide a sound system and microphones. If you have other needs, we suggest that you go to the Chicago Convention and Tourism website (www.choosechicago.com) and review the listing of members and partners that provide many services to planners. Tell me about the trade unions that work in Chicago. Please click here to review detailed information about working with the trade unions. Tell me about the new labor initiatives that have occurred. Please click here to review detailed information recent labor agreements. What work can I do in my booth space? Please click here to review detailed information about working with the trade unions and your booth. How do I get to the convention center? There are several options available; for detailed information go to the Visitor pages of this site and click on driving directions for directions as well as public transportation information. How can I get to/from the airport? The Airport Express shuttle service provides transportation to/from the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel (which is connected to the convention center) at a service fee. This shuttle service accesses both O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. For more information please contact Airport Express at 888-284-3826 or on the web at www.airportexpress.com. You can also use public transportation via train or bus from either airport. For more information contact the RTA of Chicago at 312-836-7000 or on the web at www.rtachicago.org. Is there parking at the convention center? McCormick Place has 2 parking garages, one located nearby the South Building and one located in Lakeside Center. The current charge is $16 per day regardless of the length of stay. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel which is connected to the convention center also has a parking garage with an hourly rate. You may contact them at 312-567-1234 for details. What hotels are close to McCormick Place? The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is connected to the convention center; you can contact them at 312-567-1234. Additionally, the city commuter train service, METRA links many of the downtown hotels with the facility; you can get further information by going to www.metrarail.com. For area hotel listings contact The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau at 877-244-2246, or visit their web site at www.choosechicago.com. What services are available for disabled attendees? We have made every effort to accommodate people with disabilities. Throughout the complex, you will find entrances, elevators, restrooms and services that offer the accessibility that is required. Accessible parking is available in Lot A for events in South, North or West Buildings and in Lot C for events at Lakeside Center. McCormick Place also offers onsite rentals of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, PowerChairs and oxygen equipment through its preferred mobility service partner, Scootaround Inc. Mobility equipment can be reserved in advance and will be waiting at McCormick Place during your event or can be delivered to their Chicago area hotel. Daily and weekly rates are available with operators on call 24/7 at 888-441-7575 or by visiting their website at www.scootaround.com/rentals/m/mccormickplace. For further information about setting up an onsite equipment pool, please review the information at Scootaround Mobility Solutions. Return to Page Top. |
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McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60616 Phone:312-791-7000 Fax:312-791-6543 TTY:312-791-6505 |