Fall 2006 Meeting
Call for Papers / Program /
General Information / Accommodations /

Driving / Parking / Travel / Events / Maps / Registration / Food / Shopping



General Information
Mark your calendars for 7–8 October. As in years past, the fall meeting will take place in Chicago and enjoy the continuing hospitality of National-Louis University at 122 South Michigan Avenue (room 5006). The location is wonderful; the Loop campus of National-Louis is across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and one block north of the new Symphony Center--home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Our thanks to Elinor Olin who serves as chair for local arrangements. Thanks are also due to Lisa Feurzeig and the Program Committee who put together the slate of presentations.

Registration
As always, registration for Chapter meetings is free to members in good standing--just fill out a registration form and pick up a nametag at the registration table outside the meeting room. You may pay your dues to the Chapter treasurer at this time, as well. To check your current membership status, visit our dues pages.

Program
The meeting program is now available.

Accommodations
October is prime convention season in Chicago, so it is highly recommended to book hotel rooms sooner rather than later. Within walking distance of the meeting, rooms are available at the Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Ave., 800/635-1666, 312/427-3800 (FAX 312/427-7264). Their website lists a double guest room at $169/night. Also within walking distance is the Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph, 800/643-1500, 312/236-0123. Their website lists a queen/double room at $179/night. Two less expensive alternative within walking distance of the meeting is Hostelling International Chicago (www.hichicago.org ), 24 East Congress Parkway, 312/692-1560 with dormitory-style rooms for $30.00/night (members) or $33.00/night (non-members). The second is Club Quarters at 111 W. Adams (Adams and Clark). Call 312.214.6400 to make reservations, use the password “National Louis University.” Weekend rates from $52 are quoted online. For more alternatives, visit the sites for national chains or use
hotels.com. They often have rooms available at nearby first-class hotels, including the Chicago Hilton, at reduced rates.

Travel
O'Hare International is one of the busiest airports in the world and as a hub for many commuter flights, inexpensive tickets should be available-even at the last minute. Midway Airport is a bit closer to the meeting site and is a much smaller airport, although the frequency of flights is less. Airport Express (www.alivestudio.com/ae/airport.htm) runs vans from both airports (1-800/654-7871); you may make a reservation in advance. Ask to be dropped off at the Palmer House (the hotel closest to National-Louis). The cost from O'Hare is $25 one way (shared ride); the cost from Midway is $20 one way (shared ride). Less expensive public transportation can be had from either airport. From O'Hare take the Blue Line; from Midway take the Orange Line (exit at Adams stop). Cab fare from the airports ranges between $35 and $55. Call 1-800/TAXICAB. (All these prices are subject to change.)

Inexpensive train service is available to Chicago from most cities in the Midwest. Check with your local station for times and fares or visit Amtrak online. Chicago's Union Station (next to the Sears Tower) in downtown and within walking distance of the meeting site.

Driving Directions

FROM THE SOUTH OR NORTH
If driving from the south on I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) or from the north on I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway), take the Congress Parkway exit east. Follow Congress past Michigan Avenue, continuing past the equestrian statues to a left turn on Columbus Drive. (From points north or south on Lake Shore Drive, exit at Monroe Street, then turn right (north) on Columbus Drive.)

FROM THE WEST
From points west in I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), you may also follow Congress east to Michigan Avenue, then north on Columbus Drive. If you're coming from the west on I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), exit on Lake Shore Drive north, then follow the directions above.

Click here for maps

Parking
The most economical parking close to the meeting site is the Millenium Park Garage (formerly the Monroe Street Garage) at $13.00 / 12 hours, the entrance for which is located just north of Monroe Street on Columbus Drive. Exit the parking garage (on foot) at the Monroe Street side, walking west to Michigan Avenue. National-Louis University is located in the middle of the block, on the west side of Michigan Avenue directly across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago. Look for the Bennigan's Restaurant at the corner of Michigan and Adams. The elevator lobby of the building is two doors north.

Alternate parking may be found at the Grant Park North Garage ($16.00/day), the entrance for which is approached from the north on Michigan Avenue between Madison and Monroe streets. Exit the parking garage (on foot) onto Michigan Avenue, and walk south one block.

Parking for the Congress Plaza Hotel is available for guests at 610 South Wabash Avenue (between Michigan Avenue and State Street) with ticket validation at the front desk or the bellman's stand and costs about $22/day. This is within walking distance of the meeting.

Cultural Events

A more comprehensive listing of cultural events in Chicago can be found at http://www.networkchicago.com.

Food
In the same building as our meeting (122 S. Michigan) there is a Bennigan's Restaurant and an Au Bon Pain. Across the street on Adams, there is a Panda Express as well as a fancier option, Rhapsody, which is part of the Symphony Center complex. Further west on Adams (17 W. Adams) is the ever popular Berghoff Restaurant. Also recommended for lunch (open only until 3 p.m.) is the cafe on the 9th floor of the Harold Washington Library, located on Congress between Wabash and State streets. Note also that Wabash, which runs parallel to the "El" tracks, is home to many fast food outlets, including one called The Oasis Cafe (inside the Jeweler's Mall) on Wabash between Madison and Washington, which features pretty darn good falafel. There are many restaurants within easy walking distance of the meeting site, and, if you want to splurge, many four-star establishments are a cab-ride away. A number of good, inexpensive eats are available too--and there's always Chicago-style pizza at Uno's, Giordanos, or Gino's. See links below for more information or ask to have a reservation made by your hotel.

Shopping
A number of fine bookstores (both new and especially used), record stores, as well as flagship department stores such as Marshall Field & Co. are within easy walking distance of the meeting site. See links below. The main shopping corridor in Chicago is just north (across the river) of the meeting site on Michigan Avenue and easily accessible by foot, bus, or cab.

Links
For a complete index to restaurants, shopping, and other events,visit Yahoo's Chicago page or check the Centerstage Chicago site.

Weather
Fall in Chicago is generally mild (at least compared to winter). Be prepared from everything between 70 degrees and sunny to 50 degrees and rainy. If the weather is good, a stroll along Grant Park or an Architectural walking tour would be wonderful.

Local Arrangements
Dr. Elinor Olin is handling local arrangements.

Further details about the fall meeting will be added as they become available.

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