Note: NATO Summit Also in Chicago
Downtown Chicago is hosting the NATO Summits from 20-21 May, overlapping slightly the STC Summit. Initially the city was scheduled to hold the G8 Summit as well, but on 5 March that meeting’s location was changed to Camp David.
Chicago has been the site for many national and international events in the past. The city of Chicago has been preparing for the NATO Summit for some time now, and the city knows how to provide security for these kinds of events without inconveniencing its citizens and visitors.
We don’t expect there to be any issues at the airports or at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, the site of the STC Summit. The days before and during the NATO event, security checks for flights to Chicago will likely be increased. Travelers should plan to arrive at their airport of departure earlier so that they have plenty of time to get through whatever procedures are set up.
When STC Summit participants arrive in Chicago, they will probably see a more obvious security presence at the airports, train stations, and tourist attractions, but this shouldn’t interfere with getting around and enjoying their time in Rosemont and Chicago.
We do recommend that Summit participants make their reservations at the Hyatt as soon as possible. This will assure they receive the STC group rate. Hotel rooms, even in Rosemont, will be at premium rates closer to the dates of the Summit.
More information about events associated with the NATO Summit can be found at http://www.chicagog8nato.org/.
Air Travel
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
The 2012 Technical Communication Summit is being held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, in Rosemont, IL. The Hyatt is just a few minutes from O’Hare International Airport. All the major airlines and most of the regional airlines have flights to O’Hare.
The Hyatt runs a complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the airport. You board the shuttle at the Bus/Shuttle Center (look for the signs). The shuttle for the Hyatt Regency O’Hare departs from door 1. Make sure you get on the shuttle for the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and not the Hyatt Regency Rosemont.
If you need a handicap accessible shuttle, when you arrive at the airport call the Hyatt at +1 (847) 696-1234 to request that van. It will take about 15 minutes for the van to arrive at the transportation center.
Midway International Airport (MDW)
If your best option is to fly into Midway International Airport you can take a Coach USA shuttle to O’Hare Airport and then the complimentary shuttle from there. The cost for the Coach USA is $23.00 one way, $43.00 round trip. Here is the link to the schedule and to purchase tickets.
Midway International is approximately 27 miles from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The cabs from Midway are on a meter system to the suburbs. The approximate fare from Midway to the hotel is $60.00 to $70.00, plus tip, depending on the time of day.
Accessibility information for both O’Hare and Midway airports is available online.
Be sure to check out the Summit blog post for advice from the STC Chicago chapter on choosing between the two airports.
Airline Discounts
American Airlines: Attendees will receive a 5% discount off the lowest applicable published air fare. When you make airline reservations, call American Airlines at 1-800-433-1790 from anywhere in the United States or Canada and refer to your Promotion Code 3652BP or go online to www.AA.com and choose More Flight Search Options and insert the promotion code in the appropriate box.
United Airlines: Attendees can receive up to a 10% discount (depending on booking class) on domestic or international travel to/from Chicago between 16-24 May. Visit www.United.com and enter ZMP7930321 into the box labeled Offer Code in the reservations section. Summit attendees can also call United directly at 1-800-521-4041, provide the reservations agent with the offer code, and receive the discount.
Car Travel
Driving
Here is the link for driving directions to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.
Parking
The Hyatt offers parking for guests and daily visitors and there is a public parking lot nearby.
Valet Parking: Daily, $30.00; Overnight, $32.00
Self Parking: 0–10 Hours, $20.00; 10-24 Hours, $27.00; Overnight guests of the hotel, $22.00
Public Parking: There is a parking lot a few blocks away across from the Muvico theaters, at Williams Street. The cost for parking there is $13.00. If you park there be sure to take note of the hours.
Train Travel
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is located close to the Blue Line L-Train. Guests can either take the complimentary shuttle to the Hyatt from O’Hare International Airport train station or take a short walk from the nearby Rosemont Station. Here is the link to the Blue Line schedule.
International Travel
As of 19 January, there are no special notes or alerts on the Department of State website regarding visas during the G8 and NATO summits. Here’s the link to the information about visas.
Even with the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travelers must have received an authorization to travel under the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and they present the appropriate type of passport valid for six months past their expected stay in the United States.
Summit attendees traveling from Europe might want to check this closer to the meeting date, such as the end of March or beginning of April, in case there are any updates, or check with the U.S. Consulate in their country of origin.
