Commuting to and From Conference in Chicago Area???

[tina617]

Has anyone commuted to and from conference since they live in the Chicago area? Last year I stayed in a hotel, and it was WONDERFUL! Unfortunately, this year my husband REALLY wants me to commute. We have a 4 month old and I'm nursing, so it might be nice to be home at night, but I hope it doesn't change my conference experience too much. I live near Harlem and Irving in Chicago, so it's not too far, but I know parking can be expensive. I also don't think it's too good of an idea to do public transportation at night, but hubby is willing to pick me up.

Any thoughts on parking?
Public transportation?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Tina

 

[mrssyvo]

Tina,
I am glad you posted this- I am wondering also. I live in Lombard, and we will be commuting also. I am not sure if we should take Metra in, or drive in and park. I am not sure how traffic will be, and I feel the same way about the train at night, but there will be several of us traveling together.

 

[chefjeanine]

If you can get transportation to a conference hotel (Metra plus a short walk?), that's what I'd suggest. It has to be cheaper than parking and the roads are supposed to be torn up.

 

[mrssyvo]

We can use the shuttle buses, even though we are not staying at the hotels?

 

[lacychef]

We can use the shuttle buses, even though we are not staying at the hotels?

Last year I heard people that didn't stay at conference hotels just walked to one, & got on the shuttle! So I guess it's okay...

 

[agw]

The shuttle drivers didn't ask if you were a hotel guest, nor did they ask if you were a TPC consultant. Considering that, and Joe off the street could have hitched a ride with all of us down to McCormick Place.

I'll be staying in Frankfort Square and taking the Rock Island Line to the Metra Electric on into McCormick Place. Here's to hoping I can figure out the system well enough while I'm there! My other option would be to drive to McCormick Place and park there. I really don't want to have to drive in Chicago traffic. That's why we left in the first place!

http://www.mccormickplace.com/SubLink.cfm?Main_ID=27&Sub_ID=73

I did a bit of searching, and it looks like daily parking at McCormick Place lots is $16/day. I guess I'll probably find out!

 

[chefjeanine]

Yes, you can ride the shuttle buses even if you are not staying in the hotel. When you register at the McCormick you will get an ID badge so you can get into meetings. This badge will get you on the bus for the remainder of the conference. So the first day, in theory, anyone can ride the bus because we don't have our badges yet.