Secure Your Stay at Top Conference Hotels | Don't Miss Out on the Best Deals!

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SUMMARY

This discussion emphasizes the importance of staying at conference hotels during events to maximize convenience and networking opportunities. Participants shared experiences from previous conferences, highlighting issues with off-site accommodations, such as cramped rooms and transportation hassles. The Chicago Hilton, Palmer House Hilton, and Sheraton were mentioned as last year's conference hotels, with a typical conference rate around $150 per night. Attendees strongly recommend booking early to secure rooms and avoid the scramble experienced in previous years.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conference logistics and planning
  • Familiarity with hotel booking platforms like Priceline
  • Knowledge of transportation options in urban settings
  • Awareness of networking benefits at professional events
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the best practices for booking conference hotels early
  • Explore transportation options available near McCormick Place
  • Investigate networking strategies at large conferences
  • Learn about the amenities offered by Chicago Hilton and Palmer House Hilton
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for conference attendees, event planners, and professionals seeking to enhance their networking experience and logistical planning during large events.

pkd09
Silver Member
Messages
1,891
Any idea when they will announce Conference Hotels for this year? I looked back at last years hotels and found Sheraton, Palmer Hilton and Chicago Hilton. Last year our cluster scrambled for rooms because they were taken almost immediately. We were lucky to get the Holiday Inn. I work with a guy who recently got $49 a night at the Sheraton on Priceline. Has anyone else tried this ahead of time? Recommended??

WAVE 2 --- SO EXCITED --- SEE YOU THERE!!!!!
 
Last time I went the girl who booked our rooms used priceline...or something similar. We booked in a hotel about 6 blocks from the conference hotel. Suppose to have 2 rooms with 2 double beds...we got 2 rooms with 1 double bed and was told the hotel didn't even have rooms with 2 double beds. Hotel also didn't have vending machines or an ice machine. If you wanted ice you had to have them bring it to you from the desk. If you wanted a coke you had to go to the bar downstairs. Old hotel. It was nice, but cramped. I won't be doing that again. Just going to stay at the conference hotel. With our time so limited we had to always take a cab. Even sharing a cab it would cost 7-10 a day. After paying cab fare we didn't save any money over conference hotels.
 
I will definitely stay at a conference hotel as well. We had to take a cab ALL the time and it really stunk. We ran out of money FAST taking cabs all the time.
 
Plus, if you stay at the conference hotels and ride the bus back and forth, there's more of a chance of meeting other wonderful cheffers!
 
:D Thats so true!!!
 
I stayed at a Conf Hotel last year and it was great. We took a few cabs, but the shuttles were great~
 
We do the conference hotels every year, specifically the Hilton as that is where our Exec Banquet is.

We always grab a few rooms the first day registration is open.
 
We did priceline a few years ago. Stayed at the Knickerbocker, a historic hotel (translation: OLD!) We thought we'd still save money even with taking cabs. The problem was that I'd ride in a cab with 3 others and they suggested taking turns paying for the cab so we didn't all have to chip in little bits. Great idea until you couldn't find the same 3 people to catch a ride back to the hotel. It was a HUGE hassle and I vowed NEVER again.

EXCEPTION: I stayed in the Hyatt McCormick two years ago. It's attached to the McCormick center. Great rooms and I never had to stand in line to get a shuttle. It was a bit of a hike across the pedway but after sitting all day I thought the exercise was good for me :) No problems with crowded elevators, etc. Tried to get rooms there last year but it was booked. If I could get a room there I'd do it again.
 
Where is the coference physically held? Is it different every year? Do the conference hotels come with bargain prices?
 
What are the conference hotels again?
 
Jilleysue said:
What are the conference hotels again?
They haven't been announced for this year yet.

but last year they were Chicago Hilton, Palmer House Hilton, and Sheraton.
 
The conference itself is held at McCormick Place with the Executive Banquets held at the hotels.
 
Does PC give us discounts to the hotels? B/c the hotels from last year are all coming up at $250-300 per night..... OUCH!
 
There is a Conference rate, usually about $150 a night.
 
Thanks Ann! That makes me feel a lot better!

I noticed your signature...your 'disclaimer' is cute! lol It's meant to be funny, right? :)
 
chefann said:
There is a Conference rate, usually about $150 a night.
Oh really ...OK PHEW
 
Jill...you DEFINATELY should try your best to make it work. Conference was so much fun and very inspiring. PC treats us so well there and the excitement level is amazing. You won't regret it!
 
I LOVE Conference!

Where else can you find an auditorium full of thousands of people who are wetting themselves in excitement over spatulas in a new color?

OK- that's a slight exaggeration. But only slight. :)

Jill- it really will make a difference in your business. Thinking back over my Director's cluster and all the people who have been in and out since I started, those of us who have gone to Conference every year are the people who have stuck with it. We may not be the most successful (yet!), but we're hanging in there.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
Ann, you make me laugh!!! No exaggeration ... there are women who wet themselves over a color change in spatulas (keeps Depends in business). Last year was my first year with PC and I went to conference. I had sooooo much fun. Definitely going again this year. Will probably enjoy it more because I won't be so overwhelmed at everything (may even get some sleep - oh who am I kidding, having so much fun don't want to take the time to sleep). If anyone is on the fence about going ........ JUST GO. You won't regret it.

WAVE 2 .... YIPPEE!!!!!
 
I went for the first time last year & vowed never to miss one if I could help it! The excitement level is amazing & it really shows what you can accomplish! I'm trying to get my recruiter to go--she's been doing this 4 years & has never gone. I know she would just LOVE it! I go with my director. She always stays at the conference hotels--can't remember which one. We only took a cab the first day b/c one of my roommates earned TPC & we went to dinner to congratulate her, but didn't want to miss the awards night. So we didn't have time to walk. Every other day we just walked to dinner.
 
OMG - ya'll are cracking me up. I know a few of us who were wetting ourselves over the salad spinner. When we saw in the picture before they announced it the murmurs were going up and down the aisle.

I haven't stayed anywhere but a conference util while in PC but had gone to a different conference. The people who organized it said oh we will be saving money - we can walk to the confernce hotels etc. That was awful, I had the worst blisters on my heels and ankels. I was exhausted and never got to see the others at the conference. I highly recommend you consider staying at a Conference Hotel and if you don't then stay some where very very very close to one them where you can ride the buses with the other cheffers.
 
We stayed at Palmer House last year. It was a nice hotel and I had to say that I loved how organized everything was, and how easy it was to get around via shuttle.
 
I can't wait to go!! I'm stoked!!!:D
 
I love conference! I can't wait!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of staying at top conference hotels during events?

Staying at top conference hotels offers numerous benefits, including proximity to event venues, networking opportunities with other attendees, and access to exclusive amenities such as business centers and meeting spaces. Additionally, these hotels often provide shuttle services, making it easier to navigate the event schedule.

How can I secure the best deals on conference hotel bookings?

To secure the best deals on conference hotel bookings, consider booking early, as many hotels offer early bird discounts. Additionally, use comparison websites, sign up for hotel loyalty programs, and keep an eye out for promotional codes or special offers related to the conference.

Are there any tips for finding accommodations close to the conference venue?

To find accommodations close to the conference venue, use online maps to identify hotels within walking distance. Check the conference website for recommended hotels, as they often partner with nearby accommodations. Additionally, consider using travel apps that filter results based on distance from the event location.

What should I do if the conference hotel is fully booked?

If the conference hotel is fully booked, explore nearby hotels or alternative lodging options such as vacation rentals or hostels. Joining social media groups or forums related to the conference can also help you find shared accommodations or last-minute openings.

Can I get a refund if my plans change and I need to cancel my hotel reservation?

Refund policies vary by hotel, so it's important to review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Many hotels offer flexible cancellation options, especially if booked directly. If you need to cancel, contact the hotel as soon as possible to discuss your options.

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