What are some must-do activities in Chicago during a National Conference?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various activities and dining options in Chicago for attendees of the National Conference. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions for places to visit and eat while in the city.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions walking along the Magnificent Mile and visiting Navy Pier as enjoyable activities.
  • Another participant shares their experience of staying near Navy Pier and expresses interest in visiting the Shedd Aquarium.
  • One participant reflects on a trolley tour they took, expressing regret for not exploring more of Chicago during family visits.
  • Another participant notes that they enjoyed dining at the Cheesecake Factory and found the portions to be large.
  • One participant expresses a preference for Giordano's for pizza, mentioning it as a common dining choice for their team.
  • Another participant highlights Bob Chinn's crab house as a great seafood option and shares their love for various museums, particularly the Museum of Science and Industry.
  • One participant mentions the King Tut exhibit at the Field Museum as a unique opportunity to see a rare collection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on dining preferences, with some participants favoring the Cheesecake Factory while others suggest alternatives like Giordano's. There is no clear consensus on the best activities, as various experiences and suggestions are shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recommendations based on their visits to Chicago, reflecting a range of activities from dining to sightseeing.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants attending the National Conference who are looking for suggestions on activities and dining options in Chicago may find this discussion helpful.

T
Trish1953
Silver Member
Messages
494
My sister, who lives and works in Chicago, suggests these activities while at National Conference:

If you want to see how the other half lives, walk along the Magnificent Mile--a mile (or so) of all the glitzy shops you can think of. Good window shopping. Also, Navy Pier is a fairly close cab ride--shops and rides (the Ferris wheel is famous).

Also, a great dinner place is at the top of the Han**** Tower, which should get you some good views. Oops! I forgot this famous Tower might be interpreted as a naughty word! Sorry!

Trish:)
Wave 1:cool:
 
Yeah, it's neat to walk along the magnificant mile. We did that last year; it was fun just to look!
Also, the Navy Pier was walking distance from the Sheraton. That's where we stayed last year; wanted to go to the pier but couldn't make it. We're at the Palmer Hilton this year, will have to wait & see if it's walking distance or not. We're also going to the Shedd Aquarium.
I'm wave 1 too:D
 
Last year our cluster and several other took a trolley tour of the city. It was really cool. It made me really pissed at my family though.

I have a ton of aunts and uncles that live in Chicago and we have spent so many summers with them over the year and NEVER went to all of the stuff there. I didn't even realize that there was a beach at the lake or a FREE zoo. I had no idea about all of the museums. Year after year of going to family reunions and such in Chicago and we never went to any of that stuff. I felt ROBBED!!

I want to take my husband on some kind of city tour like that this year. I would look up the trolley thing, but it was kinda open air and I would worry about the baby falling out. (Yeah, I'm a weirdo) So maybe we'll investigate a boat tour or something. Are the meals at the Han**** center expensive?
 
OH yeah, I'm wave 1 also!
 
We ate at the Cheesecake Factory last year; I think it's actually at the base of the H-Center. It was really good & was about $15 I think on average. Of course that's without cheesecake! The meals were big though, we were wishing we'd split our meals so we all had room to have our own piece of cake:) I don't know about the other restaurants up by the observatory.
 
if you go to the 95th floor of the H-Building, it is a fancier restaurant and is expensive. But the Cheesecake Factory is great and HUGE portions as ladychef pointed out.
 
The Cheesecake Factory is nothing special to me. We have one here in Phoenix (several actually) and in Houston. I've been to the Cheesecake Factory tons of times to know what that place is like.

Our team usually has dinner together the first night at Giordano's while the Executive Dinner is being held before the Awards session. Now that my Director and Executive directors are no longer with the company I am not sure how we are going to arrange this. They usually coordinate everyone and make the reservations. I would hate to miss this. We have a good time at dinner together.
 
Anyone not from the seashore states should check out Bob Chinn's crab house. Probably the best seafood you'll find this far inland!
I LOVE all the museums. The Museum of Science and Industry is my personal favorite...check out the body slices-eerily gripping!
The Lincoln Park zoo is great, but I'm partial to Brookfield (get on a train to go there!) because I grew up closeby. Not free, but awesome nonetheless.
Navy Pier is fun. Walk or ride the lakeshore, it's a beautiful path! And enjoy the beach! Lake Michigan is COLD, though! Be forewarned!
Oh and I once went on an architecture boat tour that was FABULOUS!! I have to find out about it and do it again!
Have fun and enjoy yourself. You can't ever go wrong in Chicago!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Here's a couple of other suggestions from my sister who lives and works in Chicago. Fun places to eat and see.

Pizza (especially Chicago deep dish): Giordano's, Edwardo's, Pizzeria Uno.

Garrett's Popcorn is famous, as is the Chicago hot dog (make sure it's Vienna Beef).

Good and sometimes quite expensive: Cafe Spiaggia (Italian), Ben Pao (Asian/Chinese)

Tons of cool museums: Art Institute, Field Museum of Natural History (Sue the dinosaur), Museum of Science and Industry, Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium (sharks, whales, dolphins and all sorts of fish).
 
The King Tut exhibit will be at the Field Museum, 25 dollar admission. It is only one of four stops for this exhibit in the U.S., the last time it was in the U.S. was 30 years ago. They are hoping to raise 10 million in each of the four stops and put that towards the museum in Egypt, chances are this exhibit will not leave Egypt in the future for tours, could be a once in a lifetime thing to go see.

I plan on making some time to go see the exhibit and take some pictures. Don't imagine I will be going to Egypt anytime in the near future.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some must-do activities in Chicago during a National Conference?

Chicago offers a variety of activities that can enhance your experience during a National Conference. Consider visiting iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower Skydeck for breathtaking views of the city, or take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk to enjoy the scenic waterfront. Don't miss out on exploring Millennium Park, where you can see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean."

Are there any recommended restaurants near the conference venue?

Absolutely! Chicago is known for its diverse culinary scene. Near most conference venues, you can find popular spots like Lou Malnati's for deep-dish pizza, Portillo's for Chicago-style hot dogs, and The Purple Pig for a unique Mediterranean-inspired menu. Make sure to check out local favorites to get a true taste of the city.

What cultural attractions should I visit while in Chicago?

While attending the National Conference, take some time to explore Chicago's rich cultural offerings. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring an extensive collection of artworks. Additionally, the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry provide fascinating exhibits that are both educational and entertaining.

Is there a local event or festival happening during the conference?

Depending on the timing of your National Conference, there may be local events or festivals to enjoy. Check the city's event calendar for any food festivals, street fairs, or live music events that coincide with your visit. These events can provide a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people.

How can I make the most of networking opportunities during the conference?

To maximize networking opportunities, attend all scheduled sessions and workshops, as these are great places to meet fellow attendees. Participate in social events and mixers organized during the conference, and don't hesitate to introduce yourself to others. Bringing business cards and engaging on social media platforms like LinkedIn can also help you connect with new contacts.

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