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Event Leaders Exchange
Event Leaders Exchange

ELX Annual Congress Know Before You Go

ELX

Essential information - ELX Annual Congress 2022

Ahead of your trip to Chicago this week, here’s some essential information to help you have the very best experience.  

Before You Travel

Download the ELX App 

Visit the App or Google Store and search ‘Event Leaders Exchange’ to find the ELX Annual Congress event app.  

The app gives you access to the event agenda and the opportunity to connect with your fellow attendees and book one-to-one meetings for the breakout times during the event.  

For those members who have already created a profile in our platform, your details will already be uploaded and ready to go.  

 

Chicago Weather  
 
The weather forecast in Chicago during the meeting ranges between 14F (-10C) and 26F (-3C). Whilst it might be chilly for some, these temperatures are pretty usual for this time of year in The Windy City. Buildings cater for this climate and door-to-door transportation will be provided for all activities during the Congress. 

 

What to pack   

We want all ELX members to feel their full selves throughout the Congress, so please wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable at all time; whether that's sneakers and a hoodie or business attire (or anything in-between).   

Our welcome event on Wednesday night will feature a cocktail reception followed by dinner, hosted by Hyatt Regency Chicago. All business meetings on Thursday and Friday will take place at Hyatt Regency Chicago. On Thursday evening, attendees will experience Choose Chicago’s curation of a selection of Chicago’s most unique spots, including a seated dinner and drinks with a view.  If you enjoy dressing up, both evenings are perfect opportunities, but casual attire is also fine. 
 
If you have some extra time and plan to see some of the wonderful sights of Chicago, we recommend packing warmer gear.  

Getting to the Hotel Hyatt Regency Chicago - 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601 USA. 

Arrivals into Midway International Airport 

The hotel is located 12.5 miles from Midway International Airport.  

There are several ways to travel from Midway International Airport to Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel. Options include: 

  • Taxis & Uber/Lyft: This is one of the most convenient options as it will take you directly to the hotel. On average, the fare is approximately $40 - $50. 
     

  • Public transportation: The CTA Orange Line train connects Midway to the city and has a stop at Clark/Lake, which is about 0.5 miles away from Hyatt Regency Chicago. 
     

  • Shuttle services: Several shuttle services are available that take passengers from Midway to Hyatt Regency Chicago and other nearby hotels. These services can be booked in advance and often offer a more affordable rate than a taxi or ride-sharing service. 

Arrivals into O’Hare International Airport 

The hotel is located around 15 miles from O’Hare International Airport. There are several ways to get to the hotel. Options include: 

  • Taxis & Uber/Lyft: On average, the fare is approximately $40 - $60 
     

  • Public transportation: The CTA Blue Line train connects O'Hare to the city and has a stop at Clark/Lake, which is about 0.5 miles away from Hyatt Regency Chicago. You can also take a bus from O'Hare to the city, with several bus stops are located close to the hotel. 
     

  • Shuttle services: Several shuttle services are available that take passengers from O'Hare to the Hyatt Regency Chicago and other nearby hotels. These services can be booked in advance and often offer a more affordable rate than a taxi or ride-sharing service. 

 On Arrival

Check-in to your room via the hotel reception desks.  

The nights of February 1 and 2 are complimentary; however, you will need to provide a credit card at check-in for your incidentals.  For those staying additional nights, your room is reserved as IPO for those nights.  

Upon arrival in your room, you’ll find an ELX Welcome Pack that will include your name badge along with gifts from our sponsors.  For those not staying at the hotel, your Welcome Pack and badge will be at the Plaza Ballroom for the welcome reception.  If you’re arriving on Thursday, your Welcome Pack and badge will be at the ELX Information Desk in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer.  

During the Event

The Annual Congress begins with our Welcome Experience & Dinner taking place around the fantastic facilities of the Hyatt Regency Chicago.  

Please arrive at the Plaza Ballroom for 5:30pm sharp so as not to miss any of the festivities!  

If you have any questions, the ELX Information Desk will be available Thursday and Friday in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer. 

 

Staying active 

There is a gym in the hotel or just on our doorstep you can access the Lakeshore Sports and Fitness Centre with a discounted day pass - here you'll find state of the art cardio and strength suites, pool, a climbing wall and an indoor running track.  Millennium Park and the river are on hand if you prefer your exercise in the fresh (albeit cold) air. 

 

Filling up 

There will be a wide variety of food available throughout, including substantial snacks and smoothies at break times.  Expect a mix of healthier options, local ingredients, specialities and sweet "pick-me-ups".  If you have any dietary requirements or allergies that aren’t already accounted for, please feel free to let any ELX team member know.  

There will be hydration stations, so bring a refillable bottle or grab an ELX one. 

 

Staying connected 

Some of the sessions will offer extra information and take-homes via links and QR codes, so please be sure to bring a mobile phone or tablet to all sessions with a QR reader enabled. You’ll also be able to vote and comment in many of the sessions via Slido, our audience participation platform. More details will be provided during the meeting. 

 

Some tips from your fellow ELX Congress attendees 

Clare Melton, Executive Director, Global Head of Enterprise Events, S&P  

I am so excited to be travelling to the ELX Congress – it’s going to be a fantastic kick off to the year, and I’m especially looking forward to spending time with my industry peers.  

My thoughts are already turning to what I’m going to pack! Already on my list are:  

  • A couple of pairs of smart trousers and tops for the day - something business friendly but comfortable!  

  • Jeans and boots for the evening, with lots of layers on top as it’s going to be cold!   

  • Running trainers and my thermal running gear in case I get to explore the city on a morning jog if the weather is kind.

  • Finally, my big winter coat, a hat, scarf and gloves. Whilst the Congress is indoors, it’s usually so cold outside in Chicago (and the wind really whips off the Lake and river!) in February that even for the shortest times outside, a big coat is a must, and a hat, scarf and gloves will keep me toasty if I decide to explore a bit of Chicago by foot before heading for my long flight home.  

  • And not forgetting the essentials – my US adaptors, phone and Apple watch charger, travel Nutribullet (which goes everywhere I do!) and my passport and ESTA!  

Can’t wait to see everyone there!  

***

Jeff Welger, Arch Group 

What am I packing for the ELX Annual Congress? 

  • Bring layering items as Chicago tends to be cold in February (include gloves and a scarf if you want to stay warm) 

  • Chinos and business jeans. Include dark options as they pair with anything 

  • Couple of button-down shirts and/or sweater/jumpers. 

  • I love athleisure footwear and a pair of semi-dress shoes. 

  • Don’t forget a versatile jacket/cardigan that goes with all of the above. 

  • Consider items, along with appropriate footwear, in case you want to workout. 

See you there! 

***

Getting there early or staying on Friday night?   

Recommendations from Kim Kopetz, The Opus Group  

“Restaurants that are great include Girl and the Goat, Alinea, and Topolobampo.”  

Questions and inquiries  

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