Details

Here's everything you need to know about attending the Convening.

Event Venue:

The Blackstone

636 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 447-0955

Blackstone Hotel history: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/about/story

Invitees will be sent a link to book rooms at the Blackstone at a discounted group rate.

Parking

Overnight self-parking garage is available across the street from the Blackstone (Balbo Drive) entrance, next to the Hilton Chicago. The parking garage address is 721 South Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605.

Please note that for your convenience, overnight parking can be validated directly at the Blackstone Hotel Front Desk when you park in the Hilton Chicago garage —see the agent with your ticket for validation. Unfortunately, we are unable to validate parking in any other garages.

Parking fees will apply. The current self-parking charge is $70 per day. Valet parking is $79 per day.

1 min walk (190.3 ft) via E Balbo Dr

Transportation

The hotel does not provide a shuttle service.

Airport Express; fee: One-way $22; Two-way, $39.

The Blackstone is located just three (3) blocks from the Harrison stop on the Red Line L-Train. We are also within walking distance of the Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, and Brown lines.
The Blackstone is also located along several main bus lines, including the 3, 4, 6, 22, 28, 126, 147, and more.
Union station is 1.1 miles away which runs Amtrak and Metra service.
The Greyhound bus station is just 1 mile away.
Average car ride from O’Hare is 53 min and 30 min from Midway

Chicago O’Hare Airport (19 miles from the hotel)
10000 W Balmoral Avenue
Chicago, IL 60666

Chicago Midway Airport (11 miles from the hotel)
5700 S Cicero Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638

Health and Safety

Smoking: Per Chicago ordinance, the hotel and public areas are SMOKE-FREE. Head outside to the designated smoking areas 15 feet from Balbo and Michigan Avenue entrances. A $250 recovery fee for smoking in the guest rooms will be applied to your bill.

Illness: If you are not feeling well on the day(s) of the convening or have any symptoms, please contact us. If you are recovering from an illness, please consider wearing a mask to prevent the spread of the illness.

Sustainability: At the Blackstone Hotel, Chicago, we are dedicated to integrating sustainability and ethical considerations into every facet of our business. Our efforts in this arena testify to our belief that success is not solely measured by financial performance but also by our positive impact on the world. We recognize that our efforts in this regard will never cease and will only continue to expand in the years ahead. Initiatives can be found on the hotel website.

Accessibility: If you require accommodations such as live captioning or interpretation, please let us know during registration so we can try to provide the needed services.

Security: We have implemented enhanced security protocols throughout the conference venue for your safety. Please be aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to security staff.

Food Accommodations: Continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be available throughout the convening. The food selections will be heavy on vegetarian and vegan options. Please note that if you need special accommodation, you should indicate so through registration. Special accommodation cannot be provided if not notified three (3) weeks before the convening.

Attire: Our intention is to gather professionally and joyfully. We encourage you to dress comfortably and come as “you”!