I posted the information about our venue last week and mentioned that The Congress will be holding a block of rooms for our group at a special rate – – that is true, however I have run into the tiniest glitch with the contract agreement that will be resolved by Monday, at the latest. To resolve, I have scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the Congress Plaza folks who, I have to say, have been extremely nice, prompt and accommodating in helping us organize.
There are several different contracts we need to enter into with The Congress in order to hold this event. The room block contract is just one of them…and that is the one we’re holding out on at the moment.
Anyone who has organized a large event in Chicago knows that there are unique challenges that come into play when juggling the different union contractual requirements. The Congress currently has 4 unions in their employ, as well as one small union currently on strike. Contracting with them has been a pretty straightforward process, but making sense of the different requirements and charges based on union requirements can muddy the waters just a little – – so my visit with their staff has the goal of clearing the waters and making sure we have everything we need and that we know exactly what we are paying for. Sometimes a face to face meeting can resolve things that a phone call doesn’t. Besides, I love Chicago – so I have no troubles visiting again for a day!
New developments because of this:
- If you have contacted The Congress to book your room – they are not yet honoring the special room rate until we agree to sign the final contract.
- Providing everything goes as planned, this contract should be finalized by Monday. I will announce it here when we have it ready for you to book your rooms at The Congress
- In the event that we are unable to reach an agreement, I will post alternatives for you
- Either way, I will also have alternative nearby hotels that you can arrange for your stay in Chicago for WordCamp
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding! I will get the information to you, via this blog, as soon as it is finalized on our end!
113 days left!!
Thank you, Lisa. I was beginning to worry that it was just me!
I don’t think I’ll be able to afford to stay there this trip 🙁
Especially if the conference is going until 6 on Sunday (that’s definitely another night).
I’ll probably check out some cheaper places and train or cab it over (IF there are cheaper places that weekend). I’ll figure it out before Monday for sure…
Even so, I thought I’d put in my reminder to see if you can get them to put free internet in the rooms as part of the agreement. Who in this group isn’t going to want internet?
Have fun in Chicago…
I will try my best, Gary 🙂
Thanks so much for the update. This is my first time at WordCamp and will keep my eyes open for your hotel announcement next week!
You’re welcome, Shannon – I will get it updated as soon as I can 🙂
Thanks for all your work. Just wondering about the update for the hotel. Also what room type does that price cover?
I have had no luck finding a room. I am going to be crashing on my brothers couch but am still looking for a room. I have a friend who would like to go to this as well and if we can find a room she will come. any advice?
Is anyone looking for a roomie? I have just begun my search for a hotel/room. A pricey room could totally work with someone to split the cost.
If you are driving to Chicago… lots of places available in the Suburbs. The bf and I are going to be staying out near La Grange. Since he is not going, no parking needed unless we dine in town… instant chauffeur…lol
Also, anyone looking for cheap accommodations, check out some of the hostels that are available in Chicago. Might be lucky…
I was planning on driving back and forth to the event from Milwaukee but may find a hotel close enough to spend the night at. Any recommendations on hotels that still have occupancy?
I ended up getting a hotel right by the “L Train” – so I don’t have to deal with the traffic headache in town. Check out the Hilton Garden Inn. Looking fwd to meeting everyone this being my first wordcamp coming from Ohio.
Starwood has several hotels within 20 miles that have rooms available. If you have a car, they are worth considering and are very competitively priced. My favorite is the Westin Lombard, which would be a 30-40 minute drive during the hours you’d most likely be driving. I’ve stayed there several times and highly recommend it if you’re still looking for a place to bunk.
Looking forward to WordCamp Chicago. I am excited!