Chicago Meeting Planners Guide 2009 - (Page 8) DID YOU KNOW? That when compared to other U.S. cities, Chicago is: • No. 1 for air travel and has: • the No. 1 urban medical district • the No. 1 distribution center • 30 Fortune 500 headquarters and that in the past two years there’s been a: • 149% increase in the number of medical meetings held in Chicago. CHOOSE CHICAGO! O ne of the world’s most magnificent skylines provides the backdrop for a splendid stretch of coastline along Lake Michigan. This is Chicago, a bustling city that’s long been an important junction of commerce between the nation’s east and west, north and south. Today, it’s still eager to get down to business, making it the right choice for planners, exhibitors and attendees. Lakeside City Layout In the heart of the Midwest’s Great Lakes region, Chicago runs in a north-south direction along Lake Michigan. Two areas in Chicago’s central downtown are perhaps the most well-known. The business and cultural district is called the Loop — named for the elevated train route that circles it — and the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district is the one-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue north of the river. Chicago’s 77 diverse neighborhoods extend north, south and west from downtown. • An overview of 17 Chicago neighborhoods is on page 18. Central Location Why choose Chicago as the site of your next meeting or convention? One of Chicago’s biggest advantages is its location. Chicago is more convenient and affordable to fly in and out of than many other U.S. cities. O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport together offer more than 3,400 flights per day. As North America’s only dual hub for commercial air travel, Chicago is within reach of any location in the world. • Turn to page 15 for climate chart and orientation maps, accompanied by charts that show average flight and drive times to Chicago from various cities. USE THESE CCTB SERVICES! • DataChicago: • List generation service • Analyzes a show’s prospect database and produces a list of potential newcomers • TeleChicago, a telemarketing service that offers registration and housing reminders • Comprehensive access program, including scooter/ wheelchair rentals, assistive staffing and attendee shuttling Easy to Get Around Chicago knows how to move people. The city invests considerable resources into its public trains and buses, giving it one of the nation’s best transportation systems. Cabs are readily available, and it’s a great city for walking. • See page 14 for navigation information. 8 Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide ©istock/Jim Jurica ©Weaver/Denise Chambers
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