Suggestions for transportation, restaurants, attractions, and conference hotels.
If you won’t be joining us by staying at the official conference hotel, be sure to check the proximity of your hotel to the conference location, as students often tell us that being close made their experience that much better.
Conference Location
The conference is being hosted at North Park University, located at 3225 West Foster Avenue, Hamming Hall, Chicago, IL 60625 (Campus Map).
All visitors should park in designated visitor parking spots located at Foster & Kedzie Parking Lot, 5141 N. Kedzie. Parking is free on the North Park campus.
Weather
In mid October, the average day-time highs are 40-60 degrees and the average evening temperatures range from as low as 30-40 degrees. Meeting rooms may be cool due to air conditioning. Nightlife in the Second City may be hot, but it is generally chilly in mid October.
Airport
If it would take you more than eight hours to drive to this conference, ASGA recommends that you consider flying. Chicago has two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O’Hare is about 8 miles from North Park University, the conference location, while Midway is about 18 miles away. O’Hare typically offers more choices in departure/arrival times and usually is less expensive.
Taxi/”L”/Shared Van
You can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel (will cost $30-$50 to take up to four people).
You can also take GO Airport Express from the airport and the hotel. From O’Hare, it will cost $49 for a single person roundtrip or $27 per person for a group. From Midway, it will cost $39 for a single person roundtrip and $22 per person for a group.
You will need to take a taxi or ride Chicago’s famed “L” (elevated subway train) to get back to the airport or to the downtown attractions and restaurants.
Attendees can take the blue line train directly from O’Hare. Or, the Orange Line from Midway and transfer to a blue line train.
Here’s a list of fares.
Uber and Lyft
Both taxi-alternatives are convenient and easy to use. You’ll probably save money by using Uber or Lyft over a taxi.
Rental Car
Because taxis and public transportation such as the “L” are readily available, ASGA doesn’t recommend renting a car. It will be expensive to park at your hotel, at the conference location, and at Chicagoland attractions and restaurants.
Rental Car Partner: ASGA has negotiated a discount with Dollar Rent a Car. In order to take advantage of the discounts and benefits, please utilize ASGA Corporate Discount Number: CM0138
All reservations may be made online. Enter the ASGA Corporate Discount number, or call 866-542-2303 ext.2 and use CD#CM0138.
Parking
Parking is a challenge and is expensive in a major city such as Chicago. Please be prepared for parking fees at the conference hotel ($29 per day for self, and $35 per day for valet), and at Chicago-area attractions.
At North Park University, the conference location, all visitors should park in designated visitor parking spots located at Foster & Kedzie Parking Lot, 5141 N. Kedzie. Parking is free on the North Park campus.
