ACI Convention

Frequently Asked Convention Questions

Please check periodically for updates on guest events, event locations, and any other schedule changes.


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Q: Where will the convention be held?
A: Convention events will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and Westin Convention Center Hotel.

Q: Where can I check e-mail during the convention?
A: Stay connected to home and work! Take advantage of the Cyber Café and FREE wireless hot spot in the exhibit area during the following hours:

Saturday 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday-Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

High-speed Internet access is also available in your sleeping room for a fee of $12.95 per day.

Q: What are the hours of the Speaker Ready Room?
A: The Speaker Ready Room, located in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, will be open to moderators, speakers, and committee Chairs during the following hours:

Saturday 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

All speakers are requested to check in at the Speaker Ready Room 1 day prior to their scheduled presentation to ensure that ACI has downloaded their presentation on the network in the session rooms.

Q: How will I identify ACI Members and ACI Board Members?
A: ACI uses color-coded badges and ribbons to identify members, staff, guests, students, and the Board of Direction. Those with a neon green ribbon that says "Convention #1" on their name badges are first-time attendees. Please welcome them, thank them for attending, and help answer any of their questions!

Q: Can I attend the Technical/Educational Sessions?
A: Yes! These are free and open to all registered attendees. You'll find the times, speakers, and topics listed in the "Sessions" section of the Convention Program Book.

Q: Can I attend Committee Meetings?
A: Yes! Committee meetings are also open for all registered attendees to attend and are listed in the "Daily Program" and "Numeric" sections of the Convention Program Book. Additionally, signs are posted outside each meeting room. To help identify meetings of interest to you, please note ACI's technical committees are classified as follows:

  • 100s - General
  • 200s - Materials and Properties of Concrete
  • 300s - Design and Construction
  • 400s - Concrete Reinforcement and Structural Analysis
  • 500s - Specialized Applications and Repair

Convention attendees are also encouraged to attend ACI's committee meetings for Certification (C), Education (E), the ACI Foundation, and ACI Standing Board Committees.

Q: How do I join an ACI Committee?
A: If you are interested in becoming a member of any committee, simply ask the committee Chair or Secretary for an application-he or she will be pleased to provide you with one. Alternatively, you can apply for committee membership anytime at www.concrete.org. ACI encourages diverse international representation on each committee from all sectors of the concrete industry and across all career levels-from students to established professionals! Also, check the message board at registration for a list of committees looking for new members.

Q: What networking events can I attend?
A: ACI provides numerous opportunities to relax and network with other convention attendees. As a registered attendee, you are invited and encouraged to attend the following free social events:

  • OPENING RECEPTION—The Opening Reception will take place following the Opening Session on Sunday, March 21, at approximately 6:30 pm at the Sheraton Chicago in the River Exhibition Hall. A cash bar and snacks will be available..
  • ACI CONCRETE MIXER—The Concrete Mixer will be held on Tuesday, March 23, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sheraton Chicago. Two drink tickets and light hors d'oeuvres are included.

Q: I'm a first-time attendee-is there an orientation I should attend?
A: As a first-time attendee, you are invited to attend the "Convention #1 Breakfast" for an orientation of the ACI convention. This free breakfast will be held Sunday, March 21, 2010, from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.


Destination Information

Q: What is the weather like in March?
A: 45°F high (7°C); 28°F low (-2 °C); 7 inches of precipitation on average in the month of March.

Q: How do I find more information about the local area?
A. For additional information on enjoying the sights and sounds of the Chicago area, please visit the ACI Illinois Chapter table located outside the exhibit area.

Q: Are tours or local attractions available?
A: The ACI Illinois Chapter has developed a guest program with a variety of tours for guests and attendees. Click here for information on these tours.

Q: Is there shopping available nearby the hotel?
A: Yes, the Sheraton Chicago is located near shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Visit the concierge for a walking map of the area.


Exhibits

Q: What are the exhibit hours?
A: The exhibits will be open during the following hours:

Sunday-Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Q: What is the size of an exhibit booth?
A: 10' x 10', 10' x 20', or 6' x 30" table top

Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?
A: $1700 for 10 ft x 10ft, $2700 for 10 ft x 20 ft, $900 for 6 ft x 30 in. tabletop


Registration

Q: What are the hours of registration during the convention?
A: Registration hours are as follows:

Saturday 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Q: If my guest is only attending the networking events, does he or she need to register?
A: Yes, he or she must register as a convention guest to attend.

Q: Can my children attend the networking events?
A: Yes, if registered as a convention guest.


Hotel Information

Q: Is Internet access available?
A: Yes, in the business center, cyber stations, and hot spots in the exhibit area, and in your hotel room for $12.95/day.

Q: What are the hotel's applicable taxes?
A: 15.4% tax.

Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center on the property?
A: Yes, the Sheraton Chicago has a fitness center on site. There is no charge to use the fitness facility.

Q: What restaurants are in the hotel and nearby area?
A: The hotel features a Shula's Steakhouse, Chicago Burger Company, LB's Bistro & Pâtisserie and Chi Bar. Please see the hotel concierge for a list of restaurants near the hotel.

Sleeping Rooms

Q: What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?
A: Check in: 3:00 p.m. Check out: 12:00 p.m.

Q: Does the hotel have AAA, AARP, or government discounts?
A: Yes, please contact the hotel at 312-464-1000 for more information on discounts.

Q: Are discounts available for packages or group rates?
A: Discounts such as AAA, AARP, and government rates cannot be combined with other promotional discounts, packages, or group or convention rates.


Travel

Q: What are the latest airport security guidelines for travel?
A: To find out the most up-to-date information regarding airport security guidelines, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/.

Q: How far is the Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport from the Sheraton Chicago?
A: Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 15 miles from the Sheraton Chicago and the Midway International Airport is 13.5 miles from the Sheraton Chicago.


Transportation

Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend using the Go Airport Shuttle Express from either the Chicago O'Hare International and Midway International Airports for $22-$27 each way or a taxi for approximately $28-$40 each way depending on the airport you depart from.

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for the airport shuttle transfers or make reservations in advance?
A: You do not need to make reservations for airport departures. Tickets may be purchased at the shuttle counter outside of baggage claim. Please visit the hotel concierge desk to make arrangements for a return transfer 24 hours in advance.

Q: Is the Go Airport Shuttle Express service available for all arrival times?
A: The shuttle service is available from 4:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Q: Where do I catch the Go Airport Shuttle Express at the airport?
A: Shuttles are located outside of baggage claim.

Q: Do I need to make departure reservations for the Go Airport Shuttle Express?
A: Yes, please visit the hotel concierge desk to make arrangements for a return transfer.

Q: Can I take the train to the hotel?
A: Yes, you can take the Blue Line rail service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to downtown Chicago. Get off at the Clark and Lake stop to walk to the Sheraton.

Q: What is the cost for a taxi to and from the airport?
A: Rates average $28-$40 each way depending on time of arrival/departure, and destination, and airport departure.

Q: What is the fee for parking?
A: On-site parking is available at the Sheraton Chicago for $48 per day. Valet only. Additional self-parking is available off site. Contact the hotel directly for additional information on alternative parking locations.