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Frequently Asked Questions - We have the Answers!
FAQ's: Exhibitors | Sponsors | Volunteers | Attendees | Speakers & Local Agencies
Questions for Exhibitors – Equipment, Suppliers, Consultant
Q: Where will the exhibition be held in Chicago?
~ A: The 2013 Congress and Exhibition will be held at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center (www.mccormickplace.com) at 23rd Street, located on Lake Michigan.
Q: Where do I find information on purchasing booth space at the 2013 Congress?
~ A: Contact Dana Priddy, APWA Director of Meetings, dpriddy@apwa.net
Q: How many people are expected to attend the congress?
~ A: Typically 8,000 delegates and exhibitors participate in the Congress and the Exhibition. We believe that Chicago, a world class city and the third largest metropolitan area in the United States will draw a much larger family audience due to the time of year and numerous attractions. Chicago is also among the top ten tourist attractions in the U.S. The Chicago Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the Association and we anticipate a large number of additional daily attendees for this Congress from the Midwest.
Questions for Sponsors
Q: How will sponsoring the 2013 Congress and Exposition benefit my company?
~ A: The name of your firm will be included in our published materials and advertisements, highlighting your donation and sponsorship level. Sponsorship opportunities will provide your firm exposure to Public Works Leaders and decision makers throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. It is also an opportunity to effectively reach large numbers of potential customers and to show your valued support for the Chicago Metro Chapter. As a friend of the Chicago Metro Chapter, your sponsorship will help make our Chapter’s event a great success!
Q: What will my donation be used for?
~ A: There are a wide variety of programs and activities that the host Chapter will be organizing, some of which are: entertainment, the International Guests Reception, a welcoming reception for the Board of Directors, transportation to and from McCormick Place, and the Get Acquainted Party on Sunday night, August 25th.
Q: What events or items are open for sponsorship?
~ A: In addition to the foregoing there are numerous a la carte opportunities: Delegate bags, door prizes, delegate gifts and mementoes, speakers gifts, etc. Go to the Be a Sponsor link for a complete listing.
Q: How much does it cost for a sponsorship?
~ A: There are several levels of sponsorships and events that are available, click on the Be a Sponsor link for more information.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
~ A: Contact the Finance Committee.
Questions for Volunteers
Q: What do you need volunteers for?
~ A: As local host, the Chicago Metro Chapter is responsible for providing support for many Congress and Exposition Activities. In previous Chicago Congress and Expositions we have always set the bar very high for commitment and participation. We expect 2013 to be no different. For every four hours you and your staff members volunteer, you will be entitled to four hours on the exhibit floor and the opportunity to attend education sessions. The APWA Congress and Exposition is the largest equipment show of its kind in the world.
Q: What volunteers are needed for the planning of the 2013 Congress?
~ A: The Chapter has established a Congress Planning Committee for event planning and fundraising for the event. Click on Volunteer and let us know you want to help with the work that is now under way.
Q: How much time will it take during the Congress?
~ A: We would request no less than 4-5 hours of actual volunteer time. Ideally, we would like to have volunteers commit to a full day which would be 8-10 hours depending upon travel.
Q: How many volunteers will be needed for the 2013 Congress?
~ A: It will take literally several hundred to accomplish our goals!
Q: What will volunteers be doing during the 2013 Congress?
~ A: The following are some examples of the help that will be required. We will need people to provide monitoring of the educational sessions, staffing of welcome centers at the main hotels, staffing of information assistance booths at O’Hare and Midway airports, stuffing delegate bags, ushers at the general sessions, and staffing of the Host Committee booth and Management office.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
~ A: Go to the Volunteer page, fill out the form and we will contact you.
Questions for Attendees
Q: When is the 2013 Congress?
~ A: The official dates are August 25th-28th. There is so much to do in Chicago that if you decide to come for Congress we recommend you extend your stay either a few days before or after. Chicago is a great place for a family vacation with many free or low cost attractions and museums, so remember to invite the kids and the grandkids. See our link on the attendees’ page for ideas.
Q: What will the weather be like in Chicago during the 2013 Congress?
~ A: 78-90 degrees on average, still summer in Chicago. Typically, this is the warmest and more humid part of August. Most activities are on the lake front and temperatures are always cooler.
Q: What hotels will be part of the APWA package?
~ A: The Chicago Hilton (720 South Michigan Ave.) and the Palmer House Hilton (17 East Monroe Street) are the two properties currently under contract. Additional hotels will be added as we get closer to the event.
Q: What is a typical cost for accommodations?
~ A: APWA was able to secure a rate of $165 per night with the Hilton for the 2013 Congress.
Q: How can I get to Chicago?
~ A: Planes (O’Hare & Midway Airports), Trains (Amtrak, METRA, CTA), and Automobiles (All roads lead to Chicago!)Transportation from the airport to downtown can be accomplished several ways; cabs ($50), livery ($20), and on the CTA ($5). If you are arriving during the day some visitors may want to try public transportation from the airports. The “Blue” line subway will take you from O’Hare to the LaSalle stop, where you can then walk east to the Hilton Towers. The “Orange” Line subway will take you from Midway to the Van Buren stop, where you can walk to the Hilton Towers (720 S. Michigan). Please see http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com for more detailed directions.
Q: How do I find out about museums, sporting events, or other outside activities?
~ A: Go on the attendee’s link for a wide variety of local information on sporting events, restaurants and attractions.
Questions for Speakers and Local Agency Showcase
Q: Where do I get information on speaking at the 2013 Congress?
~ A: The program is set 1 year ahead of the conference by a program committee that meets right after the previous Congress. Speakers submit an application downloaded from the APWA Website: www.apwa.net/callforpresentations. This application must be submitted to APWA for consideration.
Q: My community has a unique and challenging idea/project to share. Is there an opportunity at the 2013 Congress?
~ A: Local agencies within the Chicago Metro Chapter may submit a request to our Exhibits Committee for a booth at the 2013 Congress in the “Chapter Showcase”. Our committee will coordinate booths with National staff.
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