Session Directory and Schedule
The 2013 Schedule and Directory are available! A link to an online version will be sent via email to registered participants the week prior to the event with a schedule builder feature.
Hotel & Travel
All event activities will be held at the:
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605 MAY 16th UPDATE: The Hilton Chicago is currently SOLD OUT and we can no longer take reservations or accommodate waitlist requests. If you need accommodations, please plan to make your own arrangements for accommodations.
The event room rate is USD $171 single/double. Currently, a 16.4% tax is in effect. The current US government rate is $171 and may be adjusted to the prevailing rate in effect during the event dates before May 2013. A limited number of rooms are available at this rate. Please have your US government ID available at hotel check-in for the hotel registration staff to verify your eligibility.
IMPORTANT: For the 2013 event, at this hotel, the IBM event room rate does include daily access to the Internet connection in the sleeping room. Please note that no charge for in-room Internet is only available for event attendees who make their hotel reservation through the IBM event enrollment system and not with reservations made directly with the hotel or other travel reservation services. IBM has a limited number of rooms available in this block and all attendees are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible.
Please note that special room rates are only available through IBM at the time you enroll while supply lasts. Your lodging reservation should be made as part of the enrollment for the event while supply lasts. Your reservation, if available, will be guaranteed for late arrival with your credit card number. If you enroll after all event rooms are booked you will need to make your own lodging arrangements. In-room Internet charges will apply for reservations made outside the IBM block at the hotel and at other hotels so it’s recommended you enroll for the event early and make your room reservation while you are enrolling. A limited number of rooms are available for stays 3 days prior before and 3 days after the event dates at the above rates. These rooms are on a space-available basis at this rate.
Hotel room cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours prior to arrival date. Cancellations made after 12:01 am on the day of arrival will be subject to one night’s room & tax. Check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM. Please refer to the event Cancellation/No Show Policy prior to enrolling. If you are canceling within two weeks of the conference start date, the full conference fee will apply.
The hotel is 100% non-smoking.
Travel
Attendees are responsible for travel arrangements and expenses. The nearest airports are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Arrivals should be planned for Sun, 19 May 2013 and departures for after 2 pm local time on Thu, 23 Jul 2013. Please be aware the next day is the weekend leading in to the US Memorial Day holiday.
Ground Transportation
- From Chicago-O’Hare International Airport (18 miles from hotel) the typical minimum charge for taxi transportation is $30.00. Subway/Rail cost is $2.25. When taking public transportation to the Hilton Chicago from O'Hare International Airport, take CTA BLUE LINE TRAIN (TO 54TH/CERMAK) to JACKSON/DEARBORN then walk 0.6 mile (5 blocks) Southeast to 720 S MICHIGAN AVE.
- From Chicago Midway Airport (12 miles from hotel) the typical minimum charge for taxi transportation is $25.00. Subway/Rail cost is $2.25. When taking public transportation from Midway Airport to the Hilton Chicago, take CTA ORANGE LINE TRAIN (ORANGE LINE) to ROOSEVELT then walk 0.5 mile (5 blocks) North to 720 S MICHIGAN AVE.
- Another option is the GO Airport Express which runs approximately every 15 minutes from both airports. From O’Hare it is $22.00 one way, $49.00 roundtrip (last departure 11:30 pm) and from Midway it is $22.00 one way, $39.00 roundtrip (last departure 10:30 pm). Reservations for the shuttle service are not required but are suggested. For private sedan service, reservations are required. For more information, including exact pick up points, and to make reservations, visit their website or call 800-654-7871.
- Hotel Parking costs are Self Parking: $45.00 (12-24 Hours) and Valet Parking: $57.00.
- To arrange Limousine/Town Car transportation contact Access Destination Services at (312) 786-6267.
- For assistance with return transportation to either airport, please see the hotel concierge or confirm pick up scheduling with GO Airport Express. Taxis are staged at the main lobby entrance.
- All prices are in USD and subject to change. Please visit the hotel's website for driving directions and additional details.
Planning your travel
Airlines have had numerous policy and fee changes recently. Updates on carrier policies, fees for baggage and other changes can be found on the airline's website. The latest security information for travelers can be found on the TSA website
Attendees from countries needing visa invitation letters for travel to the US should send a note to ils@us.ibm.com to initiate a visa invitation letter request. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization
All IBM employees traveling internationally are required to complete an assessment using the Immigration Determination Tool (IDT). Please go to the Travel page of your country’s Intranet site and search “IDT”. Upon receipt of approval, please send the approval in a note to ils@us.ibm.com with your date of hire, your job title and your arrival and departure dates.
Take advantage of IBM discounted airfares
IBM Business Partners and clients from within the US, or to the US from Canada, can take advantage of IBM's discounted travel fares. To check fares, and make reservations, please contact our travel program administrator, American Express Group Travel at 1-800-235-9426, option #7 then option #3 to book air reservations. The hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST Monday through Friday. Please reference Program Number 6965020281.
IBM employees in North America may use the above method (instead of OTR) for making travel reservations. There is no charge for calling American Express Group Travel for their booking services when there is a program number for a group event. The air fare will be charged to your IBM Corporate Credit Card.
Attire
Suggested dress for all conference functions is business casual. It is recommended you bring a light sweater or jacket for your personal comfort as temperatures can vary in meeting rooms. Weather in Chicago (zip code 60605) can vary and it is recommended you check your favorite weather site prior to departing for the conference.
Planning your stay in Chicago
For more information about the Chicago area, please visit Choose Chicago.