Are you ready to navigate the exciting world of WORKTECH23 Chicago? Whether you’re a first-time participant or an experienced conference-goer, this comprehensive guide will equip you with all the insider tips and strategies to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
At AVUITY, we’ve spent years attending and engaging in numerous conferences. Leveraging our wealth of experience and knowledge, we aim to provide you with a roadmap to making the most of WORKTECH23 Chicago. From pre-arrival preparations to exploring the dynamic local dining scene, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s embark on this journey to unlock the best of WORKTECH23 Chicago.
WORKTECH23 Chicago is a must-attend event for real estate and technology professionals. This conference is an unrivaled opportunity for learning, networking, and immersing yourself in the best that Chicago has to offer. And with our guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most out of it.
About WORKTECH23 Chicago
WORKTECH23 Chicago, set to kick off on July 19th, is not just another conference – it’s a nexus for innovation, thought leadership, and collaboration within the realm of work, real estate, technology, and innovation. It attracts a diverse spectrum of attendees, including senior professionals from real estate, facilities, HR, technology, executive management, architecture, design, and professional advisory services, all eager to learn from global thought leaders and share best practices.
With a focus on enhancing creativity and pushing forward-thinking, WORKTECH brings a wealth of innovative ideas and inspirational learning experiences to its community. Its one-day format ensures that participants can fully participate in each session, providing a seamless blend of insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and well-timed breaks.
The event begins with registration and pre-event networking at 8:30am, setting the tone for a day rich with knowledge sharing and connections. The intentional structuring of the day allows attendees to immerse themselves in the conference while also creating space for invaluable interactions with industry peers.
WORKTECH23 Chicago
Where: EY Wavespace Chicago
333 N Green St 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607
When: July 19th | 9:00am to 4:30pm
registration starts at 8:30am
Preparations Before You Arrive
When it comes to making the most out of WORKTECH23 Chicago, a little preparation goes a long way. Since this conference is only one day, you’ll want to show up ready to network!
- Understand the Event Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the conference agenda. This will allow you to know when and where key sessions, breaks, and networking events will take place. Even though WORKTECH23 Chicago is designed for attendees to participate in all sessions, knowing the day’s flow can help you plan better.
- Set Clear Objectives: Identify what you want to achieve from the conference. Whether it’s learning about specific topics, meeting industry leaders, or finding potential partners, having clear goals can guide your activities during the event.
- Research Participants and Speakers: Take a look at the list of speakers and attendees. If there are people you’re interested in meeting, do some research on their work and plan some points of discussion. This could greatly enrich your interactions at the conference. Attendees already confirmed for this event include senior workplace, CRE, HR and technology professionals from Oracle, McDonald’s, Stripe, WTW, Shell, Brown-Forman Corporation, Mondelez International, Northwestern University, Google, Uber, Salesforce, The Trade Desk and many more
- Prepare Your Introduction: You’ll likely meet a lot of new people at the conference. Be ready to introduce yourself clearly and quickly. Having a succinct “elevator pitch” about who you are and what you do can help make a strong first impression.
- Pack Smart: Pack everything you’ll need – business cards, a notepad or digital device for notes, a phone charger, and anything else you might need. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the event and the Chicago summer weather. There is currently a chance of rain for Wednesday, so bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case.
- Plan Your Travel and Accommodation: Make sure you have all your travel details sorted out. This includes your flight, your accommodation, and how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel and to the conference venue. Planning these logistics ahead of time will help prevent any last-minute stress.
Dressing for Chicago Summers
Chicago may have a reputation for being windy and rainy, but this is July. When it comes to dressing for a business conference in Chicago during July, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between professionalism and comfort. Summer in Chicago can be warm with temperatures typically ranging from the 70s to 80s, but remember, the conference venue will likely be air-conditioned, which can make indoor conditions cooler. Consider business casual attire – a neat, polished look that maintains an element of comfort for the summer heat. For men, this might be lightweight slacks paired with a collared shirt, and for women, a comfortable dress, skirt, or trousers with a blouse or lightweight blazer could be ideal. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as conferences often involve a good deal of standing and walking. Lastly, consider packing a light sweater or blazer – it can be a lifesaver when moving between the outdoor heat and the air-conditioned interiors.
Essential Supplies and Where to Buy Them in Chicago
Forget something? First check with your hotel front desk as hotels are carrying more and more items (sometimes complimentary, sometimes for purchase), but if they can’t help you, there are actually several pharmacies located near the conference venue, The EY Wavespace. There’s a CVS about 4 blocks away and a Walgreens a little farther.
Dining Near EY Wavespace Chicago
One of the best parts of attending a conference in a city like Chicago is exploring its vibrant food scene. From quick coffee runs to impressive dinner spots for business meetings, here are our top five picks within walking distance of your conference venue.
Our Top 5 Restaurants Near EY WaveSpace Chicago
- Aba has a diverse menu with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece including rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits. Open for dinner.
- Inspired by Barcelona’s lively tapas scene, Boqueria Fulton Market serves up traditional Spanish dishes, seasonal specials, and an eclectic selection of cocktails. The venue boasts a vibrant, modern ambiance, making it an exciting spot to indulge in Spanish cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner.
- Duck Duck Goat has a creative and unique atmosphere. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, spring rolls, and more. Open for dinner (lunch weekends only).
- The Publican offers a unique, rustic menu inspired by farmhouse cuisine within an ambiance reminiscent of a European beer hall. Its commitment to sustainable farming and fishing is highlighted through a rotating menu that showcases fresh, local ingredients. Open all day.
- Carnivale has been a staple of the West Loop’s dining scene in Chicago since its inception in 2005. Its vibrant offerings include Latin fusion cuisine, unique cocktails, and distinctive desserts, all influenced by the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico, South America, and Central America. The venue’s rich decor and exclusive artwork create a festive atmosphere that turns every dining experience into a celebration. Open for dinner.
Need something quick? Foxtrot is a one-stop-shop where you can jump-start your day with specialty coffee, pick up fresh salads from the grab n’ go section, discover a new beer or your favorite wine from their curated selection, and even find the perfect gift from their varied collection. Foxtrot is also a great place to get some work done. Open all day.
Bonus fun pick: Punch Bowl Social Chicago, located in the Fulton Market District, is a sprawling 30,000-square-foot venue that’s transformed from a meatpacking factory into an adult playground. It’s the ideal place to enjoy delectable cuisine, indulge in craft cocktails, and partake in games like shuffleboard, marbles, ping pong, bocce, virtual reality, or bowling — all with a hearty dash of confidence. Open late morning to late night.
Don’t forget to try a Chicago-style hot dog and a slice of deep dish pizza while you’re visiting the Windy City! Ask a local where their favorite spot is. You won’t regret it!
Meeting and Working in Chicago
Finding a quiet space to catch up on work or hold meetings during a busy conference day can be challenging.
Fortunately, many of the hotels nearby have business centers that you can use. The Hoxton has a coworking space and there are also several cafes near EY Wavespace that can easily serve as a place to meet for coffee or lunch.
Our top pick is Beatrix. Beatrix is a local coffeehouse and restaurant that is open all day and serves as a popular gathering spot. It offers a perfect blend of health-conscious and delectable options on its menu and is a great place to network.
Transportation Options During Your EY Wavespace Chicago Conference
Chicago is a big city with a lot to offer, so it’s important to know how to get around. Navigating Chicago during your conference visit is straightforward with the city’s diverse range of public and private transport options.
Metra Rail
This high-speed commuter train provides efficient connections from the outskirts to downtown Chicago. It’s a quick and simple way to reach the city center.
Taxis
Taxis are an ever-present fixture in Chicago. You can conveniently hail one on the street or utilize CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB for e-hailing and e-payment. These apps offer an added convenience of cashless transactions. Also, rest assured that all taxis in the city accept credit card payments.
Ridesharing Services
For a more personalized transport option, you can use ridesharing services like Lyft or Uber. Simply download the respective app, input your current location and destination, compare the fares, and request your ride. It’s an easy way to get exactly where you need to go on your schedule.
Chicago Water Taxis
For a unique commuting experience, the Chicago Water Taxi service by Wendella Boats and the Shoreline Water Taxi service by Shoreline Sightseeing are excellent choices. They offer a unique blend of sightseeing and transportation, connecting you to top tourist destinations including Chinatown, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue, Union Station, and Navy Pier. Check out the fares and route maps for the Chicago Water Taxi and Shoreline Water Taxi online to plan your journey.
Transportation From O’Hare to EY Wavespace Chicago
If you’re flying into O’Hare International Airport, you’ll be about 50 minutes from EY Wavespace depending on traffic. There are several ways to get there.
The fastest (and least expensive) way is actually to take the Metra Rail Blue Line (schedule). The closest stop to O’Hare is only about a block away and it drops you off a few blocks from EY Wavespace. It’s a 45 minute ride and runs every 8 minutes.
If you’re looking for door to door service, a taxi ride is around $40, but depending on traffic the times can vary and are almost always longer than the Metra Rail.
If you choose to use a rideshare like Uber or Lyft instead, just be aware that the fares are dependent on the time of day.
Transportation From Midway to EY Wavespace Chicago
Midway International Airport is a little closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare is, but it still takes about the same amount of time to get there. The Metra Rail Orange Line (schedule) provides service to downtown Chicago, but won’t get you as close to EY Wavespace.
Taxis and rideshare services are a good option from Midway to EY Wavespace. Taxi fares are still around $40 and take anywhere from 30-45 minutes (or more with traffic). Rideshare fares vary.
Experience the Iconic Chicago Skyline
Chicago boasts a skyline that’s nothing short of an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the likes of the iconic Wrigley Building, 875 N. Michigan Ave. (previously known as the John Hancock Center), Willis Tower, and the Tribune Building, whose facade is studded with stones from worldwide historic structures such as the Taj Mahal and the Parthenon.
To truly appreciate these modern and historic wonders, consider an architecture boat cruise along the Chicago River or on Lake Michigan. After the cruise, the Chicago Architecture Center offers captivating exhibits on topics such as the origin of the skyscraper and the consequences of the Great Chicago Fire.
For an aerial view, step onto the glass-bottomed Ledge at Skydeck Chicago in Willis Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Alternatively, visit the 94th floor at 360 CHICAGO, where you can experience the unique thrill ride TILT.
Wrapping Up Your WORKTECH23 Chicago Experience
As you prepare to conclude your enriching journey at WORKTECH23 Chicago, remember to take the opportunity to reflect on the innovative ideas, inspirations, and best practices you’ve encountered. As a forum that integrates various sectors like real estate, technology, and innovation, the learnings and insights gained here are invaluable.
Be sure to stay connected with the professional acquaintances you’ve made during networking sessions, and consider how you might collaborate in the future. As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, we hope you found it useful in navigating the conference, enjoying Chicago, and creating a memorable WORKTECH23 experience. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
This guide was brought to you by AVUITY. Stop by our table at WORKTECH23 and say hello to Jay Berkemeyer or Sarah Holmes. Subscribe to our newsletter for a free copy of our keynotes from the conference.
