About Chicago
Listen closely on any evening in Chicago and you'll hear the sounds of people having fun!
At legendary lounges, piano bars, and other great venues, the city pulses with the beat of countless live performances of jazz, mainstream and indie rock, folk and country, world music, and - of course-blues. After all, Chicago is the official home of the blues.
No matter what genre you favor — pop, rap, hip hop, bluegrass, Celtic, R&B, electronica, gospel, soul, or salsa — you'll find it in this city that loves music. And if the music makes you feel like you just can't sit still, step out at one of the city's sizzling dance clubs.
Follow the sounds of laughter to one of Chicago's outstanding comedy clubs. Modern improv was born in Chicago. Today the celebrated The Second City, which has produced comic greats since 1959, and ComedySportz deliver the fastest, funniest, and smartest improv you'll ever witness.
If it's bowling or billiards you want, or simply a cocktail at one of hundreds of trendy city lounges, neighborhood hot spots, or sports bars, you'll find it all nearby. And did we mention world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile?
Accessibility
With Chicago being one of the most accessible cities in the world, getting to ECA MarketPlace 2009 will be a snap. With two major international airports and an expansive public transportation system, Chicago has the resources to get you where you need to go, when you need to get there.
Details
Airport Information
As North America's only dual hub for commercial air travel, the city is easy to get to from virtually anywhere. Chicago's premier location translates into real convenience for everyone and a better business opportunity for you!
- O'Hare International and Midway International Airports offer 3,500 flights a day. Included among those flights are direct non-stops to 60 international and 154 domestic business centers - more than any other city in the world.
- Over 50 different airlines service Chicago, helping make flights in and out of the city less expensive than most major U.S. cities.
City Transportation
Chicago's a big city, but it's remarkably easy to get around. Once in Chicago, transportation is readily available, whether taxicabs, limousines, public transportation or rental cars are preferred.
- GO Airport Express: We hope you will choose GO Airport Express for your transportation needs! GO Airport Express, a service of Continental Air Transport, shuttles more than 1 million passengers every year from Chicago's airports to downtown and suburban hotels and the McCormick Place. Click here for discounted shuttle trips to and from the Drake Hotel.
- Taxis: Chicago has the second largest fleet of taxis in the nation, with approximately 6,900 cabs.
- Discounts: Taxis offer discounted shared rides between McCormick Place, Midway and O’Hare International and downtown.
- McCormick Place provides more than 8,000 parking spaces.
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers fast, direct train service from both airports to downtown, convenient bus and train lines to major attractions, simple fare cards, easy-to-use maps and brochures, and custom trip planning for groups. You can also plan your trip online!
- The Metra commuter rail operates 12 commuter rail lines into downtown Chicago from the six-county area of northeast Illinois.
- Shuttles: Airport Express runs a nine-passenger shuttle round trip to and from O'Hare Airport and can be reached at www.airportexpress.com. The shuttle service runs 365 days a year, and for one person the cost is $28.00 one way, $49.00 round trip. A group of two will cost $19.00 per person one way and $35.00 per person round trip. A reservation is not necessary, though you can book a reservation with your credit card. The blue and white van stops at the baggage level, Terminal 1 Door E, Terminal 2 Door D, Terminal 3 Door F. You pay the driver cash or go to the desk in Terminal 3 baggage area to pay with a credit card.
Click here to find out more about Chicago, the City of Broad Shoulders.
