AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING THOROUGHLY AND BRING
THE ENCLOSED CLAIM CHECK TO CHICAGO
WELCOME
Thank you for choosing to participate in the 2009 ABA Annual Meeting. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Chicago this summer. You’re already registered for the meeting so here are a few helpful reminders to make the meeting a great experience for you:
Most CLE Programs have a program. Visit www.abanet.org/annual/2009 or check the Annual Meeting Program Book for program fees. Additional CLE tickets or an All-Access CLE Badge can be purchased on-site at ABA Registration. Unused CLE Tickets will be refunded until October 16, 2009.
The All-Access CLE Badge can be used for admittance to governance meetings, non-CLE programs and All CLE programs at the Annual Meeting, including those in the Presidential CLE Centre.
All registrants and guests must wear their ABA Name Badges to all Annual Meeting events.
ABA EXPO
The ABA EXPO features an array of quality legal vendors with you and your practice in mind. Browse through the latest legal products and services, test drive software and office products before you buy. ABA Member Benefit Providers will exhibit the latest money saving products and services available only to ABA members. Visit the ABA EXPO in Riverside Center, Purple Level, East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago
EXPO Hours
| Thursday, July 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday, July 31 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Reception | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
HOTEL INFORMATION
If you have indicated any special housing needs, you should remind the hotel front desk staff at check-in. Special requests are accommodated based on availability.
As noted on the ABA registration form and on your confirmation from Travel Planners, arrangements have been made with your assigned hotel to reserve your room based on a credit card guarantee.
Failure to check into your hotel on your scheduled day of arrival will result in a “no-show” and forfeiture of your reservation. One night’s room and tax will be charged to the credit card you provided Travel Planners to guarantee your hotel reservation. The hotel will then try to accommodate late arrivals on a space-available basis.
Stays beyond the hotel’s posted checkout time on your scheduled day of departure may result in additional charges.
If you need to CHANGE your hotel reservations IN ANY WAY, it will be necessary to CONTACT THE HOTEL DIRECTLY beginning Friday, July 24. Please direct your inquiry to the hotel reservations department and inform them that your reservation has been confirmed as part of the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and provide them with your hotel confirmation number.
Cancellation requests must be received by the hotel at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled day of arrival. Failure to cancel prior to 72 hours or failure to check-in on the scheduled arrival date will result in a one night’s room and tax charge to your credit card. When you cancel your reservation, you should also note the date and time you called, with whom you spoke, and obtain a cancellation number.
Hotels may charge a penalty if you check out earlier than originally scheduled. If your plans change and you need to depart earlier than anticipated, please inform your hotel immediately to avoid additional charges.
Stays beyond the hotel’s posted checkout time on your scheduled day of departure may result in additional charges.
PRESIDENTIAL CLE CENTRE
The Presidential CLE Centre will be held in the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The Presidential CLE Centre offers more than 130 CLE accredited programs covering all areas of practice, giving attendees the opportunity to earn more than a year’s worth of CLE credit. Programming at the Centre begins Thursday, July 30 and concludes Sunday, August 2.
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Admission Policy
Admission to programs in the Presidential CLE Centre will require your ABA Name Badge, a CLE ticket or an All-Access CLE Badge.
CLE Tickets and All-Access CLE Badge
All CLE tickets and All-Access CLE Badges that were purchased in advance should be picked up along with your Name Badge at ABA Registration. Additional CLE tickets or an All-Access CLE Badge may be purchased on-site at ABA Registration.
REGISTRATION
ABA Registration will be located in Riverside Center, Purple Level, East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago. Each registrant must check in at ABA Registration and present the enclosed CDS claim check to receive his or her name badge, tickets and registration kit.
ABA Registration Hours
| Thursday, July 30 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday, July 31 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, August 1 | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, August 2 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Monday, August 3 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, August 4 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Registrants for the IOLTA Workshops, National Association for Bar Executives, National Conference of Bar Presidents or National Conference of Bar Foundations Meetings, please see the enclosed claim check copy for your registration information.
Stay Connected at the ABA Annual Meeting
Take your ABA 2009 Annual Meeting experience to the next level. Below are several ways to engage around the meeting, before, during, and after your visit to Chicago.
Twitter: Get regular updates by following on Twitter! Our official twitter handle is twitter.com/ABAChicago and our twitter hashtag is #ABAChicago.
Blog Aggregator: Are you planning on blogging around Annual? If so, be sure to tag your posts with ABAChicago. You can read an aggregation of all ABA Annual 2009 coverage at
http://new.abanet.org/annual/socialmedia.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thursday, July 30
Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. Riverside Center, Purple Level, East Tower
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Saturday, August 1
Rule of Law Initiative Luncheon
12:00 Noon
Crystal Ballroom, Green Level, West Tower
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Ticketed Event: $95 for General Attendees,
$70 for Young Lawyers, $50 for Law Students
Opening Assembly
5:30 p.m.
(Doors Open at 4:45 p.m.)
Symphony Center
Admission by Badge Only
President’s Reception
7:00 p.m.
Art Institute of Chicago – New Modern Wing
Ticketed Event: $50 for Adults
$25 for children (under 18)
Sunday, August 2
19th Annual Margaret Brent Women
Lawyers of Achievement Awards Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Imperial Ballroom, B-2 Level
Fairmont Chicago
Ticketed Event: $125
Monday, August 3
ABA House of Delegates
9:00 a.m.
Grand Ballroom, Gold Level, East Tower
Hyatt Regency Chicago
ABA Pro Bono Publico Awards Luncheon
12:00 Noon
Crystal Ballroom B, Green Level, West Tower
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Ticketed Event: $65
Tuesday, August 4
ABA House of Delegates
9:00 a.m.
Grand Ballroom, Gold Level, East Tower
Hyatt Regency Chicago
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Chicago is serviced by O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago or approximately one-hour (during rush hour) away from the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel via taxicab or limousine. The average one way cab fare from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is $50-$55 (plus tip). Midway Airport is approximately 12 miles or approximately 45 minutes from downtown Chicago. The average one way cab fare from Midway to downtown Chicago is $35-$35 (plus tip).
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers train service directly from both O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. Base subway fare is $2.25. For more information, call 312-836-7000 or log on to www.transitchicago.com.
GO Airport Express
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Shuttles depart from O’Hare airport every 10-15 minutes for downtown Chicago hotels and businesses. Loading zones for boarding the Airport Express van are located at Door 1E, Door 2D, and Door 3E across from baggage claim on the Baggage Claim level. At the International Terminal, Airport Express is located just outside Door 1E, which is just outside the baggage claim and Customs. The last Airport Express van leaves O’Hare at 11:30 p.m. seven nights a week. Airport Express Ticket Counters for purchasing tickets are located at Door IE, Door 2D, and Door 3F lower level across from baggage claim. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DOWNTOWN CHICAGO. One-way ticket from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is $27; $49 round-trip; Pair fair (Couple/2 People Together) $19 one way; $35.00 round-trip.
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Shuttles depart from Midway airport every 15 minutes for downtown Chicago hotels and businesses. The Airport Express ticket counter and loading zone for boarding the Airport Express van is located at Door 3, lower level across from baggage claim. The last Airport Express van leaves Midway at 10:30 p.m. seven nights a week. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DOWNTOWN CHICAGO. One-way ticket from Midway to downtown Chicago is $22; $39 round-trip; Pair fair (Couple/2 People Together) $15 one way; $27 round-trip.
For more information visit www.airportexpress.com or to speak to a reservation agent call 888/284-3826.
ABA SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
Shuttle Bus Service will be provided during the Annual Meeting between the Hyatt Regency Chicago and ABA Annual Meeting hotels. The ABA Shuttle Bus Schedule outlined below offers service approximately every 20-40 minutes.
| Thursday, July 30 | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, July 31 | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, August 1 | 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.* |
| Sunday, August 2 | 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Monday, August 3 | 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday, August 4 | 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
There will be two Shuttle Bus Routes. The
Michigan Avenue Route will make stops at the Drake and InterContinental hotels before returning to the Hyatt. The River Route will make stops at the Renaissance Chicago and ABA Headquarters/Westin River North before returning to the Hyatt.
OPENING ASSEMBLY AND PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION
Beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 1,
Symphony Center will be added as an additional stop to the Michigan Avenue Route to transport members and guests to the
Opening Assembly. At 6:30 p.m., the
Modern Wing at
The Art Institute will be added as an additional stop to the Michigan Avenue Route to transport members and guests attending the
President’s Reception. Shuttles will run from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
MOBILITY IMPAIRED TRANSPORTATION
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are proud to offer wheelchair accessible coaches during the days and times of the ABA Shuttle Service. It is necessary to make reservations for this service by calling
In the Loop Chicago at
866/310-8845. Please call 24-hours in advance to make your reservation and allow for an approximate 20 minute wait time.
Hertz Car Rental
Special car rental rates are available for the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The special daily, weekly and weekend rates are available in Chicago from one week before through one week after the meeting. Advance reservations are suggested and can be easily made by calling the Hertz toll-free Convention Desk at 800/654-2240. Inform the Hertz agent that you are attending the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The identification number for this meeting is
CV# 03M40009. With Hertz you not only get a low rate, you also get the great services that make Hertz #1, including Computerized Driving Directions, Emergency Road Service, Express Return, the Hertz #1 Club and an opportunity to join Hertz #1 Club Gold Service.
ABA TOUR TRANSPORTATION
Comfortable, air-conditioned bus transportation will be provided for most of the events and tours. All tours will depart promptly from the West Lobby Entrance of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled tour departure time.
ABA SOURCE
All sections and other ABA entities have been invited to provide membership information and other materials for display at ABA SOURCE. Representatives from select entities will be present to show members first-hand the great variety of member benefits. ABA Publications, tapes and a variety of other products will be available at ABA SOURCE for purchase. The ABA SOURCE will be located in the ABA EXPO in Riverside Center, Purple Level, East Tower, Hyatt Regency Chicago.
ABA SOURCE Hours
| Thursday, July 30 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday, July 31 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
TERMS & CONDITIONS
ABA TOUR PROGRAM
Chicago Annual Meeting registrants can purchase tickets to ABA Tours at www.itlc.biz/ABA2009.
Changes, Updates and Make Your Hotel Reservations
For address updates, to review your registration information, to have your confirmation resent, use XpressReg Update! This new service offers you the ability to review your existing registration or to add ticketed functions, make changes to your information on file, check on the status of your badge, invite a colleague or friend to register, get a copy of your registration receipt or resend your confirmation message to someone and make your hotel Reservation. www.xpressreg.net/register/abaa079/xpresstoolkit/
SPECIAL RATES FROM HERTZ
Special car rental rates are available for the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The special daily, weekly and weekend rates are available in Chicago from one week before through one week after the meeting. Advance reservations are suggested and can be easily made by calling the Hertz toll-free Convention Desk at 800-654-2240. Tell the reservationists you will be attending the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The identification number for this meeting is CV# 03M40009. With Hertz you not only get a low rate, you also get the great services that make Hertz #1, including Computerized Driving Directions, Emergency Road Service, Express Return, the Hertz #1 Club and an opportunity to join Hertz #1 Club Gold Service.
AIRFARE DISCOUNTS
ABA AIRFARE DISCOUNTS- AVAILABLE ONLINE!
With ABA Orbitz for Business, you can automatically obtain ABA negotiated airfare discounts for travel to the Annual Meeting. ABA Orbitz for Business enables you to purchase the best airfare at the time of your reservation by providing you with the ability to search for and compare fares from virtually every airline servicing the destination. For assistance with ABA Orbitz for Business online or offline reservations, call (877) 222-4185. ABA Orbitz for Business is available online at www.abanet.org/annual/2009 > ABA Online Travel > Self Paid Travel. ABA discounts can also be obtained directly from the carrier: American: Call 800-433-1790 code 20348; United: Call 800-521-4041 code 578IG; Continental: Call 800-468-7022 Z code ZFD2 - Agreement code BWRKNY. Continental discounts are also available at www.continental.com > enter ZFD2BWRKNY in the “offer code box”.
ABA REGISTRATION CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
All requests for registration cancellations must be submitted in writing. Registration fees will be refunded, minus a $50 processing fee for cancellations, substitutions or transfers.
Cancellations must be sent in writing by email to abanet@xpressreg.net; by fax to 508-759-4552; or by mail to ABA/CDS/Travel Planners, Chicago 2009, 107 Waterhouse Road, Borne, MA 02532. Please include your badge I.D. number on all correspondence. All cancellation requests must be accompanied by an explanation for cancellation. All requests for registration cancellations must be received by August 31, 2009 to receive a refund. There is no fee for cancelled guest registration(s). President's Reception tickets are refundable up to 72 hours in advance of the event.
Unused CLE tickets are fully refundable until October 16, 2009. Unused CLE tickets, along with a request for a refund, must be sent to the ABA Meetings and Travel Department, 16th Floor, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654.
No cash refunds will be made on-site in Chicago. Credit card refunds will be processed immediately and may take up to two billing cycles to appear on your statement. Requests for cash or check refunds on-site at the Annual Meeting will be processed after the conclusion of the meeting.
HOTEL CANCELLATION POLICY
Your reservation must be cancelled no later than 3:00 PM local hotel time, 72 hours prior to arrival in order to avoid a cancellation penalty of 1 night's room and tax. Departures prior to the departure date confirmed by the hotel at check-in will result in a charge of $100.