2024 TDU Convention Logistics

The 2024 TDU Convention, Nov 1-3 in Chicago is almost here. Read below for details on schedule, getting there, hotel, food, and more.

Click Here: 2024 TDU Convention Program

Program

Click here to get the complete schedule of workshops, main sessions, and speakers for our gathering Nov. 1-3 in Chicago.

"Which Workshop Do I Go To?"

The TDU Convention features more than 30 workshops. We’ve broken them down into different categories to help you choose. Click here for the Workshop Guide.

Convention Logistics

Read below for reminders on schedule, getting there, hotel reservations, and food.

The Schedule

Convention registration opens Friday morning at 10:00 am. Workshops begin at 1:00 pm and run through the afternoon, followed by a banquet dinner program.

On Saturday morning, registration opens at 8:00 am. Our first session will begin at 9:30 am. Workshops and programs will be held all day and into the evening, including a Saturday night banquet.

On Sunday morning, we will have workshops from 9:00 am to 1:45 pm. The closing session of the Convention will end around 2:45 pm.

If you have any questions regarding the Convention or your registration, email us at [email protected].

Getting There

The Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare is located at 5440 N River Rd, Rosemont IL 60018.

We are encouraging people to take a taxi or rideshare from the airport. It’s cheap and will be more efficient than the overloaded hotel shuttle.

There are Taxi Stands at the lower level curb front (outside of Baggage Claim) at each terminal.

Loading zones for Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) services at O’Hare Airport are at the following locations:

Terminal 2 - waiting area Upper Level between Door 2A and Door 2E
BLACK Zone A - Outside North of vestibule 2A
BLUE Zone B - Outside vestibule 2A
ORANGE Zone C - Outside vestibule 2B
GREEN Zone D - Outside vestibule 2E

Hotel Shuttle

The Crowne Plaza has a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. It runs every 30 minutes, departing from the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare at the top of every hour and 30 minutes later. The shuttle will arrive at the airport around 10-15 minutes after. Shuttles depart from the Bus/Shuttle Center, Door 2.

Double-check that your shuttle’s destination is the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare.

Parking: Discounted $15.00/car either overnight or day parking.

We will have passes for the discounted parking at the registration table.

Your Hotel Reservation

We want to make sure that your room is correctly reserved. Please let us know right away of any changes in your arrival or departure date to make sure your room will be available when you need it.

Hotel check-in time is 3pm. People can check in earlier if rooms are available. Ask the front desk when you arrive.

If you are sharing a room, make sure we have that information to allow for easy check-in. Contact TDU, not the Crowne Plaza, with any reservation changes: [email protected].

Hotel Checkout

Hotel checkout time is by noon. Take your luggage to the main lobby when checking out. The hotel will hold your luggage for you until the end of the Convention. You can print your boarding pass at the free computers in the Business Center on the first floor.

Food Information

Full Convention registration includes dinner on Friday and Saturday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Free sandwiches will be served before each of the Friday workshop sessions. Grab one and make it to the workshop on time.

In between mealtimes, there will be food available for purchase at restaurants within the hotel.

If you have special food needs such as food allergies let us know right away and we will do our best to accommodate you. Email [email protected].

Setting TDU's Course for 2025

We will elect the TDU Steering Committee for the coming year and vote on a resolution to set our priorities and plans for 2025.

You must be a TDU member in good standing to vote at the Convention. Join today!

Hotel Map

Use this map to find your way to workshops and main sessions during the Convention. Click here for the full-size image.