March Meet Chicago Update: March 16-19 2023.
We need to sell 148 more rooms by Feb 22 in order to plan a 2024 meet. The hotel computer issues has been resolved. If there are any future problems with registrations, please let us know before booking with another hotel. While their system should be easier and more problem free, it isn’t and unfortunately it’s something we need to navigate through from time to time. We check our email daily: ChicagoMeet@yahoo.com
We have over 200 tables sold, with another 100 to go.
New for 2023, the Hotel Shuttle will pick up March Meet Attendees at the Lombard Metra Station Stop (Union Pacific West Line) and the Downers Grove Metra Station Stop (BNSF Line). The Hotel Shuttle operates within 5 miles of the Westin Hotel and departs every 30 minutes. Guest choosing to use the shuttle for Metra Station pick ups will need to contact the Bell Hop Stand prior to arrival at 630-719-8000. We will update our HOTEL and TRAVEL page of our website as soon as possible to include this information.
We're looking forward to Ted Schnepf's Operating Session Noon-5 on Thursday. This will be a full session not the short session he normally hosts. A few other folks will also have their layouts open Thursday for those traveling in.
Dealer Set up will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday just like last year. The earlier than usual start time was well receive in 2022. As always, this is for set up only; no trading allowed.
Please attempt to attend the Friday evening meetings. The two meeting room will be combined this year, so there will be plenty of seating. The more people who attend and participate the more fun it is for everybody.
Saturday will be the typical trading/clinic/social day with 20,000 sq ft of space in addition to the clinic room space. We’re close to finalizing the Clinic Schedule, so check the website periodically. This year’s Operating Display will be the Detroit Model Railroad Club’s new portable layout.
New for 2023 will be a Cash Bar / Social sponsored by O Scale Central, Saturday evening 6-midnight. This will be held in the Foyer and will give O Scalers a chance to socialize without the noise of the Hotel Bar. Doug Meyer is working with Dan Dawdy to have a Model and Model Railroad photo presentation running in the background for ambiance. O Scale Central would like us to note that no dues money is being used for this part of the event. Any cost associated with same is 100% donor funded.
Sunday will be shorter than usual in order to allow the hotel to set up for the next event. That being the case we will begin at 0830 in the trading hall and begin teardown at noon.
We still have room to add local layouts to the Layout Tour Schedule. It’s always nice to see new layouts.
We have Friday afternoon wide open for anybody who would like to use the Meeting/Clinic Room for meet and greets, club meetings, board meetings etc. There is no charge for using this space.
We update our website regularly. We have pages for the General Schedule, Registration, Meeting and Clinics, Layout Tours, Vendor List and Hotel Information. Most areas have been updated recently, so be sure to visit periodically. www.MarchMeet.net
