This year's event takes place at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, located on Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Formerly the Chicago Hilton & Towers, this magnificent hotel offers guests a beautiful lakeside, metropolitan setting in the center of Chicago's cultural campus, close to all the museums, theaters, and nightlife. Virtually everything to see and do in Chicago is only a short walk or cab ride away.

The Hilton Chicago is one of the city's premier luxury hotels. It has 1,543 guest rooms, including 13 specialty suites and The Towers, a private luxury hotel-within-the-hotel; three restaurants--including a signature steakhouse and authentic Irish pub; an outstanding athletic club with indoor lap pool, sun deck, and state-of-the art equipment; and a complete business center.

The hotel has its own parking garage, and there is ample additional parking within a comfortable walking distance. O'Hare Airport is 25 miles away and Midway Airport is 15 miles from the hotel. Built in 1927 as the world's largest, the Hilton Chicago went through a $185 million renovation in 1985, restoring the property to its original grandeur.

Our dinner takes place in the spectacular Grand Ballroom, on the mezzanine level. The Versailles-inspired ballroom has hosted kings and queens, not to mention every United States President since Truman. Colonial French oil paintings, ornate 22-carat gold leaf moldings, mirrors, and eight French brass and crystal chandeliers decorate the Grand Ballroom, making it Chicago's premier location for social and political events and even Hollywood movies (e.g., The Fugitive).

Unlike past years, we have not been able to reserve a block of rooms at the Hilton Chicago Hotel. You can call the hotel at 312/922-4400 to reserve a room, or contact other hotels in the area, including the

If you’d like a guide to alternative hotels, call Erica Lieberman at 312/377-4000 and she’ll send one to you.)