The Hotel
All DySPAN 2008 sessions and social events take place in the conference hotel, the Milennium Knickerbocker Hotel.
Important Notice
The IEEE Communications Society has contractual obligations to fill guaranteed guest room blocks at this hotel. Significant financial penalties will be assessed the Society should DySPAN 2008 fall short of the expected number of rooms guaranteed. By staying at this hotel, you'll enjoy logistical conveniences and additional networking opportunities in valued support of IEEE ComSoc's financial obligations.
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago
163 East Walton Place
@ North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
USA 60611
Telephone: +1 (312) 751-8100
Fax: +1 (312) 751-9205
Booking Information
♦Room rate for the conference is $240.00.
♦All reservations must be made by Monday, September 8, 2008 and accompanied byـone night deposit to be guaranteed.ـ
♦The deposit will be charged to your credit card upon receipt.
♦Pleaseـregister on-lineــand change theـ the Corp/Promo button to Group Code and enter the code IEEED. Select the requested and follow the remaining prompts to complete the reservation.
♦Callـtoll free at 800-621-8140 and ask for the special group rate.
♦Both the on-line reservation system and the reservation telephone lines are open 24
hours a day.ـ DON'T DELAY!
Please also note that if booking online, the dates will automatically default to the peak nights (October 14-17, 2008); if the guests stay includes additional nights, they will have the manually change the date range to reflect their desired dates.
Amenities
♦Pay-Per-View movies
♦Automated Refreshment Centers (mini-bars) in most rooms
♦Dataports
♦Irons and ironing boards
♦Hair dryers
♦In-room video games
♦Express checkout
♦Blackout draperies
♦24-hour room service
♦High speed internet access available in guest rooms
A Friendly Reminder
Please turn off anything that chirps, beeps, buzzes or rings which includes but not limited to pagers, beepers, cell phones, PDA and laptops during the conference. The speakers and audience thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
Conference Meals
Included in the price of full registration are the Welcome Reception, Networking Breaks and the Evening Banquet.
Dress Attire
Business casual is recommended for all daytime and evening IEEE DySPAN 2008 events.
Electricity
The US uses 110-120 volts, 60 cycles, compared to 220-240 volts, 50 cycles in most of Europe. To use standard American appliances, you'll need both a transformer and a plug adapter. Most new laptops have built-in transformers, but some do not, so beware. Attempting to use only a plug adapter is a sure way to fry your appliance or, worse, cause a fire.
Emergencies
For fire and all other emergencies, including medical, dial tel. 911.
Getting Around
Taxis are abundant and you pay the amount shown on the meter, plus any tolls. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use. Drivers expect a tip of 10%-20% of the total fare. Chicago is a great walking city. To orient yourself, remember that Madison divides the city into north-south and State St. divides it east-west. There are approximately eight blocks to one mile. There is an extensive bus and subway system. For more information, see http://www.transitchicago.com.ـ Chicago is also very accommodating to cyclists. Bikes can be rented at Navy Pier. Visit the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) web site for more information.
IEEE Travel Services
Click hereـto see all the services that IEEE Travel offers for your trip to the conference.
Taxes
Chicago has a complex system of sales taxes, ranging from 10.25% on non-perishable goods purchased, with a 2% levy on grocery items, drugs, and medical appliances, an additional 1% tax on food and beverage purchases in the downtown area; car rentals are taxed at 20%; hotel rooms, 15.4%; soft drinks,13.25%.
Time
Chicago is on Central Standard Time, which is 6 hours earlier than GMT; 1 hour earlier than the East Coast; 2 hours later than the West Coast.
Tipping
Restaurant wait staff, taxi drivers, and bartenders are usually tipped between 15%-20% of the pre-tax bill. Many restaurants add the tip into the bill for parties of six or more. Doormen, concierges and valet staff will expect $1-$2 for their services.
WiFi Access
There is wireless Internet access in the lobby of the conference hotel, the Millennium Knickerbocker.