Travel
Host City
Voted the best big city in the U.S., Chicago is renowned for its rich history and striking architecture. This multicultural city thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods.
Fall Season / Weather
In Chicago, autumn brings gourmet food fests, major art fairs, spooky parades, and groundbreaking architecture exhibits that keep the city buzzing all season long.
Explore Chicago
Arrive early or stay late and explore all the great attractions of the city.
These are just a few ideas to help you connect and network while experiencing the unique culture of Chicago. Please note that ILA is not affiliated with these activities, nor will we be involved in any planning or coordination. We encourage you to explore and make the most of your time in this vibrant city!
Activities in Chicago
Immerse yourself in a dazzling blend of cirque, cabaret, and comedy at Teatro ZinZanni. Set in a historic Spiegeltent, this whirlwind of entertainment features world-class performers, an interactive theater experience, and a delectable multi-course dinner. Expect the unexpected in this uniquely magical evening that blends art, performance, and fine dining in the heart of Chicago.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Muti & the CSO
Be transported to the landscapes of southern Spain with vivacious, dance-inspired works by Falla and Chabrier. The journey begins in Riccardo Muti’s native Italy with a boisterous overture by Donizetti and sumptuous ballet music by Verdi. Golijov’s Megalopolis Suite features music from his score to the 2024 release of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic film, in which the fate of Ancient Rome haunts a modern world.
November 8 – 9, 2024
Price range: $45 – $250
ILA Registrants receive a special 20% discount – enter ILA2024 at checkout to enjoy this exclusive benefit!
0.6 miles / 5-minute drive / 11-minute walk from Hilton Chicago
Buddy Guy’s Legends is a premier blues club in Chicago, Illinois. It was opened in 1989 by blues musician Buddy Guy who still owns the club and makes regular appearances. Legends is one of the few blues clubs left in Chicago, a city renowned for its own particular brand of blues.
Live Blues Shows every Wednesday – Sunday
Line up for November not yet announced
Individual tickets not yet available – price range: $15 – $59
Check the FAQ page for standard cover charges and typical show times: FAQ | Buddy Guy’s Legends
0.1 miles / 1-minute drive / 3-minute walk from Hilton Chicago
The Second City 112th Mainstage Revue
Come see The Second City Mainstage’s brand new 112th Revue. This is the most exciting time to see a show on our stages. The cast is fresh, new material is worked into the show every night, and your laughter in the audience helps shape the final show!
November 8 – 9, 2024
Showings
7:00 PM CT
10:00 PM CT
Individual tickets on sale now – price range: $39 – $79
The Second City e.t.c 48th Revue
Come see The Second City e.t.c.’s brand new 48th Revue. This is the most exciting time to see a show on our stages. The cast is fresh, new material is worked into the show every night, and your laughter in the audience helps shape the final show!
November 8 – 9, 2024
Showings
7:00 PM CT
10:00 PM CT
Individual tickets on sale now – price range: $29 – $59
The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago is at Your Feet-Literally. Dare to Stand Out on the 103rd floor, with never before seen views. The 1,353 feet straight down, with a glass boxes extending 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck, providing never before seen views of Chicago. Enjoy 360 degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states. The new, multi media elevator ride gives visitors one of the fastest in the world, while referencing points of interest that match the ascending height. Atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Skydeck Chicago is a “one stop Chicago” experience featuring museum quality interactive exhibits. Open daily. 9-10pm March – Oct; 10-8pm Oct – February. Multi language maps available. Groups of 20 or more receive discounts.
Timed Tickets available daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Individual tickets on sale now – price range: $32 – $39
1 mile / 6-minute drive / 23-minute walk from Hilton Chicago
Shoreline Sightseeing – Architecture River Tour
There’s nothing quite like seeing Chicago’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River. From hidden treasures to the city’s most well-known sights, you’ll view over 40 Chicago landmarks on our 75-minute Architecture River Boat Tours.
Enjoy the spectacular views as you listen to our tour guides tell you how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering made the city famous.
November 8 – 10, 2024
Last departure time: 6:45 PM
Individual tickets on sale now – prices start at $49.95
1.2 miles / 9-minute drive / 31-minute walk from Hilton Chicago
Restaurant Discounts
Bring your conference badge & enjoy exclusive deals for ILA attendees at the following restaurants:
Looking for more places to dine in Chicago? Check out this member-recommended site for a list of the best and most interesting places to eat in Chicago: The Food Guy – NBC Chicago
Conference Hotel
All conference activities will be held at Hilton Chicago – 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60605.
The conference room block is now closed. Please contact hotels directly for current availability and rates. We encourage you to book your accommodation as soon as possible, as space may be limited.
Hilton Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, 60605
The ILA conference will be taking place here.
Room Pricing: $239/night
Booking Deadline: 11 October 2024
The conference room block is now closed. Please contact hotels directly for current availability and rates. We encourage you to book your accommodation as soon as possible, as space may be limited.
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
1000 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 2R9
In-person Conference: The ILA conference will be taking place here.
Venue Room Pricing: $229/night CAD + taxes.
Contact the hotel at +1-604-331-1000 or reservations@wallcentre.com and reference ILA’s Global Conference or book at the link below.
Note: to submit a room type request, select Run of House Room, Choose Room Features and enter your room preference (1 King or 2 Doubles) under special requests.
Holiday Inn & Suites: Vancouver Downtown
1110 Howe St
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6Z 1R2
Distance from Conference: ~3 minute walk
Venue Room Pricing: $189/night CAD + taxes. Must book by 11 September to guarantee the ILA special rate.
To make changes to existing reservations, contact the hotel at +1-604-663-9151 or reservations@hivancouverdowntown.com and reference ILA’s Global Conference.
Opus Vancouver
322 Davie St
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 5Z6
Distance from Conference: ~8 minute walk
Venue Room Pricing: $379/night CAD + taxes. Must book by 11 September to guarantee the ILA special rate.
To make changes to existing reservations, contact the hotel at +1-866-642-6787 or info@opushotel.com and reference ILA’s Global Conference.
Air Transportation
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the main international airport serving Chicago Illinois and is located 18.4 miles from the Hilton Chicago
- Chicago Midway International Airport is a major commercial airport on the southwest side of Chicago and is located 11.8 miles away from the Hilton Chicago.
We are pleased to partner with the following airlines to extend special discounted rates for travel to ILA’s 2024 Annual Global Conference.
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the International Leadership Association
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3YU
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation
800 number.
International Attendees
The following information will help you plan your trip to Chicago if you are traveling from outside of the United States. First, review the United States entry requirements
Travel Visas
If you require a visa to attend ILA’s 26th Global Conference, please apply soon as it may take several months to process.
International Travel Policies
All travelers are highly encouraged to research inbound and outbound travel restrictions. Review the United States Travel Requirements.