Annual Meeting Chicago, IL 2023

Over 160 people attended our 20th Anniversary AGM in Chicago this past June. Every attendee left the two-day meeting with new insights to advance climate action plans in their cities. We learned from world-renowned experts, and from each other, on how to take action to control carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

We heard from both Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago and Mayor Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee about their efforts to battle climate change in their communities. We were also honored to host Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois to share his vision for robust climate action.

The topic of climate change is the number one issue our planet faces. The planet’s temperature in July was the hottest ever recorded. Experts are saying that these temperatures are the warmest seen in 120,000 years. Forest fires, torrential rains and other natural disasters are becoming more frequent as our climate changes. Our communities are ground zero for climate change planning and we must step forward now if we are to protect our planet.

The issue of water equity was also at the forefront of our meeting. We announced the creation of The Mayor Richard M. Daley Water Equity Community Award. Mayor Daley himself joined us for the program as we presented six communities with this annual award.

The following communities received an award that will help them take on the challenges of water equity: Benton Harbor, MI; Dunkirk, NY; East Chicago, IN; Mount Vernon, NY; Richmond Heights, OH and Kahnawà:ke, QC. The communities of Lansing, MI and Muskegon, MI were also provided free memberships for 2024. We look forward to each of these mayors working with our Mayors Commission Water Equity to ensure that every resident of the basin has access to clean, safe and affordable water.

Several local elected officials became new members of our Board of Directors this year, including: Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, IL; Mayor Bill Bazzi of Dearborn Heights, MI; Reeve Bert Liverance of The Archipelago, ON; and Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer of Kahnawà:ke, QC. Grand Chief Sky-Deer is the first representative of a First Nations community to serve on our board and we look forward to her assistance in reaching out to other nations and learning her perspectives on the challenges First Nations experience within the basin.

This year’s meeting was incredible, and we look forward to hosting the 2024 conference in Montreal, Québec. Stay tuned for an announcement of the dates and theme of this upcoming conference.

For further details, view our July 2023 Newsletter, Making Waves.

Climate Action in Illinois:  Governor J.B. Pritzker

Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act in Chicago and Other Basin Cities

Basin Cities Delivering on Climate Action

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to announce the creation of the Richard M. Daley Water Equity Community Award, which will help provide support to disadvantaged communities who are working to remove lead lines and modernize water infrastructure.  Our 2023 award recipients include:

• Benton Harbor, Michigan
• Dunkirk, New York
• East Chicago, Indiana
• Richmond Heights, Ohio
• Mount Vernon, New York

Thank you to our photographer, Linda Dove, Doves Photography.
View photos.

Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer Joins Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Board
Chicago, IL – June 23, 2023 – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is pleased to announce that Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, Canada was elected a member of the organization’s board at the Annual General Meeting in Chicago this June.  Read press release.

Richmond Heights named among five winners of award to modernize Great Lakes cities’ water infrastructure
By Jeff Piorkowski | special to cleveland.com – Richmond Heights and Mayor Kim Thomas have been named recipients of the inaugural Water Equity Community Awards, which are meant to help in modernizing water infrastructure and removing lead from water lines in the selected communities.  Read article.

Mayors Gather in Chicago to Advance Climate Action across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin
Chicago, June 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Today, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative announced a renewed commitment to advancing climate action following its 20th anniversary Annual General Meeting in Chicago on June 7 and 8. The two-day gathering of local elected leaders from across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin included hands-on training in developing and implementing climate action plans, policy insights from world-renowned climate experts and practical strategies for enhanced collaboration on climate action across the basin.  Read article.  Read press release.

Inaugural Richard M. Daley Water Equity Community Award Presented to Five Communities at the Cities Initiative Annual General Meeting in Chicago
Chicago – June 9, 2023 – The Richard M. Daley Water Equity Community Award, which will help provide support to disadvantaged communities who are working to remove lead lines and modernize water infrastructure, was presented to five cities at the conclusion of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Annual General Meeting yesterday evening. Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, now Senior Counsel at the Chicago-based law firm, Katten, was in attendance, along with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.  Read press release

Former Mayor Richard M. Daley attends architecture award ceremony
By CBS Chicago Team | June 8, 2023 | 10:22 PM | CBS Chicago – Five cities were honored with a Water Equity Community Award, which provides funding to help remove lead water lines.  View video.

Milwaukee Mayor Johnson’s climate action strategy to reduce poverty and crime
By Steve Schuster and Ethan Duran | Wisconsin Law Journal – June 8, 2023 – Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Wednesday joined mayors from the United States and Canada’s Great Lakes regions in signing a pledge to address climate change and expand environmental equity, which the mayor says could have a positive impact on reducing poverty and ultimately crime in Wisconsin’s largest city.  Read article.

Shoemaker featured speaker at climate action meeting in Chicago
SooToday Staff | June 8, 2023 5:35 PM – Sault mayor attended annual meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a coalition of over 200 municipalities and regional officials from both sides of border.  Read article.

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker participated in a plenary panel session called Targeting Net Zero
The Sault Star | Elaine Della-Mattia | June 8, 2023 – Mayor Matthew Shoemaker was a participant in this year’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative annual meeting. He spoke of the city’s efforts related to climate change.  Read article.

Johnson speaks at annual ‘Cities Initiative’ climate change conference 
By FOX 32 News | Published June 7, 2023 | Chicago | FOX 32 Chicago – Leaders from over 230 member cities across the United States and Canada, including Chicago, gathered to discuss pressing environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region.  View video.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Touts Vision for Climate Action and Environmental Justice
Chicago, IL, June 7, 2023 – The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative was pleased to host Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago at its 20th anniversary Annual General Meeting today, where he continued to outline his vision for climate action and environmental justice. Read press release

Benton Harbor receives water equity award
WSJM 94.9 – June 7, 2023 – Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad will be in Chicago Thursday to receive the Richard M. Daley Water Equity Award from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. He told city commissioners this week the city’s efforts to improve the water system and to remove lead service lines have led to the honor.  Read article.

Find here, the 2023 Resolutions passed by our membership.

Responding to Ontario Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) – Protecting Our Natural Capital While Addressing the Housing Crisis – A Resolution Submitted by the Township of The Archipelago

Advancing Climate Action Plans Across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Cleveland, OH

Pledge to Support Climate Action Across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin

Ensuring representation of the Cities Initiative with the Government of Quebec to meet the needs of Quebec’s waterfront municipalities – A resolution submitted by the Quebec City Metropolitan Community and the City of Montreal

Reaffirming the Vital Importance of the Great Lakes—St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement – A Resolution Submitted by the County of Grey

Enhancing Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy Through a Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin Coastal Resiliency Study – A Resolution Submitted by the Town of Lincoln and Town of Tecumseh

Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp – A Resolution Submitted by the City of North Chicago

Strengthening Canada’s Stewardship of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin – A Resolution Submitted by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ensuring Critical Federal Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement Goes to States and Cities Most in Need – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Rochester, NY

Promoting Sustainable Use of Road Salt in Winter Months and Developing Effective Alternatives – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC

Maximizing Critical Federal Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Sheboygan, WI

Promoting Effective Federal-State-Local Collaboration on the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study – A Resolution Submitted by the Village of Sodus Point, NY and the City of Duluth, MN

Improving Control of Invasive Species and Water Quality in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin – A Resolution Submitted by the Township of Tiny

Strengthening Water Quality and Community Resilience Through a Dedicated Water Infrastructure Funding Program – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Welland

Protecting Source and Drinking Water from PFAS Contamination – A Resolution Submitted by the City of Zion, IL

Climate Action: Perfecting Your Plan

Whether you have developed a comprehensive climate action plan or have only just begun your journey, you will leave this year’s AGM with a concrete approach to move your city’s climate action forward.

Join Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River mayors in the incredible City of Chicago to:

• Collaborate with mayors who face similar climate-related challenges
• Consult with world-renowned municipal climate planning experts
• Develop clear next steps to advance your city’s climate efforts
• Learn about opportunities for funding and additional technical support
• Identify strategies for navigating hurdles and roadblocks
• Showcase your city’s climate innovations
• Experience Chicago’s climate forward spaces through a tour of the City’s key sites

Location:

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL

Venue Link:

Tuesday, June 6

• Registration Opens:  1:00pm
• Jardine Purification Plant Tour:  3:00pm-5:30pm (preregistration is required)

Wednesday, June 7

• Breakfast:  7:30am
• Welcome Ceremony and Land & Labor Acknowledgement: 8:00am-8:30am
• Plenary Session:  Preparing for Floods, Droughts, and Everything in Between: Municipal Water-Management Practices for a Changing Climate: 9:00am-9:30am
• Workshop 1: Climate Challenges & Innovations:  10:00am-12:00pm
• Lunch: 12:00pm
• Plenary Session:  Leading the Way: Basin Cities Delivering on Climate Action:  12:45pm-1:20pm
• Plenary Session: Promoting Climate Action, Environmental Justice and Inclusive Economic Development: Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act in Chicago and Other Basin Cities:  1:30pm-2:00pm
• Workshop 2: Advancing Climate Action in Your City:  2:30pm-4:30pm
• Member Meeting:  4:45pm-6:15pm
• Dinner on your Own
• Dessert Reception:  9:00pm – 11:00pm

Thursday, June 8

• Breakfast:  7:30am
• Plenary Session:  Moving Towards Resilient Communities: Municipalities’ Key Role in the Success of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy:  8:30am-9:10am  
• Plenary Session:  Reducing Emissions Across the Economic Engine of the Basin: The Green Shipping Corridor Network Initiative: 9:15am-9:45am
• Workshop 3: Practical Strategies for Climate Action Success:  10:15am-12:15pm
• Plenary Session:  Collaborating for Resilient Shorelines: Local Communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study: 12:45pm-1:20pm
• Plenary Session:  Targeting Net Zero: Urban and Rural Perspectives on Decarbonizing Canada’s Municipalities: 1:30pm-2:00pm
• Workshop 4: Measuring Success & Maintaining Momentum:  2:30pm-4:30pm
• Plenary Session:  Advancing Climate Innovation in the Basin: Private Sector Solutions to Boost Municipal Climate Action and Economic Development 4:45pm-5:30pm 
• BluesFest and Annual Awards Ceremony:  7:00pm-10:00pm

*agenda is subject to change  

To attempt to stay within the warming limit of the Paris Agreement, Climate Action Plans require economic and social transformation, and must elicit an immediate and steep decline in current emission levels.

Cities can utilize the 2023 AGM to further explore the key components of climate action planning: emissions neutrality, resilience to climate hazards, inclusivity, governance, and collaboration.

This year’s plenary sessions will cover a variety of key topics related to climate action – from the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study and the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States to the National Adaptation Strategy in Canada – and feature inspiring speakers, including internationally-renowned climate leaders and representatives of the Canadian and U.S. governments.

Most importantly, mayors from across the basin will be on stage for each plenary session to discuss their cities’ climate action plans, facilitate the sharing of municipal perspectives and inspire continued collaboration among our members.

Topics:

Preparing for Floods, Droughts, and Everything in Between: Municipal Water-Management Practices for a Changing Climate – Whether through increased storms and flooding or through degrading water quality, climate change poses a threat to water infrastructure across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Other consequences of climate change – such as lower water levels and drought conditions – can also impact the integrity of our water systems and the quality of our water. Adapting our infrastructure to the realities of climate change and modernizing these critical systems to improve management of our water resources will therefore be critical to ensure that communities continue to deliver safe, clean and affordable water amid a changing climate. Communities will also need to look at leveraging emerging solutions – such as green infrastructure – to bolster resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from water utilities, which currently account for an estimated 10 percent of global emissions. This plenary session will offer an overview of Cities Initiative members’ ongoing efforts to prepare their water systems for climate change, along with the key challenges and opportunities around these efforts.

Leading the Way: Basin Cities Delivering on Climate Action – Many communities across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin have adopted a climate action plan. While climate action plans generally have the same components, local circumstances often differ, as do the stories of how plans are successfully crafted, adopted, and implemented. In this plenary session, Cities Initiative members will share their visions for robust climate action, including their unique insights for generating local “buy in,” securing financing, and creating benefits for the entire community.

Promoting Climate Action, Environmental Justice and Inclusive Economic Development: Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act in Chicago and Other Basin Cities – Last year, the Biden Administration secured the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides $369 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience across the United States, including $5 billion for the design and implementation of climate action plans. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has called for a Green New Deal for Chicago residents, emphasizing the need for climate action, environmental justice and inclusive economic development. This plenary session will focus on the IRA’s potential to achieve these transformative goals, both in Chicago and other cities across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.

Moving Towards Resilient Communities: Municipalities’ Key Role in the Success of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy – The Government of Canada recently released its National Adaptation Strategy, which provides a roadmap for whole-of-society action on adaption to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change. The strategy sets long-term transformational goals and medium-term objectives for ensuring resilience in Canada. While federal action is key for achieving the goals outlined in the strategy, it will require every level of government, Indigenous communities, private sector and civil society to work together. In this plenary session, the Government of Canada and the Cities Initiative’s Mayors Commission on Coastal Resilience will discuss the strategy and how Canada and municipalities can work with senior levels of government to build more resilient communities.

Reducing Emissions Across the Economic Engine of the Basin: The Green Shipping Corridor Network Initiative – The Canadian and U.S. governments recently pledged to establish a Green Shipping Corridor Network across the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System, which spans 2,000 miles (3,700 kilometers) and includes 110 ports. Such corridors are critical for encouraging the decarbonization of the shipping industry and meeting international commitments to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this plenary session, Canadian and U.S. officials will elaborate on how the corridor will reduce emissions from vessels and ports, generate direct benefits for communities, and foster the development of green and blue economies across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin.

Collaborating for Resilient Shorelines: Local Communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the eight Great Lakes states are implementing the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort to assess shoreline communities’ vulnerability to variable water levels, erosion, and other coastal hazards; identify measures to improve resilience; and develop a Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Plan to guide further investments in the 5,200 miles of U.S. shoreline. Since shoreline communities are most directly affected, the study must include their perspectives, as well as recommend solutions that are scalable to the local level. In this plenary session, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Cities Initiative’s Mayors Commission on Coastal Resilience, and a representative of a Great Lakes state will discuss the study, municipal experiences with coastal hazards, and opportunities for federal-state-municipal collaboration.  

Targeting Net Zero: Urban and Rural Perspectives on Decarbonizing Canada’s Municipalities – With influence over roughly 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, municipalities are key partners to achieve the country’s net-zero goals. Achieving meaningful targets will look different for major urban centres versus rural municipalities. In this plenary session, Cities Initiative members will discuss the key differences and similarities for municipalities of varying sizes when it comes to preparing and deploying emissions reduction strategies. The discussion will also explore engaging local businesses, community organizations and residents on the decarbonization journey

Advancing Climate Innovation in the Basin: Private Sector Solutions to Boost Municipal Climate Action and Economic Development – As municipalities develop their climate action plans and consider how low-carbon/net–zero industries can support their economic development strategies, the private sector can be a strong partner to support local decarbonization efforts and create new job opportunities for their residents. Thanks to incentives across the United States and Canada, major companies and start-ups alike are tapping into innovative solutions to address some of the toughest sectors to reduce emissions in cities and providing access to new technologies that can help local governments meet their emissions reduction targets. In this plenary session, industry representatives from various sectors will share some of their innovations that are moving us towards a low–carbon economy, the challenges they see to have their climate solutions adopted by municipalities and how both the municipal and private sectors can work towards creating strong, globally competitive green and blue economies in the basin.

The Cities Initiative is thrilled to announce a partnership with ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability for our 2023 AGM workshops. ICLEI USA and ICLEI Canada together serve over 1,000 municipalities, providing technical support for climate risk and vulnerability assessments and the development of Climate Action Plans.

This year’s AGM workshops will progress over two days with content on both climate mitigation and climate adaptation.

Our workshop series is designed to benefit local governments in their efforts to act on climate change and climate impacts, while also providing a collaborative space for other individuals interested in gaining insight into climate preparation in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin. We welcome participants from all sectors, including local government officials and staff, policymakers, researchers and environmental professionals.

Workshop 1: Climate Challenges & Innovations 

As the climate crisis continues to escalate, the need for urgent action is becoming increasingly apparent, but what are the current opportunities and roadblocks in achieving these goals? How can we innovate to create more livable cities while leveraging small budgets and limited staff capacities? 

In this session, you will work in small groups. You will leave this workshop with: 

• Knowledge of common regional climate-related challenges 
• Introduction to innovative approaches to action 
• Recommended placement for Workshops Two and Three 

Workshop 2: Advancing Climate Action in Your City 

Tackling climate change and its impacts head-on requires an understanding of a city’s current situation and where they want to be. This often involves vulnerability assessments, data collection and ambitious target-setting. How do local governments get started or take the next steps?  

In parallel “mitigation” and “adaptation” streams, you will engage in small table discussions on various themes related to Climate Action. You will leave this workshop with: 

• Ideas for getting started, moving ahead and overcoming setbacks 
• Actionable steps, including building partnerships and securing financing 

Workshop 3: Practical Strategies for Climate Action Success 

How can cities ensure their Climate Plans are current and actionable? What are some effective strategies for developing the right partnerships and moving successfully from Plan to Action? 

In parallel “mitigation” and “adaptation” streams, you will walk through a scenario specific to your city’s stage or challenges. You will leave this workshop with: 

• Network of peers facing similar challenges 
• Long list of climate solutions to implement in your community 

Workshop 4: Measuring Success & Maintaining Momentum 

Measuring progress is a crucial step in any climate change effort. What does Climate Action success look like and how do cities begin to measure their progress on Climate Action? Further, how do cities maintain momentum through successes and setbacks? 

In this session, you will work in small groups. You will leave the workshop with: 

• Understanding of why and how to evaluate Climate Action 
• A list of relevant indicators and metrics that align with your community’s goals 
• Strategies for maintaining momentum into the future 

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 North Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL
Check-in: 4:00 pm | Check-out: 12:00 pm | Smoke Free Property
View hotel

Whether you’re a company looking to grow your reach amongst U.S. and Canadian mayors and political leaders, or a well-known brand wanting to help restore and protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, by sponsoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Annual General Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, our team can create a sponsorship opportunity for you to achieve your strategic goals—with measurable results.  

Contact us today and we’ll collaborate on a sponsorship proposal that meets your corporate social responsibility, brand objectives and budget.  View Sponsorship Guide.

Here are some of the ways your organization can engage our U.S. and Canadian mayors and local officials who attend the AGM: 

• Exhibitor area – where you can share your brand/organization’s activities; 
• Profiling within our registration platform (Event Cadence) – here you can connect directly with all the attendees, share branding content (videos), and make links to your company’s social media;  
• Speaking opportunities – both in person within the event program and through prerecorded videos; 
• Workshops/gala/awards event (multiple days) – in-kind/activation opportunities; 
• Branding opportunities around signage at the event, through our event communications such as our social media, Cities Initiative website, newsletter etc. 

As part of your sponsorship package, we will report back and measure your return on investment.  

Through your sponsorship of our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chicago, Illinois, you will gain the attention of more than 200+ political and community leaders while demonstrating your commitment to preserving our precious freshwater resource.  

Are you an organization interested in sponsoring in this event?
Contact us today! 

View Sponsorship Guide

Welcome to the city that feels like home!
Chicago is bursting with world-class, big city culture. But at its heart, it’s a Midwestern city — which means a warm welcome and genuine hospitality. No matter who you are or what you love, you’ll fit right in exploring famed restaurants, world-renowned museums, a jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking music, Tony Award-winning theatres, iconic architecture designed by legendary architects, over 300 parks and green spaces, one of the most inclusive LGBTQ+ communities and 77 vibrant, ethnically diverse neighborhoods that are the heart and soul of Chicago.

Make the most of your time in Chicago with Chicago Concierge!
This complimentary online service will guide you to the award-winning restaurants, bars, attractions and retailers in town to help make your time in the city as memorable as possible. Type in keywords or select specific categories through the search engine to find an interactive map and list of suggestions. View online service guide and simple scan the QR code with your phone or follow the web address to start exploring things to do during your stay in Chicago!   Below are some ideas close to the hotel.

• 360 Chicago Observation Deck / Tilt at 360
• Magnificent Mile
• The Bean and walking around Millennium Park
• Chicago Riverwalk / Architecture Tour
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Navy Pier
• Museum of Ice Cream
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Willis Tower / Skydeck Chicago

Check out what Chicago has to offer
Request a visitor’s guide

We are very excited to welcome everyone to Chicago for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual General Meeting at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile (June 6-9).

CONFERENCE APP

In the spirit of being environmentally friendly, all conference materials including the full agenda will be housed on our conference app, Event Cadence.  You will be receiving an email from Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative noreply@eventcadence.com which includes information on how to log into the conference platform.  You are strongly encouraged to download the app on your phone (search for the above logo on the Apple App Store or Google Play). Once downloaded, check back often for agenda updates and see who else is attending and begin networking with fellow members and guests.

WATER PURIFICATION PLANT TOUR (JUNE 6:  3:00PM-5:30PM)
It’s not too late to join us, RSVP by June 1 to Kyle Hills (kyle.hills@glslcities.org).  If you are already registered, please be sure to bring a photo ID with you. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for areas with damp and chilly environments.

ATTIRE
Attire for the majority of the conference is business casual. Like most large conference centers, a light sweater is recommended to have available during the day as meeting room temperatures can get chilly.

CONFERENCE HOTEL
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 North Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL
312-836-0100
Website

PARKING
Hotel Parking:  Discounted $29.00 overnight self-parking

Valet -Daily: $70
Off-Site Parking – ROW Parking located at the corner of Rush & Ohio St .1 Miles

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO/FROM CONFERENCE HOTEL
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Distance From Property: 15 Miles
773-686-2200 | Visit Website

Chicago Midway International Airport
Distance From Property: 12.1 Miles
773-838-0600
Visit Website

Alternate Airport Transportation
GO Airport Express

Other Transportation Nearby
Bus Station: Greyhound
Subway Station: Grand Avenue and State Street (Red Line)
Train Station: Union Station (Amtrak & Metra)

CANCELLATIONS
We are unable to accommodate any refunds.  If you cannot attend, we encourage you to transfer your registration.  Please contact 312.201.4518 to transfer your registration.

Make the most of your time in Chicago with Chicago Concierge!
This complimentary online service will guide you to the award-winning restaurants, bars, attractions and retailers in town to help make your time in the city as memorable as possible. Type in keywords or select specific categories through the search engine to find an interactive map and list of suggestions. View online service guide and simply scan the QR code with your phone or follow the web address to start exploring things to do during your stay in Chicago!

Check out what Chicago has to offer

QUESTIONS?
Please do not hesitate to contact the GLSLCI office at any time:

Kyle Hills
Executive Assistant
312.201.4518 – office
admin@glslcities.org

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