With more than 80 speakers, a heavy-hitting list of exhibitors, and plenty of activities before and after the regular conference day, it’s hard to imagine having much downtime during HOW Design Livethis May 7th through the 10th.
But there certainly will be some time for sightseeing, lake viewing, and pizza eating; after all, we’ll be in Chicago. The Windy City’s bursting with art and architecture, dynamic restaurants and bars, and diverse neighborhoods waiting to be explored.
Plan some time to get to know the great city of Chicago!
A few excellent things to do:
Recruit some conference buddies. Any on-the-street exploration is better done with friends who can share the experience and memories with you.
Capture what you see. Take a sketchbook to Millennium Park or the Navy Pier. Or just be prepared to take it all in; Chicago’s amazing architectural elements, waterfront scenery, and street art will all be right in front of you.
Know your neighborhoods. We’ll be at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, and Chinatown’s to the west, the lake’s to the east, and Near South Side is to the north. South Loop has history and attractions, and nearby Grant Park is home to outdoor festivals and lake views, and Ubers and trains are ready to transport you to any part of the city that strikes you.
Catch a ballgame. The Chicago Cubs are in a series with the Miami Marlins during HOW Design Live, and taking yourself out to the ballgame is never a bad way to relax. Grab a few friends, head to Wrigley Field, and buy them some peanuts and Cracker Jacks!
Courtesy of chicagoparkdistrict.com
Visit Agora. This work of public art, located in Grant Park, features 106 headless torsos, all towering at nine feet tall. A permanent installation since 2006, Agora is an art experience, a sculpture park, and a harrowing walk all at once.
Rent a Divvy Bike. Two stations are just a hop, skip, or jump away from McCormick Place, so snag a bike and feel the wind on your face as you cruise Chicago. Download the Divvy app to find your bike.