unforum

[Varin]

Just to clarify a bit (since I guess I didn't really make it clear right off the bat apparently )...

Due to popular demand, the Chicago ARGfest will be more laid back than the NY ARGfest (not that the NY ARGfest didn't rock, because it totally did!). So for those that are worried that we are going to be sitting inside an O'Hare area hotel for the length of the weekend - worry not! The convention is not happening in the hotel. The hotel with the group rate is there for those who want a good deal. It's not required that you stay there and you probably won't miss anything if you don't (although I can't promise that )

We'll let you more as plans are more solidified. We have some things in the works that should make for a great time so did get all worried on us.

[Varin]

Btw for those looking for their own hotel downtown, yahoo has a new hotel finder service that looks to be pretty decent...

http://farechase.yahoo.com/

It doesn't include every hotel in the area that exists, but it does show a nice little map that updates as you narrow down your search.

[Anton P. Nym]

Well, I just booked my train tickets... so I guess you can count me in.

-- Steve's looking forward to meeting you guys (in some cases, again)!

[hapworth]

downtown

[Night565]

It's looking increasingly hopeful that I will be attending. I'll have to watch my budget for the next few weeks to make sure, so look forward to seeing an update from me.

That is, if you care. Really, I don't blame you if you don't.

[Altoids]

Oi, ARGFest-o-Con sounds like so much fun, but I won't be attending.

Maybe next year as an early birthday present?

In any case, I want to see pictures and details.

D:<

[Ayanami Rei]

For those who know me from #syzygy, I'll most likely be attending. Its a three block walk to the METRA line for me, then a two hour ride down to the Metra Station in Chicago proper.

[Hellion88]

Looks like I'll be coming to ARGFest, as long as I can get shuttles from Gainesville to and from the airport. I like the Holiday Inn O'Hare deal; if anyone is interested in splitting a room Friday and Saturday night, please, PM me.

[Caspian]

If this is already being done behind the scenes, then please disregard this message and pardon my ignorance.

I know we have some ideas for stuff to do listed on the wiki. However, I havn't seen a whole lot in the way of itinerary for ARGFest-o-Con '06 and some people in chat (#Unfiction) were discussing that last night. I've heard that the plan is to keep it more laid back ARGFest NYC and that's great. But I was also thinking that we could lay out an optional itinierary, say Plan A, and then those that want to participate in those activities can, and those that don't wish to do so don't have to. This would just give people a planned course of events to latch onto if they're feeling fairly indecisive.

What do you guys think? Any organizer-type people interested in having a chat in the near future? I've had some experience planning tours to different cities so I'd be glad to assist in any way I can. Anyone interested in getting together for an ARGFest Planning chat and if so when are you available?

EDIT: Just a reminder that the rooms at the "Official" ARGFest Holiday Inn with the group discount are only guaranteed through this week.

[Anton P. Nym]

I'd be interested in seeing a couple of suggestions for things that we could do in Chicago. (I do have a sneaking suspicion, however, that I'll be sneaking out to a best buy at some point during the fest . You see, there's some computer parts that I can't get up here in the great white north... )

I know I had a blast last year when we visited the museum of science and industry. Doing something like that at argfest could make for a great day trip. (anything new open up since last year?)

Also, and totally selfishly, does anybody know the best way to get from union station to the hotel? I'm not certain that the blue line reaches all the way down to union.

-- Steve just reserved his hotel room yesterday. Looking forward to seeing you all!

(p.s. forgive any oddities I did not catch as this was dictated on my new toy-toy. The one I can't get parts for up here . )

[krystyn]

Anton, you should be able to catch the Clinton stop just south of Union Station, IIRC.

Hey, no, two blocks:

http://transitchicago.com/maps/maps/2006D.html

I strongly recommend that you all become familiar with transitchicago.com.

The trip planner there is good, and the system maps are invaluable not only for transit purposes, but also to orient yourself should you get turned around downtown.

Also: whichever airport you may come into, be sure to grab a system map from the service kiosk. They should keep them well-stocked. Carry it with you wherever you go. There are 3-Day passes you can purchase at airport stations and other major stations throughout the system, which will give you unlimited rides from the first time you run your card through a turnstile. I highly recommend them. A 3-Day pass is $12, and if you're staying on an extra day or so, a 5-day can be had for $18. Since each ride (without a transfer) costs $1.75, it can pay for itself pretty darned quickly.

There are also a good number of cabs for hire if you're downtown or at various touristy locations - perhaps not as many as NYC, natch, but it might be useful to program the numbers for a few cab services into your cell, should you get caught somewhere late in a less-trafficked area:

American-United Taxi -- 773-248-7600
Checker Cab -- 312-243-2537
Yellow Cab -- 312-829-4222
Flash Cab -- 773-561-1444

I would like to take people out to see the Neofuturists on Saturday night, so if there's interest in that, I would be more than happy to be your friendly alterna-theatre chaperone. The Beekeepers who invaded Chicago last year seemed to really enjoy the evening, and those of you coming back for ARGfest this year who go won't even see the same show - all of the plays you saw are long-gone.

I am still sort of noodling some sort of karaoke thinger, seeing as how I have a coupla the PS2 games and all, but we'll see. Karaoke out in the city is WAY tricky, if we've got any number of people under drinking age. Karaoke bars tend to card pretty hard in Chicago, sad to say.

Also: this weekend will go by supa-fast.

I know there's a couple peeps working on dinner spots for both nights - we're trying to avoid meat markets with loud, thumping music, as that tends to get in the way of normal conversation...

The Museum of Science and Industry does have a Da Vinci exhibit which will be live when you're here for ARGfest.

http://www.msichicago.org/temp_exhibit/leonardo/index.html

That might be fun for the peeps who enjoyed the Dan Brown book, but also fun for people who love gadgetry and inventions in general.

Anyone interested in that? There is at least one bus that drops people right near that museum from downtown, or, alternately, the Red or Green lines, from which you'd take the Garfield bus across. And also cabs. And whoever drives. It's a way fun museum, one we also invaded during Hivemeet. One of my favorite spots in the whole wide world is the Whisper Gallery.

http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/whispering/index.html

[Anton P. Nym]

Thanks, krystyn ! Couldn't find that map again this afternoon, and was trying to go by the city-wide one and year-old memories.

-- Steve'd be game for another Neo-futurist bout, and da Vinci is always nifty.

[thunderclap8]

Woo Neofuturists! I heard so many good things about them from hivemeet peeps that now I must go.

I've been to the Museum of Science & Industry once before, but it's awesome enough that I'd have no complaints in returning (how did I miss seeing the whisper gallery?).

My main intention is to go with the flow. Even just hanging out with everyone would be great and I'd be happy.

(idle suggestion: Navy Pier has fireworks that Saturday night. Also, isn't there a ferris wheel and mini golf and whatnot there?)

[Axys Denyed]

Also, as I'm sure many of us are fans of Kevin Smith's work, Clerks 2 comes out the same weekend as ARGfest

[krystyn]

Navy Pier is a huge tourist trap, so it will likely be totally super crowded that night.

If that's your bag, then rock on out! The garden there is pretty (with the arc fountains and lights), and the Children's Museum is pretty nifty as well. There's food court food there, as well as a Bubba Gump restaurant, and a lovely IMAX theatre. Yes, big Ferris Wheel. Also, amazing Shakespeare Theatre - not a bad seat in the house.

Many bus lines terminate or route through a stop there, so it's REALLY easy to get there from many places downtown. Additionally, a few Architectural Boat Tours have offices/ticket booths near there, so if you're interested in taking a cruise along the river (right through the heart of downtown), it's really a lovely time. Look online for reviews to see which company is favored. "Be sure to wear sunscreen" -- the boats (understandably) do not have awnings.

It'll be hot, unless we get a freak cold front, so go easy on yourselves. Seriously. Chicago can have a good deal of humidity in the summer, and the sun can be a bit merciless. Give yourself plenty of time to get places via public transit - try experimenting with the trip planner to see what I mean, by plugging in different times. Do your best to avoid using trains during rush hour, if you're really wanting to get somewhere by a specific time. 4:15 to about 6PM it's gonna be crowded.