Building Together 2024 - Information and Updates
Information and Updates
Thank you for registering for Building Together 2024! We’re so glad you’ve chosen to spend time with us in Chicago to develop the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences.
Here is the schedule. Everything else you need to know (and do) to make the most of your time at Building Together is below.
Host Hotel
Unless otherwise noted, all programming and activities for Building Together will be located at the host hotel:
Hilton Chicago
720 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
Upon Arrival
When you arrive at the Hilton Chicago, check in to the hotel at the main desk.
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. CT
Check-out: 11:00 a.m. CT
Hotel Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is provided throughout the conference hotel.
Network Name: Council-2024
Password: BuildingTogether
Getting to the Hotel and around Chicago
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 18 miles from the hotel and the trip will take around 45 to 50 minutes, depending upon traffic. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 12 miles from the hotel and the trip will take around 25 to 30 minutes, depending upon traffic. When traveling from either airport to the Hilton Chicago, you may use the train, rideshare, or cab for transportation. More travel information is available on the Chicago Hilton website.
If you are driving, self parking is available for $69 per night.
Conference Registration
Registration is required for Building Together 2024. Registered guests can pick up their credentials at the Registration Desk starting on Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. CT. The Building Together Registration Desk is located in the Normandie Lounge on the second floor of the hotel. You will need your badge to access any conference events, so be sure to make the registration desk your first stop.
Registration Desk Hours
Monday, May 6, 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 9, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Conference App
The Council Events app will help you navigate Building Together. Schedules, networking, maps, and local activities can all be found on the app.
Instructions to download the Council Events app:
If you're reading this on your mobile device, simply click one of the links below:
If you wish to download the Council Events app on a different device, navigate to cof.org/app in that device's browser to find the download links. You may also search Council on Foundations or Council Events in the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store.
For full instructions on how to log into the Council Events App, see cof.org/app
Special Programming
Getting to the Opening Reception
We're excited to host our opening reception at the iconic Offshore Rooftop on the Navy Pier. Buses will be available to the offsite location, and you will need your Building Together badge to board the bus.
Our registration desk will be open at the Hilton Chicago in the Normandie Lounge on May 6 from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. CT. Stop by to grab your name badge before meeting us in the hotel lobby starting at 4:45 to catch a bus for the opening reception at Offshore Rooftop on the Navy Pier. The first bus departs at 5:00 p.m. and the last bus departs at 5:30 p.m. Buses will depart to return to the hotel starting at 7:30 p.m., with the last bus departing at 8:30 p.m. sharp.
If you plan to meet us at Offshore, see here for parking, valet, rideshare, and walking directions.
The opening reception is sponsored by the Walmart Foundation.
Join our Thursday Historian-Led Bus Tour
Spots are still available! Join a Historian from Chicago Mahogany, on a bus tour of the Bronzeville neighborhood. Visit sites like the birthplace of Black History Month, the Eighth Infantry Armory, and the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Building. There is a wealth of history to learn about on the tour, from the site of the first open heart surgery to the birthplace of gospel music. The tour also includes a stop at the Bronzeville Winery, where guests can spend time socializing and networking in an inviting space that highlights a revolving art collection. Wine tastings may be purchased onsite.
Learn more and register for the tour.
Meet Your Practice Team
To promote learning and connection, each attendee has been assigned a practice team. Teams are constructed with diversity in mind, so your teammates will come from different roles and regions and have varied perspectives. You should have received an email from Melissa Sines earlier this week to help you connect with your team and find them in the event app. We encourage you to reach out to introduce yourself to your team!
Starting at the opening reception on Monday night, you will have dedicated time each day for your practice team to meet, reflect on what you’re learning together, practice new skills, and consider take-home strategies relevant to your work.
Note: Some partners, plenary speakers, and session-only speakers were not placed into teams. If you did not get this email and believe you should be placed on a team, reach out to educate@cof.org.
Do Your Pre-Work
Before you arrive at Building Together, we encourage you to review the digital version of the practice guide and take some time to complete a short personal reflection, even if it’s just on the plane or train on the way to Chicago! The guide contains prompts for your practice team time, key concepts, guidance for personal reflection and meditation, and links to resources to support your ongoing learning. When you arrive on site, you’ll receive a printed version of the practice guide.
Welcome to Chicago
Accessibility
American Sign Language Interpreter and Real-Time Captioning (CART) will be available during plenary sessions and upon request for concurrent sessions.
The Building Together Accessibility Guide provides information about accessible transit options at the airport and around Chicago, as well as accessibility information for the Hilton Chicago.
Local Restaurants
Our Working Group put together a list of local restaurants near the hotel. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a fancy dinner, you'll be able to find it here.
What to wear
The dress code for Building Together is business casual. We recommend that you bring layers, conference rooms may become chilly. Expect lots of walking, so comfortable shoes are advised.
Weather
Weather in Chicago looks like it will be warm and partly cloudy throughout the conference, with the potential for some rain throughout the week. Get up-to-date weather predictions before you go.
Health and Safety
Covid Prevention
We’re excited to see you, but we urge caution if you’re not feeling well! Please avoid crowds and wear a mask if you believe you may be contagious. Masks and COVID tests will be available onsite by inquiring at the Member Desk.
Counseling Available Onsite
To care for attendees, we will have a Care Team of therapists onsite that will be available during the following times in a private space for one-on-one conversations:
- May 7 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- May 8 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- May 9 – 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
To access the Care Team, check in at the Registration Desk.
Code of Conduct
The Council on Foundations is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all event participants and Council staff. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, session organizers, sponsors, vendors, philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs), Council staff members, service providers, and all others are expected to abide by the Building Together 2024 Code of Conduct.
Questions?
If you have any issues or questions throughout the event, you can look for Council staff who will have “STAFF” ribbons on their Building Together badge. You may also go to the Building Together registration desk in the Normandie Lounge, or reach staff through the event app.