Parking and Transportation

Traffic is usually heavy in the morning during normal commute hours in Chicago. Please expect heavy traffic and allow extra time for travel, parking and getting to the 4^th Annual Global Small Business Forum. The Forum registration starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. Central.

Parking: There is a surface lot at 201 East Illinois Street*.  The lot is located on the lower level, directly south of the Whole Foods on the southwest Corner of Illinois and Columbus. The parking lot connects to the northwest corner of the NBC building. There is an interior staircase on the northwest corner of the building that you can take upstairs to Cityfront Plaza Drive and cross the street to walk over to Gleacher Center. 

*Google maps doesn’t send you to exactly the right spot, but gets you close.

Parking can also be reserved through SpotHero or ParkWhiz

How do I get to the venue? 

Get Directions

From O’Hare Airport:

TAXI

The taxi stand can be found just outside the baggage claim area. Cab fare will be approximately $35 and you should allow one to one-and-a-half hours.

CTA TRAIN (THE “EL”)

The Blue Line of the Chicago Transportation Authority train system, commonly known as the “El” or elevated train, runs from O’Hare to the Loop area downtown. Follow airport signs reading “Trains to City” to the Blue Line boarding area. Buy a fare card from vending machines and board a train going towards the Loop. 

Disembark at the Clark and Lake stop. Exit the station to street level and take a taxi to Gleacher Center, or walk east on Lake Street four blocks to Michigan Avenue. Turn left and walk north the two blocks on the east side of Michigan.

After crossing the bridge over the river, walk to the right through the plaza with the fountain between the Equitable Building and Tribune Tower.

Gleacher Center is on the right at the end of the plaza, facing east toward NBC Tower.

From Midway Airport:

TAXI

A taxi stand is located right outside the baggage claim area. Cab fare will be approximately $30, and you should allow 30 to 45 minutes.

CTA TRAIN (THE “EL”)

The Orange Line of the “El,” or elevated train, runs from Midway Airport to the Loop area downtown. To take the train, follow airport signs reading “Trains to City” to the Orange Line boarding area. Buy a fare card from vending machines and board the next available train. The train ride is about 30 minutes.

Disembark at the State and Lake stop. Exit at street level and either take a taxi or walk two blocks east on Lake Street to Michigan Avenue. Turn left, and walk north two blocks on the east side of Michigan. After crossing the bridge over the river, walk to the right through the Chicago Tribune / Equitable Fountain Plaza. Gleacher Center is on the right at the end of the plaza, facing east toward NBC Tower.

TRANSPORTATION:

CTA BUSES

Take any of these bus routes running along Michigan Avenue: 33, 125, 145, 146, 147, 151, 157.

Buses running between Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center and Michigan Avenue are: 120, 121, 125, 151, 157.

Exit or enter the bus at the 400 block of Michigan Avenue near the Chicago Tribune Tower.

CTA SUBWAY AND ELEVATED TRAINS

Take Red Line to State/Grand stop; walk east to Michigan Avenue, south to Illinois Street, then east one short block to Cityfront Plaza Drive.

Take the Brown Line or Purple Line to State and Lake stop; walk east to Michigan Avenue, north over bridge, and right along river or through plaza to Gleacher Center.

Where can I stay in Chicago?

If you are interested in staying at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611, please call the hotel directly to make accommodations at 312-464-1000.