10 Bonus Activities to Enjoy During WELCOA Summit

An in-person conference means in-person experiences outside of the office! Can you even fathom that? We can, and we’ve thought up some other activities that you can enjoy if you join us in Chicago for WELCOA Summit this year.

Check out our Top 10 Bonus Activity recommendations for you to do with your team or new conference acquaintances:

1. The Hotel
   This year’s conference will be held at the gorgeous Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park which is located right in Chicago’s “Front Yard”. You’ll find everything you need on location with their luxury accommodations.
• Lobby Bar – Take a moment to unwind after your flight at the sophisticated and stylish Lobby Bar.
• Coffee Shop – Start your morning off with a latte or grab and go breakfast sandwich at the hotel Coffee Shop as you mingle with other attendees.
• Columbus Tap Restaurant – Get together with your new professional connections for a taste of classic Chicago dishes and cocktails in the hotel’s timeless Midwest gastropub.
• Fairmont Spa – Treat yourself to some self-care time at the hotel spa to tap into that mind-body-spirit balance.
• 24-Hour Fitness Studio – Keep up on your movement routine at the all-access fitness studio.

WELCOA secured a special rate of $185 per night at the Fairmont. Make your hotel reservations by August 4, 2022.


2. Millennium Park Campus
   The conference center is located right in Millennium Park where you can explore and take a scenic walk/hike or bicycle ride to visit iconic areas like:
• Lurie Garden – A 3.5 Acre urban natural sanctuary.
• Chicago Cultural Center – A stunning landmark building full of free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions, and family events.
• Maggie Daley Park – Venture off to try the climbing wall, mini-golf, picnic groves, scootering, or a special event.
• Art Institute – The Institute is one of the world’s great art museums, housing a collection that spans centuries and the globe.
• Harris Theater – Get tickets for a dance, music, or comedy production.


3. Shopping Experiences
   Take advantage of the urban shopping experiences in the city and treat yourself to some shopping and dining at:
• Water Tower Place
• Shops at North Bridge
• Block 37
• Iconic Macy’s on State Street
• Michigan Avenue
• Magnificent Mile


4. Beaches
• Oak Street Beach – Rent a beachcomber, grab a deep-dish pizza, and watch the sunset at this downtown beach.
• North Avenue Beach – Venture to Lincoln Park for outdoor beach yoga, or paddleboarding.
• Navy Pier Amusement Area – Recreate or relax at this uniquely entertaining pier.


5. Dining
   It wouldn’t be a trip to Chicago without taking advantage of the deep-dish pizza or Italian beef sandwich shops. If that’s not your flavor, there is an abundance of healthy options at every corner. Meeting up with a friend in the industry at Summit? Plan a lunch together near Millennium Park.
• Deep-Dish Pizza at Pizano’s
• Al’s Italian Beef Sandwich Shop
• Balu Smoothies and More
• Native Foods Vegan Restaurant


6. Hiking, Walking, Biking
   Take advantage of the scenic hiking and walking loops all over Chicago for some self-care moments alone or conversations with colleagues or Summit acquaintances.
• Chicago Riverwalk – This urban walking area is full of marketplaces and dining opportunities if a leisurely stroll is your style.
• Lakefront Trail – If you’re more of the adventure type, Lakefront trail offers 18-miles of trail right alongside the water.


7. Fitness Classes
   Maintain your physical wellness by taking advantage of local fitness classes can be a really fun element to add to your travel schedule.
• Yoga – Check out an outdoor yoga class at Millennium Park or one of the many nearby yoga studios.
• Spin – If you love your spin classes, SoulCycle is always an easy-to-find option when traveling.
• Fitness Centers – Fitness and recreation centers usually have standard equipment for the more independent types.
• Something Different – Looking to branch out and maybe do some team building? Try Aerial Fitness, Bungee, Trampoline, Zumba, or Obstacle Course Fitness to switch things up and get a laugh in.


8. Museums
   If you’re a lover of learning, you’ll love stimulating your intellectual wellness with a selection of museums in Chicago. Here are a few that anyone would love.
• Museum of Science and Industry – The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere filled with hands-on exhibits.
• Chicago History Museum – For the history buffs, you’ll get a history of everything from sports to politics.
• Adler Planetarium – A unique experience to connect with the universe and see the stars.


9. Sports
• Wrigley Field – For baseball fans, Wrigley field is a must. Travel a few days earlier to catch the Chicago Cubs playing the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Soldier Field – Football fans will love touring Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears.
• United Center – Basketball fans can take a tour or shop merchandise in the home of the Chicago Bulls.


10. Tours
    Get as much as you possibly can out of your visit to Chicago with quick city tours. This is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, or if your family is tagging along, they’ll love this too.
• Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour is great for the foodies
• Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a great way to actively see the city.
• Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour is perfect for the crime junkies.
• Chicago in A Day Tour is a great way to pack it all in and see everything.
• Take a river cruise with your team to connect, make memories, and marvel at Chicago’s iconic skyline. Choose your own adventure – take a dining cruise, a celebratory cruise, or a historic tour cruise.

So what do you say?

Join us at WELCOA Summit and make plans for some adventure while you’ll traveling.

To sweeten the deal, if you register by June 30, you’ll get exclusive access to Early Bird Perks!