If it were later in the spring, I'd recommend one of the architectural boat tours run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. But, alas, they don't run this time of year. Millenium park is popular as well, and of course there's the Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art. As for the Sears Tower, some feel the view is better from the Hancock, which is closer to the lake and almost as tall. For one thing, you can see the Sears Tower I can see many of these attractions from my 30th floor office here at State and Wacker, but what I REALLY want to see is the new Prius. Anyone know how I can get a last minute invite to tomorrow's event? Tim '08 Touring Pkg 6
You could try the link provided in the invitations thread, but I suspect it may no longer be working. I didn't use my guest pass, but it is also possible they already gave away a position based on me telling them I wasn't going to use it. Maybe one of the special connected people here at PriusChat could help yo get connected. The good news is that you will be able to see it at the Chicago auto show in any case.
I was able to contact event organizers and it looks like I'll be added to the list. So, hopefully, I'll see you all there. Tim
And about that Water Tower - Beautiful as it is, did you know that Milwaukee has its twin? Actually, we think ours is nicer because it is on a hill overlooking Lake Michigan in a lovely park-like setting. If you come to Milwaukee (maybe for Summerfest?) and drive north from downtown along Lincoln Memorial Drive, the water tower is on your left, high on the hill. Turn at the light & zig-zag up the hill for a better look. See y'll tomorrow!
This is just killin' me! I want to go tomorrow -- and it is less than an hour's drive away, but I thought I'd seen enough at PCD! Arghh! Now I want to go!
So i've never made it to a Chicago Prius Group meeting before but I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun running around playing with things!! I just sent them an e-mail though as my guest is now missing from my reservation. Was there in the first e-mail but then dissappeared.
Sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but I haven't gotten anything from PCChicago, since the confirmation email. Did they send anyone else an ID (mail or otherwise)? I have been expecting to see something in the mail for some reason... Maybe this event isn't as exclusive as I had originally expected. Should have known when they let me in. B)
I walked by the Arts Center before coming home and the last minute touches are being put in place. The cars are inside and covered. There will be two levels, the entry level where it looks like the trivia game and some lounging will be and the lower level where the cars, cut-a-way and food will be. Looks to be a bit cramped where the cars are for the number of people coming. If anyone cannot negotiate stairs the elevator entrance is just east of the main entrance at 445 E Illinois, sign says loft sale info. Neither Toyota nor the Art Center people knows the valet parking cost, comparable valet in the area is $10-$15. Parking around the building is around $22-$28 for the time you'll be there. There is a parking lot at Illinois and Rush-just west of Michigan Ave.-which is $11 for the evening and within walking distance. Then take the public transit bus which stops at the base of the Michigan Ave. overhead road just to the east. Bus costs $2 one way. Or you can perhaps catch the Navy Pier free trolley, though they don't like to drop people off at other than Navy Pier. Also for the hearty hikers there is a self-park garage at the south-east corner of Kinzie and LaSalle for $8, then either a 25 minute walk or a shorter walk to Illinois for the public transit bus. If you are taking the CTA red line get off at the Grand stop. Once you get street side go south, just follow the mostly closed State street to Illinois and there is a shelter to wait for the bus right by the Star of Siam Thai restaurant (good place). For the Blue line get off at Grand and board the bus east. Remember the fare is $2.25 for the rail plus $.25 for a transfer to the bus. If your going back by rail purchase your transit card with at least $5 on it. Do come over and say hi to me, just kick my legs as they're sticking out from under the cars. Hopefully, I'll be able to pass out some ChicagoPriusGroup cards to unknowing locals and dealers who may want OUR help. Wayne
Don't know why you're expecting something in the U.S. mail. If you got an email confirmation, then you're in. The email confirmed your reservation/pre-registration. You show up, tell them your name, and they look for and presumably will find and hand you your ID name tag to wear around your neck. a priori's reference to PCD ID was to the ID name tag he got when he attended Prius Connection Detroit.
a priori, Do you mean that you applied and haven't gotten an email confirmation? Heck, I got an email confirmation and I didn't even apply [EDIT: Although now that I look at it again, it isn't the same as my New York confirmation which had a confirmation/registration number, etc.]: [FONT=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] We’re excited that you’ll be joining us for Prius Connection Chicago at the River East Art Center on February 10, 2009, 6:00–9:00 p.m. If you are wondering what to wear, recommended dress is business casual. If you have questions, please contact your Prius Connection Concierge, at [email protected] or 800-299-4759, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Central Time. Outside of those hours, please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day. Thanks very much and we’ll see you in Chicago. The Toyota Prius Team UNSUBSCRIBE: If you wish to stop receiving marketing emails from Toyota please respond “UNSUBSCRIBE” to this email. Privacy Policy This is an advertisement. ©2009 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 S. Western Avenue, HQ23, Torrance, CA 90501[/FONT] Anyways, if you haven't applied, then maybe it's not too late. Just call them in the morning. And if that doesn't work, consider just showing up any way. Maybe there'll be a last day cancellation or opening. Or maybe they'll let you in anyway. I can tell you that at Prius Connection New York, not everyone who had reserved showed up. At the end of the evening, there were still at least 5 unclaimed name tags at the reception table.
Now I'm wondering. The invitation email says Parking: Valet Parking will be provided which to my little county bumpkin self meant that I wouldn't have to pay for it (except for tip). . . . Well Shana, if you have to pay, obviously I will be sharing that cost with you!
"I'm just a simple country lawyer ..." So to me too, it sounds like the valet parking is free. But I'd call the 800 number in the morning to confirm.
