If you want to experience an amazing educational event in Chicago, then you’ll want to attend the FACTS Elevate Conference. This conference takes place during the first weekend of July. This means that you’ll have to plan your trip to the Windy City as soon as possible. Chicago has no shortage of architecture, attractions, and museums. Make the most of your trip by keeping the following five tips in mind.

About the Conference 

The conference, now in its tenth year, centers on FACTS, a huge provider of educational solutions to school admins, deans, and admissions directors. Partnered with over 11,500 schools, the FACTS suite of offerings has expanded so much over the years that it can be difficult to get the most out of it. The Elevate Conference helps ever attendee learn or refresh their knowledge, try out advanced features, and become more efficient in their current processes. It also spotlights new or upcoming product features.

Making Your Itinerary

Just because you’re going to Chicago to learn, that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to have a bit of fun. You’ll want to include the popular attractions and highlights to your itinerary. While you can do most of these activities in a single weekend, you’d need at least a week to experience all that the city has to offer. That’s why you should pare down and focus using your itinerary.

First, you should determine how long you want to visit the city. Consider the dates that can help you find other events that are happening around that time. Be flexible with your dates, so you can score a flight deal. Keep your itinerary open for unscheduled activities, so you’ll have a chance to fully explore the city.

Create a list of things you want to do or see. You can always cross off the activities you don’t want have time for. A to-do list will allow you to generate unique ideas for your trip. But you don’t want to overbook yourself with too many activities in one day. If your schedule is filled from morning to night, then you might miss out on incredible experiences. Choose two or three activities each day that allows for some time to rest.

Where to Stay

Chicago has a wide variety of hotels from luxury hotels to chain hotels located near the airport. You can find hotels near Millennium Park, if you’re frequenting that spot a lot. The Hotel Fairmont Chicago – Millennium Park has a chic, sophisticated look and services to match. With on-site restaurants, bars, spa, and fitness studio, it offers travelers an upscale experience to unwind after a long day at the conference.

Another good option is the Hyatt Regency Chicago, which is in the center of it all. It’s located in the heart of downtown and is close to the Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk. You’ll experience hotel rooms with classic designs and modern upgrades such as free internet and charging stations. Most of these suites look out over the Chicago River and comes with vast dining and entertainment options, including concierge service.

Getting There

Chicago is situated close to two airports: O’Hare and Midway. Flying into Chicago is easier than to be expected. But getting around the airport can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the area. Take advantage of the airport’s guide maps or mobile app so you can get around.

Deciding between these two airports gives you the ability to explore more rates and airlines. O’Hare is the larger of the two, while Midway has affordable flights. There are plenty of transportation options from each airport. Fares are affordable and you leave the driving in someone else’s hands.

Getting Around

Chicago is known for its great public transportation system, which makes it easier to get around. It’s also even faster than driving around by car. In addition, parking is horrible on the side streets. Instead of booking car rental, you’ll save yourself time and stress by using public transportation.

Things to Do

Chicago has plenty of activities for all ages. Some activities are free and easy to access, while others cost more money and take time to enjoy. If you’re planning a longer vacation, then you’ll have more time to schedule activities, attractions, and entertainment into your itinerary.

If you want to explore all that Chicago has to offer, then invest in a CityPASS, which gives you access to the Field Museum, the Industry and Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science, Shedd Aquarium, and Skydeck Chicago. You’ll bypass the long lines and save on buying individual tickets to each of these attractions. You should also take advantage of the Go Chicago Card, which gives you access to even more attractions at an affordable rate. You can even customize your experience by choosing which attractions you want to visit.