Below is a summary of the basic information about the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, and the Conference itself, that ICA members who are planning to attend the 2009 conference may need to know. This information will also be available in the front of your Conference program.

Chicago Marriott Downtown: Situated on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile among world-class shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, this luxurious Chicago, Illinois hotel is within walking distance to the Windy City's top attractions, including Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, Theater and Museum Districts.

Parking: Covered and valet parking is available on a $48.00 USD per day basis. This charge will be added to the guest bill. In-and-out privilege passes are issued daily.

Business Office: A full-service Business Center is located in the hotel.

Food and Beverage: Although many of the world's finest restaurants are located just outside our doors, guests can have a meal without having to leave the hotel. The hotel offers the Harvest Grill featuring American cuisine with a simple, fresh, Midwestern style cooking as well as the Lobby Bar & Lounge featuring and illuminated sculpture, media wall with six plasma HDTVs and 24 beers on tap. There is a full service Starbucks serving coffee, beverages and light fare.

Tour Desk: Tours of the Chicago area can be arranged through the concierge desk on the Lobby Level. You can also obtain information about transportation to all airports there. Tour desk personnel can assist with plans for transportation to and from the hotel to all destinations. The Chicago host organizing committee will have a booth in the Exhibit Hall to assist with tour and restaurant recommendations.

Fitness Center: Get a first-class workout in the state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring a variety of cardiovascular conditioning and weight training equipment. Indulge yourself with a massage, sauna or steam. There is also an indoor pool.

Medical Information: No doctors reside on hotel premises. The hotel security department is fully trained to handle emergencies. In case of emergencies, hotel security personnel can be in touch immediately with nearby medical facilities.

Hotel Concierge: Hotel personnel can provide guests with restaurant recommendations, directions to specific sites, reservations, and general information about what's going on in Chicago. There are many sights located within easy walking distance of the hotel. The concierge staff will assist you.

Registration: Registration will be in the Grand Ballroom II on Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Monday 8a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom Foyer.

Exhibits: Exhibits will be located in the Grand Ballroom II. Wednesday, May 23, is booth setup ONLY. The Exhibit hall is open Thursday, 8a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8a.m.-5p.m. There are no exhibits on Monday.

Wireless Cyber Cafe: This year, as a service to ICA participants, conference attendees will be able to check for email messages in the Wireless Cyber Cafe located in the Exhibit Hall in the Grand Ballroom II. Each person wishing to use the service may utilize it for a 10-minute period each day. For those who require access during non-exhibit times, each hotel room is equipped with Internet connections for a fee. In addition, the hotel business center offers Internet access. Hours of the Cyber Cafe are Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8a.m. - 5p.m. There will be no wireless internet on Monday.

Membership: To join ICA, please consult with any person at the ICA registration desk. Forms will be available at the registration desk throughout the conference.

Opening Reception: Everyone attending ICA's 59th Annual Conference is invited to attend the opening reception on Thursday evening immediately following the opening plenary session. It is the first opportunity to connect with colleagues and make plans for the remainder of the conference. The traditional gathering is in the Chicago Ballroom of the Marriott, on the fifth level.

Special Events: Special events include several division and interest group parties following their business meetings. A large number of university, colleges, and departments of communication will host parties for their graduates and guests.

Paper Distribution Center: The Paper Distribution Center (PDC) will again be online this year. As part of your conference registration, you have been given a password allowing access to all a special section of the ICA website. Conference papers will be available in this section for 60 days after the conclusion of the conference.

ERIC: The ERIC Clearinghouse is always interested in having papers from the ICA conference submitted for possible inclusion in the ERIC system. Authors may submit papers to ERIC directly: Coordinator of Documents, ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication Skills, 2805 East Tenth Street, Smith Research Center, Suite 150, Bloomington, IN 47408-2698 USA.

Audiovisual Equipment: ICA makes every effort to provide audiovisual equipment needed for conference presentations:

• Each meeting room scheduled for an ICA presentation will have an overhead projector, screen, and an LCD projector.
• Presenters who have not preordered AV equipment or who have last-minute needs must arrange and pay for equipment themselves through the authorized audiovisual provider for this conference. ICA will order no equipment once the conference has begun.