Where All of Ophthalmology Meets®
The Academy's annual meeting will take place in McCormick Place, Chicago.
Learn more about meeting registration.
There is always something new to see, hear and experience in Chicago. It is known for its cutting-edge theater, breathtaking architecture, world-renowned museums and inventive chefs. Take in the 26 miles of lakefront along beautiful Lake Michigan, stroll through awe-inspiring Millennium Park or shop the latest fashions on the Magnificent Mile.
Shuttle and Transportation Information
Resources to get around Chicago:
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) - buses; the 'L' (elevated and subway trains).
Metra (Metropolitan Rail) - commuter/suburban train lines, with a stop directly in McCormick Place.
Shuttle Between McCormick Place and Hotels
The Academy provides free shuttle bus service for AAO 2024 meeting attendees between many official Academy hotels and McCormick Place. Shuttles run during meeting hours Friday, Oct. 18 through Monday, Oct. 21.
AAO 2024 Shuttle Service information, including schedules and routes is available online. You can also find a link in the Meeting Guide under the Meeting Info button.
Shuttle Between McCormick Place and O’Hare International Airport
Shuttle service is being offered between McCormick Place and O'Hare International Airport:
Sunday, Oct. 20 Every hour, on the half hour, from 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 21 Every hour, on the hour, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
To reserve your spot on the shuttle, visit the airport shuttle sales desk located near Gate 3 on Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Monday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$40 per person
Credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay accepted (no cash)
Advance reservations required.
Tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Tickets are non-refundable.
NOTE: Due to construction, travel time to the airport is anticipated to be between 60 and 90 minutes.
Airport Discounts
Whether you fly through O'Hare or Midway airports, get a discount at participating retailers (PDF 209KB).
Things To Do and See
Condé Nast Traveler readers have voted Chicago as the best big city in the U.S. for the eighth year in a row!
See United's Hemispheres article Three Perfect Days: A Trip to Chicago for advice on how to best take advantage of your time in the Windy City.
Below, find additional reasons to join the Academy in Chicago!
Architecture
Chicago is home to some of the most iconic buildings in America. If you have experienced one of the famous architecture cruises down the Chicago River, you know how beautiful the city looks on the outside. But do you ever wonder what some of these places look like on the inside?
More than 170 residences, buildings, and businesses will open their doors to the public during Open House Chicago, Oct. 19 – 20. This free event is the largest of its kind in the world.
Sports
Many fun events are taking place at the United Center during our meeting in October. See the Blackhawks face the Buffalo Sabres, or a pre-season Bulls game.
Theater
Treat yourself to a performance at some Chicago's most famous venues.
Find shows scheduled for October.
Comedy
Chicago is home to some of the best comedy in the country. Check out The Second City.
Music
Follow the advice of TripAdvisor or Choose Chicago to find the best blues clubs and bars in Chicago.
Museums
Explore some of Chicago's many museums:
The International Museum of Surgical Science is located in a historic four-story mansion on Lake Shore Dr. One entire gallery is devoted to ophthalmology. Show your conference badge for 50% off the cost of admission.
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.
The iconic Art Institute of Chicago has free tours of museum highlights each day.
See the universe at Adler Planetarium.
At the Shedd Aquarium you can view fish and sharks, or even meet a penguin.
Explore your love of science at the Field Museum.
Shopping
The 13-blocks known as the Magnificent Mile boasts more than 450 stores which cater to all styles and budgets.
Restaurants
Chicago is filled with so many good eateries - from casual to fine dining - that it is hard to narrow down the choices. Use the following resources to help in your selection:
A list and map of Chicago's restaurants with Michelin Stars.
TimeOut's list of the best restaurants in Chicago.
View a list of Chicago’s retro speakeasies and bars.
When you are ready, make a reservation with Open Table.
Tours
Take a daytime or evening tour of Chicago's famous architecture, historic bars, jazz and blues clubs as well as unique neighborhoods.
Explore the possibilities with Viator, an online tour marketplace.
Looking for something off the beaten path? View the Atlas Obscura Guide to Hidden Chicago.
Outdoor Activities
Fall is the best time to visit the Windy City. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy many outdoor activities, without the crowds:
Weather
October in Chicago is mild. The average high temperature can range from 62°F - 74°F (17°C - 23°C) and the average low is around 50°F (10°C).
Time
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone. In October, the Central Time Zone is -5h UTC/GMT.