As the largest and most flexible convention center in North America, McCormick Place is the perfect venue for meetings and events of all sizes. The entire campus is accessible via sky bridge, making the campus the most connected venue available in the city of Chicago. 

The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions will be hosted at the Lakeside Center overlooking Lake Michigan from Monday, August 14 through Friday, August 18.

McCormick Place strives to create the best possible experience for every guest, every time.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome at McCormick Place.

Assisted Hearing Devices

TTY Phone access is available at the Security Command Center located in the North Building on Level 1.

Elevators

Elevators are located near the main entrances in all McCormick Place buildings, and near the main exhibit halls on all levels.

Entrances and Exits

McCormick Place has 4 designated drop-off points for taxis and cars that provide ramped curbs and automatic entry doors:

• Lakeside Center (Site of 2023 Parliament) – Drop off at Gate 37 (car drop off at Gate 31); pick up at Gate 30
• North Building – Drop off or pick up at Gate 22
• South Building – Drop off or pick up at Gate 4
• West Building – Drop off or pick up at Gate 40

Meeting Rooms and Theaters

All meeting rooms and theaters are wheelchair accessible, except rooms E268 and E269 of the Lakeside Center.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available in Lot A (located on Martin Luther King Drive), Lot C (located underground in Lakeside Center) and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place parking garage.

Seating

The Arie Crown Theater provides wheelchair seating throughout the theater; wheelchair companion seating can be arranged with advance notice. 

Service Areas

First aid stations, restaurants, retail outlets and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. Restrooms provide either accessible or ambulatory stalls.

Signage

All McCormick Place public signs incorporate raised lettering and Braille.

Wheelchairs, Mobility Services and Oxygen Equipment

For wheelchairs, mobility scooters, power chairs and oxygen equipment rentals, contact our preferred service partner, Scootaround Mobility Solutions at 888-441-7575.

Chicago welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. Two documents are needed to enter the United States:

• A valid passport
• If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need to obtain a visitor visa from the U.S. Department of State. The VWP allows citizens of over 30 participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Find out if you qualify.

If your country is not part of the VWP, there are three visitor visa categories you may apply for:

B-1: For those entering the U.S. temporarily for business

B-2: For those visiting for pleasure

B-1/B-2: For a combination of both

Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda visiting the United States for temporary travel generally do not require a nonimmigrant visa.

Chicago is home to two international airports conveniently located in the center of the country, with thousands of daily inbound and outbound flights to more than 240 destinations:

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport

Transportation to/from O’Hare and Midway

Both O’Hare and Midway are within easy reach of downtown Chicago.

• The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line ‘L’ Train, which runs 24/7, connects directly to O’Hare. The CTA Orange Line ‘L’ Train connects directly to Midway. See maps and fares.
• Taxi, Lyft, and Uber pick-up points are available at both airports. Alternatively, you can e-hail and e-pay with CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis. For on-demand ride-sharing, download your free Lyft and/or Uber app. Simply enter your current location and destination, review fare options, and request your ride.
• GO Airport Express provides shared ride services to all downtown/suburban hotels.
• Numerous car rental companies have facilities at both O’Hare and Midway airports.
• Find limousine and chauffeur services for your stay in Chicago.

Via Car

Chicago’s central location and its position as a hub for the nation’s major interstates make it a convenient drive from anywhere in the country. Chicago is accessible via several major interstates and highways: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway), I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), and I-294 (Tri-State Tollway).

View an interactive parking map of downtown Chicago to search for public parking lots and garages by address and points of interest.

Via Bus

Total Charter Bus Chicago

If you’re headed to Chicago from a Midwestern metropolis like Detroit, Indianapolis, or St. Louis, catch a leisurely ride on a private charter bus. Charter buses include free WiFi, reclining seats, panoramic windows, and plenty of legroom. Find a private charter bus.

Greyhound Lines, Inc.

Greyhound has five Chicagoland locations, including two 24-hour stations and 20 express routes to major U.S. cities. Find Greyhound stations.

Megabus.com

Megabus is a budget-friendly, city-to-city service. Find Megabus stations and rates.

Via Train

Chicago’s iconic Union Station serves both Amtrak and Metra, the city’s commuter rail service. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, Union Station is a glowing expression of Chicago’s status as a national railroad hub, and remains a treasured part of the city’s history.

Additionally, the Richard B. Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago serves the three commuter rail lines of Metra’s Union Pacific District, which approach the terminal elevated above street level. There are also two Metra stations in the Loop: Millennium Station on the Metra Electric District line and Lasalle Street Station on the Rock Island District Line.

Amtrak

With 21,000 miles of routes across the United States and Canada, Amtrak offers more than 300 high-speed trains to more than 500 destinations daily. Find Amtrak routes and fares.

Metra Rail

The high-speed Metra commuter rail train connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago and is a fast and easy way to travel to the heart of the city. Find fares and route maps.

South Shore Line

South Shore Line serves Chicago through Northern Indiana to the South Bend Airport. Call (219) 874-4221 ext. 245 for group rates. Find South Shore Line routes and fares.