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General Information
BE
Dairy
Boundless Potential.
Endless Possibilities.
IDF World Dairy Summit
October 16-19, 2023 | Chicago, USA
Information
General Information
IDF Business meetings and the IDF World Dairy Summit will both take place at the Lakeside Center, McCormick Place, 2301 S King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
Summit Venue Hotel:
The Hyatt McCormick Place
2233 South Martin Luther King Drive
Chicago, IL USA 60616
T: +1.312.567.1234
The Hyatt is the primary conference hotel and is attached to the McCormick Place for easy access to all meetings and Summit sessions.
October is a high season for business meetings in Chicago so it’s recommended to make your hotel reservations early. The Summit has negotiated a special rate at several nearby hotels. For more information and to make reservations, click here. These rooms/special rates are available for reservation until September 25, 2023.
Full registration fee includes all Summit Sessions, Exhibit Hall, Welcome Reception, lunches and health breaks during the Summit, October 16-19, 2023.
Accompanying Person registration fee includes Welcome Reception, Exhibit Hall, lunches, and health breaks during the Summit, October 16-19, 2023.
In order to register as a media attendee you must first be approved. Please click here to fill out our media attendance request form in order to be considered.
Early bird
(before June 30, 2023)
US $1150
Regular
(July 1-September 1, 2023)
US $1350
Onsite
(After September 1, 2023)
US $1600
One Day
US $ 595
Accompanying Person
US $ 595
Student
US $ 250
Farmers Dinner
(for farmers and staff of farmer
organizations only)
US $ 95
Gala Dinner
US $ 150
Payment must be performed with credit card (VISA, Master Card, American Express) when registering. Your credit card will be charged in US dollars and appear as Conference Registration Fees.
Cancellation policy: Registration cancellations received in writing to the Summit Organizers (email address) will be accepted prior to August 1 minus a $150 processing fee. Cancellations will not be accepted after August 1, but substitutions may be made at any time without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registration@metroconnections.com. You are responsible for cancelling any hotel reservations with the hotel.
Attire for the Summit sessions and Welcome Reception is business casual. For the Gala Dinner the attire is business formal.
Chicago is located alongside Lake Michigan which can bring changeable weather to the city at the Summit’s time of year. In early October, temperatures in Chicago reach around 68°F/20°C in the hottest part of the day, falling to a low of 48°F/9°C at night. By the end of the month, lows reach 39°F/4°C so you’ll need to wear a jacket. October in Chicago can still be quite bright and sunny, although it’s not unusual to have rainy days as well so it’s best to pack an umbrella if you plan to do a lot of walking.
Chicago is in the Central Standard Time zone (UTC-6).
Electricity supply is 110V (60 Hz). For those visiting the U.S., you will need an adaptor for the outlets.
The Organizing Committee and US-IDF cannot accept any liability for personal injuries or loss or damage of property belonging to IDF World Dairy Summit participants and accompanying persons.
Registration & Information: registration@metroconnections.com
Airports:
The main airports in Chicago are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is the larger of the two and is located approximately 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is located approximately 11 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.
Distance from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to McCormick Place: 20.5 miles / approx. 45 minute drive
Distance from Midway International Airport (MDW) to McCormick Place: 9.5 miles / approx. 25 minute drive
Travel times vary depending on the time of day, weather and traffic patterns. Please prepare for at least one hour transfer time from either airport.
Ground Transportation:
Both airports offer a variety of ground transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, airport shuttles, and public transportation. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city, with trains and buses serving both airports and the downtown area.
Rideshare to/from O’Hare International Airport (ORD):
- Uber and Lyft are both available for pickups at O'Hare Airport.
- To request a ride, follow the signs to the designated rideshare pickup area, which is located on the lower level of the terminal.
- Terminal 1: Lower Level, Door 1D
- Terminal 2: Lower Level, Door 2D
- Terminal 3: Lower Level, Door 3D
- Terminal 5: If you arrive in Terminal 5 you will need to take the tram to Terminal 2 to access rideshare pick-ups
- When you request a ride, be sure to confirm your pickup location with your driver and follow any additional instructions provided by the rideshare app.
Rideshare to/from Midway International Airport (MDW):
- Uber and Lyft are both available for pickups at Midway Airport.
- The designated rideshare pickup area is located on the lower level of the terminal, outside of baggage claim.
- Arrivals Level, Door 3
- Main Parking Garage, Level 1
- When you request a ride, be sure to confirm your pickup location with your driver and follow any additional instructions provided by the rideshare app.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to/from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD):
- From the O'Hare Airport terminal, follow the signs to the CTA Blue Line train station. The station is located in Terminal 2, but it is accessible from all terminals via the airport's free shuttle service.
- Purchase a Ventra Card or Ticket from the vending machines in the train station or at the customer service desk. A one-way fare on the CTA is $2.50 per person, and you can add value to your card or ticket as needed.
- Take the Blue Line train towards Forest Park and ride for approximately 30 minutes to the Jackson Station.
- At Jackson Station, transfer to the Red Line train towards 95th/Dan Ryan and ride for approximately 10 minutes to the Cermak-Chinatown Station.
- Exit the station and walk approximately 0.3 miles (6 minutes) to McCormick Place.
Total travel time is approximately 1 hour. Please note that travel times may vary depending on the time of day and any delays on the CTA.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to/from Midway International Airport (MDW):
- From the Midway Airport terminal, follow the signs to the CTA Orange Line train station. The station is located near the airport's parking garage.
- Purchase a Ventra Card or Ticket from the vending machines in the train station or at the customer service desk. A one-way fare on the CTA is $2.50 per person, and you can add value to your card or ticket as needed.
- Take the Orange Line train towards the Loop and ride for approximately 25 minutes to the Roosevelt Station.
- At Roosevelt Station, transfer to the Green Line train towards Ashland/63rd and ride for approximately 5 minutes to the Cermak-McCormick Place Station.
- Exit the station and walk approximately 0.2 miles (4 minutes) to McCormick Place.
Total travel time is approximately 35 minutes. Please note that travel times may vary depending on the time of day and any delays on the CTA.
Currency Exchange:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD):
- Travelex Currency Exchange has several locations throughout O'Hare Airport, including in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal 5
- Travelex offers a variety of currency exchange services, including currency exchange, traveler's checks, and money transfers.
- You can find specific locations and hours of operation on the Travelex website.
Midway International Airport (MDW):
- There are several currency exchange locations at Midway Airport, including a Travelex location in Concourse A and a Currency Exchange Association location in Concourse B.
- These locations offer a variety of currency exchange services, including currency exchange, traveler's checks, and money transfers.
- You can find specific locations and hours of operation on the Midway Airport website.
Please note that currency exchange rates may vary depending on the provider and current market conditions. It's a good idea to compare rates and fees before exchanging currency to ensure you get the best deal.
ATM Locations Nearby McCormick Place Chicago:
- Chase Bank - 2300 S Michigan Ave (0.4 miles from McCormick Place)
- Citibank - 2929 S Wabash Ave (0.5 miles from McCormick Place)
- Bank of America - 1350 E 47th St (0.9 miles from McCormick Place)
- Fifth Third Bank - 401 E 35th St (1.2 miles from McCormick Place)
- PNC Bank - 4025 S King Dr (1.3 miles from McCormick Place)
Please note that there may be additional ATM options in the area, and it's always a good idea to check with your specific bank or financial institution to see if they have any partnerships with ATMs in the Chicago area that may offer fee-free transactions.
International SIM Cards:
- O'Hare International Airport - The O'Hare Airport has several shops where you can purchase international SIM cards, including InMotion Entertainment and Best Buy Express. These stores carry a variety of SIM card options from different carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
- Midway International Airport - The Midway Airport also has several stores where you can purchase international SIM cards, including Best Buy Express and Tech On The Go. These stores carry SIM card options from various carriers, including AT&T and T-Mobile.
It's important to note that prices and availability may vary depending on the specific store and carrier. It's always a good idea to research and compare options before purchasing an international SIM card, especially if you plan to use it for an extended period of time. Additionally, some carriers may require that your phone is unlocked before using an international SIM card, so it's a good idea to check with your carrier before making a purchase.
Vaccination:
As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Visit the USAGov website for more information on International Travel to and from the United States.
Return COVID-19 Testing Sites:
Below is a list of COVID-19 Testing Sites nearby McCormick Place should you require a test to re-enter to your host country.
- Curative Testing Site:
- Location: 1645 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 (about 3.5 miles from McCormick Place)
- Testing hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm
- Testing type: PCR (oral swab)
- Cost: Free
- Appointments: Appointments are required and can be made online at https://curative.com/sites/27623 or by calling (888) 702-9042.
- Innovative Express Care:
- Location: 1111 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 1201, Chicago, IL 60605 (about 2 miles from McCormick Place)
- Testing hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm
- Testing type: PCR (nasal swab) and rapid antigen
- Cost: PCR testing is covered by insurance, and uninsured individuals can receive testing at no cost through federal funding. Rapid antigen testing is $150 without insurance.
- Appointments: Appointments are required and can be made online at https://innovativecorona.com/testing or by calling (888) 775-5552.
US Cultural Information
Understanding the U.S. Culture
If this is your first time visiting the U.S., the following information may be helpful.
Tipping Culture
- The typical tipping practice for service at sit-down restaurants is between 18% to 20%.
- Always check your restaurant bill before tipping, as some restaurants already include the tip in your bill’s total particularly for groups of 6 or more people. If in doubt about whether the tip has been included, ask your server.
- Other common tip suggestions in the hospitality industry include:
- Concierge: dependent on the difficulty of your request
- Bartenders: $1-2 per drink
- Housekeepers at hotels: $1-5 per night
- Valets: $1-5 each time the valet brings your car
- Hotel porters: $1-2 per bag
- Doormen: $1-2 if they help you get a cab
- Taxi drivers: 15-20%
- Shared shuttle drivers: $2-3 per person
- Food delivery: $1-$4 depending on the distance from the restaurant to your accommodation
Some other services already include a “service charge,” which is considered a tip.
American Culture Tips
While cultural norms vary across the country, below are a few practices that many Americans hold important for interpersonal interactions. Please keep in mind that these are just starting tips and not predictors of someone’s behavior as every American you meet will differ in how strongly they feel about each of these practices.
- Attention to Time. Americans tend to dislike the idea of wasting time. Efficiency is a virtue in the U.S. Being late for an appointment with an American can be taken as a personal offense because it is viewed as indicating disrespect. Plan to arrive a few minutes before the specified time for meetings and events and call in advance if you will be late.
- Personal Space. Americans value their own personal space and generally do not like that space to be invaded. They find it uncomfortable when others stand too close and will unconsciously move away.
- Informality. Be prepared for informality. People dress more casually, call superiors by their first names, and eat just about anywhere.
- Privacy. The right to privacy runs deep in American culture. Americans don’t typically talk about salary, age and weight. Conversations about personal family matters, politics, or religion are reserved for later stages of friendship.
Visa
Visa requirements for U.S.
For those countries that require a visa to travel to the United States, we encourage you to apply now as there is currently a longer than normal wait time in certain countries.
For those requiring visas, here are some helpful resources:
- Check here to
determine if you are from a country that is eligible for a
visa waiver for the U.S.
For Canada, view here. - If you are eligible for a Visa Waiver, you may still be required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and attain approval before arriving.
- If you are not eligible for a Visa Waiver, then you should make it a priority to apply for a visa now. Please share this information with your National Committee members likely to attend the Summit.
- Please review the current status at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
- Instructions for how to request an expedited appointment if needed: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
US Dairy/IDF/USIDF
US Dairy Industry Overview
The U.S. dairy industry consists of nearly 30,000 farms, 94% of which are family owned and operated, as well as thousands of dairy businesses that range from global brands and manufacturers to artisanal companies delivering nutritious and innovative dairy foods and beverages to people around the world. Together, the industry supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact.
Each day, the industry strives to earn dairy’s place in homes in the U.S. and around the world. It’s the largest cow’s milk producing country in the world and the third largest dairy exporting region. On average, 95% of American households purchase dairy; domestically, dairy has achieved consistent growth in per capita consumption for more than a quarter-century.
America’s dairy farms, many of which are multigenerational, are diverse in size, region and practice. The average herd size is just over 300 dairy cows. In total, nearly 9 million cows produce more than 26 billion gallons of milk annually. Today, 99% of the domestic milk supply comes from farms that participate in the ISO-certified National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Animal Care program, setting high standards for animal care, antibiotic stewardship and biosecurity. The vast majority of the milk supply is also engaged in other important on-farm social responsibility initiatives through the FARM Environmental Stewardship and FARM Workforce Development pillars.
America’s dairy processing sector is as diverse as its dairy farms – from family-owned and run to multinational companies to artisanal operations across the U.S. The country’s dairy processors are at the cutting edge of innovation, sustainable business practices, and smart growth in both domestic and export markets. They deliver affordable dairy nutrition to consumers around the world while showing the public the high caliber of sustainable production that occurs in the U.S. dairy sector. In addition to commercial-scale operations, numerous artisan and farmstead operations across the country make up a growing and vibrant part of the domestic processing sector.
U.S. dairy invests in nutrition research and product innovation to meet consumers’ changing wellness needs while accelerating environmental sustainability solutions that reduce the industry’s environmental footprint, conserve natural resources and restore ecosystems. More than 75% of the nation’s milk production has voluntarily adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment and contribute to U.S. dairy’s ability to track, aggregate and report on progress in important areas like animal care, environmental stewardship, food safety/traceability and community contributions.
U.S. dairy believes in the boundless potential and endless possibilities for dairy to nourish a growing global population, the planet and communities around the world.
International Dairy Federation
International Dairy Federation (IDF) is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. Since 1903, IDF's network of dairy experts has provided science-based knowledge on how to help nourish the world with safe, nutritious and sustainable dairy products.
With over 1,200 highly qualified dairy experts from its approximately 40 member countries around the world, IDF represents nearly 75% of global milk production and provides a permanent source of authoritative information relevant to the dairy sector.
Helping deliver a sustainable and successful
future for the global dairy sector
- IDF’S Purpose: Connect and empower the global dairy sector to nourish the world with safe, nutritious, and sustainable dairy.
- IDF’s Vision: Support the efforts of the global dairy sector to provide safe, nutritious, sustainable and accessible dairy products to the world’s population while being a source of economic and social vitality in agricultural communities and the dairy sector.
- IDF’s Mission: Strengthen the global dairy sector by collecting, extending, managing and sharing science-based dairy expertise and insight for policy development and standard setting at national and international levels.
- IDF’s Values: Knowledgeable, Collaborative, Excellent, Longstanding Integrity, Engaged
Our priorities are to:
- Ensure dairy is recognised as an essential component in sustainable food systems and healthy diets.
- Contribute to vital standard setting and scientific advice to Intergovernmental organizations.
- Remain a global forum for knowledge and experience sharing.
- Show how milk and dairy foods are delivering on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
United States National Committee of the International Dairy Federation (US-IDF)
The United States National Committee of the International Dairy Federation (US-IDF) serves as a voice on behalf of the U.S. dairy industry for global dairy standards, policies and markets. US-IDF is the gateway to the IDF, serving as the National Committee within the United States. Its members include academia, national, state and regional trade associations, processors, suppliers, and others interested in global dairy issues. For more information about becoming a member: www.usidf.org.
Social Events
Welcome Reception
Sunday, October 15
6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
House of Blues
Join fellow IDF World Dairy Summit attendees for a Welcome Reception that will kick off the week at a historic Chicago location steeped in musical tradition. This year’s Welcome Reception will be held at the House of Blues, whose mission is to celebrate and demonstrate the power of music to bring people together. As Chicago’s premier music venue, the House of Blues’ mantra from day one is Unity in Diversity and its iconic stage has played host to such rock legends as Guns N’ Roses, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg and Buddy Guy. Join us to relax, reacquaint with longtime friends and meet new friends while enjoying a U.S. Cheese Extravaganza….and experience what it means to BE Dairy in the United States.
Farmers Dinner
Tuesday, October 17
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Chicago Sports Museum
(ticket required;
by invitation only)
For farmers and staff of farmer organizations, by invitation only.
Join fellow farmers from around the globe for an evening of food,
fun, and networking hosted by Dairy Management Inc., dairy farmer board members and
staff. Enjoy dinner and the unique opportunity to celebrate dairy farmers’ hard work and
dedication to feeding the world while sharing experiences, best practices and networking
with other farmers from around the world.
Gala Dinner
Wednesday, October 18
6:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Field Museum
(ticket required)
The Gala Dinner will be held at one of Chicago’s landmark cultural institutions on the Lake Michigan Shore, The Field Museum. Since its opening in 1894, the Field Museum’s collection has grown to nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens, making it one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The museum’s mission is to connect all of us to the natural world and the human story and its permanent exhibits and special attractions attract millions of visitors each year. Join us for an evening celebration like none other that will offer opportunities to tour some of the Museum’s most popular exhibits while also engaging with fellow attendees on the Boundless Potential and Endless Opportunities for dairy as presented and discussed during the IDF World Dairy Summit 2023.
Chicago Information
Dining
Walkable Food Options
Click here for a list of restaurant recommendations that are within a ~30 minute drive from the McCormick Place and middle-range price point and offer a broad range of American and International cuisine.
Local Tours & Attractions
Click here to explore Chicago's one-of-a-kind attractions and experiences.
Safety
Is downtown Chicago safe?
The Loop and Chicago’s business districts are very safe, with hundreds of thousands of people working and visiting there every day – we encourage everyone take advantage of our amazing downtown area!
Our public safety professionals are working tirelessly to ensure continued safety in this area. In addition to CPD’s District Patrol personnel that work in the downtown area and the Central Business District, the Critical Incident Response Team specifically focuses on securing these high-trafficked areas. The police districts that cover the downtown area, with the supplemental Critical Incident Response Team, work 24/7 to protect residents, businesses and visitors. Crime is deterred by a saturation of police in the area and responded to quickly if it occurs.
Despite the perception, the fact is that millions of people live, work and play throughout Chicago every day safely, and our efforts have led to major public safety improvements.
I am attending a conference at McCormick Place. Is it safe there?
Yes. McCormick Place has expert, 24/7 security staff in all buildings, a central security command center, a dedicated Chicago Police Department beat, patrol vehicles, and bike patrol officers. Additionally, McCormick Place has 1,400 closed-circuit cameras that security staff monitor 24/7 and a robust emergency communications system. In 2022, we have had a packed conference schedule, holding hundreds of events with well over a million attendees without incident. This includes the successful return of IMTS with approximately 90,000 attendees.