October 18-20, 2019
Chicago, Illinois
Retreat Location
SpringHill Suites Chicago O’Hare
Discounted rooms ($124/night) available here.
Our Chicago retreat hotel is conveniently located a free shuttle ride from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and near public transportation, it has comfortable rooms with kitchenettes that can easily be shared with a roommate (or even two, using the sofa bed in the room), and it includes free breakfast for everyone who stays on-site.
Note: The retreat is happening well outside the core of Chicago, so you may consider extending your trip if you wish to explore Chicago while you’re there.
Retreat Schedule
Friday
- Anytime before 6 PM: Arrive on site at your leisure and check in to the hotel if you’re staying on-site
- 4-6 PM: Optional social time and retreat check-in
- 6-9 PM: Welcome and food truck dinner on site
Saturday
- First thing: Breakfast on your own or in pre-arranged groups at the hotel (free for hotel guests)
- 9:30 AM – 6 PM: Sessions, lunch, breaks, and breakout sessions
- 6-7:30 PM: Dinner on your own with new friends
- 7:30-9:30 PM: Costume karaoke and board games
Sunday
- First thing: Breakfast on your own or in pre-arranged groups at the hotel (free for hotel guests)
- 9:30 AM – 1 PM: Sessions and breakout time
- 1 PM: Departure for those who need to catch flights
- 2-7 PM: Optional outing and FIRE meetup in the area
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothes
- Optional onesie or costume for Saturday night
- A board game if you have a favorite
- Bathing suit for the on-site indoor pool
- Warm outerwear, just in case
- Spreadsheets or other plans if you’d like feedback on them
How to Register
The registration fee is $275. That fee includes:
- Entry to all retreat sessions and breakouts
- Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and snacks
- Childcare, if you need it
- Welcome bag with a few high-quality goodies
In addition, when you register, you’ll have the option of adding a Cents Positive t-shirt and an additional donation to support scholarships to the event. (The t-shirt is extra so that those who do not want one don’t have to pay for it.)
Note that the cost is slightly higher than in 2018 to provide us with larger, more comfortable meeting and breakout space, as the top critique from the inaugural event was that our space was too cramped and noisy. We’ve made all efforts to keep costs low while ensuring that everyone is comfortable throughout the weekend.