On this page:
Travel and Transportation
Travel Insurance for International Attendees
Chicago Basics: Weather, Exchange Rate and More
Chicago City Highlights
International Center

Travel and Transportation

• Many international Joint Meeting attendees will require a visitor visa to enter the United States. Apply early; for scientific conferences, visa applications should be made no later than 90 days prior to travel. Consult Visitor Visas for details and helpful links.
• Travelers from visa waiver countries: the ESTA document is now required. If you do not have it, you may not be allowed to board your flight. Consult Visitor Visas for details.
• Personalize the letter of invitation to the Joint Meeting to assist in your visitor visa application process.

Travel Insurance for International Attendees
If you are attending the 2012 Joint Meeting in Chicago, your current accident and medical insurance may not cover travel outside your home country.

Marsh offers the Gateway portfolio of international insurance plans for people traveling, residing or working abroad. All plans offer combined insurance and services, such as: coverage for accident- and illness-related medical expenses; transportation expenses associated with medical evacuation and repatriation; indemnity in event of accidental death or dismemberment; and worldwide travel and medical assistance services.

For short-term travel to the United States, consider either the Gateway USA or Gateway Visit America insurance plans. To learn more about eligibility requirements, benefits, limitations, exclusions and premium rates for these plans as well as the other plans in the Gateway portfolio, visit www.gatewayconnexions.com or contact:

Gateway Plan Administrator
Paragon Office Park
P.O. Box 14468
Des Moines, IA  50306

Tel: 800.282.4495 (toll-free, United States only) 
E-mail: gateway@marshpm.com

Chicago Basics

Language
Most sessions at the Joint Meeting are conducted in English. A few Breakfast With the Experts roundtables are offered in Spanish, as well as the "Best of the Academy"/Lo Mejor de la Academia en Español session on Wednesday.

Venue
The 2012 Joint Meeting will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Weather
In November, Chicago has average highs of 49°F (9°C), and average lows of 35°F (2°C). Get the Chicago 10-day weather forecast.

Exchange Rate
Help plan your trip by checking the current exchange rate of your currency to U.S. dollars.

Tipping
Tipping in the United States is customary. A 15% to 20% tip is usually expected in restaurants, taxis and for services you receive.

Etiquette
Become familiar with American etiquette for private, public and business interactions.

Time
Chicago is in the Central Time Zone. In November, the Central Time Zone is -6h UTC/GMT.

Electricity
Voltage 120, frequency 60 Hz. Adaptors that may be required are: 

two flat blades or	two flat blades with a round grounding pin.

Telephone
U.S. country code: +1
Chicago area code: (312)
U.S. telephone numbers have seven digits (e.g., 555-1234) 

• To make a local call within the same area code, just dial the seven-digit number. 
• To call outside the (312) area code, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.
• To call internationally from Chicago, dial "011" + country code + area code + number.

Internet
Most hotels offer high-speed Internet connections and Internet cafes are plentiful.

Wi-Fi access will be available in the AAOasis areas at McCormick Place.

Emergencies
Dial 911 from any phone.

Business Hours
Standard business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dress
Business-conservative or business-casual attire is appropriate for all meeting events. If you wish to wear traditional clothing from your country, feel free to do so. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are long walking distances within the convention center.

Chicago City Highlights
Chicago is an exciting city that welcomes visitors from around the world. Spend some time before or after the Joint Meeting exploring this fun-filled destination. Consult Chicago 2012 for ideas and resources.

International Center
International attendees are encouraged to visit the International Center on the exhibition floor, an ideal place to learn more about Academy programs, check your e-mail, meet your colleagues, or just relax. The International Center is your place to receive further assistance regarding the Joint Meeting and your stay in Chicago.