Travel & Transportation
IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo will be held in Chicago, IL July 13-16, 2025 at the McCormick Place, North America's premier convention facility.
Travel & Transportation Information
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Air Travel
The following airports service the Chicago, Illinois area.
Airport Distance to City
Airport Distance to City Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 17 miles / 28 km Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) 12 miles / 19 km Airlines discount
United Airlines
We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event.
Book a flight with United
To make flight reservations online, please use the discount code ZQBB903531
MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.
You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Institute of Food Technologists
Book a flight with Delta
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM48E
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
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Getting to/from McCormick Place
Shuttle Bus Service
Shuttle bus service will be provided from stops near official IFT Hotels.
Shuttle Service to McCormick Place
Taxi
Taxi service is readily available throughout the city and can cost between $5 and $30 per ride. Taxis pick up and drop off at McCormick Place South at Gate 4.
Ride Share Programs
Uber and Lyft both have a presence in Chicago.
Divvy Bike
Looking for a way to get to McCormick Place while seeing the sights and avoiding traffic? Divvy bike is a great option. Visit their website for locations of Divvy Bike stations.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Public Transit
The CTA’s convenient and easy-to-use bus and train lines – including the famous “L” – carry you around town and to major attractions. The new CTA Green Line “Cermak-McCormick Place” station is located just 2.5 blocks from McCormick Place. The CTA website at http://www.transitchicago.com/ offers a valuable overview of transit services, a guide to the system, instructions for first-time riders, and much more.
Metra Electric Train
The Metra Electric District (ME) route runs from three downtown stations directly to McCormick Place in just 7 minutes. Stations are located within walking distance to many hotels and are located at:
Millennium Station Michigan Avenue & Randolph Street Van Buren Station Michigan Avenue & Van Buren Street Museum Campus Station Michigan Avenue & 11th Street -
McCormick Place Parking
Lot A is the primary parking location for events in the South Building. Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
Current pricing:
Lots A & C: $26.00 for 0-16 hours and $39.00 for 16-24 hours.
Lot B: $17.00 for 0-24 hours.There are no in-and-out privileges. Pricing is subject to change.
For more information and to view printable maps and directions click below