FAQs Help Desk

FAQs Help Desk

Information

Find answers to common questions about IFT FIRST

TRAVEL + MAPS

Is shuttle service provided?

  • Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided from stops near official IFT Hotels. View shuttle bus schedule and boarding locations
  • We will not provide shuttle service for the hotels on McCormick Place’s campus: Hampton Inn McCormick, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Suites, Hyatt McCormick, Marriott Marquis Chicago.

Getting to/from McCormick Place:

  • Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service: Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service will be provided between McCormick Place and the official IFT Hotels.
  • View the Complete IFT FIRST Shuttle Guide.
  • Please note, shuttle service is not offered for the hotels on McCormick Place’s campus (Hampton Inn McCormick, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Suites, Hyatt McCormick, Marriott Marquis).
  • Taxi: Taxi service is readily available throughout the city and can cost $5–$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. View 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 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: $27 for 0–16 hrs, $40 for 16–24 hrs
    • The prepaid parking fee is $40 per day. Prepaid parking spaces are guaranteed even if lots fill to capacity.
    • There are no in-and-out privileges in Lot A or C unless parking is purchased online in advance.
    • Lost tickets will pay the $40 (overnight) fee per day.
    • Lot B: The parking rate for Lot B is a flat fee of $18 per day
    • No in/out privileges. Prices may change.
    • Click for more information and printable maps/directions.

Maps of McCormick Place:

Maps of Sheraton Hotel:

Where do I store my luggage at McCormick Place:

McCormick Place Baggage Check will be available during the meeting. There is a nominal fee for baggage check.

McCormick Place Baggage Check Hours:

  • Monday - 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday - 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday - 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where can I find more information about visiting Chicago?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What are the onsite registration hours?

Saturday, July 11, 2026

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. - EAC Registration

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - McCormick Badge Pickup: Registration Open - Attendee/Exhibitor/Media

Sunday, July 12, 2026

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. - EAC Registration

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - McCormick Badge Pickup: Registration Open -Attendee/Exhibitor/Media

12 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Attendee Registration Satellite Badge Pickup

Monday, July 13, 2026

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. - McCormick Badge Pickup: Registration Open - Attendee/Exhibitor/Media

7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Attendee Satellite Badge Pickup

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - McCormick Badge Pickup: Registration Open - Attendee/Exhibitor/Media

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - McCormick Badge Pickup: Registration Open - Attendee/Exhibitor/Media

What are the show floor hours?

  • Monday, July 13, 2026 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 15, 2065 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

What is the dress code?

  • The dress code for IFT FIRST is business casual. We also recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable shoes

Will there be Wi-Fi available during IFT FIRST?

  • Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in McCormick Place during IFT FIRST. Details on accessing the Wi-Fi will be available closer to the event date.

What are the 2027 IFT FIRST date?

  • July 11–14, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

ASSISTANCE

Where can I find information desks during the show?

  • Located in the North Grand Concourse.

Who do I contact if I have questions about IFT Membership?

  • Visit the IFT Membership team at the IFT HUB (Main Concourse) before entering the Expo hall.
  • Call +1.800.IFT.FOOD or +1.312.782.8424, Mon–Fri, 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m. (CT).

Emergency information?

  • Dial 6060 on a house phone at McCormick Place or 312-791-6060 from your cell.

First Aid Office?

  • Located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse near the FedEx office.

How do I request special assistance during IFT FIRST?

  • While registering for IFT FIRST, you will have the opportunity to request special assistance and other services to be provided during the event
  • Complimentary wheelchairs available at IFT Membership Desk in Registration.
  • Rent a scooter at Scootaround desk (between Gate 4 and Hyatt Regency).
  • Lost and Found located near attendee registration at IFT Membership Booth.

Where can I locate IFT's Privacy Policies, Code of Conduct and Event Policies?

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