Chicago Show inquiry (1 Viewer)

[debrito]

Hi everyone, I plan for the first time to go to Chicago, but I am very amateur and I have no idea where I have to go…I would like if possible for someone give me any tips to help take wise decisions.

1. Where is the show, location and the name of the hotel?
2. Anybody knows any other option like bead & Breakfasts less expensive?
3. Which day is the best to arrive in Chicago?
4. Any other advice there I should know?


Thanks in Advance, all advices will be very appreciated.

Best regards

Rod.

 

[eborris]

Hi everyone, I plan for the first time to go to Chicago, but I am very amateur and I have no idea where I have to go…I would like if possible for someone give me any tips to help take wise decisions.

1. Where is the show, location and the name of the hotel?
2. Anybody knows any other option like bead & Breakfasts less expensive?
3. Which day is the best to arrive in Chicago?
4. Any other advice there I should know?


Thanks in Advance, all advices will be very appreciated.

Best regards

Rod.

The show is at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg. Schaumburg is about 15 minutes west of Ohare airport. I beleive the hotel has a shuttle that will take you from the airport to the hotel. If not any cab driver worth his salt will know how to get there. If you book a room through this link you can get a discount on the room, http://www.toysoldiershow.com/. I would arrive on Thursday as that is when the room trading starts. For advice, bring lots of money and be prepared to be amazed and awed.

 

[jazzeum]

Rod,

See my answers below.

Brad

1. Where is the show, location and the name of the hotel?

The show is at the Hyatt Regency, 1800 E Golf Road, Schaumburg, Illinois. The telephone number is (847) 605-1234. Their website is woodfield.hyatt.com You should fly into O'Hare, if you're flying.

2. Anybody knows any other option like bead & Breakfasts less expensive?

Can't help you there but there is a special rate for the Show, approximately $105 so I think that's pretty good.

3. Which day is the best to arrive in Chicago?

OTSN starts about Tuesday, when dealers and manufacturers start to arrive but really gets into full swing late Thursday. One of the best things about OTSN is the room trading, which goes from when you get there through Saturday. I actually don't stay for much of the Show on Sunday because I think it's an anti climax. Gary leaves before the Show starts.

4. Any other advice there I should know?

Get ready for the best time of your life! As Andy says, you live, eat and breathe toy soldiers. You'll get to see a lot of people that you've talked to on the Forum or over the telephone like Andy, Gordon (you guys can talk shop), Ken Osen Ana, Rick, Alex Prieto, Matt of First Legion (hopefully he'll come this year), Louis, Clive, Tom Dubel, Shannon, George Guerriero and legions more! The best thing are the people, getting together with them. I'm hoping to be there this year.

One last piece of advice. After you check in and before you start your room trading, make sure to get a floor plan on the fourth or fifth floor. The Hyatt is like a maze and you'll need that to check off the rooms you've visited. Otherwise, you'll feel like you're in Groundhog Day!

Also, watch your money. It can go pretty fast. I know some people ask how much should I bring. Some people bring around $1,000 to spend on toy soldiers, which is about a good number. I've heard some people bring $2,000 and more but around $1,000 should be ok. It all depends what you want to do and/or buy. There is also a cash machine in the hotel and across the street.

 

[binder001]

Hi everyone, I plan for the first time to go to Chicago, but I am very amateur and I have no idea where I have to go…I would like if possible for someone give me any tips to help take wise decisions.

1. Where is the show, location and the name of the hotel?
2. Anybody knows any other option like bead & Breakfasts less expensive?
3. Which day is the best to arrive in Chicago?
4. Any other advice there I should know?
Rod.

1) See: http://www.toysoldiershow.com/
The show is sometimes called "OTSN" in this forum and others or "the Chicago Show" , both refer to the same event held every fall in Schaumburg, IL (Western Chicago area)

2) There are several other hotels nearby. Last year my wife and I stayed at the Residence Inn just up the road and were quite happy. Just a few blocks' walking and I was at the show

3) The biggest part of the show is the room trading that starts as early as Wed, but is definitely Thursday and Friday. The hotel can be a maze so get a map and take a pen and paper to write down ideas, deals, and locations ("oh no! Where was that great deal on those figures?"). Many suppliers and makers have rooms or suites, they are great to visit. It's fun to meet people like the Reuss family, Andy from K&C, Rick from Figarti, etc, etc. I have only been able to attend for a couple years but I like starting on Thursday AM.

4) Watch for announcements, Figarti and K&C have a luncheon and dinner respectively that are fantastic events for anybody with an interest in the making of toy soldiers. Even without a fine meal these would be great events. If Ken Osen is doing any seminars on scenery you WANT to be there!

Personally, I find it helpful to make a want list of the items you really want so you don't forget. You will probably be in sensory overload by the first morning. My tastes are very narrow but I always find lots of "impulse buying" items at the show.

Take lots of money!

There are several nice places to eat within a short distance of the convention hotel.

The convention hotel is located across the road from a very large mall and there is a nice IKEA store to the north so family and/or spouse can go play too.

Relax and have a good time. Lots to see and do, plus there is the Chicago area to enjoy.

If you like museums go south to Wheaton and visit Cantigny Park. A mansion, park and the 1st Division Museum all in one place. Nice US tank collectiuon outside the 1st Division Museum.

Gary B.

 

[debrito]

Thank you guys, much appreciated

I will probably go by car, I think that is almost 10 hours drive, and I think be able to arrive on Thursday night.

I maybe will have some handmadehistory diorama displayed there so this year I can not miss the show.

Money, humm, I will take some photos stead.

Again guys thank you very much

Ps. I heard that TF has a Dinner some day during the show, how we can reserve to participate, I would love to meet some of TF Frinds?

Thanks

Rod.

 

[gk5717]

Can,t add much more to what Binder and Jazz has said, but if you don,t mind walking about 5 blocks, (I do this every year) I stay at the LaQuinta and save about $25 a night on hotel bills plus they have a free breakfast. Also real close to LaQuinta is a post office that you can send packages back home if you fly in.
Definetly allow yourself 2 full days of room tradeing. Saturday night most rooms have shut down in preperation of the show. If this is your first time I would stay for the show, give yourself 3 hours for that.
Trust me you will not regret this, the best 4 days of the year.
I bring $1000, but always spend more.
And make sure you sign up for the two luncheons, Figarti & K&C.
It,s getting close to counting down the days!
Gary

 

[jazzeum]

Rod,

Shannon will be posting or advising people about the dinner as we get closer. The dinner is hosted by Treefrog, Bill Sager, Tim Tyler and Sierra.

Also, Rick will post something in the Figarti thread about the Figarti lunch as we get closer to the Show.

Both are on Friday so you'll covered for two meals on Friday

 

[debrito]

1) See: http://www.toysoldiershow.com/
The show is sometimes called "OTSN" in this forum and others or "the Chicago Show" , both refer to the same event held every fall in Schaumburg, IL (Western Chicago area)

2) There are several other hotels nearby. Last year my wife and I stayed at the Residence Inn just up the road and were quite happy. Just a few blocks' walking and I was at the show

3) The biggest part of the show is the room trading that starts as early as Wed, but is definitely Thursday and Friday. The hotel can be a maze so get a map and take a pen and paper to write down ideas, deals, and locations ("oh no! Where was that great deal on those figures?"). Many suppliers and makers have rooms or suites, they are great to visit. It's fun to meet people like the Reuss family, Andy from K&C, Rick from Figarti, etc, etc. I have only been able to attend for a couple years but I like starting on Thursday AM.

4) Watch for announcements, Figarti and K&C have a luncheon and dinner respectively that are fantastic events for anybody with an interest in the making of toy soldiers. Even without a fine meal these would be great events. If Ken Osen is doing any seminars on scenery you WANT to be there!

Personally, I find it helpful to make a want list of the items you really want so you don't forget. You will probably be in sensory overload by the first morning. My tastes are very narrow but I always find lots of "impulse buying" items at the show.

Take lots of money!

There are several nice places to eat within a short distance of the convention hotel.

The convention hotel is located across the road from a very large mall and there is a nice IKEA store to the north so family and/or spouse can go play too.

Relax and have a good time. Lots to see and do, plus there is the Chicago area to enjoy.

If you like museums go south to Wheaton and visit Cantigny Park. A mansion, park and the 1st Division Museum all in one place. Nice US tank collectiuon outside the 1st Division Museum.

Gary B.

Hello Gary,

Please could you confirm if this is the Hotel you stayed last year?

Thank you

https://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi

 

[Andanna]

Hi everyone, I plan for the first time to go to Chicago, but I am very amateur and I have no idea where I have to go…

Rod, I am in the same boat. Just booked my flight and the hotel - let's hook up and suffer jointly.

PS: I have not yet understood where to pick up the $1,000 allowance.

 

[aujj65]

Rod, I am in the same boat. Just booked my flight and the hotel - let's hook up and suffer jointly.

PS: I have not yet understood where to pick up the $1,000 allowance.

If you email Brad he will send you a cheque.

Jeff

 

[debrito]

Rod, I am in the same boat. Just booked my flight and the hotel - let's hook up and suffer jointly.

PS: I have not yet understood where to pick up the $1,000 allowance.

Excellent Andreas, I think that my wife is about to booking inn the Hotel, I am very anxious to go there, first time to a major event.

A thousand dollars, what is that, never saw

 

[tdubel]

Chitown, should be a blast. I am staying at the Marriott Woodfield Mall across the street from the Hyatt near the mall. Fortunately (Unfortunately) I travel the grand ole USA for a living and have Marriott Points that my better half allows me to use for this excursion. My merry band of travelers from NYC area and TN, FL and the UK insist on a nice bar, therefore the full service Marriott is the choice this year. There is also a nice Springhill Suites within a few blocks walk too.

Looking forward to seeing the TF crew as well as many other folks.

Brad, I hope you make it, I refuse to secure Ron Wall Union troops, you will have to be there to get them!!! Brad and I have a fondness for Ron Wall and we stay out of each other's way, I buy Gray, he buys Blue, it is a beautiful partnership!

TD

 

[binder001]

I couldn't get your link to function on my computer at work. We were at the "Residence Inn Chicago Schaumburg", 1610 McConnor Parkway, Schaumburg, IL. It is about 4-5 blocks walk to the WNW of the show hotel, or a short drive. I like the Residence Inn as we like to get food and bring it back to the hotel, they are comfortable for my wife, and they have lots of room to play with your new toys.

Gary

PS wear comfortable shoes and clothing during the room trading days!

 

[jazzeum]

Tom,

I hope I make it too. Things are still up in the air and may not be settled by then but we'll see. Maybe we can go hunting for Ron Wall Blue and Gray together. Looking foward to that Marriott bar though

 

[Warrior]

Rod, I am in the same boat. Just booked my flight and the hotel - let's hook up and suffer jointly.

PS: I have not yet understood where to pick up the $1,000 allowance.

Andreas,
I am glad to see that you are coming to the show, be prepared for the time of your life (well from a toy soldier standpoint anyway)...........

 

[eborris]

I have such travel worries, I live 20 minutes away, but I may still get a room.

 

[tdubel]

Andreas,
I am glad to see that you are coming to the show, be prepared for the time of your life (well from a toy soldier standpoint anyway)...........

George,

Looking forward to some beers! BUT that means you have to stop selling prior to midnight one night!!!!

Seriously folks, the Minuteman room would be crowded around the clock, it is always busy!!

TD

 

[jazzeum]

I think we should put George's room in the bar. Heck, he'll probably do better business. Beers and toys: hard combination to beat.

 

[Sahara]

Well I made the reservation. I'll be there this year, 1st time ever so I'm expecting great things from all the hype I always hear. The best part about it is my reservation is at my sister and brother-in-laws place in Naperville. Haven't mapped it out yet but I don't think it will be that far of a drive from their place to the show.

 

[Warrior]

hey Joe, that is great you are able to make it this year.

Nice to see new faces coming this year from the forum.

Moving my room to the bar; brilliant, I'll see if Don can arrange that, talk about having your cake and eating it too.

I'll shut down the room early one night Tom, no problem, who am I to refuse some adult beverages......