Extended Experiences - Chicago - AVID Summer Institute 2025

Description

Hop on a unique and flexible exploration of the Windy City with our private AVID Double-Decker Bus Tour! This is your personal passport to discover the best of Chicago. This experience has something for everyone—art enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies, and curious travelers alike—and you can create your perfect list of what you would like to more deeply explore after hopping off! Join us on a personalized journey through the heart of Chicago with the AVID network. Whether you’re there for the sights, the history, the networking, or the sheer joy of exploration, this experience promises to be a highlight of your visit to the Windy City.

When and Where

📅 Start/End Time: June 24 | 6:00–8:00 PM
📛 Access: Wear your AVID Name Badge for check-in upon arrival
📍 Location: Off-site
Pick-Up Location and Time:
- - 6:00 PM at McCormick Place
  - 2301 S Martin Luther King Drive (in the loop facing S. MLK Drive at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel)
Drop off Locations and Times: 7:45 PM at Hilton Chicago and 8:00 PM at McCormick Place (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive)
Pre-steps:
- Arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 PM to ensure you don't miss the bus.
- Please use self-care facilities before you board.
- This bus tour does not offer a hop-on/hop-off option for our private tour.
- No food or drink is allowed onboard the bus except water.

Description

Join us on an inspiring journey through the heart of Chicago with our architecture river tour! This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a captivating exploration of the city’s iconic architecture, all from the unique perspective of the river. Imagine gliding along the water, the city skyline unfolding before you, with each building serving as a testament to Chicago’s architectural heritage. From towering skyscrapers to historic landmarks, every view tells a story of innovation, design, and the spirit of the Windy City. This tour promises to be a highlight of your visit to Chicago, with an opportunity to network with other educators!

When and Where

📅 Start/End Time: June 24 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📛 Access: Wear your AVID Name Badge for check-in upon arrival
📍 Location: Off-site
- Departure Dock: The Main Dock is located at 400 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building)
  - Arrive at the dock before 5:30 PM to clear the checkpoint ahead of departure. All bags will be screened before boarding.
  - Sail Time: 6:00 PM
- Return Dock: West Dock
  - Return Time: 7:30 PM
Transportation is not provided to this event.
- Transportation Options:
  - Uber/Lyft (prices vary)
  - Other transportation: City Transit Authority bus, DIVVY Bikes, and Metra train

Please note:
- Pick up your river tour tickets from the Extended Experiences Ticket Table near the Help & Info desk in the Lakeside Center, Level 2 lobby, at the following times:
  - - Day 0: 1:00–5:00 PM
    - Day 1: 12:30–5:00 PM
    - Day 2: 12:30–1:30 PM
- Check the weather: A light jacket may be needed.
- Upon arrival at the dock, you can check in with a dock employee who can direct you to your boarding area. Parking and directions.
- Seating is general admission and on a first-come, first-served basis. There are seats on the upper and lower levels of the vessel.
- If you require an ADA-accessible dock, please contact us at 312-337-1446 with at least 48 hours' notice, so we can ensure you are booked on a tour departing from our accessible dock. Our ADA-compliant dock features a ramp that leads to the upper deck. However, the lower deck of the vessel is only accessible by stairs, which is where refreshments and bathrooms are available.

Description

Prepare for an evening of high-energy action with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. Get ready for an opportunity to network with other educators over one of our favorite games against the backdrop of the vibrant Chicago Sky fan community. This is an opportunity to be part of a passionate community, to cheer on the players, and to experience the thrill of top-tier basketball firsthand. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, every moment is sure to be filled with action and excitement!

When and Where

📅 Start/End Time: June 24 | 7:30–9:30 PM
📛 Access: Wear your AVID Name Badge for check-in upon arrival
📍 Location: Off-site
- Wintrust Arena: 200 E Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60616
- Main Entrance: The main entrance for Wintrust Arena is located at the corner of Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue on the ground floor of the arena.
Transportation to the event is not provided, but this venue is within walking distance of the McCormick Place Convention Center.
- Transportation options:
  - Uber/Lyft (prices vary)
  - Other transportation: City Transit Authority bus, DIVVY Bikes, and Metra train
Pre-steps:
- Wintrust Arena is completely paperless. Game tickets are only available digitally and must be transferred to a Ticketmaster account. If you do not have a Ticketmaster account, please create one. Visit your Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the Ticketmaster app.
- To ensure your game ticket is transferred to you in a timely manner, complete this form immediately. The email you enter in the form must be the one linked to your Ticketmaster account.
  - Form Link: https://forms.gle/EuzDoLiHGxGKR8gy6
- Tickets will only be transferred to partners who have registered in MyAVID for this Extended Experience.
- If you have any trouble accessing your digital ticket through your Ticketmaster account, please visit the Extended Experiences Ticket Table near the Help & Info desk in the Lakeside Center, Level 2 lobby, at the following times for assistance:
  - - Day 0: 1:00–5:00 PM
    - Day 1: 12:30–5:00 PM
    - Day 2: 12:30–1:30 PM
- Wintrust Area Bag Policy: https://www.wintrustarena.com/plan-your-visit/purse-bag-policy/
  - - All clear bags: Plastic, vinyl, or PVC must not exceed 12″x6″x12″. Bags may be hand-carried or have a shoulder strap. This includes fanny packs, backpacks, or sling bags.
    - Non-clear purses or bags: No larger than 10"x6"x2".
    - A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc) is allowed.

Description

Bring your best for a quest to test your problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and teamwork. Whether you’re local or new to Chicago, this fun challenge will give your team a chance to explore hidden gems, discover new places, and learn fascinating facts about the electric big-city energy, iconic architecture, and miles of jaw-dropping waterfront. So, gather your colleagues and get ready for some friendly competition and networking with other AVID educators! Please note: This is a walking activity.

When and Where

📅 Start/End Time: June 24 | 5:00–7:00 PM
📛 Access: Wear your AVID Name Badge for check-in upon arrival
📍 Location: Convention Center, Lakeside E451
Pre-steps:
- This is a walking activity; please wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a water bottle.
- If there is a chance of rain, bring an umbrella.
- You may form teams of two to six prior to the event, or we can assist you in finding a team on-site.
  - If you form a team in advance, choose a team name and a group leader. All other team members should join the same team during the setup process.
- Download the Goosechase app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. (Search for "Goosechase.")
  - The activity join code will be shared on the evening of the event.
- Note: Due to the location of the McCormick Place Convention Center, we have created two great path options for you to choose from and enjoy.
  - Navy Pier Path
  - Millennium Park Path
- Transportation is not provided for this activity.
  - Options for accessing each path:
    - 10-minuteUber/Lyft (prices vary)
    - Other transportation: City Transit Authority bus, DIVVY Bikes, and Metra train

Description

Get ready for a night of fun, facts, and friendly competition with our unforgettable Trivia Night! This event is not just a quiz; it’s a thrilling challenge that will put your knowledge to the test in the most entertaining way possible. Imagine a room buzzing with excitement as you and your friends huddle together, ready to answer questions on a wide range of topics. From AVID to the city of Chicago, from education to pop culture, every round is a new adventure that promises to keep you on your toes. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to bond with friends, network, engage in friendly competition, and learn something new. Every question is a chance to showcase your knowledge and have a blast.

Extended Experience Info and Directions

Chicago (June 23–25)

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