The skyline was beautiful in the morning light. Just seeing the sun coming up sheds new light on everything and gave me a new vigor to begin my day with a busy day of meeting new contacts. Making the 15 minute hike to the conference hall proved to be a bit more challenging carrying a heavy back in heels but the fresh fruit and breakfast burrito made it better. Picking up my registration packet, I realized they still have us listed under our old name and logo. Oh well...
Arriving to my booth I recognized that I unlike everyone else was standing on concrete and not a nice piece of carpet. When I asked the coordinator for a carpet or rug, I was told they'd check into it. I started the day with a promising attitude. I would meet lots of folks involved in virtual charter schools and they'd all be ready to hear what I had to say. The conference hall was huge and had over 500 vendors. Although our booth location was good, it became painfully clear that virtual charter schools weren't represented nearly as much as bricks and mortar. Many folks I spoke with weren't even sure of what virtual schools were. I did however meet a nice young man named Paul from Aventa Learning. We discussed our businesses and agreed there may be a fit for SmarterMeasure in their online curriculum. We exchanged business cards and agreed to talk after the conference.
As the day progressed, looking forward to lunch became a constant source of comfort. What will they have? In a town like Chicago, I was sure the menu would be extra special. Around noon I began seeing folks walk around with a clear plastic box. At closer glance I saw an apple, bag of chips, and a small round bowl. Hungry and curious I walked towards the eating area. Then I saw it...tables lined with clear plastic boxes all including a red apple, bag of lays chips, water, cookies, and a sandwich or salad. Really? All the way to Chicago and I get a sandwich?
Finishing off my salad I considered bartering with my apple and chips but ultimately chose to give them away. Disappointed and hungry, I began what seemed like a long afternoon of asking folks if they were involved with a bricks and mortar school or online efforts. When one person said, "you are talking greek and I speak English", I decided to smile to passersby, hand them a frisbee and smile. That seemed to work better.
Closing with a networking hour, 7:00 was finally here and I was ready to hit the town of Chicago and get a taste of what they are famous for...deep dish pizza! Exhausted, I caught my second wind and was determined to spend two hours "experiencing Chicago"!
Convinced I would enjoy seeing the city on a bus ride, I went to the stop outside my hotel and waited. To many public transportation is a way of life, but around here it isn't so much. This was an adventure for me. It began when I stepped on the bus with a $20 bill. Looking at the money machine and the annoyed driver, it was obvious I was an "outsider". I had no change and neither did he. We just looked at each other and I slowly turned to get off the bus. Startled by a honk I turned around and he sympathetically said "come on". So yes, I got a free bus ride!
Which for some may sound exciting and even I enjoy a good deal (saved $2.25). But with all the stopping, starting, and unusual smells, free didn't feel much like a bargain. Catching a quick glimpse of a street sign that said "Honorary Magnificent Mile", I figured that was as close as I'd come. Stepping off at my stop I arrived at Gino's all in one piece but a bit nauseous. Walking closer to the brick structure, my eyes focused on the line winding around the building. "It is famous after all" I thought out loud.
Two hours later, feeling accomplished, full, with takeout box in hand, I stepped out of Gino's and hopped into a cab. A few minutes later I arrived back at the hotel and headed up to the pull out bed for sweet dreams.
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