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2026 SPE Annual Conference: Catalyst for Exchange

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2013 SPE Annual Conference Location + Travel

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Palmer House Hilton

17 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-726-7500   |   Fax: 312-917-1707     visit website

Native son and poet Carl Sandburg described Chicago as the "City of the Big Shoulders," intending to characterize its gritty industrial past. Since Sandburg's 1908 poem, the city has enlarged its reputation with world-class cultural opportunities. Physically defined by its long Lake Michigan waterfront, its significant architectural heritage and its distinct and diverse neighborhoods, Chicago is one of America's great cities to see. Creatively defined by its great museums and galleries and its opera, orchestra and blues scene, Chicago is one of America's great cities to experience. Intellectually defined by its leading educational institutions many with strong photography programs, Chicago is one of America's great cities in which to teach and learn. Fifty years ago, The Society for Photographic Education's founders held their first conference in Chicago in so it's fitting to return to the place where they first made contact to celebrate photography, teaching and SPE.

Air

We are pleased to offer special discounts for your travel with United Airlines. You may book online at www.united.com and enter the Offer Code: ZPCN485729 in the Offer Code box when searching for your flights. If booking through a travel professional or United Meetings at 800-426-1122, please give them the following information: Agreement Code: 485729 Z Code: ZPCN Outside of the United States, please call your local United Airlines Reservation Office. Chicago-OHare International Airport - 18 miles from hotel Chicago Midway Airport - 12 miles from hotel

Taxi

From Chicago-OHare International Airport - $35.00 From Chicago Midway Airport - $25.00

Parking

Self Parking: $42.00/day Located at 55 E Monroe Valet Parking: $62.00/day Valet Parking is located on Wabash

Rail

The "L" Train Directions from O'Hare Airport to Palmer House Hotel: Take Blue line toward Forest Park -> get off at the Monroe stop (18 stops, approx 40 minutes depending on time of day). Direction from Midway Airport to Palmer House Hotel: Take Orange line toward Loop -> get off at the Harold Washington Library Stop -> head E on W Van Buren St toward State St -> turn left on State St -> turn right on E Monroe (8 stops, approx. 30 minutes depending on time of day).

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