Chicago ’2000: Local organisers present remarkable lakeshore planPreparations for the next World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering continue on schedule with increasing excitement as additional details are shared at each meeting of the Organising Committee. At the November 1998 meeting of the Organising Committee in Chicago, Dr. Robert Arzbacher, Chairman of Local Arrangements for Chicago ’2000 presented plans to use the outstanding Chicago lakeshore setting. The Local Arrangers plan uses the lakeshore to supplement the Congress to enhance the quality of the scientific program and augment the long-term impact of the meeting. 'No detail is too small to be left to chance', according to Dr. Arzbacher and his Committee. Local committee members have carried out their job previously for smaller meetings but this opportunity is unique. The size of the meeting and the focus on the next millenium allow Chicago to pull out all the stops and use the full extent of local resources to support innovative programmatic concepts. Dr. Arzbacher confirmed that all contracts are in place for Chicago ’2000 at Navy Pier (see htpp://www.wc2000.org) for view of meeting site) from 23-28 July 2000. In response to my question, 'Is it good to bring children and can spouses expect a great time?' Bob responded, 'Those questions are a little beyond me. What's wrong with the Ferris wheel, beaches, botanical garden, children's museum, IMAX Theater, museums, cultural activities, lakefront cruises, carriage rides, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, promenade, and parks all right at Navy Pier? If you need more for the companions, perhaps Jeannie can help.' Jeannie Hendee, Chairperson of the Companions Committee, promised to do just that by providing Companion Program details at the 1999 meeting. The Local Arrangements Committee complained that transportation planning is difficult. 'We need to get numbers together regarding busing between the hotels and Navy Pier but it's hard to figure. The weather will be pleasant and the distance is short enough that many people will walk to take advantage of the lakeshore. The public beach is nearby and the chance to swim in Lake Michigan (one of the world’s largest fresh water lakes) will be irresistible to some attendees. The scientific program is also so broad that some people will not do the 8-to-5 thing. They will pick and choose, sightsee, bug-out, sleep-in, and otherwise require transportation at odd times of the day. We need not necessarily accommodate them with the same transportation availability we have at the beginning and end of each day but we must still consider their needs.. I just don't have any feeling about bus needs for a triennial summer Congress at Navy Pier when the weather is so nice.' Committee members last talked to the local universities about student housing six months ago. We got some information about price, distance from Navy Pier, number of rooms and availability of air-conditioning. However, none are able to commit until closer to the meeting time. The Committee remains confident that cost conscious student attendees will have a good selection of inexpensive accommodations with good meeting access but these will not be confirmed until shortly before the meeting. The last major item to organise is the 'night out' which is already locked-in for the new Chicago Museum campus just a short distance to the south down the lakeshore from Navy Pier. There remain important details to pin down concerning food and entertainment due to the newness of the facility. Joanne O'Connor from the Museum Campus Administration attended the meeting and reported on plans for the party arrangements using the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. These world class cultural institutions recently cooperated to create a park-like environment connecting all three museums to provide a wonderful lakefront space for group events. Because of the newness of the three-museum troika it is not yet possible to provide confirmed prices. Ms. O’Connor reassured the Committee, however, that the 'night out' is not a weak spot in Chicago ’2000 programming. Gary D. Fullerton Chicago ’2000 Publicity Chairman Email: fullerton@uthscsa.edu | ||