First Time at MCACN
 

Hey guys, I’m planning on going this year and it will be my first time coming to the show. I flew into O’hare for the first time earlier this year for business and noticed the convention center was very close to the airport. Any recommendations for a first timer to the show? I plan on attending Saturday.

I’m excited about the class of 69 display, the A12 gathering and honestly everything else about the show! Are there any vendors at the show? Thinking about what I may buy to bring back in my carry on haha!

One day isn't enough, but you'll see a lot of it. Actually 2 days isn't quite enough to take it all in. There are vendors and a swap meet area. You will probably want to go back next year and spend 2 days. Plan on doing A LOT of walking. The unveilings on Saturday morning is one of my favorite parts of the show. After you see this show all other shows will be disappointing to you.

I like going to MCACN although I'm going to miss this year. If you're flying in to O'hare, the shuttles will take you to the hotels arross the street from the Steven Center, providing you got one of those hotels. You can walk to the show. I like Sunday better...less people so you can see the cars better. They have food at all the hotels so you don't really need a car unless you want one. Enjoy yourself. I kick myself for not going more. It becomes a social event the more times you go.....Joe

Joe, I understand what you mean by a social event. I attended all but one of the Forge Tenn. shows and I looked forward to seeing guys I had met from year to year. I haven’t made it to MACAN yet but maybe soon.
Most of all I want to take the 4K to the Camaro Nationals in PA.. It came from the Philadelphia area when I bought it.

If you're only attending one day make it Sunday Andy. There's WAY less people which gives you a much better chance of actually getting to see everything in one day and getting pictures of the cars you love.

It's a great show. If you cannot get a shuttle, hop on the "L" for two dollars. The Convention Center and Hotels (Rosemont) are the first stop on the "L". Gibsons is great any of the nights. Good pizza nearby also. No need for a car.

We will be at our swap space. Stop on by. Look for two bald guys drinking beer and eating chocolate chip cookies.:biggthumpup:

Looking forward to meeting you guys!

A MCACN staple:beers:

You're going to have to narrow it down more than that. ;)

Great to have you joining us, Andy...you are certainly overdue!

First and foremeost, wear your most comfortable shows, cuz you are going to do some walking. Others are right; one day simply is not enough but of course, better than nothing.

550+ prime cars filling 400k square feet makes for a lot to see, and that doesn't even cover the seminars and presentations, 20+ unveilings, the live music, and jawing with friends.

Bashton

2 months and counting........:beers:

Sounds like my kind of party! 12 ounce curls with snacks haha and a building full of awesome cars. I’ll definitely stop by to introduce myself. I’ve been on this site since 2000, but haven’t met many members. I met a few at SCR 1,2 and 20.

Many thanks to everyone else that recommended Sunday instead. I’ll plan on that as I like to get pictures and videos at each show I go to.

The best show I’ve been to so far is Chryslers at Carlisle. I walked 8 miles and saw about half of it. Rod run in pigeon forge would be the next best. Been several times to that. I usually walk about 10 miles there to see most of it.

With mediocre to poor parts to sell. :grin:

I've gone as a spectator about 10 times. Always run down and back same day... 5hr drive down, 8 hours of walking the show, 5hr drive home.

This year will be my first time having a car there.

I have gone the past 4-5 years and its pretty much tradition for me now. Its a 6-7 hour drive, but its about the closest thing to me thats this big of a car event. I have sold items and brought them there to exchange. Usually stuff thats expensive to ship or large. I have met quite a few Yenko site members. Always a decent variety of cars. Nice to have my truck if I want to go someplace but usually I use Uber to get around. Theres alot of good places to eat nearby!! Local Hotdog stands or Pizza is what I try to do. I usually stay at Double Tree and walk across the street.
I will stop by the Dykstra Parts booth and say hi :biggthumpup:

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm thinking to book my flights were I can get time in both days. Looks like the hotel shuttle will take me where I need to go so no need for a rental car. I just have to figure out what to do with my luggage until check-in at the hotel.

Definitely looking forward to meeting you guys and seeing the show! The A12 display should give me some inspiration to start working on my 69 Super Bee.

I usually get there several hours early. Each time they just check me in. Hopefully that might work for you....Joe

Which hotel do you use that allows this?

Most hotels I have stayed in will keep your luggage behind the desk or in a room for you for a short period of time for a nominal tip. Worth a phone call to ask the question at your hotel.

Andy, I usually stay at the Embassy. My fight lands at about 11am most of the time. I'm sure you're not going to be stuck with you luggage. Call your hotel for details...Joe

Look forward to seeing everyone again this year...... always a treat seeing friends and the huge amount of over the top vehicles.

I got my room and flight booked this evening. I’m staying at the Crown. Most of the others were sold out. The crown only has a few rooms left guys. Book yours now if you plan to go before they are gone!

The Crown was good. I stayed there the 1st time I went. I wasn't fond of the walk down the sidewalk to the show. Cars wizzing by was cold by my standards. Enjoy the show. It's really fun.....Joe

Are we allowed to have a backpack inside the convention center? I would like to carry one to keep my camera in and to be able to put stuff in that I purchase while there.

I don't know if I would. Most of the cars don't have stantions around them & it can get pretty packed on Saturday. You might only move a few feet at a time on Saturday. If you felt you could do that, you could always go back to the room & get it....Joe

Yes - I have done this before too. Same deal if you need to store them after you check out and before you leave.

If you are at one of our Official Host Hotels, they will hold your luggage for you pre check-in. Lots of people do that, Andy.

Bashton

Not sure if anyone may have suggested this already, but...

I think a Yenko.net "Meet & Greet" needs to happen.

Perhaps someone can serve as the Host and can arrange a specific time? I may be a bit busy, so it won't be me, so throwing this idea out there.

We have several groups that coordinate a specific time to meet, and I assign one of our photographers to get a group shot. Maybe in the Awards/Ballroom area near one of the Vintage Cert lifts later Saturday or perhaps Sunday?

Bashton

Thank you for confirming this!

The Hyatt never offered that, unless I wanted to pay an extra $60 for early check in. I did that last year, as I get in around 10am on Thursday. The year before, I got busy helping set up the Vintage Cert area and forgot to go get my room until about 7pm and got one in a very isolated area.
Andy, if push comes to shove, I drive down too and you could leave your bag in my car. I'm at the Crown also and will be parked in the ramp as close to it as I can get.

That is certainly ridicules and I've never heard that.

I'll be bringing this up with my Hyatt rep...

Bashton

This will also be my first year at MCACN - looking really forward to it and meeting many of you. Hoping that my 68 L78 will be at the show in the coming years.... but for now - looking forward to seeing some great cars, meet some great people, and hopefully come home with some great parts....

Thanks Mitch for offering to do that for me. I'll take you up on that if they won't allow me to leave my bags in the hotel.

I think this is a great idea. This is my first time coming to the event, so I don't think I would be the best host. My plane lands saturday morning at 11 AM so I think I should be there by 12:30-1PM. I depart at 6PM sunday so I will leave the show around 3:30-4.

Well, drrrrr, I'll be checked in on Thursday, you can leave your stuff in my room. Better than out in the parking ramp...:wink:

I want to thank everyone who is involved in putting this great show together! MCACN 2024 was the best car show I’ve ever been to, hands down. Top quality cars with even better people! @Too Many Projects, Mitch, it was very nice to meet you sir and chat about the show.

I had the opportunity to speak with a few other members while there and made some new friends too so it was win win for me!

Great to hear and hope you plan on making MCACN an annual tradition from here on!

Bashton