Frequently Asked Questions
Why the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel?
Although it is very convenient to be at a hotel only five minutes from O’Hare International Airport that offers free shuttles, we know it is not in convenient proximity to a variety of food options or to downtown Chicago. If fact, we know you feel downright stuck! We also know that it is an expensive hotel which severely impacts the budgets of your churches.
Midwinter programming requires a ballroom that is 20,000 square feet with 18 foot ceilings. We also require 20-24 rooms for breakouts and meeting space due to the number of workshops we currently provide, Covenant Orientation classes, and a number of affinity groups who all gather during Midwinter. Currently, Hyatt Regency O’Hare is the only hotel in the greater Chicago area that we can afford that meets these space requirements. We continue to look for alternatives not only in Chicago but all around the country. We especially look for affordable options in warm weather climates. However, there are very few affordable hotels anywhere that meet our current space needs.
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare has made significant strides to make your stay in Chicago a pleasant experience – they have provided wireless internet, discounted lunch and dinner options at both the cash stands & buffets, as well as shuttles to nearby restaurants during your free evening, Wednesday night.
Why Illinois?
Midwinter has had a long history of being based in Illinois for multiple reasons. One, and the most important, is that being based in Rosemont gives students and faculty at North Park Theological Seminary an opportunity to participate in the conference. For the students, this is a valuable learning experience and they are also able to meet with superintendents for ministry placement. Second, there are a large number of town and country churches in the Midwest for which the Illinois location allows their pastors and staff to carpool to the conference and save significant expense. Lastly, the Evangelical Covenant Church offices are based in Chicago and this saves significant funds that are given to the denomination for mission and ministry. Through the Midwinter Redesign process, it has been determined that the event will be held in Illinois every other year. This means that Midwinter 2013 will be held in San Diego, California, we will be back in Illinois for 2014, and we are in the process of determining the venue and location for Midwinter 2015.
Why does registration cost so much?
The Midwinter budget includes everything from publicity to speaker and workshop expenses to lights and sound in the ballroom. The cost of workshops in particular is significant. We emphasize workshops because the Covenant Ministerium made a decision in the 1980s that Midwinter would be a continuing education event. Midwinter is a self-sustaining conference. It bases the registration fee on a math equation to attempt to cover all expenses.
What does the future of Midwinter look like?
The events office has been very intentional in asking this question throughout this last year and has engaged in an eight step process to re-vision Midwinter. As a result of this process, we have gained useful information in both programming and scheduling that we hope will be evident in upcoming Midwinter formats. We are moving in new directions that protect what is most valued but will also provide opportunities for new expressions that meet our goals and overall mission of Midwinter. Please take a look at the Midwinter Redesigned area of our website to view the outcome of the “redesign” process.
Where can I find information about previous Midwinters?
If you would like to find information, photos, news stories, and video from previous Midwinter Conferences, visit our Midwinter archive here.
Where do I go with questions?
The events office would love to talk to you about any questions or concerns that you may have. For general event questions, email events(at)covchurch.org or call (800) 910-2442. For registration questions, email our registrar at jill.ulven(at)covchurch.org or call (773) 596-2493.
