About Chicago

October 30, 2023 

Dear MRO Americas Delegates, 

On behalf of Choose Chicago and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), thank you for your interest in visiting Chicago to attend the Aviation Week Network’s 2024 MRO Americas. We look forward to welcoming you to our great city, and we want to provide assurances that your safety is our number one priority during your visit.   

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) works in partnership with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), who owns and is responsible for the management of McCormick Place, as well as the entire hospitality and tourism community to make sure safety comes first for tourists and meeting delegates. Hundreds of events have successfully convened in Chicago this year, including many that broke attendance records. Event organizers continue to select Chicago for future years, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention, indicating that meeting planners are enthusiastic to meet in Chicago.  

We understand safety is a concern for travelers domestically and internationally. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people shop on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, visit museums, attend theatrical performances and sporting events, and explore our multitude of tourist destinations safely. Thanks to the efforts of our partners at the Chicago Police Department and other public safety agencies, we are confident that you will have a safe and unforgettable Chicago experience. 

Visitors to Chicago may see increased police presence in high traffic areas, including the downtown area most visited by tourists, as part of the city’s efforts to put forward additional resources and deploy new tactics to proactively ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. As you would in any major city, we recommend taking common-sense safety precautions, especially at night. This includes taking rideshare services or taxis at night, including through the Curb app, traveling in groups and ensuring your convention badge is not visible. 

McCormick Place Security is on-site 24/7, 365 days a year. The campus features a state-of-the-art Security Command Center that oversees campus activity and coordinates directly with security at all campus buildings, including hotels. Personnel patrol and monitor facility public areas, parking lots and perimeters, and monitor social media and Office of Emergency Management & Communications cameras for the area. 

We are honored to host the MRO Americas in April of 2024. We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you to Chicago – recently voted Best Big City for an unprecedented 7th year in a row by readers of Condé Nast Traveler! 

Sincerely,