
The Ultimate Guide
This page is comprised of more recommendations than requirements. The information from this guide has been sourced from well-seasoned and organized AC group leaders looking to improve your and your groups' convention experience.
What Do I Pack?
To make sure you're prepared for an awesome weekend, here’s a checklist of the essentials you’ll need for the convention. Pack wisely so you’re ready for both the sessions and downtime, and don’t forget anything important! Keep in mind that comfort and practicality are key, so you can focus on what really matters: growing in your faith and enjoying the weekend with others.
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What To Bring
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Sack dinner to eat in the hotel once you check in. (There will be a Party after the evening Rally with hot dogs and basic nachos)
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Bible
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Pen or Pencil
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Notebook or notepad
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Toiletries (Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrush, etc.)
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Clothing
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PJ’s
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Comfortable Shoes
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Extra spending money for free time on Friday as well as vendors at the convention
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Medicine (must be clearly marked in a zip-lock bag with the student’s name, type of medicine, and dosage. This must be given to the assigned Chaperone.
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Reusable Water bottle
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Snacks
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What NOT To Bring
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Electronic Games consoles
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Valuables
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Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, vape pens
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Hotel Room Planning
The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago (just five minutes away from O'Hare Airport!) Be sure to plan ahead for room arrangements and sleeping arrangements. Each room has two double beds. If your students prefer not to share, consider bringing air mattresses and/or sleeping bags as alternative sleeping options.
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DON'T TOUCH THE MINI BAR!!!
The plastic water bottles in the rooms are not complimentary—they’ll charge the room extra for them. Any extra charges are your group's responsibility. Bring your own water for your group, and remind your students not to drink the hotel’s bottled water.
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Hotel rooms include:
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Single-cup coffee maker
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Beverage fridge
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Hair dryer
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Iron and ironing board
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In-room safe​​​​
No Phones!
This is a decision completely up to each group, however, leaders that have restricted their youth's phone access during the convention's sessions have reported higher engagement, peer interaction, and a better overall convention experience. This is tried and true; you can separate a teenager from their device.
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How is this put into practice? Won't parents be concerned as to how they will contact their child? When should they have access to their device?
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A good rule of thumb is to require all youth to leave devices in the hotel rooms. They are not needed in the session or meetings and only serve as a distraction from why they are really there. Jesus! Chaperones may take their phones for communication with parents and other chaperones. It is up to each group if they want to have a three-strike system or what say you, but if a child is caught with their phone when they aren't supposed to, the chaperone can confiscate it until check-out on Saturday.​
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Students can have access to their devices during downtime in the hotel rooms as well as the afternoon free-time trip on Friday. It is recommended that students are not allowed access to devices after curfew so they can rest well.
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As far as parents contacting their child, parents should have the cell phone number of their child's chaperone as well as the convention schedule so they know the best time they can contact them.
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Click below for a possible template of something you could give parents to inform them about the cell phone rule, as well as give them their child's chaperone's phone number.
Planning for Friday Activity
On Friday, you’ll have a chunk of free time (1pm-7pm) to spend with your group, and there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Whether you're up for some adventure, friendly competition, or just want to explore the city, there’s something for everyone. Check out the list below for some great ways to make the most of your afternoon! (Make sure to count this into your budget!)
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1. Woodfield Mall Trip​​
2. Laser Tag​
3. Bowling​
4. WhirlyBall​
5. Mini Golf​
6. Arcade​
7. Go-Kart Racing​
8. Escape Room​
9. Indoor Rock Climbing​​
10. Visit Millennium Park​​
11. Visit Chinatown​​
12. Lincoln Park Zoo​
13. Chicago Riverwalk​
14. And Much Much More...
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Making a Personalized Schedule
While the convention has a set schedule, it's important to create a specific itinerary for your group that includes arrival and departure times, break times, meals, breakout sessions, etc. Having a clear plan ensures everyone knows where they need to be and when. A great way to keep students on track is by making lanyards with printed schedules—they'll have all the key details at a glance, helping ease their minds and keeping things running smoothly. This simple step can prevent confusion and allow your group to focus on getting the most out of the convention experience.
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An easy way to create a schedule for your group is by using Microsoft Word or WPS Office. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Open a New Document – In Word or WPS Office, start with a blank document.
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Create a Table – Click "Insert" and choose "Table" to make a simple grid for the schedule. You can use columns for time, activity, and location.
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Fill in the Details – Add arrival and departure times, break times, meals, breakout sessions, etc. Keep it clear and concise.
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Format for Readability – Use bold text for important times and headings. You can also add color to highlight key events.
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Print & Cut to Size – Once your schedule is complete, adjust the page layout to fit multiple schedules on one sheet. Print and cut them out.
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Laminate or Use Plastic Sleeves – For durability, laminate the schedules or place them inside plastic badge holders.
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Attach to Lanyards – Clip them onto lanyards so students have quick access to the information throughout the convention.
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