Information for Dairy Sheep Symposium attendees
What is the address of the hotel?
Our symposium is taking place at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The address and phone number are: 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018. Phone: 1-847-696-1234. We will be meeting in the O’Hare Room on the lobby level. Please click here for more details about the hotel.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
A free shuttle is offered by the hotel. If you’re arriving at Terminals 1, 2, or 3, go to the lower level arrivals area of terminal 2 and exit at door 2A. The shuttle stops in the center lane, so you’ll have to cross to that lane using the crosswalk. If you’re arriving at Terminal 5, meet the shuttle at door 5E.
When do the presentations begin?
We’ll get started on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 am, in the O’Hare Room on the lobby level. Breakfast that morning is included in your registration. Please click here for the full presentation schedule.
Is anything happening Wednesday evening?
Yes! Tommy LaVoie from Quebec will be demonstrating how he uses EweManage, a software program good for managing dairy sheep flock information. He’ll be in the lobby from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. This is also a nice time to come and socialize with/meet fellow producers.
Is the Friday schedule the same?
On Friday, Nov. 8 we will also get started at 8:30 am, and breakfast is included in your registration. However from 7:00 - 8:00 am there will be a meeting of producers who use Genovis or are enrolled in the Genetic Evaluation Program. If you’re interested in joining the program, feel free to attend this meeting to learn more!
Can i promote my farm or business at the symposium?
Yes, we offer sponsorships at different levels. Please email us to inquire. We are also offering a $250 1/2 table to any attendee who wishes to set up a display for promotion at the symposium.
When is the cheese reception?
A reception featuring sheep’s milk cheeses from DSANA members around the U.S. will take place on Thursday evening at 6:00pm, following the day’s presentations. We’ve invited cheese mongers, store managers, and food writers from the Chicago area to attend.
Can i offer my cheese at the reception?
Yes! If you make a sheep’s milk cheese that you would like to contribute to the reception, please email us at hello@dsana.org to let us know what you’ll be bringing, and so we can provide key information to you. Please plan to provide 3-5 lbs. of cheese (whole-wrapped wheels are best), kept cold through transport and fully protected from contamination. We will need a copy of your dairy plant license for our records. We also welcome contributions of sheep’s milk yogurt or frozen sheep dairy products.
What is pizza night all about?
On Friday after the day’s presentations we’ll enjoy classic Chicago pizzas and drinks brought in from a local restaurant. Be prepared to listen to and tell your craziest sheep dairy stories!
Are other meals provided as part of registration?
In addition to breakfast on Thursday and Friday, lunch is included on those days, too. Also included is the Thursday evening Cheese Reception and Friday evening pizza night. Those going on the Saturday farm tour will receive lunch and snacks as part of the tour.
How will the farm tour work?
We will board our rental bus at 8:00 am on Saturday, Nov. 9 and arrive at Ms. J & Co. in Monroe, Wisconsin at around 10:00 am. There, we will break up into small groups and rotate through workshops, as well as have lunch. We’ll briefly observe afternoon milking and then board the bus at 4:30 pm, arriving back at the hotel at 6:30 pm. The hotel is happy to hold luggage for guests checking out on Saturday until the bus returns from the tour. When making travel plans, please consider that traffic could delay our return to the hotel.
What should I wear for the farm tour?
Please dress for cooler weather and wear close-toed shoes. You will be asked to wear shoe coverings.
Will the Symposium end Saturday evening?
Yes, the symposium will end after we return from the farm tour. You can enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel that evening, or in the vicinity.