Exhibit/Tours/Programs-August Recap
Volunteer
Docents and volunteers are staying busy on the streets and in the galleries this month. Docents and volunteers have donated close to 1500 hours of service to the CAC during the month of August.
Training plans for exhibit hosts and docents are underway. CAC staff will conduct its second Exhibit Host training on October 22. Applications are available online. Docent applications for the 2023 Class are also available online. Staff and docents have conducted over 30 interviews and will continue these through fall. The deadline to apply is October 8. Over 50 people attended the August information session. The next docent information session is September 24 in the Gand Lecture Hall.
Over 150 docents and volunteers attended a Town Hall via zoom on August 24. Board Chair Ann Thompson gave an update on the CEO search; Juanna Blackwell provided an update on the DEIA committee and work; Michael Malak and Caroline Duda provided business and volunteer updates; Hallie Rosen gave a sneak peek to OHC programming and Lisa Nucci presented on marketing’s progress for an App.
Walking Tours
There were 317 walking tour departures in August. Average tour capacity utilization was 57% for the month with an average of 8.5 guests per departure. 57% of guests were members.
River Cruise
In August, there were 416 departures and 50,469 tickets sold. In 2019, we had 64,327 guests so we have some work to do to get back to 2019 levels. We have also seen some days/weeks outperform 2019 levels as well. 55 cruises went out at over 90% capacity but the average capacity utilization for the month was 56%.
Exhibits
August total exhibit attendance was 3,969 guests. This included 1,118 adult tickets, 501 student tickets, 1,278 ARC upsell purchasers, 280 walking attendees, 189 OTA (online travel agency) purchasers, 279 comps, 74 private group attendees, and 250 members. The biggest area of opportunity continues to be river cruise guest CAC $5 upsells, with the Docent and Captain announcements still being tested through September. In August we did see an uptick in upsell purchases from the 3% previous, to now 6% of River Cruise attendees.
Upgraded Network and Wifi Information
We’ve made some updates to our network and changed the wifi password. You should experience faster internet speeds immediately, in the Office as well as the Galleries and Store. The computers in the library are already updated but use the information below to update your phone/laptop as you see fit.
Guest Wireless
SSID: Chicago Architecture Guest
Key: welcometocac
Comp Ticket Request Form
We have updated the link on The Bridge for Comp Request Form. If you have bookmarked this page, please delete and use the new one located underneath Quick Links.
Neighborhood Tours: The Will Call lists will be posted on The Bridge after 5 pm the day before your tour. Look for Will Call List under Quick Links. If the Will Call list is not posted, you can email ti*****@ar**********.org and staff will get an updated version up as soon as possible. If your tour is not listed on the current will call list, this means there are no sales and you do not need to come in for your tour. This applies to Neighborhood tours ONLY.
Guests must sign up for neighborhood tours on line. We do not allowing walk-up purchases for neighborhood tours. This is now clearly stated on the CAC website. Notes under all neighborhood tours include this language:
- Advance reservations are required for this tour.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour.
- View the CAC’s hours.
Please also be sure to fill out the Neighborhood Tour Report Form after your tour. If your tour has zero tickets, you do not need to fill out the report. If your tour is not listed, choose OTHER and fill in the tour name in the comments.
PARKING
We are no longer issuing the parking vouchers for members. The discounted parking is still available at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive but YOU MUST GET YOUR PARKING TICKET STAMPED at the CAC Box Office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. To receive your discounted rate pay at the LAZ garage office located inside 111 E Wacker opposite Potbellies Sandwiches. The parking garage is open 24/7.
Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. SpotHero can help you find a good deal. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page and book with rates up to 50% off drive-up. Please note: if parking is prepurchased, early arrival or departure is subjected to additional charges at the garage’s discretion. New to SpotHero? Click here to download the SpotHero app. Questions? Give SpotHero a call at (312) 566-7768.