The 2022 Tour Season is here! We are so excited for this season and the return to some familiarity. I know you have taken many refreshers to get back up to speed with tour content but below is a list of helpful reminders for all that “other stuff.” This is A LOT of information so please take some time to read.
2022 Requirements: We are returning to a our normal requirements. Active docents- 10 tours; Sustaining docents-5 tours; Education Guides, Exhibit Hosts, Guests Services-30 hours. Tours and shifts are processed on a weekly basis.
Who do you call?
- Lexie Oliva: ao****@ar**********.org for tour/shift changes; password resets; tech problems, etc.
- Emergency phone 312.330.3432 for day of tour emergencies like you are unable to give a tour. This is not the number to use to check ticket sales.
- CAC Office 312.922.3432
- Group Sales: gr********@ar**********.org for any questions related to a private tour or field trip booking.
- Tickets: ti*****@ar**********.org for any program info, upcoming tours, comp reservations, architecture.org login problems
- Caroline Duda: cd***@ar**********.org-everything else or when in doubt on who to call
Checking in: Remember to sign in at least 15 minutes before tour departure. If you are going to be late, call the emergency phone number. The sign-in sheet is on the east end of the box office desk. Staff will pencil in approximately how many guests you can expect. Please do not ask staff how many tickets are sold at this time. They will communicate this information to the Guest Services volunteer when needed.
GTS: GTS/listening devices are required for all tours that leave from the CAC. Our tours are promoted as offering GTS, and their cost is included in the price of the tour. The only exception to the policy is when a docent goes out with only a single guest.
Scheduling: Unless otherwise announced, a new month of scheduling will open at 9:30 on the first Saturday of every month. remove yourself more than 30 days out. Check out the VM Manual (located in Files & Documents, under ALL VOLUNTEERS for additional instructions.
If you cannot give your tour and it is less than 30 days, you are responsible for finding a substitute. Post on your tour’s google group or contact the Tour Director. Contact Lexie when you have confirmed a substitute.
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 are currently 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:
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.
Name Badge: Missing your name badge? You can request one under Quick Links but before placing an order please check the Volunteer Library. We have LOTS of unclaimed badges. They are sorted by first name, alpha order.
Comp Ticket Request Form: Docents and Volunteers are entitled to ONE ticket for walking tours and programs to continue education. Docents are entitled to TWO tickets for tours that they are giving. Link is located under Quick Links. Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to our box office staff when reserving comp tickets. You can contact ti*****@ar**********.org if you have not received a confirmation number after 48 hours after the initial request.
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. Click here to download the SpotHero app. Questions? Give SpotHero a call at (312) 566-7768.
Passcode to back offices: 1523#
Library Computer Logins: Please refer to this article for more information: New Login Information for Library Computers.
Updated CAC Mask Policy: We are once again in ever changing state of policies so please take a few moments to read our current policy on masks. https://www.architecture.org/news/happening-caf/covid-19-safety-policies/.