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  Whisky Advocate

The glassware of choice for every WhiskyFest is the Glencairn Whisky Nosing Glass.
Order a pair and find out why.

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  Frequently Asked Questions
 

When is WhiskyFest Chicago?
Where is WhiskyFest Chicago?
What time is WhiskyFest?
How much do tickets to WhiskyFest cost?
What do I get for the price of a regular admission ticket?
What’s the difference between a Regular admission ticket and a VIP ticket?
Do you sell tickets at the door?
Is there parking at the hotel?
Can I stay at the hotel where WhiskyFest is being held?
What should I wear to WhiskyFest?
Do I need to bring a glass with me?
What if I lose my nosing glass?
There's a seminar I want to attend. Do I need to get a separate ticket for that, or reserve my seat in advance?
Do I need to use vouchers to get tastes of the whiskies I want to try?
I bought a ticket for my buddy, and he can’t come. Can I get my money back?
I lost my ticket. Can I get another one?
How can I get the most up-to-date information about the event?
I’m a member of the press. Do you reserve tickets for press?
Why do I need to sign my ticket stub?
If I promise not to drink, can I come to the event if I’m under 21 years of age?
Is there a coat check available?
May I bring my briefcase with me?
Will there be food and non-alcoholic beverages available?
When I discover a new whisky that I love at WhiskyFest, can I buy a bottle of it right there?
I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?

When is WhiskyFest Chicago?
Friday, March 23, 2012

Where is WhiskyFest Chicago?
Hyatt Regency Chicago on The River Walk
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601

What time is WhiskyFest?
For regular ticket holders, registration begins at 6:00, and entrance to the ballroom is at 6:30 pm.
For VIP ticket holders, registration begins at 5:00, and entrance to the ballroom is at 5:30 pm.
Last pour is at 9:15, and the event ends promptly at 9:30 pm.

How much do tickets to WhiskyFest cost?
Regular Admission tickets are $155 and VIP tickets are $205. However, we are offering an Early Bird discount ($20 off each ticket) through January 30, 2011.

What do I get for the price of a regular admission ticket?
You'll receive a Glencairn commemorative crystal nosing glass, an event program, the latest copy of Whisky Advocate magazine, a gift bag, entrance to all seminars on a first come first serve basis, a gourmet buffet throughout the evening and, of course, over 250 whiskies to sample.  

What’s the difference between a Regular admission ticket and a VIP ticket?
In addition to what Regular ticket holders receive (above), VIP ticket holders gain admission to the ballroom for a full hour prior to Regular admission. With limited ticketing, and the extra hour of time in the ballroom, you can get the most out of this additional hour, having more time to talk with the distillery representatives. You'll also receive an upgraded canvas tote bag. Some exhibitors pour something extra special that's available only during the VIP hour. VIP hour whiskies are provided at the discretion of the distillers in extremely limited quantities. Back to Top

Do you sell tickets at the door?
We do not sell any tickets at the door. We offer advance ticket sales only. To order your tickets online, visit us at http://www.whiskyadvocate.com/whiskyfest.asp. Back to Top

Is there parking at the hotel?
The hotel does have parking available for a fee, however we encourage the use of public transportation. Better yet, stay at the Hyatt where we've arranged a room block:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
We have arranged a room block with the Hyatt; see the next question for details. Back to Top

Can I stay at the hotel where WhiskyFest is being held?
Yes, in fact we prefer you stay there, and not drive after the event. We have arranged a room block with the Hyatt:
Room block reservations for any of the nights from March 20 through March 24 are available.
Call 1-888-421-1442 and ask for the "12th Annual WhiskeyFest,", or reserve your room online: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/12thAnnualWhiskeyFest
$189 single or double occupancy.
The room block is available until February 21, or until the block sells out. Back to Top

What should I wear to WhiskyFest?
Most commonly, business or business casual attire.  Back to Top

Do I need to bring a glass with me?
There's no need to bring a glass with you. A Glencairn crystal commemorative nosing glass will be provided to you at registration. It's yours to use for the evening, and to take home with you. 
Back to Top

What if I lose my nosing glass?
If you lose your nosing glass, we'll have wine glasses available in the tasting ballroom. Sorry, we cannot replace any lost or broken nosing glass.  Back to Top

There's a seminar I want to attend. Do I need to get a separate ticket for that, or reserve my seat in advance?
Seminars are included in the price of your ticket. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Please consult your event program (you'll receive one at Registration) for seminar times and locations.
Back to Top

Do I need to use vouchers to get tastes of the whiskies I want to try?
We do not use vouchers for tasting at WhiskyFest. Back to Top

I bought a ticket for my buddy, and he can’t come. Can I get my money back?
nfortunately, tickets are not refundable. Maybe you've got another buddy who'd like to go to WhiskyFest. Back to Top

I lost my ticket. Can I get another one?
Follow the instructions on your ticket order email confirmation, or call 800-514-3849 for assistance. Back to Top

How can I get the most up-to-date information about the event?
Sign up for our newsletter here , and receive the most up-to-date information about WhiskyFest. You can also read the WhiskyFest blog http://www.whiskyfestblog.com/. Back to Top

I’m a member of the press. Do you reserve tickets for press?
We do reserve a limited number of tickets for qualified press. If you would like to attend as a member of the press, send your press credentials to our event manager, joan@whiskyadvocate.com Back to Top

Why do I need to sign my ticket stub?
By signing your ticket stub, which is required for entry to the event, you verify that you are at least 21 years of age, as well as agreeing to release Whisky Advocate, and its employees, or shareholders from liability or claims arising from WhiskyFest. Also, we'll give you a free subscription to WhiskyNotes, our bi-weekly email newsletter; you may unsubscribe at any time. Back to Top

If I promise not to drink, can I come to the event if I’m under 21 years of age?
No one under the age of 21 is permitted inside of the event, including the foyer area. There will be no exceptions, and security will be carding ticket holders as they come into the event. Back to Top

Is there a coat check available?
There is a coat check available at the event. Back to Top

May I bring my briefcase with me?
Backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, or any other such items, are not permitted inside of WhiskyFest. You will be asked to leave them at the coat check. Back to Top

Will there be food and non-alcoholic beverages available?
A gourmet buffet is provided throughout the evening, and we encourage you to eat from time to time. We'll also provide water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Back to Top

When I discover a new whisky that I love at WhiskyFest, can I buy a bottle of it right there?
WhiskyFest is a tasting event only. We do not offer bottles for sale. For a retailer near you, check the retailer list on our web site. Back to Top

I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?
You may contact event manager, Joan McGinley by emailing joan@whiskyadvocate.com, or event director Amy Westlake by emailing amy@whiskyadvocate.com. Back to Top

 

 

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