RSNA 2020 technical exhibits and Chicago lodging

The Radiological Society of North America gathers each year at one of the world's largest medical imaging conferences, and the 2020 edition was scheduled for 29 November to 4 December at McCormick Place in Chicago. For Australian radiologists, registrars, and industry representatives, the meeting is a fixture on the international calendar, drawing delegates from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

Pairing the conference with well-located accommodation is essential, and booking early through the dedicated RSNA 2020 hotel booking service is the smartest approach. Group blocks at 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star properties fill quickly once registrations climb, so understanding the technical exhibits in advance helps shape where you stay and what you can fit into the margins of each day.

The technical exhibits floor at a glance

The technical exhibits at McCormick Place span several massive halls, covering more than 400,000 square feet of floor space with over 700 exhibitors. Major imaging manufacturers, software vendors, AI startups, contrast media suppliers, and workstation companies set up shop side by side. Australian radiology practices recognise familiar names alongside global brands, with smaller Australian vendors in the AI-assisted detection space appearing among the booths.

Walking the full floor is hard work. Many delegates break the visit into two or three passes rather than attempting a single marathon sweep. Wear comfortable shoes, since the polished concrete is unforgiving, and bring a refillable water bottle, because Chicago in late November swings between icy Lake Michigan winds and mild afternoons.

Navigating Chicago from Australian shores

Australians travelling to RSNA typically route through Los Angeles, San Francisco, or a Gulf hub, with total travel time often exceeding twenty hours each way. Qantas, United, and several Middle Eastern carriers offer one-stop itineraries, and long-haul passengers arrive fatigued and grateful for a short transfer. Chicago O'Hare is the usual port of entry, while Midway handles some domestic connections.

Jet lag from Australia runs sixteen to seventeen hours backwards, the worst direction to adjust. Most delegates stay on Australian time for the first day or two, then force themselves onto Central Standard Time by the second morning. Drinking plenty of water, skipping the heavy American drip coffee on arrival, and grabbing a proper brekkie at a Loop cafe can help the body clock settle.

Choosing hotels near McCormick Place

McCormick Place sits on the southern edge of downtown Chicago, with the Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis connected directly to the convention centre. Other dependable options within a short ride include the Hilton Chicago, the Palmer House, the Drake, and chain properties along Michigan Avenue. The official booking portal lists curated blocks across 3-star to 5-star categories, with negotiated rates undercutting the public rack rate.

Travellers wanting walking distance pay a premium, while those willing to catch the 146 bus or Metra Electric line save a chunk per night. Longer-staying delegates often choose extended-stay apartments in Streeterville or the South Loop. Confirm whether breakfast, Wi-Fi, and airport shuttles are included, since these add up over a week.

Group bookings and room blocks for Aussie teams

University of Sydney, Monash, and University of Queensland radiology departments, alongside operators such as I-MED and Sonic Healthcare, regularly send contingents to RSNA. Coordinating group bookings through the dedicated hotel portal streamlines room blocks, keeps delegates in the same property, and often unlocks discounts unavailable to individual travellers. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists fellows often travel together, particularly when presenting papers or hosting alumni events.

A good booking agent holds rooms across several rate tiers, letting delegates choose based on departmental budget. Many delegations reserve a small meeting suite as a home base between sessions, doubling as a quiet spot for catch-ups and an arvo coffee when the exhibit hall gets overwhelming. Be aware that conference week overlaps with American Thanksgiving, so flights and hotels across the Midwest tighten.

Programme highlights worth booking around

Beyond the exhibits, the scientific assembly features refresher courses, plenary lectures, case-of-the-day sessions, and dedicated AI and machine learning tracks. The honorary membership ceremony, key research awards, and the annual Oration draw the biggest crowds. Late afternoon scientific sessions fill quickly, and early morning hot topic panels are reliably standing-room-only.

Slotting exhibition time around these sessions prevents the awkward feeling of missing a presentation you flew in for. Many Australians use the time difference to their advantage, joining virtual components from the hotel room early in the Chicago day, then heading to the venue for peak sessions. The Wednesday evening closing social tends to wind down earlier than expected, so plan dinner reservations accordingly.

Travel logistics, currency and local etiquette

Australian dollars convert roughly one-to-seventy-five US cents at the time of writing, so a $200 hotel rate feels like around AUD $260 once fees land. Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Chicago, and tipping culture differs markedly from Australia. Servers, bartenders, and hotel housekeeping expect fifteen to twenty percent tips, which surprises first-time visitors used to the standard Australian approach of leaving loose change.

Australian travellers who fancy extending the trip often use the conference as a launchpad, picking up cheap flights to other destinations once the meeting wraps. Side trips to New York, Toronto, or even a budget-friendly stint in Southeast Asia are popular add-ons, and budget-conscious delegates sometimes share a shoestring travel guide when planning post-conference side trips. Aussie directness is well received in Chicago, and you'll find locals approachable and chatty around the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.

Balancing the conference with a bit of sightseeing

Late November in Chicago is genuinely cold, with daytime temperatures hovering around freezing and snow flurries a regular feature. The Bean in Millennium Park, the Art Institute, the Field Museum, and a deep-dish pizza stop remain the classic must-dos. The Chicago Riverwalk provides a sheltered walking option when the wind picks up, and the architectural boat tour offers a warm, informative break from the conference routine.

For delegates with a free half-day, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium sit close to McCormick Place. Evening entertainment runs from Loop jazz clubs to Lincoln Park comedy shows, giving groups a chance to decompress after long exhibit days. Plan meals in advance, since spontaneous dining during conference week can mean long queues, and consider booking group outings through the hotel concierge.

Lock in your RSNA 2020 hotel block today through the official booking site and secure your spot within easy reach of the technical exhibits. Early group reservations tend to offer the best rates, widest room selection, and most convenient locations near McCormick Place, giving your Australian delegation more flexibility once flights and the programme schedule are confirmed.