As an international travel hub with world-class accommodations, Chicago provides an excellent backdrop for the Automation Fair event and includes an abundance of cultural opportunities and dining experiences.

Chicago has a long and successful track record of hosting large-scale, highly secure events. The city has hosted numerous large events, meetings, and festivals this year without incident.

Public safety is a top priority, and Chicago’s city government works tirelessly with community partners in a coordinated manner to provide the safest possible environment for visitors. We understand you may have recently seen news of increased law enforcement activities in Chicago. We are working closely with the City of Chicago and the Automation Fair event venues to promote the safest meeting environment possible and while we do not expect you to encounter significant unusual activity around McCormick Place, we want to help prepare you just in case.

The Chicago Police Department monitors events across the city to ensure the appropriate resources are in place to ensure public safety. McCormick Place has expert, 24/7 security staff in the building, a central security command center, a dedicated Chicago Police Department beat, patrol vehicles, and bike patrol officers. Additionally, McCormick Place has 1,400 closed-circuit cameras that security staff monitor 24/7 and a robust emergency communications system.

As with any large city in the US, incidents of crime do occur, and visitors should remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.

If you encounter an emergency while in Chicago, dial 9-1-1 to be immediately connected with local Police, EMT and Fire services.

The Rockwell Global Health, Safety and Security team is also available 24/7 for non-emergency support at +1 414-350-8001.

Please refer to the helpful tips below to enjoy a safe and productive event experience.

Before you leave home:

• Download the Rockwell Event app and turn on app push notifications. Available for Apple and Android. In the unlikely event there is an onsite emergency, Rockwell will send push notifications via the Event app to attendees.
• Familiarize yourself with the local areas that you intend to visit.
• Share your itinerary with family members or friends.
• Make sure you have the required travel documents. Ensure your travel documents have at least 6 months of validity remaining. Photograph your travel documents and store the images online or share with a trusted colleague.
• Stay up to date on weather conditions that may affect your trip, plan and pack accordingly.

When traveling:

• Carry your travel documents with you at all times.
• Keep your bags with you. Avoid checking a bag, if possible.
• Keep electronic devices fully charged, carry a portable battery charger for your phone.
• Avoid sending personal or financial information over unsecured WIFI connections.

After arrival:

• Carry your travel documents with you at all times.
• Leave your bags/luggage in your hotel room or at your hotel’s bell desk. Bag check will not be available at McCormick Place on Monday-Wednesday during the event.
• Make a note of the nearest medical facility to your hotel.
• Use event provided transportation whenever possible. Check out the shuttle schedule for more information. Transportation to/from evening activities varies by event. When available, using official event transportation is recommended.
• When walking around the city, be aware of your surroundings, stay in well-populated areas, and travel with a companion or in a group when possible.
• Do not wear your event badge when outside the event venues.

Speak up! If you observe or have ethical concerns about behavior at this event, whether that be from an employee, customer, distributor, vendor, or other, we encourage you to report that behavior to the Rockwell Automation Office of the Ombuds. Rest assured that any complaints or concerns will be handled discreetly. Anyone who reports an issue in good faith will not be retaliated against.

Rockwell Automation is committed to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and compliance. Our culture of integrity is a pillar of our global success and one of the key reasons we have been a respected business leader for over a century. For more information, view our Code of Conduct, Ethics and Compliance policies.