This year’s conference includes special events, such as exhibit receptions, health and wellness activities, and  medical center tours.

Preconference Facility Tours

* Registration is required. Space is limited.
* A limited number of hotel rooms are available Tuesday for out-of-town registrants attending a tour. Click here for hotel information and to book your reservation.

Northwestern University Affiliated Transplant Centers (NUATC)
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Continuing Education: CE credit is available. Click here for details.
Depart Marriott–8:10 a.m.; Return to Marriott–11:45 a.m.
New Location!  Meet in the hotel main lobby at 8 a.m., Michigan Ave. entrance, top of the stairs. It is about a 10-minute walk to NUATC.

Join us as leaders from Northwestern University Affiliated Transplant Centers (NUATC) highlight developments in the management of transplant patients and provide an overview of emerging innovations in the field of transplantation. NUATC is the alliance of two major transplant programs: the pediatric programs at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the adult programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Take advantage of this opportunity to get an inside look at one the nation’s top transplant programs. The NUATC tour will provide an opportunity to view the in-patient transplant unit and out-patient transplant clinic, as well as to speak with clinical staff about the transplant process.  Tour Agenda

This tour is provided by NUATC–Northwestern University Affiliated Transplant Centers.

The University of Chicago Medicine
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Depart Marriott–8:00 a.m.; Return to Marriott–11:45 a.m.
New Location!  Meet in the hotel main lobby at 7:45 a.m. by the Valet Desk and Gift Shop.
Roundtrip shuttle service will be provided. Due to limited parking, all participants are requested to take advantage of this complimentary shuttle transportation.

The University of Chicago Medicine invites you to explore "The Transplant Patient Experience at the University of Chicago Medicine." Learn about the University of Chicago Medicine's transplant experience, from expedited appointments and evaluation, the multidisciplinary committee decision-making process, listing and the living donor process, to transplant surgery and posttransplant care. See our new hospital—the Center for Care in Discovery—in action!  Tour Agenda

This tour is provided by The University of Chicago Medicine.

Exhibit Hall Activities

Take advantage of these opportunities to visit with exhibitors and supporters representing Centers of Excellence medical centers and industry organizations while networking with other attendees, including Optum executives, clinicians and staff.

Exhibit Hall Luncheon
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Stop by for lunch and preview the exhibits before the official start of this year’s conference!

Welcome Reception and Exhibition Grand Opening
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of this year’s conference. The Welcome Reception is THE place to be as you relax with great food and beverages before heading out for a night on the town!

Dessert Reception
Thursday, Sept. 11, 1:45–2:30 p.m.

The exposition reopens with a selection of desserts and beverages inside the Exhibit Hall.

Closing Reception
Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Let’s party with fabulous food and beverages as we wrap up the second day of the Annual National Conference.

Health and Wellness Activities

Biometric Screenings
Thursday, Sept. 11, 7:00–11:30

Biometric screenings will be offered to all conference attendees at no cost during this year’s conference! Preventive health screenings and flu vaccinations will be provided on Thursday between 7:00 and 11:30 a.m. You may participate in one or both these offerings. Screenings take approximately 15–20 minutes. To participate in this health and wellness activity, you must sign up for your health screening appointment at (866) 935-5462 or online at https://register.wellness-inc.com/optumnationalconference. Instructions for scheduling an appointment will also be included in your registration confirmation.

This activity is sponsored by Optum Biometric Solutions.

7th Annual Wellness Walk
Thursday, Sept. 11
7:20 a.m.—Check-in (new location), Main Lobby, Michigan Ave. entrance, top of the stairs
7:30 a.m.—Wellness Walk Begins

The fabulous shoreline of Lake Michigan makes Chicago one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Start your morning with a run/walk along this uniquely scenic pathway. All participants will receive a 2014 Wellness Walk t-shirt. Route Map  (Updated 8/21/14)

This activity is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.