From 2009, if you try the search you will see tons of links, this has been discussed quite a bit here on BCB, I think just about every question you have has a satisfactory answer in the comments on at least one of these:

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But I can give you the first timer’s view from 2007.

We took the train in from Michigan and arrived Friday afternoon. Mistake #1. Come a day early if you can.

Imagine thousands of the most die-hard Cubs fans packed into a hotel and completely taking over life as you know it. Then double it. Now try and check into the hotel. You get the idea.

There is a lot of energy. There are a lot of lines and a lot of waiting. You’ll get to know the area in front of the bank of elevators VERY WELL. Those suckers are packed all weekend.

On Friday (Opening Day of the Convention) there is a Grand Welcome of the team and coaches in the main ballroom (I got in line late and missed this – lesson #2 learned. Get there early. No matter how far in advance of a particular session you go, you will not be the first person in line).

There are sessions where you get to hear the players, coaches, front office staff, broadcasters and Cubs legends speak.

The year I went, there were themed presentations (anniversary panel discussions featuring a trivia game show pitting 1969 Cubs against 1984 Cubs; there was a discussion of Milt Pappas’ near perfect game; a discussion of the business side of the game; a look at the minors and scouting in general, etc.)

There are lots of autograph sessions (lots of line waiting here). Don’t expect to get a general autograph session for Cubs legends like Banks, Williams, Santo, Sandberg or the like. In 2007, those opportunities were offered only to “lottery” winners. If you didn’t win, your odds of getting their autographs went WAY, WAY down. I’m still hoping to get Ernie Banks someday.

There are opportunities to buy LOTS of Cubs stuff (much of which you probably don’t need) and goodie bags of Cubs “giveaway items” from previous seasons. These bags are purchased “blind”. You don’t know what you are going to get until AFTER you fork over the money.

Lots of venders. My wife got to spend some time talking with Fergie Jenkins and Pat Hughes this way. Fergie was there pitching his foundation and Pat was at the WGN Radio table. Lots of "giveaway" items in the vender area (to lure you to their booths). I spoke with the “CubsCast” podcast guys.

There are opportunities to buy used game items from jerseys to bats to whatever. This stuff goes fast.

And Collectors. LOTS and LOTS of collectors. PRO collectors. So many in fact, they can diminish the experience for the “casual” fan (if there IS such a Cubs fan). They stake out opportunities for autographs and are, well PUSHY is the polite word for it. I’ve seen them run over kids with abandon.

I guess it all boils down to how BADLY you want it. “Opportunity” is the word. If you are willing to stake out a good seat in the main ballroom, or one of the smaller conference rooms (and stay there for a portion of the day during multiple sessions), you can get up close and personal with players and fans. But you have to work for it. If you move from event to event, room-to-room then you take your chance on a seat and location. Standing room only (in the back) for the more popular sessions is the norm. If you wait to go, you won’t get in. Plan ahead.

I literally saw people during the night/early morning in the hallways in sleeping bags to be one of the first in line for a session. This convention isn’t for the faint of heart. My wife went with me and bailed on most of it after she saw how much time she’s have to invest simply WAITING for the next “thing” to happen. She went shopping downtown instead.

I’m sure some things have changed in the last 2 years, but this was my experience. It can be overwhelming. My wife and I agreed that it was good to do it- once. We just weren’t mentally prepared for what we encountered.

That being said, I reserved a hotel room for the weekend (coming in THURSDAY) and we’re planning to come this January for the 25th Anniversary year of the Cubs Convention. Idiotic?

We’re Cubs fans, what can I say…

Thank you for the specifics – it doesn’t sound like my cup of tea…
I love the Cubs, but I am not a fan of huge crowds (except when I am at Wrigley or a Dave Matthews concert), nor am I a fan of waiting – and who knows what the weather will be like mid-January, it may be impossible to come a day early.

I certainly hope you have a better experience this year! But as a Cub fan, you are probably used to frustration! hehee!!
I’ve noticed ticket prices for 2010 appear to have increased, perhaps my money is better spent on great seats at a game or two.

pretty much everything Zeke said above has been the norm. However, I would say that the Club has made the players less accessible over the last couple of years. For example, you use to be able to shake hands/sometimes got an autograph (how I got Ernie) from the players as they were walking into the Grand Ballroom for opening cerermonies. They no longer come in that way. In addition, very few of the big players come through the main lobby anymore either (that is how I got Sandberg the first time). The crowds are too crazy when they come in and the security there can’t deal with it

Kitty O’sheas (the hotel bar) is a good place to get Autographs of the older retired players and sometimes the up and coming players.

Convention Bingo is a must although I have never won…pretty much have to decide if you want to go to the opening cermeonies or go to Bingo. If you go to opening cermenonies, you pretty much will not get a table for Bingo.

At this point, I pretty much go to drink beer with my friends and get away from the kids for a few days. I still will wait in line for autographs but I come prepared with a stool to rest my cranky knees and back. They are a ton of dealers so it really does ruin it for the casual collector like myself who will never sell his stuff.

with H1N1 (Swine Flu) speading?!?!? :-)

From what I’ve heard, it’s turned into quite the fiasco…. though it still is enjoyable.

McCormick Place?

I literally moved to Chicago the weekend of last year’s convention, so I wasn’t able to go. Moreover I live 1 block away from the Hilton on 8th and State. Can anyone tell me if they give any special treatment to Chicagoans with regards to ticket sales?

Make sure make a reservation for FOUR people even if you are two. This allows you to buy four tickets
at the discount rate and you will definitely not have a problem finding people ( BCB hint, hint) to buy them from you.
However if you do not RESERVE for 4 , you can not ask for them when you get there.

I was going to ask my husband for Convention tickets for Christmas too. He’s never been interested in going, but I was always curious. Now after reading this, I think he may be right that this isn’t something we’d like. Crowds, long waits in lines…no thanks. You just talked me into switching my tactics and hinting for an iPhone instead.

There will be some huge snowstorm that and we won’t get out of Cedar Rapids – that is just how my luck goes! I guess I have a few weeks yet to decide. I imagine tickets go fast…

It was completely booked last Spring for next year’s Convention (2010), but some people apparently cancelled their reservations when they heard the keynote speaker was going to be a certain former right fielder who only wanted to speak for nine minutes.

If I reserve a room and the passes are sold out, can I still get them when I check in or do I have to buy them off the Internet? If anyone could help me with this I would appreciate it.

I appreciate your help. Last time I checked there were still open rooms, but I haven’t decided whether or not to go yet. Again, thanks Al.

I’ll keep that in mind as well, thanks.