Man GG, I almost spewed Dr Pepper on my screen just from your comment! Give poor John a break, I know it was only recently that he made a move from the general board to the others.
John, I'm not Surfn, but I dont think you need to worry about having to fly in on a cropduster. I think there is a big enough airport in the city that will allow for a little bit larger planes to take off and land.
Get Together Location: Chicago (need I answer the other questions?)
As for the location of hotels, I'll have to leave that one to the locals as I've only been there once, and that was on my way to Germany.
Norad