WhiskyFest Chicago
May 12, 2023 | Hyatt Regency Chicago
Facts and Questions
When is WhiskyFest Chicago?
WhiskyFest Chicago will be held on May 12, 2023.
How much do tickets to WhiskyFest Chicago cost?
Early Bird ticket prices are $375 for VIP and $295 for General Admission.
How do I order tickets?
What do I get for the price of a General Admission ticket?
General Admission ticket holders will receive a commemorative Glencairn crystal nosing glass, program booklet and pen, gift bag, admission to all seminars at no additional cost (on a first come basis), a gourmet buffet throughout the evening, and of course, hundreds of whiskies to sample.
What’s the difference between a General Admission ticket and a VIP ticket?
In addition to what General Admission ticket holders receive (above), VIP ticket holders receive admission to the event one hour earlier. This allows additional time to enjoy tasting and talking with folks behind the booths.
There’s a whisky on your list that I want to be sure to try. How can I find out which booth is pouring it?
There are two whisky lists in your program booklet, provided at registration. One list is alphabetical by the brand name, and will tell you at which booth you find each whisky. The other lists all of the whiskies by booth number. There’s also a diagram in the program.
What time does WhiskyFest Chicago start?
For VIP ticket holders, registration begins at 5:00, and entrance to the ballroom is at 5:30 pm.
For General Admission ticket holders, registration begins at 6:00 pm, and entrance to the ballroom is at 6:30 pm.
What time is WhiskyFest Chicago over?
Last pour is at 9:25, and the event ends promptly at 9:30 pm.
What should I wear to WhiskyFest Chicago?
Most commonly, business casual attire.
Do I need to bring a glass with me?
No, a Glencairn Crystal nosing glass will be provided to you at registration. It’s yours to use for the evening, and to take home with you.
What if I lose my nosing glass?
If you lose your nosing glass, we’ll have wine glasses available in the ballroom for you to use. Sorry, we will not replace any lost or broken nosing glasses.
Where is WhiskyFest Chicago being held?
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
There is a seminar I want to attend. Do I need to get a separate ticket for that?
Whisky seminars are included in the price of your ticket. Seating is on a first come basis. Please consult the event program (you’ll receive one at Registration) for seminar times and locations.
Can I stay at the hotel where WhiskyFest Chicago is being held?
I bought a ticket for my buddy, and he can’t come. Can I get my money back?
Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable. Maybe you’ve got another buddy who would like to go to WhiskyFest.
Do I need to use vouchers to get tastes of the whiskies I want to try?
We do not use vouchers for tasting at WhiskyFest.
Is there parking at the hotel?
I lost my ticket. Can I get another one?
You can contact SquadUp for their help with any lost or stolen tickets: 800-210-0689.
If I promise not to drink, can I come to the event if I’m under 21 years of age?
No one under the age of 21 is permitted inside the event area. There will be no exceptions, and security will be checking IDs at the entrance.
How can I get the most up-to-date information about the event?
Sign up for WhiskyNotes to receive the most up-to-date information about WhiskyFest and check our website: www.whiskyadvocate.com/whiskyfest, as well as our Facebook page, for all the latest news about upcoming events.
I’m a member of the press. Do you reserve tickets for press?
We do reserve a very limited number of tickets for qualified press. If you would like to attend as a member of the press, send your press credentials to joan@whiskyadvocate.com.
Do you sell tickets at the event?
We do not sell tickets at the door, however, you may purchase tickets online if we are not sold out.
Do you offer tickets for designated drivers?
We do not offer designated driver tickets.
When the event if sold out, can I still buy tickets?
When we declare an event is “sold out”, we are really sold out of tickets. We have no more to sell.
Is there a coat check available?
Yes, there will be a coat check available.
May I bring my briefcase with me?
Backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, or any such items, are not permitted inside of WhiskyFest. You will be asked to leave them at coat check.
Will there be food available?
A hot and cold buffet will be provided throughout the evening, and we encourage you to eat from time to time.
Will there be coffee or soft drinks available?
Water will be provided throughout the evening, and we’ll also offer coffee, tea and soft drinks.
I have a suggestion on how to improve the event. Who do I contact?
Please contact Laurie@WhiskyAdvocate.com or Joan@WhiskyAdvocate.com.
