Dates and Locations

So far, the dates, as they are known, for the G8 and NATO summits are May 15-22, 2012 and May 20-21, (needs confirmation) 2012, respectively. That's right! At the same time. Talk about trouble for the Chicago Police Department. I'd hate to see what kind of security they'll bring in. Expect cops on foot, horseback, in cars, and don't be surprised to see a tank or two.

So far it seems it'll be mostly at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Good for them, not so good for others. For one, the NRA, not that one, but the National Restaurant Association moved there show because it conflicted with the summits. A couple schools with plans to visit Chicago are cancelling them or moving the dates. If you plan on visiting Chicago, book your rooms NOW! Also, expect traffic to take a massive blow. Expect police barricades, motorcades, and tear gas grenades to block your path to where you want to go.

Yes, I said tear gas grenades. If the previous summits taught us anything, it's that protesters will be all over the place. It's know that both events bring in massive amounts of protesters. Now, we got BOTH of them at the same time. Rioting WILL hit the streets. Those of us who live here KNOW the monkey see, monkey do attitude this city has. All it'll take is one person to cast the first firebomb. CPD WILL react. It won't be race based this time, but full on chaos. It'll start at the location and move outward.Not a problem if you live farther away, but expect the stuff to go off a mile or two from the site as well.

Now, with the hotels, expect the summits to take up AT LEAST 10,000 hotel rooms. My GOD that's a lot. BUT, you have the chance now. Everyone is waiting on Pres.Obama. Now, a bit of a look into their security, per hotel, they want no more the 2 dignitaries per. That's right, only 2 per hotel, for the G8, so far as I know. NATO may be the same. Obama is not going to stay at his Hyde Park residence, oh no, he's going to be in a hotel. Everyone's eyes are on him. As far as I know, it's going to be either the Park Hilton, or the Four Seasons. My money's on the Hilton. Once his choice is made, expect a near sell-out within a couple days.

Good luck.