Special Activities

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Afternoon at Navy Pier
Monday, October 6, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

A Chicago landmark located on Lake Michigan, just East of Chicago’s Downtown, Navy Pier boasts 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, including the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats, Navy Pier provides a myriad of activities to enjoy along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows contains a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows housed in an 800-foot-long series of galleries along the lower level terraces of Festival Hall. Open since February 2000, it is the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to stained glass windows. It showcases both secular and religious windows and is divided by artistic theme into four categories: Victorian, Prairie, Modern and Contemporary. All of the windows were designed by prominent local, national and European studios and most were originally installed in Chicago area residential, commercial and religious buildings.

Originally designed as both a shipping and recreational facility when it first opened in 1916, the Pier also served as a military training site during two world wars, a venue for concerts and exhibitions, and the temporary home for a once-fledgling University of Illinois’ Chicago campus.

UL Headquarters Tour
Tuesday, October 7, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

ACIL’s largest laboratory member, UL offers this special tour to ACIL members with a private in-depth look at the company’s state-of-the-art laboratory facility located at its North Brook headquarters. A global independent safety science company, UL possesses over a century of expertise innovating safety solutions from the public adoption of electricity to new breakthroughs in sustainability, renewable energy and nanotechnology. Dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments, UL facilitates trade around the world. Transportation to and from the facility will be provided.

Annual Reception & Dinner
Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Enjoy ACIL’s annual Awards Dinner at the Skydeck Chicago (99th Floor Willis Tower).
The Willis Tower rises 1,353 feet, offering spectacular views spanning up to four states. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a special gourmet dinner in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and get out on the Ledge if you dare! Our evening includes VIP Access to the world renowned LEDGES, glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet from the Skydeck. Transportation to and from the Skydeck will be provided.

City Trolley Tour
Tuesday, October 7, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Chicago or lifelong resident, the Highlights Tour offers the perfect way to see the Windy City. This entertaining and informative trolley tour passes Chicago’s historic landmarks, classic movie locations, and hottest attractions, including Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Block Thirty Seven, Buckingham Fountain, Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier, Hancock Observatory and Signature Room.

Tom Zierenberg Memorial Golf Tournament
Tuesday, October 7, 12:15 pm - 5:00 pm

In memory of our dedicated Food Sciences Section Chair, ACIL continues its tradition with the second annual Tom Zierenberg Memorial Golf Tournament at Chicago’s Jackson Park Golf Course.

The pride of the Chicago Park District, the historic 18-hole golf course has mature hardwood trees protecting the fairway and greens, and putting emphasis on accurate shots. Jackson Park Golf Course opened in 1897 and features 5,463 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 65.7, and it has a slope rating of 107. Price includes boxed lunch, cart, practice time, two drinks while golfing, reception and transportation to and from course.