Chicago, on business

I had to go back to Chicago (or, more precisely, to Downers’ Grove) last week for the next stop on our collaboration and communications roadshow. This event was the first one we’ve held in a hotel instead of a Microsoft office, so I was a little leery– the Microsoft office facilities tend to be quite nice, and they’re usually already set up for our presentations. This event was booked at the Marriott Suites in Downers Grove, which turned out to be a wonderful hotel. I was predisposed to like it as soon as my cab turned the corner: just up the street, there’s a Fuddrucker’s and a Brazilian churrascaria, and directly across from the hotel there’s a Fry’s Electronics. Nancy and the rest of the hotel staff were extremely competent and helpful, and John and I got everything set up quickly. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, which is always a nice bonus. We had a team dinner at Sal e Carvão, the churrascaria, and it was excellent. Our event the next day went well, and I got to take an early flight home so I got home just before the kids went to bed (instead of at zero-midnight-thirty). All in all, a good trip.