The Conference will be held in Chicago, Illinois, a favorite city for many conventions and meetings, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers located a short walk from world-famous shopping and the entertainment of The Navy Pier.

The GSA has contracted with the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers for special conference rates: $180 single or double, plus applicable taxes.

To reserve a hotel room, you may telephone, fax or mail the housing application and reservation form exactly as instructed. Note that reservations will be accepted only when accompanied by a credit card guarantee or a deposit of the first night's room and tax. The deadline for receipt of reservations is January 27, 2003.

The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers will process housing application and reservation forms on a first-come, first-served basis. Only a small block at the lowest rate is available and will sell out quickly.

IMPORTANT Room Reservation Cancellation Policy: to receive a credit or refund of the required first night's room and tax deposit or guarantee, cancellation must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the reserved arrival date. (Check-in time is 3:00 PM, so cancellation must be made by 3:00 PM three days before reserved arrival date). Though the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is handicapped accessible, if you have special requirements, please note them on the enclosed housing application and reservation form. Every effort will be made to accommodate special needs.

Rapid transit trains are available from both O'Hare and Midway Airports to downtown Chicago within about a five-city-block walk from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Shuttle service from Chicago Midway Airport is available at a cost of $15 one-way/$25 round-trip, and from Chicago O'Hare Airport at a cost of $21 one-way/$34 round-trip. Taxi service from Chicago O'Hare Airport is approximately $30 plus gratuity, one-way. All prices are subject to change.

Valet parking is available at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers at $33 per day (allowing unlimited in/out privileges) and at a neighboring public self-park lot at $23 per day.

UNITED AIRLINES

United Airlines is the official airline of the 44th Annual Drosophila Research Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number at (1-800) 521-4041 to book your reservations, you will receive a 5% discount off any published United Airline fare from first class to the lowest applicable coach fare, or a 10% discount off mid-week coach fares. United Airlines is also pleased to offer an additional 5% discount off tickets purchased at least 60 days in advance of travel.

United Airlines now offers area pricing. In some cases, area pricing may offer even lower fares than those available using the group discounts above. Area pricing tickets must be purchased at least seven days in advance and seats are limited. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express.

Call United's specialized Meeting Reservation Center at (1-800) 521-4041 to obtain the best fare and schedule information tailored to your needs. Be certain to refer to Meeting ID number 560HS. Dedicated reservation agents are on duty seven days a week from 7:00 am to 12:00 midnight, Eastern Standard Time.