Selective Mutism Group Annual Conference 2014

The Selective Mutism Group is proud to offer our annual conference this year in Chicago, Illinois.  This year's conference will be co-sponsored by Advanced Therapeutic Solutions.  We are excited to announce psychologist Ruth Perednik, M.A., as our Keynote Speaker.  Ms. Perednik has specialized in the treatment of children with Selective Mutism for over 20 years and is author of one of the best selling treatment guides: The Selective Mutism Treatment Guide: Manuals for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists: Still Waters Run Deep. The conference will offer a parent and professional track, as well as two pilot skilled based workshops.  Please see conference information page for details.  In addition, continuing education for professionals, a Kids Camp, a bookstore that provides the latest resources in SM, and a silent auction where proceeds will go towards helping the SMG continue to educate and connect individuals impacted by Selective Mutism will be offered.

Register Now! 

More Information:

Lunch:  There are several restaurants and eateries within walking distance of the Embassy Suites Hotel. 

Transportation to event:  The two main Chicago airports are O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Approximate cab fares from airport to hotel are $50.  Public transportation is also available via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).  To utilize public transportation form O'Hare International Aiport, take the Blue Line to Grand Station.  Cross the street and take bus 65 to intersection of Illinois and McClure Street.

Note: There are two Embassy Suites in downtown Chicago. If taking a taxi to the conference, make sure you specify "Downtown/Lakefront" so that you arrive at the correct location.

 Parking:  For guests attending the conference:

• Discounted day valet parking $28 per car.  
• Overnight valet parking $59 per car.  
• Overnight rate for self park $39 per car.  
• Rates are subject to change without notice.

In addition to parking at the hotel, there is an open air parking lot on Fairbanks and Ohio.  This parking lot is kitty corner to the Embassy Suites.  ***Please note that Fairbanks is the same as Columbus Drive. The name of the stree changes north of Grand Avenue which is the northern street for the hotel.

Kids camp:  We are offering a kids camp for children that will need childcare services.  The cost is $50.00.  The kids camp will be located close to the conference rooms in the hotel.

Hotel Options: We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as early as possible in order to get the lowest rates and best availability. Chicago is a busy city, and room rates will rise as the conference date approaches.

Our gracious conference host is the Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago--Downtown/Lakefront location.   The hotel's website is  http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/illinoise/embassy-suites-chicago-downtown-lakefront-C HIREES/index.html

Currently rooms are available.  The Embassy Suites is offering the Selective Mutism Group conference registrants a 10% discount from the published rate.  To make a reservation, please email your reservation to erik.friend@hilton.com with the following information:

• Email subject line:  Selective Mutism Group
• Name of Guest:  Mr/Mrs/Miss before each name
• Address:  street, city, state and zip
• Phone
• Check in date
• Check out date

In addition, there are a variety of other hotels in Chicago and surrounding areas.