Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand

The 32nd annual Chicago Cubs Convention, January 13–15 at the Sheraton Grand, will celebrate one of the most legendary contests in the history of baseball.

“Think of the Cubs and the Indians and the long drought that they’ve each gone through,” says Cubs’ Manager of Games and Event Production Jim Oboikowitch. “Look back at [Rajai] Davis hitting a home run in the 8th inning to tie it up,” he continues.

“It may have been the greatest game seven ever in the World Series.”

Featuring player appearances, alumni appearances, kids-only press conferences, dozens of discussion panels, “Cubs Jeopardy!” and a World Series trophy viewing tent, the three-day extravaganza will take over the Streeterville hotel “in its entirety,” says Sheraton Grand General Manager Mark Lauer.

“An entire floor of the parking garage will be utilized for autograph signing, the organist from Wrigley Field will be playing in the lobby and Louisville Slugger will be on site turning wood into baseball wands, carving bats to order as fans wait.”

Players and alumni confirmed to appear to date include Ryne Sandberg, Fergie Jenkins and Kerry Wood.

The conference realizes the dream of its founder, former Cubs President John McDonough, who left the team in 2011 to become president of the Chicago Blackhawks.

“He wanted to bridge the gap between off-season and spring training,” Oboikowitch explains. “When he started with the Cubs, you’d see players on [the] last day of [the] season and you’d see them on opening day.”

“During the off-season, the main focus is the convention,” he says.

Besides catering to the fans of what is arguably the most anticipated victory in the history of professional sports, he coordinates the team’s efforts to give back to the community. “On Wednesday and Thursday before the convention, we do a Cubs caravan where players will go visit hospitals and schools,” he says.

“They refurbish gymnasiums. It’s something they really look forward to.”

The Sheraton Grand is doing its part to help the community as well.

“A portion of the guestroom rate goes towards Cubs Charities, a nonprofit organization and the philanthropic arm of the Cubs,” says Lauer.

Tickets start at $400. For more information, click here.

— Daniel Patton, Staff Writer