F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Progressive Central?
Progressive Central 2024 is a two-day convention/conference held on Sunday August 18 and Monday August 19. Progressive Central 2024 will feature panels, speakers, presentations – and break-out sessions where attendees will have their say. Topics will range from antidotes to the crisis of American democracy to a 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights, the Climate Emergency, recasting U.S. foreign policy, and more.
Who is hosting Progressive Central 2024?
Progressive Central 2024 is brought to you by Progressive Democrats of America in coordination with our partners The Nation Magazine, The Arab-American Institute, and Operation Rainbow/PUSH.
I’m Press / Media, where do I register?
If you are planning on attending for Press purposes, please complete this Press Registration Form. All other media inquiries can be directed to: progressivecentral2024@pdamerica.org
Where is Progressive Central 2024 being held?
Chicago Teachers Union Building, just eight blocks away from the United Center where the DNC is being held.
Address: 1901 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Map found: HERE
Why hold Progressive Central 2024 during DNC week?
Two reasons. #1: In America’s two-party system the pathway for achieving this positive agenda for the country is through the Democratic Party (along with allied social movements!).
#2: Progressives, who have become a swing constituency in the 2024 general election, need to understand that there is no path forward for realizing this transformative agenda if our democracy is further corroded. As such, defeating Donald Trump in November is essential.
I can’t go in person, will it be streamed?
Progressive Central 2024 will be live-streamed via Youtube on both the Progressive Democrats of America and Young Progressive Democrats of America Youtube Channels. Listed below are the dedicated links for both days of the event.
Day one Livestream (August 18th):
Day two Livestream (August 19th):
Lodging: where can I stay in Chicago?
There are a number of hotels in the neighborhoods surrounding the venue.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop
Home2 Suites by Hilton – River North
Hilton Garden Inn – Downtown/Magnificent Mile
There are also convenient options for short-term rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo
Local Travel: Is there public transportation near the venue?
Directions to the CTU Center
By Bicycle
- Damen Ave. has partial dedicated cycling lanes running both north and south from the CTU center
- From the Loop/Lakefront Trail: Randolph to Dearborn to Kinzie to Milwaukee to Hubbard to Damen.
- From North/South: Halsted to Hubbard to Damen
- From Southwest: Blue Island to Damen or Loomis to Adams to Damen
- From the Northwest: Milwaukee to Damen
- From the West: Warren to Damen
By Mass Transit
- Number 50 Damen busto Carroll Ave. The #50 runs from 35th/Archer to Irving Park Road and stops at Orange, Pink, Blue and Brown L lines.
- Green Lineto Damen Ave.
- Blue Lineto Illinois Medical District; #50 Damen bus north to Carroll Ave. (Blocked)
Where should I park?/How to get to the venue by car?
Options for parking around the venue are limited; we encourage public transit, car pooling and ride-sharing.There are reservable spots in parking lots within walking distance. Information on parking options can be found here.
By Car
- From the north:
I-90 south to Ogden Ave. (exit 50A);
Ogden to Grand Ave.;
right on Grand Ave. to Ashland Ave.;
left on Ashland to Carroll Ave.;
right on Carroll to the CTUC. - From the south:
I-90/94 north to I-290 west;
I-290 west to Damen (exit 28A);
right on Damen to Carroll Ave.;
right on Carroll to the CTUC. - From the east:
I-290 west to Damen (exit 28A);
right on Damen to Carroll Ave.;
right on Carroll to the CTUC. - From the west:
I-290 east to Damen (exit 28A);
left on Damen to Carroll Ave.;
right on Carroll to the CTUC.
What options will be available for food?
- PDA will be hosting lunch boxes that include a sandwich, a bag of chips, fruit cup and cookie from Chicago’s Honest Foods. Provided sandwiches will include meat, vegetarian & gluten free options. *We apologize for any inconvenience, but vegan will not be made available. Please be prepared for alternative arrangements if you require a Vegan diet. Any dollars towards helping with our food costs are greatly appreciated: Additional Contributions
- Water will be available, we encourage you to bring your own reusable water containers for filling