Frequently Asked Questions

When is the meeting registration deadline?  The deadline to receive the lowest price for the meeting is January 31. You may register online at www.magnoliasociety.org or by returning the printed registration form as directed. Participation is limited. Registrations will be accepted in the order in which they are received. The final registration deadline is March 15.

How do I register for the meeting?  You can register at our website www.magnoliasociety.org if you are paying with a credit card. To pay by check or credit card, you can register by completing the Registration Form included in the mailed information packet or downloaded from our website, and mailing it as instructed.

Where will the meeting be held?  Events on Friday and Saturday evenings will be held at the host hotel, Hyatt Regency Lisle near Naperville. Sunday evening’s events will be held at The Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center.

What is the host hotel information? 

Hyatt Regency Lisle near Naperville, Illinois, USA
1400 Corporetum Dr, Lisle, Illinois, USA, 60532
Tel: +1 630 852 1234 | Fax: +1 630 852 1260 | quality@hyattlisle.com

Reservations: +1 888 421 1442

What is the room rate at the hotel?  The MSI special room rate is $126 per night for single or double occupancy in a Standard King or Double room.  This excludes taxes, which are currently 11%.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?  Yes, a full hot breakfast buffet is included for each guest.

Does the hotel have high-speed internet?  Yes, high-speed internet is available at the hotel.

Do I have to pay to park?  No, on site self-parking is complimentary.

What if I want to arrive before or leave after the meeting dates?  The hotel will honor our rate for two days before May 3 and two days after May 5.

Do I have to make my own hotel guest room reservations? Yes, you will need to make reservations by April 12, 2019. Please visit the MSI personalized group website   Calendars on that site allow you to select the dates that you want to check in and check out. You have the ability to indicate the number of people per room and the room style you prefer. Alternatively, you may also register by calling 1-888-421-1442. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Magnolia Society International when you call.

Do I have to stay at this hotel to attend the meeting? No, though all buses will depart from and return to the host hotel.

Which airport should I use? The area is easily serviced by both Chicago O’Hare International Airport(ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Both are roughly equidistant from the host hotel.

Is ground transportation available from the airport? Uber and Lyft are viable options for traveling from either airport. Several taxi services are also available, including American Taxi (847-673-1000).

Where do I pick up my meeting registration materials? Registration materials may be retrieved from the Walnut Boardroom at the host hotel.

Where will we go for the meet and greet prior to the annual meeting? The meet and greet will be held in the Linden Pavilion starting at 7:00 PM. The Linden Pavilion is conveniently located adjacent to the hotel lobby.

Where will we have our banquets? The Saturday night banquet will be held in the Linden Pavilion. The Sunday night banquet will be held in the Thornhill Education Center at The Morton Arboretum.

What if my traveling companion wishes to join me for dinner, but would prefer to explore the area during the day rather than attend field trips? Your companion does not need to register for the meeting. The registration form includes an option to pay for dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

Will my dietary restrictions or preferences be accommodated? Yes. Please indicate special requests, including vegan or gluten-free meals in the allotted space on the Registration Form. Lunches and dinners will address dietary requests.

Will there be opportunities to purchase plants? The famous MSI auction will be held on Sunday evening.  

I have a magnolia or other material I wish to donate for the auction. Whom should I contact?  See Matt Lobdell, or email him at:  mlobdell@mortonarb.org.

When I arrive in Lisle, where should I take my auction donation? Please take your donation to the Walnut Boardroom at the Hyatt Regency – Lisle/Naperville.

What kind of weather should I expect? Spring in the Chicago region can be very unpredictable. Daytime temperatures can range between  45-65°F (7-18°C). Rain is also a strong possibility. We recommend packing rain gear as well as a light and/or mid-weight jacket.

What is the cancellation policy? There will be a 5% administration fee if you cancel your meeting registration request.

Please note that if you require a visa to enter the United States, you may register at any time, but do not pay until your visa has been approved!