Open House Chicago - Site Resources
OHC 2024 Important Dates
- June 15: Deadline for site sign up
- July 15: Deadline to complete Site Details form
- August 31: Deadline to submit Certificate of Insurance (COI) and all secondary forms
- Mid-September: Sites announced on openhousechicago.org and via the CAC app
- Late September-early October: Materials available for pickup
- October 7: Volunteer and member Priority Passes sent via Digital Memberhip Card/email
- October 19-20: Open House Chicago weekend
Social Media Toolkit
We encourage you to promote your participation in OHC once the list of sites has been announced on September 10, 2024. We are pleased to provide the following marketing resources for sites, partners and sponsors.
Site Host Training & Weekend Materials
- OHC 2023 Site Participation Information
- OHC 2023 Training Guidelines (Please distribute this to everyone who is working OHC weekend at your site)
- OHC Zoom Trainings: New Site Hosts are required to attend one training or watch the recording. Check your email for available times and registration information.
OHC Site Forms
SITE DETAILS
All sites must submit this form by July 15 to provide crucial logistical and marketing information. We recommend reviewing this form in its entirety prior to filling it out. Please allow 15-20 minutes to complete. View Form
VISIT COUNTS
After each day that your site participates in OHC, use this form to submit the number of visitors your site received. View Form
SITE HOST FEEDBACK
After OHC, we need your feedback on what went well and what we can improve. Please fill out this survey to help us plan. View Form
The Chicago Architecture Center exchanges proof of commercial general liability insurance with most participating sites. Sites that are exempt from this exchange include those owned by the Federal Government, the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and certain other self-insured institutions. We typically communicate with all sites about this exchange in September, but you can email OHC@architecture.org at any time if you have a question.?
The Chicago Architecture Center provides this certificate of commercial general liability insurance to all OHC sites. CAC's policy renews in September, at which time it will be posted here and emailed to all sites.
CAC's 2023-24 COI
Some sites require a customized Certificate of Insurance from CAC. If your site requires this, please use this form to submit your site's COI requirements. We will produce and distribute custom certificates by late September.
Custom COI Request
Most sites are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance to CAC prior to Open House Chicago. Your COI does not need to list CAC as Additional Insured or Certificate Holder; we are merely looking for generic evidence of coverage that is in force for the dates of OHC. Your COI will most likely resemble the CAC COI above. Please use this form to submit your COI.
Submit your COI
If you aren’t able to submit your COI using this form, you may email it to OHC@architecture.org, or have your insurance carrier mail it to:
Chicago Architecture Center
Attn: Open House Chicago
111 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 1321
Chicago, IL 60601
Use these printable 11x17 signs to highlight your participation as an OHC site before and during Open House Weekend. Larger format printed materials (yard signs, banners & posters) will also be distributed to each site on designated pickup days prior to the weekend.
Before OHC: "We're a site!" Announcement
During OHC: Directional Signage (draw your own arrow to direct guests to your entrance)
During OHC: Photo Release (to be posted at site entrance)
OHC reports
After each Open House Chicago, the Chicago Architecture Center produces reports that provide an overview of event marketing, attendance, and audience. Past reports are available online for the following years:
Volunteer at OHC
Between October 19-20, 2024, OHC Volunteer Greeters work ONE shift either Saturday or Sunday, for 3.5-5.5 hours. As a thank you, each volunteer receives great benefits, including a Priority Access Pass which lets you skip long lines.
