The SBM 2026 conference in Chicago is all wrapped up, leaving behind a whirlwind of fresh inspiration and purpose. Presenting a poster went smoothly, even had a few persons seeking it out based on the content, The sessions were mostly packed with the kind of content that makes the trip from San Diego feel entirely worth it.
Chicago really made for a memorable this week. Staying at Sentral on Michigan Ave provided a front-row seat to the city: the lake, the park, and the towering Sears Tower were right outside the window (I think it's not called Sears Tower anymore). Staying right next to the Hilton made the daily trek to the conference a breeze, allowing for more time to wander after hours.
The best moment happened while walking to a talk, there was Laramie, a fellow San Diegan was also attending the conference. What started as a chance encounter turned into a fantastic night of hanging out and catching up. It’s funny how a familiar face can make a massive city feel a little more like home.
The trip home, however, provided a very different kind of "memorable" experience. A final pre-flight meal with bottomless root beers seemed like a great idea at the time. That was until the Chicago rush hour traffic and a sluggish TSA line turned the trek to the gate into a race against biology. The "pee-pee hustle" is a real athletic event, and fortunately, it ended in a win just before boarding.
The main takeaway from the week? The area I was visiting in Chicago is incredible, the conference was energizing, and bottomless sodas are a dangerous game before a flight. Back in San Diego now, ready to put all those new ideas to work.
And most of all, so happy to be with Ms. Lucky again.
- Lakeview: 3033 N Ashland Ave
- South Loop: 727 S State St
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