SPECIAL EVENTS

The Annual Convention offers you the opportunity to network, relax and explore Chicago. You are invited to receptions and off-site events, plus your spouses/guests can attend one of three Chicago getaways. To learn more of the specifics, click on the links below.

Opening Reception: Chicago...and All That Jazz
Expo 2006 Reception: MBA Tailgate Party
Cultural Diversity Reception
International Reception
Expo 2006 Reception: Taste of Chicago
Habitat for Humanity House
Spouse/Guest Tours

Sunday, October 22

6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception: Chicago...and all that Jazz
RSVP not required
The 1920's--it was the era of prohibition, it was the era of prosperity, and in Chicago it was the era of Jazz. Do not miss this Vaudeville event where Chicago comes alive...you never know, you may even see Roxy Hart and Billy Flynn.

Join us at MBA's opening reception where "The drinks are cold and the piano's hot"...and all that jazz.

Sponsored by:


Monday, October 23

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Expo 2006 Reception: MBA Tailgate Party
RSVP not required

           
Pre-game tailgating has become an all-American ritual. Join MBA and Land America at one of the convention's most anticipated annual activities. The tailgate party brings you and other attendees together to cheer on your favorite NFL teams.

Meet two football greats, Gale Sayers, former Chicago Bears running back and  Marcus Allen, former Kansas City Chief running back and studio analyst on NFL Today. Sayers had an impressive although relatively short career. He complied a record that can never be forgotten. His totals show 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, and 336 points scored. At the time of his retirement he was the NFL's all-time leader in kickoff returns. He won all NFL honors five straight years and was named Offensive Player of the Game in three of the four Pro Bowls in which he played.

Allen is a 16-year NFL veteran who played for the Chiefs and the Oakland/L.A. Raiders. He holds the third all-time career touchdowns with 145 and is also second on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdown list with 123. A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen was the MVP of Super Bowl XVIII when the Raiders defeated the Redskins. He is the NFL's all-time running-back leader in games played and possesses the third-highest NFL single-season mark for most rushing and receiving yards combined.

Be sure to attend this party and enjoy traditional tailgate fare and debate which teams will make it to the playoffs and the Superbowl.

Sponsored by:

5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Cultural Diversity Reception
Truffles, West Tower, Blue Level
RSVP not required
MBA and its members are committed to making the industry reflective of the diversity in the communities we serve. Attend this reception and learn more about Path to Diversity and other tools available to companies.

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
International Reception
RSVP not required
Mortgage bankers from around the world attend this convention. This is reflective of two important business perspectives. MBA members have shown a growing interest in expanding the international horizon. Additionally, other countries increasingly want to understand the United States' real estate finance industry model and how it may help them succeed in growing homeownership rates in their communities.

Sponsored by:

Tuesday, October 24

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Expo 2006 Reception: Taste of Chicago
RSVP not required
Experience the "Taste of Chicago" at this year's Expo 2006 Reception. Sample some of Chicago's best-known tastes such as: Deep Dish Pizza, Gold Coast Dogs, Cheesecake, gourmet popcorn and more.

Habitat for Humanity House
RSVP not required
The Mortgage Bankers Association and Habitat for Humanity International are seeking sponsors for a project to be launched in October 2006, in conjunction with MBA's 93rd Annual Convention & Expo 2006. Sponsorships are currently available to MBA member firms, convention attendees and industry partners.

All funds raised are used to complete a single-family home in the Chicago Area for a deserving Habitat partner family. Contact Teresa Betz at (202) 557-2714 or tbetz@mortgagebankers.org for sponsorship details and benefits.

Show your support and purchase a Habitat for Humanity House pin. All proceeds from the sale of the House Pins will benefit Habitat for Humanity. House Pins may be purchased in advance with your convention registration or on-site near the MBA registration area for $15.

Spouses/Guest Tours
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Concurrent Events. Select one tour only.
Ticket price of $125/person
Click here to register

Tour 1: The Ins and Outs of Art in Chicago
Some of the greatest art exists outside of museums, and that is exactly what you will discover as you tour the giants of Chicago's outdoor art. On this tour, you will see Calder's towering Flamingo, the Chicago Picasso, Miro's Chicago, Dubuffet's playful Monument with Standing Beast and Chagall's captivating mosaic mural, The Four Seasons.

To compliment the outdoor art experience, your tour then goes indoors to The Art Institute of Chicago, know as one of the finest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. Lunch will be served at the Art Institute Cafe, which features soups, deli items, Italian specialties and hot grilled sandwiches. One drink per person is included.

Tour 2: Cuneo Mansion and Long Grove
Begin your morning at the Cuneo Museum and Gardens. Built in 1914, the house was owned by John F. Cuneo, a prominent Chicago printing executive, philanthropist and gentleman farmer. This impressive mansion features opulent Venetian style architecture and contains a 40-foot great hall with arcaded balconies, a skylighted ceiling and grand staircase. Noteworthy to this mansion are the double formal dining rooms and private chapel. The Cuneo mansion was featured in the movie, My Best Friend's Wedding.

After the mansion the tour continues to the picturesque village of Long Grove, which was settled in the early 1800s by a group of German farmers. Your day in Long Grove will be spent browsing and shopping and lunch will be served at Seasons, a wonderful Long Grove restaurant.

Tour 3: King Tut in Chicago
On this tour, you will be transported back in time to the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs at the Field Museum. This exhibit features more than 130 priceless artifacts, including treasures from the tomb of the celebrated "boy king" Tutankhamun (King Tut) and riches from other tombs discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings and other ancient sites.

Among the incredible artifacts are King Tut's royal diadem (crown) and the gold inlaid coffinettes. All of the artifacts are 3,300 to 3,500 years old. This exhibition draws visitors back in time with innovative technology--allowing guests to see and hear about the fascinating times in which the young king lived.

Lunch will include an individual box with a sliced harvest bread sandwich, seasonal fruit salad, chips and a sweet treat. One drink per person is included.