FAQ

What is a CouchCrash?
A DIY, citywide celebration created by the local CouchSurfing community for the purpose of showcasing all sorts of unique sights, sounds and activities that a regular tourist might not discover on their own. If you've never been to Chicago, this will be an excellent introduction. If you've been to Chicago before, consider this a fantastic opportunity to discover even more of the music, theater, food, art, architecture and people that make this a world-class destination!

And if you're from Chicago, it's your time to shine! Come on out and show our guests why this city is one of the greatest in the world!

When is the 2nd Annual Chicago CouchCrash?
Labor Day Weekend – Thursday-Monday, September 1-5, 2011!

How can I participate?
We have a list of events posted on the Events page. Find the events that appeal most to you and JOIN THE MEETINGS!

How do I join a meeting?
It's simple:
1.) Follow the hyperlink provided to an event that you'd like to attend (e.g., the 2nd Annual Chicago CouchCrash 2011 Event page).
2.) Scroll down past all the details/directions to where it says MEMBERS.
3.) Click on the gray icon that says "Join This Meeting".
4.) Add pertinent information. Then click on the gray icon at the bottom that says "Join Event".
5.) Show up to said event. On time. :)

I'm a local surfer who is available to host for CouchCrash 2011. Can I help?
Due to it being a holiday weekend, we will need all the help we can when it comes to hosting a huge influx of visitors. If you are available to host people during this time, please RSVP on the 2nd Annual Chicago CouchCrash 2011 Event page and let us know how many you can host!

I'm looking for a couch!
If you're looking for a couch, start here: http://tinyurl.com/cccgetacouch2011

If no couches are listed as available, get on board with the CouchSearch function:
http://tinyurl.com/cschicago-csearch

I can't find a couch for the CouchCrash! What do I do?
We always recommend that you send individual couch requests to hosts in the Chicago(land) area. However, you can also try posting a general request in the CS Chicago: Couch Needed group. (NOTE: Please do not post couch requests in any other Chicago group! That's why we have the Couch Needed forum in the first place.)

In the event that you are unable to secure a couch, please contact the CouchCrash coordinators at chicagocouchcrash@gmail.com. (We kindly request that you personally submit requests to at least five hosts before contacting the CouchCrash coordinators.)

CouchCrash is going on now and I'm lost. What do I do?
Join the Chicago CouchCrash group for up-to-minute details.
Follow us @ChiCouchCrash | #chicouchcrash
Call us at 773-770-5CHI (5244)

What's with the peculiar music in the player at the bottom of the page?
That's our Windy City playlist! Rather than go straight for the "golden hits", we decided to focus on a new slate of artists who hail from Chicago(land) as well as a few contemporary gems that prominently feature the Second City in all its splendor and ruin. We'll be mixing in more tunes as the date approaches, so keep listening!

What's up with the incentive packages offered in exchange for our donations?
CouchSurfing.org is a not-for-profit organization that depends on the generous donations of its members. A CouchCrash works under the same guidelines. For better or worse, organizing such an ambitious schedule of events requires a lot of money up front. Whether it's the deposit on an all-ages venue, equipment rentals, nominal stipends for a band/theater company to perform or even basic costs for napkins/cups/paper plates/ice for a party, there's a lot of expenses to cover.

CS Chicago is taking a nod from previous CouchCrashes by asking for donations ahead of time to alleviate the burden of paying for these goods and services as well as further lower the price of admission for the majority of these events, thus making the entire weekend cost-effective for everyone. However, we've decided to go one further and offer several incentive packages with the hope that it will inspire more people to donate to the cause.

Ideally, a CouchCrash should pay for itself by way of the generous donations of its attendees beforehand. Since some people can give more than others, this is our way of saying "Thank You!" for supporting our efforts to make this an epic, budget-friendly weekend for everyone.

For more details on what you can get in exchange for your donation, go to our Donate! page.

Anything else I should know?
For helpful hints and suggestions about the city, check out our Links & Resources page.

Further Questions/Comments/Concerns?
Please send all inquiries to chicagocouchcrash@gmail.com