CHICAGO (CBS) — Preparations continue to move ahead for the NATO summit coming up in Chicago this May.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Conway reports, hundreds of NATO staffers are visiting Chicago over the next few days to familiarize themselves with the city, especially McCormick Place, where representatives from as many as 50 countries will gather for the summit.

Officials with the city’s host committee tell the Chicago Tribune that preparations lodging and transportation for the delegates has proven to be a challenge. It is expected that the summit this year, led by President Barack Obama, will focus heavily on the future of western military intervention in Afghanistan.

The White House has already highlighted some of the events during the summit, including a “working dinner” at Soldier Field on May 20, and a tour by First Lady Michelle Obama of the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., the Tribune reported.

Last week, Chicago First Lady Amy Rule led a delegation to the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels to build up excitement for the NATO representatives who will be visiting Chicago.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Conway reports