2026 State Conference
The annual APA-IL State Conference is not just an event – it's a 3-day extravaganza showcasing the absolute best in Illinois urban planning. Attendees can expect exciting educational sessions, one-of-a-kind mobile workshops, and unforgettable social soirées.
The APA-IL is excited to invite Illinois planners and allied professionals to join us back in Evanston, a familiar and walkable setting steps from downtown restaurants, the lakefront, and transit.
Many of you remember our 2019 conference at the Orrington - that experience had some challenges. APA-IL has worked closely with the Orrington to ensure those issues are behind us. The hotel has completed significant updates, including the air conditioning, and the staff are committed to providing attendees with a comfortable and high-quality experience this year.
2026 APA-IL State Conference
September 30 - October 2, 2026
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
#APAIL26
Questions? Email Paula Freeze , APA-IL Executive Director.
06/11/2026APAIL26 HOTEL BLOCK OPEN & SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS AVAILABLEThe 2026 State Conference is back at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, better than ever! Read More |
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The program will be coming soon!
Agenda at a Glance
Each day, the APA-IL State Conference agenda will follow the same pattern:
- Morning // Registration, Continental Breakfast
- Morning // Sessions
- Lunch
- Afternoon // Sessions
- Awards Ceremony & Reception // Evening Events
Events in the Exhibit Hall and Mobile Workshops will take place throughout each of the days.
Highlights
More program information coming soon! Here's what you can look forward to:
- Sept. 30 - Awards Ceremony & Reception
- Oct. 1 - Keynote Speaker & Workshop
- Oct. 1 - Plan Commissioner Training
- Oct. 2 - Housing Fix-It Clinic: Real Problems, Real Solutions
- Date TBA - Plenary Session - The Legacy of Euclid 100 Years On
- Date TBA - Book Club
- Date TBA - Speed Planning
- Date TBA - Speed Internships
- Dates TBA - Birds & the Built Environment Session + Mobile Workshop
Registration opening soon.
New for 2026!*
APA-IL is pleased to offer the reduced student registration rate to members with Life or Retired membership status as a show of appreciation for your contributions to the profession. These membership classifications are granted by the national American Planning Association (APA). APA-IL will verify membership status and may adjust registrations if needed. We hope to see you at the conference!
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APA-IL Member: $400 Non-Member: $525 Students, Life*, Retired*: $200 Plan Commissioner:$200 |
APA-IL Member: $450 Non-Member: $575 Students, Life*, Retired*: $225 Plan Commissioner:$225 |
APA-IL Member:$550 Non-Member: $675 Students, Life*, Retired*: $250 Plan Commissioner:$250 |
Registration Types
Member: An American Planning Association (APA) or American Planning Association -Illinois Chapter (APA-IL) member. This includes members who are Chapter-Only members.
Non-member: An attendee that is not a current paid member of the American Planning Association or American Planning Association - Illinois Chapter.
❗The APA-IL offers Chapter-Only Memberships for just $50. Click here to purchase a Chapter-Only Membership and save on conference registration!
Plan Commissioner: Any appointed or elected officials, commissioners, board members, or officials interested in learning about a wide range of planning and development topics fundamental to their roles. Commissioners are welcome to attend all conference sessions. The APA-IL will offer an all-day Plan Commissioner Training which will take place on Thursday, October 1st.
Students: Any currently enrolled student at any university. Students will be asked to use their university email and identify their college / university when registering.
⚠️Check with your university to see if they have funding available to support your attendance before you register.
⚠️Not a student member? Membership in APA + APA Chapters is free for all full- and part-time degree-seeking students. Click here to learn more!
Life & Retired Members*: New in 2026, APA-IL is pleased to offer the student registration rate to members with Life or Retired membership status. These membership classifications are granted by the national American Planning Association (APA) and must be in place before registering. Retired and Life membership is based on the requirements found HERE. If you are a Life or Retired member and would like to receive this reduced rate, please select the student rate during registration. APA-IL will verify membership status and may adjust your registration rate if you select the incorrect membership classification.
Please note: There is no 1/2 day AICP Exam Prep Workshop. There will be a 1-hour AICP Exam
Being a sponsor has a positive impact on Illinois' communities.
Sponsorship dollars play a critical role in helping the chapter produce this unique and exciting educational opportunity for hundreds of state-wide planners.
Click here to download the 2026-27 APA-IL Sponsorship Prospectus.
Click here if you'd like to purchase your sponsorship right now!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the best sponsorship fit for your organization, please contact Shelly Greenwood, Director of Sales, at sgreenwood@cgiresults.com.
2025-26 Sponsors
Thank you for your support! The sponsor list will update on 7/1/2026.
- Tier 1 Sponsor
- Tier 2 Sponsor
- Tier 3 Sponsor
- University Supporter
- Supporter
- Start-Up Sponsor
- In-Kind Sponsor
Tier 1 Sponsor
Tier 2 Sponsor
Tier 3 Sponsor
University Supporter
Supporter
Start-Up Sponsor
In-Kind Sponsor
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Venue & Accommodations
Single and double occupancy room rates are $199/night plus fees & tax.
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
1-847-866-8700
Reservation requests received after 9/8/2026 cut-off date will be based on hotel availability at the contracted group rate.
The Hilton Orrington/Evanston is the official hotel for the APA-IL State Conference and will not reach out to you via email or telephone. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering housing, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with APA-IL, CGi, or Hilton.
Parking
Recommended option
While we recommend taking public transportation to the State Conference, we know driving is inevitable for some. Parking is not included in conference registration or hotel reservations. Click here for parking options.
Hotel valet parking is $37 / night and can be added to your hotel reservation.
If you are coming to this year's state conference via car, we suggest searching SpotHero for the best rates around the Orrington.
Click here to start planning your trip to APAIL26!
Looking for information from our past conferences? Please visit our Past/Future Conferences webpage.
