09/20/2026
Day 3 Highlights at #APAIL26!
Can you feel the excitement in the air? That's because it's a mix of pumpkin spice and APA-IL's 2026 APA-IL State Conference: Connected Through Planning conference!
2026 APA-IL State Conference
September 30 – October 2, 2026
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
#APAIL26
Connected Through Planning: Celebrating planning as the constant connector tying professions, ideas, and communities together.
Updates and Additions
- Mobile Workshop Added: 10/1 @ 1:00p - The power of movement: virtual tour of South Side development and bike infrastructure through an engagement lens. ($10) Through a spin class at the Evanston Athletic Club (WOW!!), attendees will learn about the role of engagement in equitable development and bike infrastructure across Chicago’s South Side. The session will have a photo slideshow showcasing projects advancing economic development, neighborhood connectivity and inclusive infrastructure investments through exercise. Bring your workout clothes and a water bottle!
- Free Headshots: 9/30 - all day in the Exhibition Hall. Bring your fancy clothes and get a great headshot! Thanks to Baxter & Woodman for sponsoring the headshot booth.
- Free Resume Review: 10/1 @ 12:00p-1:00p and 10/2 @ 1:00p-2:00p. Everyone needs a second set of ayes (see what I just did?) on a resume. You may also have some questions that need answers. That's what we're here for. Drop in (no appointment needed) on one of our review sessions and get the feedback you need.
Mom, I'm bored...
Boredom doesn't stand a chance in Evanston. Don't believe us? Here's 15 reasons why, thanks to our friends at Teska!
Highlights of Day 3 - October 2nd
We're saving some of the best for last on Day 3 of APAIL26.
Want to solutions to your community's housing issues?
9:15 am - 11:30 am - The Housing Fix-It Clinic: Bring Your Problems, Leave with Solutions
Through real-world examples and interactive audience engagement, explore how to identify and address “friction points” in the system that prevent attainable housing from being delivered. The core of this session in a live Fix-It Clinic: attendees will work in small groups to diagnose real housing challenges using a systems-based framework and guided discussion prompts. Participants should come ready to share and discuss housing challenges and solutions. Back by popular demand from the 2026 National Planning Conference!
Other session highlights include:
- Mobile Workshop: The Fall and Rise of South Suburban Chicago (CM | 5.5)
- Preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session with the APA-IL's Legislative Committee.
- My Grandma’s ADU. We've got a special guest!
- Planners Book Club, 2nd Edition.
- GovLove x APA-IL: Award-Winning Planners.
- Through the Decades: 30+ Years of Women Shaping Planning. Join us for an informal post-panel gathering too!
Thursday Night at Westfield Old Orchard
Make the connection between neighboring inner-ring suburbs Evanston and Skokie, and catch the free shuttle to regional draw Westfield Old Orchard mall on Thursday evening to experience activated, pedestrian-centered public spaces and the beginning of a transformation from what was once shopping-centric to a future as a live-work-play destination.
- Mall Tour Mini Session: The Evolution of Old Orchard (FULL)
- Puttshack Social Event, Sponsored by Houseal Lavigne Associates Mini-golf has leveled up! Mix and mingle with fellow professionals at this low-stakes, high-enjoyment social outing. Enjoy 2 full hours of unlimited, high-tech mini-golf where automatic scoring keeps track of your game while you focus on the fun. We’ll have a spread of tasty bite-sized food to keep you fueled, along with a cash bar. Limit: 65 participants.
- Free-Form Fun - Snag dinner with colleagues, hunt for deals, or just get your steps in while taking in the vibes of this open-air mall.
How can I see the sessions I selected? How do I add a session?
- Find your confirmation email, sent by contact@cgiresults.com.
- Find your Reference # in the email.
- Click on the Modify Registration button.
- After entering your email and reference #, click through the screens until you get to the session selection page.
- If you have any issues, please reach out to contact@cgiresults.com.
Don't forget to:
- Get connected: volunteer for half a day to build your connections and receive free registration for that same day. Spots are still available. Sign Up to Volunteer »
- Students, check with your department or student organization for funding.
Questions?
Don't hesitate to connect with us:
- 2026 Conference Chair: Kate Portillo, AICP
- 2026 Sponsorship Sales: Shelly Greenwood at CGi
- APA-IL Executive Director: Paula Freeze