04/01/2026

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 APA-IL State Conference

The APA-IL State Conference is coming back to Evanston and we couldn’t be more excited! We’ll return to the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, a familiar and walkable setting steps from downtown restaurants, the lakefront, and transit.

If you joined us in 2019, you may remember that the venue presented some challenges. We want you to know that the APA-IL and Hilton’s management team are collaborating closely to make sure everything, from climate control to crowd flow, is addressed to ensure you receive a good conference experience. 

This Year's Theme: Connected Through Planning 

Imagine a thread that runs through everything in our communities. That's planning. Planning reaches out to touch housing, transportation, health, sustainability, economic development, equity, and more, quietly linking systems and people together. This theme celebrates how planning is the constant connector, tying ideas to places and people to partners, to create stronger, more resilient communities.

We’re looking for session proposals that show how planning links professions, ideas, and communities in creative, collaborative ways. If your work embodies this connected spirit, submit your session and help us make this our most connected conference yet!

Next Up:

• Watch your inboxes for our Call for Sessions announcement.
• Room reservation information will be available soon.
• Conference Registration will be available soon.
• 2026-2027 sponsorship prospectus available soon.
• We will have opportunities to volunteer!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Evanston for our 2026 State Conference for an unforgettable gathering of planners from across Illinois.

2026 APA-IL State Conference
September 30 - October 2, 2026
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
#APAIL26