This year’s APA-IL State Conference is unlike years past for many reasons; we are switching things up and for the better! ✓ Downtown Chicago, check ✓ Free mobile workshops, check ✓ U-Pick lunch on your own, check ✓ National caliber sessions, check ✓ Count ‘em 1, 2, 3 social events, check. Read on for a preview of what’s to come and be sure to register today, early bird pricing is coming to a close on July 29th.
FREE Mobile Workshops In addition to all the mobile workshops on Friday, September 30th – the price of such are automatically included within registration. First come first serve, register today to reserve your spot at the free mobile workshop of your choosing – click here!
U-Pick Lunch On the Town Unlike years past, this year lunches are not included in the cost of registration. This switch has allowed for:
Free mobile workshops and;
Bigger, better networking opportunities (scroll down for social events planned thus far).
What this means for you… Without a formal sit-down lunch, the choice is yours! Explore the diverse culinary “eats” Downtown Chicago has to offer. From grabbing something “to-go” and enjoying a quick picnic at Millennium Park to making a reservation in advance at one of many dine-in options!
The APA-IL is currently working to make reservations at nearby restaurants where planners interested in different topics can meet-up for a round table luncheon (keep in mind each person will be responsible for their own lunch tab). We’ll keep you posted as restaurants and topics are confirmed. To help you start thinking about what you might do while you’re in Chicago, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite places to explore…
Conference Session Sneak Peak Downstate Downtowns, Youth Engagement, Smart Parking, Shared Streets and How to Attract Creative Enterprises… the list goes on! Over 25 national caliber sessions have been selected to be featured at the 2016 APA-IL State Conference in Chicago. The slate will feature a mix of those designed to inspire as well as provide technical tools to take back to the office. Highlights include sessions on economic development, neighborhood planning and, of course, the Ethics Case of the Year and Law Sessions that not only meet requirements for AICP Certification Maintenance (CM) but are fun and enlightening. Click here to view the full line-up of sessions.
On the Count of 1-2-3… Be Social! With three special ‘post-session’ social events, there is no excuse not to sip, mingle and network heartily. Timeline below! Please note that there are limited tickets to certain events, register today to secure your spot.
Click here for more information on the social events below: Event #1: The Only Event That Matters Immediately After the APA Illinois State Conference Awards Program Wednesday, September 28 th 5-6:30pm | Cost: Free After the awards program, attend The Only Event That Matters Immediately After the APA Illinois State Conference Awards Program! This reception joins you and other attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors with beautiful views of Chicago & Michigan Ave. while you enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, appetizers, and more. Afterwards, join us at Cavanaugh's... Event #2: Wednesday Evening at Cavanaugh's Wednesday, September 28th | Time 6:30 | Cost: $35 | Limited Tickets Since 1989, Cavanaugh's has been a Chicago tradition located in the historic, tallest load-bearing brick building, Monadnock Building at 53 W. Jackson Blvd. The loop-based neighborhood tavern serves up classic cocktails, a great assortment of craft draft beers and satisfying meals. This will be a limited, ticketed event and includes premium cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, Revolution beer, and hot and cold appetizers. Event #3: Thursday Night Tour of Revolution Brewing Tap Room Thursday, September 29th | Time: TBD | Cost: $38.50 | Limited Tickets Thursday night, APA-IL will host a one-of- a kind event at the Revolution Brewing Tap Room. Founded by Chicagoan Josh Deth, a trained urban planner, the Revolution Tap Room is a 90,000-sf brewery and cannery for the nearby Revolution Brew Pub and distribution across Chicagoland. Attendees will be able to tour the space with Josh, feast on local neighborhood eats, and, of course, sip Revolution draughts right from the source.
SPECIAL THANKS to our growing list of sponsors! Don’t wait, become a Sponsor today We need your support. Enhance your organization’s visibility in the planning community by becoming a sponsor of the 2016 APA-IL State Conference. Sponsorship dollars play a critical role in helping the APA-IL produce this unique and exciting educational opportunity for Illinois planners throughout the year. Click here to view and download the sponsorship prospectus!