It’s the Final Countdown…
And just like that, we are two short months away from the APA-IL State Conference in Springfield and you have the song ‘The Final Countdown’ stuck in your head! Social events are in place (grab your thursday happy hour ticket), sessions are being finalized (stay tuned, program coming soon), and mobile workshops are selling fast!
If you are registration-procrastinator, now is the time to change your ways.
Early Bird Registration Ends Tomorrow 7/27!
Register today, select your mobile workshop of choice, snag tickets to Thursday’s social outing, and save! Mobile workshops are first come, first serve… and spots are being booked fast. APA Members, complete your 3-Day Registration by July 27th to save up to $125!
Book Your Stay at the Wyndham
Rated 8/10 on Booking.com, the Wyndham City Centre is like Springfield’s version of the Seattle Space Needle.
Standing 30 stories tall, the Wyndham offers breathtaking views of Downtown Springfield, features a pool and Starbucks on site, and is just 2-blocks from The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library and Lincoln’s home site. Grab dinner and a drink at ‘Nick and Nino’s Steakhouse’ on the 30th floor and overlook it all! Need more convincing? Check out reviews.
Block rate of $119 per night - Almost SOLD OUT
Dial 217-789-1530 x 1 and mention American Planning Association - IL
Spotlight: Mobile Workshops
Jens Jensen & the Jet Skis (CM | 3) Fri., Sept. 28 | 9am - 12pm
In the early 20th Century the City of Springfield identified the need for water supply in the region and proposed the construction of a lake in their Comprehensive Plan. Decades later Jens Jensen was hired to construct waterfront gardens, and across the lake the University of Illinois – Springfield campus was built. Come walk the gardens and learn about the critical role the lake and university play in contemporary Springfield.
Loving Logistics (CM | 3) Thurs., Sept. 27 | 10:30am - 2:30pm
Travel 45 minutes east to Decatur, Illinois for a panel session at the headquarter offices of the Midwest Inland Port, a multi-modal transportation hub that serves both domestic and international logistics demand! Learn about the importance of transportation infrastructure and the logistics industry in Illinois economic development. After the port comes the after-porty… discussion will continue at Taproot, a restaurant located on historic Merchant Street in downtown Decatur.
Could you survive a month in poverty? Details TBA Over 40 million Americans live in poverty every day. It is difficult for those of us who have enough, to truly understand the situations families living in poverty experience every day. We invite you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) facilitated by staff from University of Illinois Extension. Hosted by the APA-IL Diversity Committee, this workshop has been presented many times around the state. Limited spots will be available - stay tuned for details.
This Fall They’re Back…
In gridiron football, a triple-threat is a player who excels at running, passing, and kicking. And wouldn’t ya know it… this year’s conference is bringing the triple-threat of planning expertise! 9/27 Speed Planning 9/27 Plan Commissioner Training 9/28 Free AICP Exam Prep
Run like the wind with Speed Planning: It’s fast, it’s furious, it’s like speed dating only you’re guaranteed to like what you hear. Learn about projects & ask questions, all in 60-minutes! Pass like a pro with the Plan Commissioner Training: Take in the big picture, countless lessons, and learn how to pass winning plans from the pros. Commissioner Networking Event to follow! Kick exam-derriere with the AICP Prep Session: Understand what to expect when it comes to the AICP Exam, learn test-taking tips, and come away with a handy course booklet.
REMINDERS:
Ride: Travel by Amtrak and Earn CMs
Reserve Your Seat ASAP!
In an APA-IL first, we are offering 3 transportation focused mobile workshops -- on a train! Board in Chicago, Joliet, or Normal and enjoy mobile workshops all the way to Springfield. Please note - this is a 1-way ticket purchased with your mobile workshops. Tickets home must be purchased through Amtrak.com
Sip: Thursday Night Social Event
Grab tickets before they sell out!
APA-IL will be reserving a private room and serving plentiful buffet offerings. Share stories, catch up with colleagues, & enjoy delicious fare and who knows… you may even recognize the musical talent strumming the guitar.
Listen: Keynote Speaker Carol Ross Barney and Plenary, Randy Blakenhorn
Soak in the knowledge these two speakers will be bringing to APAIL18. Carol will present her keynote address on Wednesday 9/26 and Randy's plenary will take place on Thursday 9/27.
Call-4-Sponsors
We couldn’t put on an annual conference for hundreds of attendees if it wasn’t for our sponsors! Help support APA-IL by becoming a sponsor today!
Award Nominations Due 7/27!
Review the 2018 APA-IL Nomination Packet and nominate your outstanding project or person by July 20th. Winners honored at APAIL18!