2021 APA-IL State Conference - Registration Now Open! Full Program Available! #APAIL21
Updated: Jan 7, 2022

Our state conferences showcase the BEST in Illinois urban planning. The 2021 APA-IL State Conference #APAIL21 will be no exception! Join hundreds of Illinois urban planners and allied professionals as we RETURN TO NORMAL! APA-IL's event draws the best and brightest together to embrace challenges, shape solutions, and define the future of communities in Illinois.
Little did we know in 2019 when we signed-on to have our annual State Conference in Normal, IL that we would be finding our way back to "normal life" after a global pandemic. Happenstance! Serendipity! The APA-IL is proud to help get you BACK TO NORMAL in a way you are most comfortable. We will be offering both in-person and virtual learning opportunities over 3 days.
2021 APA-IL State Conference
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Oct. 6-7, 2021 (in-person)
Virtual Day!
Oct. 8, 2021 (Zoom)

How much?
We realize that professional development and personal budgets are tight in 2021 so we're striving to make this affordable to all! It may be the perfect time to cash in that GameStop stock or cryptocurrency!
Not a member? Instead of paying the non-member rate, consider purchasing a Chapter-only membership for just $50.
Full 3-day access - Member $275 / Non-member $325
Any 2-day access - Member $225 / Non-member $275
Any 1-day access - Member $150 / Non-member $200
Plan Commissioners & Students - 1-day $75 / 3-day $150
AICP Exam Prep Only - IL Members Free / Non-IL members $25

What's the #APAIL21 Schedule?
We are packing in 3 days of urban planning education:
Tues., Oct. 5 -- Arrive in the evening & get socially reaquainted while enjoying some trivia!
Wed., Oct. 6 -- Check-in. Get ready to start your in-person sessions
Thurs., Oct. 7-- More in-person sessions
Fri., Oct. 8 -- Put those pajamas back on and enjoy some virtual sessions!
The #APAIL21 program will include an assortment of unique sessions, workshops, and beloved annual sessions, such as Plan Commissioner Training, AICP Exam Prep, 2020 Awards Ceremony... and there's more!
What will the in-person program look like?

The APA-IL will be getting BACK TO NORMAL -- within CDC, state, and local guidelines.
The #APAIL21 in-person program will include an assortment of unique sessions, workshops, and beloved annual sessions, such as Law, Ethics, Speed Planning, the 2021 Awards Ceremony... and there's more! Earn 6-6.5 CM each day!
Will there be a Keynote Speaker? Drumroll please...
Stay tuned for an announcement!
What about Ethics and Law? Yep!
APA-IL Planning Law Holiday Special with our friends at Ancel Glink
Ethics Cases of the Year & Ethics Code Update with APA Ethics Officer Jim Peters, FAICP and Lee Brown, FAICP
Will there be in-person Mobile Workshops? Affirmative!
CNU - Better Suburban Design: Field Tour
Uptown South: A Living Community Challenge Pilot Community
A Tale of Two Neighborhoods – Community Driven Recalibration of Urban Renewal Era Policy
Will the conference include special events or networking? Oh yeah!
Networking? Tuesday 10/5 - get social reaquainted will your peers and enjoy some trivia before you being 2 days of learning.
Networking II? Wednesday 10/6 will be a social extravangza! After the 2021 Awards Ceremony, enjoy the Awards Reception & Sponsor Meet & Greet.
You'll be able to explore the in-person Exhibit Hall to see how companies are innovating and learn new ideas for tackling the challenges you face. Be sure to join us for Dessert with the Sponsors on 10/7!
10/6 & 10/7 attendees will be able to Loungeabout the Roundabout during lunch on your own!
Friday, 10/8 please join in on the virtual fun with The APA-IL Lowdown (registration is seperate from the conference & open to all, click here).
Please continue to check the conference website as additional sponsors and COVID information will constantly being added and updated.
The APA-IL has your best education needs and safety in mind as we have been planning this event. We will be planning all in-person activities following CDC and local guidelines.

What does the virtual program look like?
On Friday, October 8, 2021 we will be offering a day of virtual sessions. Think simple. We will provide a password protected page where you will be able view all session information & Zoom credentials. Boom. Done.
Recordings will be available to registered attendees. CM will only be offered for live viewing.
The #APAIL21 virtual program will include:
Housing as a Social Determinant of Health (CM | 1)
Public Displays of Objection (CM | 1)
Business Incubators (CM | 1)
Where has all the Affordable Housing Gone? Long Time Ago to Condo Conversions (CM | 1)
Opening Today in Illinois: Controversial, But Essential Sober Homes and Recovery Communities (CM | 1.5)
AICP Exam Prep with our friends from PlanningPrep (free for Illinois members, $25 for non-Illinois)
#APAIL21 Social Event - The Lowdown:
In the evening of October 8th, you can look forward to APA-IL's The Lowdown Happy Hour! We'll all be able to kick-back, virtually socialize, and reflect upon a few days of great learning both in-person and virtually.
Wondering about Sponsorship?
We're putting the finishing touches on this year's prospectus. We will offer both in-person and virtual opportunities this year.
If you're new to the APA-IL Sponsorship and would like to get on our radar, please email Shelly Greenwood at CGi.
Questions?
If you have a question about the 2021 APA-IL State Conference, please reach out us!
2021 Conference Chairs: Mercy Davison, AICP & Lauren Gibson, AICP
APA-IL Professional Development Officer: Stephanie Brown, AICP
APA-IL Executive Director: Paula Freeze
2021 Sponsorship: Shelly Greenwood, CGi
If you have registration questions please reach out to our event planners, CGi, at contact@cgiresults.com
Photo Credits:
Currency Photo by David McBee from Pexels • Meeting with masks photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels