Join the APA-IL for a midday hour-o-networking! Grab a cup-o-joe and come talk, find inspiration, and a fresh perspective. Bring your urban planning issues / questions and join fellow APA-IL members for a virtual hour of conversation and camaraderie.
DATE: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Not an APA or APA-IL member? Please consider becoming an APA-IL Chapter-Only member for just $50/year. Click here for more info!
Coffee Talk FAQ
What can I expect during Coffee Talk?
Each Coffee Talk meets for 1 hour. After a short introduction from each member, we welcome any questions from the group, for the group. Someone from the APA-IL Membership Committee will be moderating the discussion. Coffee Talks are a great way to network and stay on top of the latest trends. Discussion topics can be emailed to webmaster@ilapa.org ahead of time.
Who participates?
APA-IL's virtual networking has included members that are students, faculty, municipal planners, plan commissioners, consultants, and those in the not-for-profit sector from Collinsville, IL to Kenosha, WI. APA-IL membership is required.
What do participants talk about?
Unless we have a Coffee Talk "special" with a predetermined topic, we welcome questions or topics from the group participating. Topics have ranged from outdoor eating spaces, capstone projects, news items, books, plan commission issues and more!.
Are there topics that should not be brought up during Coffee Talks and other APA-IL virtual networking sessions?
We ask that participants avoid the following during the session:
Presentations
Sales Pitches
Resume or LinkedIn reviews
Marketing businesses, communities or firms
Using the group as an ad hoc focus group for a product
Any violation of Zoom Community Standards
The APA-IL moderators may mute, remove, or ask that a participant stop talking at any time if they feel that a participant is taking away from the conversation.
If I'm looking for a job or internship, can I talk about that during the session?
Yes! If you are a planner or allied professional in-transition the perfect time to let people know you're looking for new opportunities is during introductions. Say your name, what kind of position you're looking for, and feel free to place your email or LinkedIn Profile link in the chat. You never know what opportunities are out there! We just ask that you respect the other participants' questions and follow the step up or step back guidance.
We are all Zoom pros by now but here are a few reminders or tips for joining if you're new to virtual networking:
Please keep yourself muted unless you're speaking
You are welcome to have your camera on or off. We'd love to see your face but understand that it isn't always possible.
Since APA-IL's online networking is casual, you are welcome to have distractions like pets, children, etc. on screen - just remember that mute button!
Be a good listener.
No screenshots.
APA-IL will not share your contact information. If you would like to connect with another participant, please use the Zoom Chat to connect with them.
We hope the APA-IL can foster a sense of togetherness, camaraderie and understanding during networking sessions.
Please note, participants must be signed-in into Zoom in order to participate. Use your personal password to sign-in, not the meeting password. This measure is in place to help deter zoombombing. Thanks!
APA-IL's virtual networking events bring together members who don’t already know each other, helps to widen professional circles and build bonds with new people despite the lack of face-to-face events. Conversations can include hot topics, struggles, successes, solutions, and more!
6/24 - Planners of Color Happy Hour @ 5:30 PM
7/23 - The Lowdown Happy Hour @ 5:30 PM
Attention Members! Want an online community but can't join a live event? Join the online Illinois Planners' Forum
Since 2007, the APA-IL has invited APA-IL members to ask questions and collaborate with colleagues through an online forum. In 2020, we've transitioned the APA-IL Illinois Planners' Forum to Google Groups. If you're a member and not already part of the new Forum we invite you to join! This is THE one-stop-shop for asking questions about Illinois urban planning issues. Past questions have ranged from solar panels to pigs as pets to virtual public meetings. LEARN MORE > >