#APAIL21 COVID Update, Session Updates & Sponsorship!
Updated: Jan 7, 2022
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Oct. 6-7, 2021 (in-person)
Virtual Day!
Oct. 8, 2021 (Zoom)
COVID-19 Update
Throughout the pandemic, the APA-IL's primary concern has been health and safety. Given this, we wanted to update you on how the APA-IL is creating a safe and inviting atmosphere while making provisions to mitigate possible exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. If you are attending #APAIL21 in-person we will be requiring the following:
If you are vaccinated, proof of vaccination will be required.
If you are not yet vaccinated, proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before attendance will be required. The Chapter strongly encourages you to become vaccinated well ahead of #APAIL21.
Attendees will be required to remain masked at all public events and sessions during the Conference, even if already vaccinated.
All in-person attendees are required to agree to a Waiver of Liability and Release with their online registration ahead of #APAIL21.
This decision is similar to those being made by many other organizations holding fall conferences this year. The APA-IL hopes that its in-person attendees choose an option listed above that makes them feel most comfortable while recognizing the health & safety of our attendees, hotel staff, and the Bloomington-Normal community.
If your HR department is looking for information on what the APA-IL is doing to keep you safe, please download or share a link to the Waiver of Liability and Release form with them. Any questions can be directed to Paula Freeze at admin@ilapa.org
We appreciate your understanding in our attempts to keep in-person attendees, hotel staff, and the larger community safe while creating an enjoyable experience for all. Thank you for all your support of the APA-IL. If you've already registered for the conference, please click on the link in your confirmation email to submit your vaccination card and agree to the Waiver of Liability and Release. If you didn't get a confirmation, email, please contact our conference consultants at contact@cgiresults.com or call (501) 954-9244.
Please note: the APA-IL does not require attendees to provide a signed paper copy of the Waiver form. Please agree to the form via the online registration.
Session Updates
We've gotta roll with the punches Learn to play all of our hunches Makin' the best of whatever comes your way - Jimmy Buffet
Keynote Update
Due to the latest news from the electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian we are unable to have our originally scheduled speaker. No worries! We're on the cusp of announcing our new keynote speaker.... stay tuned!!
Plan Commissioner Training Update
Plan Commissioners Training is going virtual this year! We will be changing things up for 2021: commissioners will attend the conference sessions Oct 6th - 8th THEN have a seperate, virtual Plan Commissioner Training on November 17th from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. The trainers for this session will be urban planner Michael Blue, FAICP, Teska Associates, and Ancel Glink Attorney, David Silverman, AICP. Conference attendees will receive a voucher to attend the training for free.
Please continue to check the conference website as additional COVID, session, and sponsor information will constantly being added and updated.
Just as friendly reminder, we are planning for 3 days of urban planning education for Illinois planners:
Tues., Oct. 5 -- Arrive in the evening, get socially re-aquainted & enjoy everyone's favorite pasttime - 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 virtual sessions!
Sponsorship!
The prospectus is out! Take your pick of both in-person and virtual opportunities this year.
Sponsors and exhibitors have the opportunity to show their services, successful plans, and professional qualifications and experience.
If you or your organization is interested in becoming a 2021-22 sponsor or exhibitor please call or email email Shelly Greenwood at CGi, 501-303-4732.
FUN FACTS
When was the last time Bloomington-Normal thought about becoming one city? Answer: 1976.
As locals know, ISU was the first state university in Illinois. Everyone not from Bloomington-Normal assumes it was the University of Illinois, but they’re wrong.
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
2021-22 Sponsorship: Shelly Greenwood, CGi, 501-303-4732
If you have registration questions please reach out to our event planners, CGi, at contact@cgiresults.com