“Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was known for minimal, simple and powerful statements. And the particular quote above is one we find especially fitting as we approach the eve of the 2018 APA-IL Conference in Springfield, Illinois... These seven words succinctly embody what APA-IL is all about… coming together, to learn together, to plan better, to make life, and living,… better for all. When broken down, it’s the little steps of what we do -- the day- to- day, ins- and- outs -- that together make for BIG strides. So whether you’re a planner, designer, architect, engineer, ecologist, lawyer or economist… whatever you are, be a good one! On behalf of APA-IL, we look forward to seeing you in two short days in Springfield.
Conference Details
Here’s what you need to know…
Fact: Summer flew by (it always does) and here we are… it’s nearly October. We are beyond excited to see you all in a few short days at the Wyndham Springfield City Centre Hotel, 700 E Adams Street. A great deal of innovative and steady work has gone into planning this annual event and we can’t wait to get together to share knowledge and celebrate APA-IL’s 40th and Illinois’ Bicentennial.
1. Download the APA-IL Conference App + View Program
The official APA-IL 2018 Conference App is live and ready for install. (download instructions & event code here). Make your life easier and install this hand-held helper. The app includes everything you need to know about the conference and allows you to set-up your schedule ahead of time. Opt-in for push notifications and you’ll receive important reminders about special events and sessions. Conference attendees and speakers will also receive a printed program during registration.
Visit the app store today and download the "Attendify" app. Once you’ve got the app downloaded, please view our how-to instructions! NOTE: WHEN CREATING AN ATTENDIFY ACCOUNT, PLEASE USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS USED TO REGISTER FOR THE 2018 APA-IL STATE CONFERENCE. If your device is running a different OS or if you have any questions, please reach out to Keith Johnston at kjohnston@i3events.com.
2. Amtrak Riders
For those of you riding the rails to Springfield from Chicago, Joliet and Bloomington-Normal, please arrive at your station and gate no less than 20-minutes prior to departure.
APA-IL representative Christina Bader, AICP will help check you in.
Arrive 20-minutes prior to departure for check-in
3. Registration
Visit the registration and hospitality desk on the mezzanine level of the Wyndham starting at 8am on Wednesday and Friday, and 7:45 am on Thursday. Check-in, receive your program and badge, and grab breakfast in the Prairie Ballroom.
Wyndham City Center Hotel is located at 700 E Adams, Springfield, IL (217) 789-1530
4. Mobile Workshops
Mobile workshop participants must meet in the Lower Level lobby 15 minutes before departure time. Download the app or refer to your program to view a complete listing of workshops! If you have not already signed-up for one, you can do so at the registration desk pending availability.
Mobile workshops are still available! Inquire at registration.
5. Keynote + Plenary + Plan Commissioners
Sit back and soak in the wisdom of Carol Ross Barney (Keynote) and Randy Blankenhorn (Plenary)! Carol’s Keynote will be at 1:45pm on Wednesday, September 26th and Randy’s Plenary Session will be at 1:30pm on Thursday, September 276th. The 2018
Plan Commissioners Track will take place on Thursday, September 276th from 9am - 4pm!
Commissioners Reception from 4:15pm - 5:45pm @ The Grill Restaurant (Wyndham)
6. Sponsors + Expos + Wifi
We need to extend a big shout-out to our sponsors! Without them NONE of this would be happening. Swing by the Prairie Ballroom to say hi and view live 15-minute expo sessions during the regularly scheduled breaks. Need Wifi? For the strongest signal select WYNDHAM + the meeting room you are in: Prairie, Capitol/Illinois, Rendezvous, Plaza 1, and Plaza 3.
Wifi Password: WCC2017! (Don’t forget the “!” at the end)
7. Law Session at the State Capitol | Build in Buffer Time
The APA-IL Excellent Planning Law Adventure will take place offsite, at the Illinois State Capitol in Room 114 on Thursday, September 27th from 4:30-6:00 pm. Leave the Wyndham by 4:10 pm to get through security and arrive at the session on time.
Earn 1.5 Law CMs and catch a glimpse of a famous Illinoisan!
8. 2018 Ethics Case of the Year in on Friday
If you want to earn those Ethics CMs, Friday is where it’s at! Rendezvous with Lee Brown, FAICP and Jim Peters, FAICP as they dive into the details from 9-10:30 am in the Rendezvous Room. Earn 1.5 Ethics CMs
9. Lunch On The Town
Between sessions and workshops, we can all use some delicious downtime. Enjoy lunch however you please -- take a catnap or go forth and explore Springfield’s culinary wonders. Here are a few local favorites according to Yelp, all within walking distance:
Tacology | 219 S 5th Street | Brisket Tacos, Yuca Fries + Street Corn
La Piazza | 218 S 6th St | Fig + Prosciutto Pizza, Meatball Appetizer + Cannoli
Long Nine Junction | 5 West Old State Capitol Plz | French Dip, Pork Sandwich, Soup
411 Bar and Grill | 411 E Washington St | Reuben + Burgers with Pretzel Buns
Cafe Moxo | 411 E Adams St | Veggie Friendly, Pork Carnitas Sandy, Soups and Salads
10. Questions + Answers
Have Questions? Keep an eye out for our A-List Squad of APA-IL Volunteers who will be stationed throughout the Wyndham. As always, if you need quick answers or assistance, please visit the registration and hospitality desk. If you need to contact the hotel call (217) 789-1530.
After the Conference
Taking the afternoon Amtrak home on Friday? Making a weekend of your trip to Springfield? There are tons of local things to do including launching a pumpkin from a cannon and running a bicentennial corn maze with friends - Click here to view our local list!
Th-th-th-that's That’s all folks! Travel safe and we’ll see you soon.