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03/30/2026

Register for the 2026 APA-ISS Spring Planning Conference

Live virtual conference, April 16-17, 2025. Open to all!

2026 Planner Camp

Pack your virtual backpack and join us around the digital campfire for APA-ISS' Planner Camp, April 16-17, 2026! Earn high-quality CM credits as you collect new “merit badges” in planning skills, all at the bargain price of just:

  • $75 for members
  • $85 for non-members.
  • This year, students are FREE! Use code IMFREE26.

Planner Camp Scoutmaster (aka Conference Chair) Scott Hanson, AICP, will bring together campers from all backgrounds, everyone is welcome and no tents are required.

Crawford Murphy Tilley Logo
Thank you 2026 APA-ISS Conference Sponsor: Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly Engineers!

Registration includes:

  • April 16-17, 2026 - live Virtual Conference Sessions via Thinkific/Zoom
  • Access to all recordings.
  • A free pre-conference webinar recording from the APA-ISS 2025 Conference: Scraping Zillow & Creating with Canva.
  • Any other mobile workshops and happy hours organized in conjunction with the ISS conference. Details coming soon.

CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Session recordings and CM credits will be available to attendees post-conference. On-demand CM can be earned before December 31, 2026.
 

Schedule

While the APA-ISS is a "downstate" group of planners, these topics are universal! We welcome all planners no matter where you live or work.

Thursday, April 16

  • 9:00 Announcements
  • 9:15-10:15 - Peoria Bike Lessons
  • 10:30-11:30 - “What Works Cities” Bloomberg Philanthropies standard for excellent for data-driven, well-managed local government. All these apply to planners, whether working with software platforms for surveys, publicizing metrics, or using AI in varying capacities.
  • 11:30-12:30 - Lunchtime Build Act Complaining (Veni Vidi Venting. I came. I saw. I complained.)
  • 1:00-2:00 - Does Time REALLY = Money?: Lessons learned from Justin Randall
  • 2:15-3:15 - Ethics (ETHICS CM)
  • 3:30-4:30 - Manufactured Housing: What the hell is it in the 21st Century?

Friday, April 17

  • 9:00 -10:00 - Zoning Preemption in Recent Legislation with Ancel Glink (LAW CM)
  • 10:15 - 11:15 - Data Centers: What to know and how to prepare (SUSTAINABILITY CM)
  • 11:15 - 11:45 - Mini-topic - Microsoft Game Bar
  • 12:30 - 1:30 - Living Small: ADUs, Short Term Rentals, Tiny Home Village
  • 1:45 - 2:45 - Outdoor Lighting Regulation Essentials
  • 3:00 - 4:00 - TBA

Attendees will have access to all session recordings and can earn CM until 12/31/26.

Save the Date for these Social Events in Your Region

Not a Member? Grab a Membership Before You Register and Save!

If you are not an APA or APA-IL member, it isn’t too late to become one and save $$! The APA-IL Chapter Only membership is just $50/year. Not only can you save on the APA-ISS Conference now, but save on all APA-IL events in 2025 including the 2025 State Conference. Sign up today!

Students - American Planning Association student memberships are FREE and an Illinois Chapter membership is included. Click here to read more and take advantage of the deal! 

  • Membership is free for any student actively enrolled or matriculated in any university or college degree program.
  • It remains free for the duration of an individual's studies.
  • Includes membership in APA, chapter, and AICP as well as membership in up to five divisions.
  • Student members will be eligible for two years of reduced dues after ending their studies.

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