Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speakers Coming Soon
We're currently finalizing our roster of keynote speakers for this event.
Please check back soon for more information about our keynote speakers!
Day 1
Registration and Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Sessions: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Day 2
Registration and Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Sessions: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Hotels
While we do not have dedicated room blocks for this event, we have compiled a list of recommended
hotels located conveniently near the venue. We encourage attendees to book early to secure the
best rates and availability.
Approved government rates are listed based on each hotel’s website and may vary. Please confirm
current rates directly with the hotel when booking.
If reserving under the government rate, valid government-issued ID matching the reservation name
is required at check-in.
Transportation
Airports
Airports:
CTA Buses & Trains
Chicago Transit Authority - CTA Buses & Train Service
1-888-YOUR-CTA
Train Stops near venue:
- BLUE LINE - UIC / Illinois Medical
District – 10min walk
- PINK LINE - Polk – 5min walk
Bus Stops near venue:
- Damen & Polk (#50) - 4min walk
- Polk & Wolcott (#157) - 2min walk
- Polk & Wood (#7 / #157) - 5min walk
Bikes
Locate bikes and docks | Divvy
Car/Parking
Parking passes may be purchased in advance for $12 for each day.
Parking purchased on-site at the conference will be $15 per day.
Visitor Parking Lots:
Amex, Bills, Checks, Coins, Debit cards, Discover, MC/Visa
accepted on-site
About the Summit
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s first annual Illinois Weather and Public Health Response
Summit will bring together public health professionals, emergency preparedness staff, healthcare
providers, administrators, and community-based organizations from across Illinois to examine the health
impacts of adverse weather events.
The summit will include presentations and discussions on preparedness strategies, community-led
responses, and public health approaches to weather-related emergencies. Sessions will highlight
grassroots initiatives, partnerships, and programs serving vulnerable and historically underserved
populations.
This conference is proudly Green Certified by the University of Illinois System, reflecting our
commitment to sustainability. We’re taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint of the event and
encourage attendees to do the same.
As an in-person attendee, you can help support a greener conference by:
- Bringing a reusable water bottle and coffee
mug — hydration and coffee stations will be available on-site
- Using green transportation options, such as
public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible
- Participating in waste reduction efforts,
including recycling stations available throughout the venue
- Minimizing printed materials —
digital agendas will be provided via QR code
Together, these actions contribute to our shared goal of building healthier communities—not just
through
public health, but through environmental responsibility.
Venue Amenities
Restrooms: Gendered restrooms can be found down the hallways along either side of
the Thompson Room. One or more restrooms may be converted into a gender-fluid restroom upon request.
Water Fountain & Bottle Filling Station: There is a combined water
fountain-bottle filling station down the hallways next to the restrooms along either side of the
Thompson Room.
Lactation Room: The Lactation Room can be found on the second floor of Student
Center West along the west corridor of the building in Room 216C. Room 216C can be found by entering
the hallway just west of the Thompson Room, turning left down the second hallway. Room 216C is the
first door on your right, across from Room 213.
The Lactation Room is only accessible by one user at a time using the designated key. The key for
the Lactation Room must be retrieved from the Building Manager team in the Student Center
Administration office on the east side of the second floor by leaving an ID card, or other form of
collateral. Please do not leave Student Center West before returning the key and retrieving your ID
card.
Wheelchair Lift: Student Center West offers a wheelchair lift to get from the main
event space/second floor to Room 218/219, located behind the Thompson Room. The wheelchair lift is
accessible by all building guests. To use the lift simply press the switch found directly next to
the wheelchair lift door. The wheelchair lift door will not open until the lift has reached either
the top or bottom of its track. If you have any trouble using the lift, please visit the Student
Center Administration down the hallway to receive assistance.