The 78th Annual Conference by the Illinois Counseling Association is a premier event for mental health professionals, offering a platform for professional development, networking, and inspiration. The theme 'Being Human: Foundations of Awareness, Acceptance, and Authenticity' emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and authenticity in therapeutic settings. Attendees can expect workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities with over 400 professionals. The conference will feature a dynamic 3-hour intensive workshop by Joe Sanok, focusing on private practice optimization. Additional sessions will cover women's mental health and personal development.
Mental Health Conferences
78th Annual Conference - Being Human: Foundations of Awareness, Acceptance, and Authenticity
The Illinois Counseling Association's 78th Annual Conference will be held in Oak Brook, IL from November 5-7, 2026. This event is designed for mental health professionals and offers professional development, networking, and inspiring connections.
November 5–7, 2026 Oak Brook, Illinois In-person Event CEUs Available
Conference Overview
Some quick details about this conference.
Time and Place
Maybe the most important details of the conference.
Conference Dates
November 5–7, 2026
Location
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
City/State
Oak Brook, Illinois
Address
3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Event Format
In-person
Conference Organizer
This organization is hosting this conference.
Illinois Counseling Association
The Illinois Counseling Association supports professional counseling in Illinois, providing resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities for counselors.
Email: ica@ilcounseling.org Phone: 815-787-8787
Registration Fees
How much does this conference cost?
| Cost | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $199.00 | Pre-Conference Full Day | Early Bird Rate |
| $125.00 | Pre-Conference Half Day | Early Bird Rate |
| $180.00 | Conference Day 1 | Early Bird Rate |
| $180.00 | Conference Day 2 | Early Bird Rate |
See the conference's actual website for more details around these fees, as sometimes they can be more complicated.
Schedule and Agenda
It's important to know what is planned.
The conference will feature a welcome reception and networking event on November 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The awards ceremony will take place on November 6, 2026, from 7:30 - 9 PM. Attendees can enjoy complimentary professional headshots and a delicious buffet lunch.
Notable Speakers
These folks will be speaking at the conference.
JS
Joe Sanok
Private practice innovator, author, and host of the Practice of the Practice podcast.
MS
Mervat J. Sha’ini, MD, MA
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center, focusing on women's mental health.
FG
Dr. Francesca Giordano
Principal Partner of Veduta Consulting, LLC, specializing in mental health and personal development.
CEU Details
Here's information on Continuing Education Units (or CEUs).
The conference offers in-person CEs for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists. PDs are available for school counselors.
Hotel Information
You need somewhere to stay (unless you live relatively close).
The conference will be held at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. ICA partners with the hotel to provide attendees a discounted rate for overnight stays. Free parking is available in the hotel parking lot.
Parking Information
Unless you're taking public transit.
Free parking is available in the hotel parking lot for all conference attendees.
Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Opportunities
If you're an organization that wants to contribute to this event, here are some details.
Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can register through the provided link. The conference offers opportunities for exhibitors and advertisers to engage with over 400 counseling professionals. More details can be found here.
Other Links and Information
The above information is from the conference or event webpage. Please review the organization's website for official information, as that will be more up-to-date.
Reminder: This is an overview of this conference, and you should consult the official website for details on registration, fees, deadlines, and other details. Quill Therapy Solutions is maintaining this information to make it more accessible to the therapist and mental health professional community.
If you noticed an issue with the above information, please send us an email: conferences@quilltherapysolutions.com (Ideally, include a link to the conference and the details that need to be corrected. Thank you!)
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