
Why This Conference Matters
Each year, the ICEARY Conference unites more than 700 educators, administrators, and youth advocates from across Illinois — all dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and helping every student find success.
At the 2025 conference in Bloomington, keynote speakers inspired attendees to see new possibilities, celebrate progress, and expand how we support young people facing adversity. Participants left with:
-
New strategies tailored to diverse student needs
-
Renewed energy and purpose in their work
-
Expanded networks and lasting partnerships
-
Actionable ideas ready to implement
The impact extends far beyond the event — rippling through schools, communities, and students’ lives across Illinois.
1
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING?
Join us for the ICEARY conference, coming March 5–6, 2026, in Bloomington–Normal!
This is the premier gathering for professionals who serve at-risk youth across Illinois. Through powerful keynote speakers, hands-on breakout sessions, and statewide networking, you’ll gain fresh strategies, inspiration, and connections that enhance your day-to-day work.
-
Earn meaningful professional learning that you can immediately put into practice
-
Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers who understand the challenges and potentials in this space
-
Engage with peers, share successes and struggles, and build your support network
-
Return to your school or program reinvigorated, with concrete tools and ideas
-
Be part of a community that advocates for at-risk youth’s futures
Mark your calendar now — registration opens soon!
Become an ICEARY member to receive a discounted conference rate and access member resources throughout the year. Join Here.
2
CALL FOR SPONSORS
By sponsoring ICEARY, you help make that movement possible. Your partnership fuels professional learning, innovation, and advocacy that directly impact schools and communities statewide.
As a sponsor, you will:
-
Reach a dedicated statewide audience of education and youth-service professionals.
-
Show your commitment to empowering educators and improving outcomes for students who need it most.
-
Connect your brand with meaningful work that transforms lives and communities.
-
Be part of the story — one that celebrates resilience, creativity, and collective impact.
Together, we can continue to build pathways of hope and opportunity — one connection at a time.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
For sponsorship information, please fill in the form.
3
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
Share Your Voice
The ICEARY Conference brings together educators, counselors, administrators, and youth advocates to share ideas that change lives. Each year, hundreds gather to learn, collaborate, and reimagine how we support at-risk youth across Illinois.
We’re seeking presenters who inspire action—those who bring practical tools, fresh perspectives, and real stories others can learn from and apply.
We welcome sessions that:
-
Highlight effective practices in alternative education, student support, or re-engagement
-
Offer ready-to-use strategies and success stories
-
Inspire collaboration, creativity, and reflection
-
Uplift the voices of students, families, and communities
Present at ICEARY. Amplify your impact, connect with passionate peers, and help shape the future for students who need us most.
Ready to share your story?
