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ABOUT
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Creating Futures: A GLOBAL GATHERING WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS POSSIBILITY
Creating Futures unites visionaries across generations and continents to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and reimagine what’s possible for the live events world. Together, we’ll harness creativity, honor legacy, and shape a future that inspires talent and transforms experiences worldwide.
SPONSORS
ILEA Live 2026 Chicago isn't another industry conference it's the proving ground where event innovation meets business impact.
In August 2026, the industry's most forward-thinking leaders will converge on Chicago to solve the challenges keeping you up at night: closing the talent gap, monetizing emerging technology, and delivering measurable ROI in an AI-accelerated landscape.
We're inviting visionary partners to co-create the future of our industry.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email ilealive2026@gmail.com
SPEAKERS
Shape the Conversation. Solve What Matters
We're seeking practitioners, innovators, and disruptors to lead sessions that deliver actionable frameworks, measurable outcomes, and career-defining insights for event professionals.If your work is pushing the industry forward, we want you on stage.
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AGENDA
Jun
01
3-4 pm
Closing General Session
• The Future Isn’t Coming. It’s Already Here.
The Courage to Move While Everyone Else Waits
Daniel Lewis
Jun
01
10:30-11:30 am
Opening General Session Keynote Speaker
The Unexpected Sprinkles The Unexpected Sprinkles - Building Brand Loyalty, Creating Unique Experiences, & Inspiring Innovation
Johhny Cupcakes
MODERATOR
Keelzinthecity Events
Title
Jun
01
6-9 pm
ESPRIT Awards
Jun
01
6-9 pm
SEARCH Live
Jun
01
6-9 pm
Welcome Reception
Jun
01
9:00 AM
The PR Playbook: How to Craft Your Story, Elevate Your Brand & Get Seen
Sesssion Description
link
sponsored by
Keely Fickau
MODERATOR
Keelzinthecity Events
Title
Catie Sheehan
PANELIST
Illinois Office of Tourism
Deputy Director
John Jaworski
PANELIST
RSNA
Assistant Executive Director: Meeting Services & Corporate Relations
Michael Strautmanis
PANELIST
Obama Foundation
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Jun
01
Building the Future: The Power of Mentorship in Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
Keely Fickau
MODERATOR
Keelzinthecity Events
Title
Catie Sheehan
PANELIST
Illinois Office of Tourism
Deputy Director
John Jaworski
PANELIST
RSNA
Assistant Executive Director: Meeting Services & Corporate Relations
Michael Strautmanis
PANELIST
Obama Foundation
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
AGENDA
Jun
01
Tue
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Jun
02
Tue
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Jun
03
Tue
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Jun
04
Tue
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HOTELS
Le Méridien Essex
Start Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Last Day to Book : Thursday, July 23, 2026
Hilton Chicago
Start Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
End Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026