IAFSM Annual Conference

The 2025 IAFSM Annual Conference will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center on March 11 & 12, 2025.

Mark your calendar for March 11–12, 2025, as the 2025 IAFSM Annual Conference returns to the Tinley Park Convention Center. This premier event brings together professionals and experts in floodplain and stormwater management for two days of learning, collaboration, and networking. Whether you're a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), a public official, or a professional dedicated to building resilient communities, this conference will equip you with the knowledge and connections to drive positive change in your community and beyond.

Conference Theme: Transforming Floodplains for a Sustainable Future

This year’s theme highlights innovative strategies to promote resilience and sustainable approaches to managing floodplains and stormwater while preserving natural resources. Gain actionable ideas and practical solutions for real-world challenges through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and the latest advancements from industry leaders.

Updated Fees for 2025: Investing in a High-Quality Experience

To ensure a seamless and impactful conference experience, registration, exhibitor, and sponsorship fees have been slightly adjusted. These changes reflect rising costs, including venue expenses, speaker fees, and technology upgrades. With your continued support, these investments will maintain the high-quality programming you’ve come to expect.

Attendee Rates: Register Now!

• Early Bird Registration: $460 (until February 16, 2025)
• Regular Registration Rate: $520 (from February 17 through March 7, 2025)
• Final day for cancellations: February 23, 2025
• Conference Registration

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities – Introducing Platinum Level Sponsorship

We are pleased to introduce new Platinum Sponsorship opportunities to further support innovation, learning, and collaboration at the conference. These updates are designed to maximize visibility and engagement for organizations at every level.

Exhibitor Fees:

• Early Bird: $850 (up from $800) until February 16, 2025
• Standard Rate: $950 (from February 17 through February 23, 2025)
• Final day for cancellations and registration: February 23, 2025
• Exhibitor Flyer

Sponsorship Levels:

We’ve restructured our sponsorship opportunities to ensure better engagement and return on investment for participants and supporters:

• Platinum Level ($2,500):
  • Premium logo placement on signage and IAFSM slides.
  • Recognition during keynote sessions and closing remarks with a Platinum Sponsor Spotlight.
  • Priority booth location in the exhibitor hall.
  • Dedicated feature in the program with a spotlight story.
• Gold Level ($1,500):
  • Prominent logo placement during sessions and conference materials.
• Silver Level ($1,000):
  • Strong visibility in event communications and on-site materials.
• Bronze Level ($500):
  • Cost-effective recognition with inclusion in key conference communications and signage.
• Sponsorship Flyer

Sponsors and exhibitors play a vital role in creating a successful conference experience. These new opportunities are designed to ensure increased visibility and strategic partnerships. View more details about sponsorship opportunities here or contact Sarah Harbaugh, Executive Secretary, at iafsm@illinoisfloods.org

Why the Price Increases?

To continue providing the high-quality conference experience you expect, it has become necessary to adjust registration, exhibitor, and sponsorship fees. These increases reflect the rising costs of venue rental, speaker fees, technology, and other essential event logistics. With your support, we are able to maintain the value and impact of the conference, ensuring it remains a top-tier educational experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Tinley Park Convention Center on March 11 and 12, 2025 for a conference filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of floodplain and stormwater management in Illinois.

Scholarship Opportunity

State and Local Official Scholarship Flyer

Conference Registration

Hotel Information

Click on the link below to reserve your room at the Even Hotel connected to the Convention Center for $160/night.
Floodplain & Stormwater Management
Code *FPS

If the hotel is full we have overflow rooms at The Wingate by Wyndham (18421 North Creek Drive, Tinley Park)
There are 2 ways to reserve your room:

1)    Call the hotel directly @ 708-532-9300 and mention the “IAFSM Annual Conference  ” to obtain the discounted pricing.

2)   Your group code is “031025IAF” and can be used to book reservation online through our website by clicking this link: IAFSM Annual Conference booking link

Conference Schedule

(Downloadable Conference Book (w/out Attendees)

Monday, March 10, 2025

Casual Connect Reception (7:00pm - 9:00pm)

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Plenary Session (9:00am)
- Conference Kick-Off
- David Skoudas - Urban Waterway Design: Balancing Nature, Community, and Cost
(Click here to purchase his book ($15) and we will have a signed copy for you at the conference)

1A Floodplain Management Essentials
* Floodplain Basics
* Floodplain & Floodway Permitting
* Assessing the situation: completing substantial damage assessments

1B Stream Restoration & Stabilization Strategies
* Urban Stream Restoration: Confluence of Ecology and Engineering
* Restoration Efforts along Woods Creek
* A Streambank Stabilization/Restoration Retrospective

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

- Chad Berginnis - The Road Less Traveled: Taking the NAI Highway to Resilience

5A Managing Stormwater: Big & Local Challenges
* The Golden Age of Golf Course Stormwater Management
* A Tale of Scale Long-term Thinking to Address Big Stormwater Problems in L.A.
* When the Stormwater Agency has Stormwater Challenges: Stormwater Detention and Flood Risk at the DuPage County Campus

5B Climate Resilience & Adaptation
* Building transportation resilience in northeastern Illinois
* Prioritizing Resilient Infrastructure: Asset Level Vulnerability Assessment Web Viewer
* Leveraging USACE Expertise for Resilience: Collaborative Solutions for Local Communities

5C Urban Flooding: Mitigation & Planning
* Updating the Countywide Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
* Combined Sewer Separation Master Planning in the City of Elgin, IL
* Building a flood warning system in Chicago using insights from New Orleans

5D Water Resource Management Solutions
* Watershed-Based Plan Development for the Upper West Branch DuPage River Watershed
* Tips for Localized Drainage Studies
* Advances in Trash Capture

Thank you to our Current Sponsors

For more information please contact Sharon Østerby, Conference Chair, at SOsterby@lakecountyil.gov, or Sarah Harbaugh, Executive Secretary, at iafsm@illinoisfloods.org.