2026 CENTRAL REGION YOUNGER MEMBER COUNCIL Conference Agenda - ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Friday, January 30

7:15-8:00         Registration and Continental Breakfast (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)

8:00-8:40         Welcome (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

8:40-9:40         Global Geographic Resources (WSBIL/CRYMC) 

9:40-10:00       Networking Break (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

10:00-11:30     Region Breakouts (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) - Region 3, 6, 7 

11:30-12:30    Student & Younger Member Engagement Session (CRYMC/WSCL)  - “Urbanize – Engineering for Solutions to Our Everyday Problems”

12:30-1:00       Networking Lunch (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)

1:00-1:20         President-Elect Presentation (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

1:20-2:20         YMC Program Slot #1 (CRYMC)   - “Network Effects – The Power of People in Engineering” with Acting Commissioner Craig Turner, Chicago Department of Transportation

2:20-3:00         Society Leaders Q&A (WSBIL/CRYMC) 

3:00-3:30         Networking Break (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

3:30-5:00         YMC Program Slot #2 (CRYMC) - “Dynamic Demolitions” with Jacob Dolas, Collins Engineers, Inc.

  

Saturday, January 31

8:00-8:45         Networking Breakfast (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)   

8:45-9:30         Coffee with the 2027 President-Elect Nominees

9:30-10:00       Break (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)              

10:00-11:50     CRYMC Business Meeting (CRYMC)   

11:50-12:00    CRYMC Group Photo (CRYMC)          

12:00-12:30     Leadership Lunch (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

12:30-1:30       Communications Keynote Session (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL) 

1:30-3:15         YMC Program Slot #3 (CRYMC) 

3:15-3:30         Summary & Evaluations (CRYMC)                     

3:30                  Adjourn (CRYMC)

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WSBIL              Workshop for Section, Branch, and Institute Leaders

CRYMC            Central Region Younger Member Council

WSCL               Workshop for Student Chapter Leaders

 

Thursday, January 29 – Conference Kickoff

🏗️ Technical Tour: Google Renovations of the James R. Thompson Center (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)
Host: Clark Construction | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM CT | Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Explore one of Chicago’s most iconic postmodern landmarks as it transforms into the new Google Center. The James R. Thompson Center, designed by Helmut Jahn, is being reimagined into a modern workspace while preserving its signature curved glass atrium. Join Clark Construction for an inside look at this massive redevelopment project shaping the city’s skyline.

Blue Line Cumberland Station to Clark/Lake Station. Additional details see below:

  • Directions to Location: Take the Cumberland Blue Line stop to Clark/Lake Blue Line stop. Those driving from hotel may take I-90 at Cumberland Avenue to the Washington Street exit, turning east and driving to Clark Street, turning north on Clark Street and finding parking at the garages listed below (181 N Clark Street/200 N Clark Street). Those coming from O’Hare may get on I-90 or take the O’Hare Blue Lines stop, and those coming from Midway may take the Midway Orange Line stop to the Clark/Lake Orange Line stop. Those driving from Midway may take Cicero Avenue north to I-55, north/east on I-55, to northbound I-90/94, to the “Downtown Exits” local lanes exit ramps and then to Washington Street, turning east and driving to Clark Street, turning north on Clark Street and to the parking garages.
  • Description of Event: Clark Construction will provide a tour of their progress at the James R. Thompson Center, a building in the process of being redeveloped into the Google Center. The building, for many years owned by the State of Illinois and used for governmental offices, will become the Google Center and a signature space for Google’s Chicago area presence. The building is a stellar example of post-modern architecture, including the curved glass ceiling whose feature will be preserved upon completion of the renovations. The late and great architect of the building, Helmut Jahn, left his mark on many city buildings, as well as other world-renowned buildings. Taking up a whole city block, one cannot miss this grand structure, especially while at work to bring it into the 21st century. Tour hosts will present on the construction progress, taking multiple smaller groups for a tour of the worksite.
  • Cost: $25
  • Registration: CRYMC Thursday Technical Tour: Google Renovations of the James R Thompson Center - Hosted by - American Society of Civil Engineers by January 16th, 2025.

  • Special Instructions: NO Photos Permitted On-Site; Parking for those driving is available at 181 N Clark Street and at 200 N Clark Street by iParkIt; Visitor’s waiver will be provided to all registrants to sign prior to event and must be signed prior to entering the site; dress code requires full-length pants, shirt with sleeves, boots, glasses, gloves, vests, and hard hats. Hard hats, gloves, vests, and glasses will be provided by Clark Construction but all other items must be worn/brought by attendees. No dresses, skirts, shorts, sneakers, high-heels, sandals, or other unapproved attire will be allowed. 

     

🎳 Thursday Pre-Conference Networking Night at Punch Bowl Social (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM CT | 310 N Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607
CRYMC attendees are invited to join us at the following ticketed event to kick off a great start to the conference! Punch Bowl Social, originally founded in Denver and since expanded to many cities, hosts a wonderful ambiance complete with excellent drinks and food, games to throwback to your college days and your youthful days such as bowling, karaoke, and darts! Our Chicago location is centered in the quickly changing Fulton Market, where one is bound to see a new building in the works nearby. The large venue will provide optimal time to reconnect with those you know well, and network with fellow attendees you've just met. We look forward to seeing you there!

All are welcome. IDs may be requested for entry after 10 PM. Additional details see below:

  • Directions to Location: Take the Cumberland Blue Line stop to Clark/Lake Blue Line Stop, then transfer from Blue Line to Green Line, then take the Green Line bound for Harlem/Lake (not the Cottage Grove or Ashland/63rd directions) to the Morgan Street Green Line stop, then walk north to Fulton Street one block, east to Green Street three blocks, then left on Green Street to the Punch Bowl Social (second business on the left). Alternatively, take the Cumberland Blue Line stop to Grand Blue Line stop, exist and walk to Halsted Street, take the #8 bus south to “Halsted/Fulton Market” and walk west on Fulton Street one block, north on Green Street to Punch Bowl Social (second business on the left).
  • Description of Event: Punch Bowl Social, originally founded in Denver and since expanded to many cities, hosts a wonderful ambiance complete with excellent drinks and food, games to throwback to your college days and your youthful days with some bowling, karaoke, or darts. Our Chicago location is centered in the quickly changing Fulton Market, where one is bound to see a new building in the works nearby. The large venue will provide optimal time to reconnect with younger members or fellow students you know well, and to network with fellow attendees you've just met.
  • Cost: $40
  • Registration: CRYMC Thursday Pre Conference Networking Night: Punch Bowl Social - American Society of Civil Engineers by January 16th, 2025.

 

Friday, January 30 – Awards Banquet

🏆 CRYMC Awards Banquet: “A Night at the World’s Fair” (CRYMC)
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CT | Marriot Chicago Ohare, 8535 W Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631
Step back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with a night of celebration, games, and history. Enjoy dinner, carnival-style fun, and themed décor highlighting Chicago’s architectural and cultural legacy. Join us in recognizing the achievements of our Younger Members and Sections while celebrating innovation, connection, and community.

Additional details see below:

  • Description of Event: Our Awards Banquet is inspired by the famous 1893 Chicago World's Fair, more commonly referred to as the World's Columbian Exposition. Carnival games of many kinds will follow our Awards ceremony and dinner, and at your seats you will find historical postcards featuring many noteworthy buildings, spectacles, and scenes from the event! Historical information will be present to learn more about the local response and perspectives, as well as little known facts. Horticultural artifacts, a noteable highlight from the Exposition, can be found at each table, as well as the much renowned Devil in the White City nonfiction novel, a detailed telling of the fair preparation and lead up! Celebrate with your peers as we commend those who have worked all year to promote the causes of our Younger Member Groups and Sections and the broader goals and aims of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
  • Cost: $95 ($30 for Student Members)
  • Registration: CRYMC Friday Night Awards Banquet - American Society of Civil Engineers by January 16th, 2025.
  • Special Instructions: Dress code is Semi-Formal attire.

Saturday, January 31 – Saturday Dinner Outing

🍽️ Saturday Dinner Outing (WSBIL/CRYMC/WSCL)
Time & Location: TBD
Join us for a group dinner outing at a TBD restaurant! End the conference with a taste of what Chicago has to offer – great food with a variety of cuisines represented! Stay tuned for information on timing and location of the venue. Open to YMs and Students. Please note that dinner will be pay-your-way. 


Open to all YMs and students.