2026 ILASFAA Annual Conference
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Conference Dates:
March 9th - March 11th, 2026
Conference Location:
The Westin Chicago Lombard
Lombard, IL
Navigating the Upside Down
The financial aid world isn’t just changing—it’s like stepping into another dimension! Full of twists, turns, and unexpected challenges, it can feel like the Upside Down at times. Join ILASFAA for a fun and engaging conference where we’ll tackle obstacles head-on, share powerful insights, and uncover strategies to thrive in this ever-shifting landscape. Get ready for policy updates, professional development, and plenty of inspiration as we journey through the unknown together. Because in this dimension, knowledge is our superpower!
Step Into the Gate: Explore New Dimensions of Financial Aid – March 9–11, 2026, at the Westin, Lombard, IL!
Chelley Jackson
ILASFAA President
Registration Overview
Early bird registration is now live and available until Sunday, February 15th, 2026.
We’re excited to offer free pre-conference NASFAA Credential sessions on Packaging & Aid Notification and Cost of Attendance, providing additional professional development at no extra cost to attendees.
Attendees and Exhibitors have different registration fees. This year we are offering single day registration on Tuesday March 10th for individuals who can't attend the entire conference. Members should note that the conference registration fee does not include ILASFAA's annual Institutional Membership. Membership fees will be collected in July 2026.
Conference payment is due upon registering and must be paid in full by the first day of the conference.
Attendee Registration Fees
- Early Bird Rate: $349.00 (Register on or before 2/15/2026)
- Standard Rate: $399.00 (2/16/2026 - 3/1/2026)
- Single Day Rate: $249.00 (Only attending Tuesday, March 10th, 2026)
- Non-Member Full Conference: $499.00
- Non-Member Single Day Rate: $349.00 (Only attending Tuesday, March 10th, 2026)
The registration fee for the 2026 conference does not include an annual ILASFAA membership.
Membership fees will be collected in June.
Looking for support in justifying your attendance? Access a clear and concise letter here.
Conference Agenda
Visit the 2026 Conference Agenda Webpage for details!
The 2026 Tentative agenda can be downloaded here.
Zack Goodwin
Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Aid, Marquette University
Zack discovered a career in the financial aid profession by accident, as many of us do, but ultimately, it made sense that it was a perfect career fit. Growing up low-income, he was a recipient of significant financial aid to attend high school, and similarly, including the Pell Grant, to attend college. These educational experiences were life-changing and would have been out of reach without aid. He believes in the power of financial aid to help transform the lives of students of all backgrounds, and has loved being able to support this transformation while serving in a variety of roles over his thirty-year career. In 2025, this power felt challenged by the wave of anti-diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility actions spreading nationally. Schools everywhere, including his own, were walking back funds intended to create equity by supporting minoritized students. In an effort to continue to support these students, he
sought politically neutral means, such as examining economic impacts on different populations and considering professional judgment and our bread and butter for need-based aid: need analysis. Need analysis was a tool we could always rely on for creating equity…or was it? The more he explored it, the more he saw that it was often a tool that perpetuated inequity, rather than fostering it. If reframed, could it support aid programs that not only create equity, but are tools for social justice? Maybe it's time to turn need analysis upside down.
Hotel Accommodation
The Westin Chicago Lombard Reservation Details:
Reservations can be made online via this direct booking link for the conference rate. Book your room early to ensure availability.
Double Room Rate: $129.00/night
*The conference hotel room block will be closed Monday, February 16th, 2026.
If you prefer to make reservations by phone, Marriott Reservations (888-627-9031) can assist.Additional Lodging Options are available here.
Meal Plan Schedule
| Monday, March 9th | |
|---|---|
| Lunch | Burger Bar Buffet: Grilled Burgers and Boneless Chicken Breast with Brioche Buns Cookies and Brownies Beverages: Freshly Brewed Starbucks Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Assorted Tazo Teas |
| Dinner | Plated Dinner: Garlic Rosemary Custom Cut of Chicken with Roasted Shallot Demi-Glace, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Westin Vegetable Medley Spinach Salad with Cucumbers, Strawberries, Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Dinner Rolls and Sweet Butter Eli’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries Beverages: Freshly Brewed Starbucks Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Assorted Tazo Teas |
| Entertainment | Stranger Things Scavenger Hunt & Cash Bar |
| Tuesday, March 10th | |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Hot Breakfast Buffet: |
| Lunch | Italian Buffet: |
| Dinner | On your own |
| Entertainment | Music Bingo |
| Wednesday, March 11th | |
|---|---|
| Brunch | Brunch: |
Restaurants in the Area
Click here to view a list of some of the local resturants.
The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation
The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation (GJTF) was established in 1997 by Dr. Theresa Dixon and L.â¯Cliff Taylor as a tribute to Gloria J. Taylor—Harvey’s first African American elected alderwoman and commissioner. Her vision was to uplift her hometown by fostering economic growth, community pride, and educational opportunity. The GJTF is dedicated to nurturing dignity, self-worth, and productive self-image in youth. They aid to provide comprehensive, caring services that emphasize educational support, self-awareness, and community unity. The GJTF believes that empowering young people today builds safe, thriving communities tomorrow.
Conference attendees will be able to help support the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation throughout the conference by purchasing raffle tickets for baskets or through a donation for the charity.
Conference Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation Requests: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to either Heidi Schmidt (hschmid@ilstu.edu) or Erin Harrison (erinc@illinois.edu)
- Refunds: Cancellation requests received on or before February 01, 2026, will receive a full refund.
- No-Show Policy: “No shows” are not refundable and are liable for the full registration fee.
- Extenuating Circumstances: In extenuating circumstances, event registrations can be transferred to another delegate with a $25 administration fee. Please contact either Heidi Schmidt (hschmid@ilstu.edu) or Erin Harrison (erinc@illinois.edu) for assistance.
- Contact Information: For any additional questions or concerns regarding the cancellation policy, please contact either Heidi Schmidt (hschmid@ilstu.edu) or Erin Harrison (erinc@illinois.edu).