The Annual Meeting Attendee Engagement Committee is excited to offer a variety of excursions that allow participants to explore Chicago while fostering connection and community with fellow attendees. These optional experiences highlight the bustling downtown and a few of the city’s neighborhoods, each offering its own unique culture, cuisine, and experiences. All excursions are either within walking distance or require utilizing Chicago’s public transit system or ride-sharing (e.g., Uber or Lyft). We encourage attendees to coordinate and travel together to split costs and maximize engagement.

12 – 2 p.m. Friday, December 4
Cost: Individual meal cost
Transportation: Walking or public transit

Connect with colleagues from your region during an informal lunch meet-up at a local restaurant. This is a great opportunity to network, share experiences, and expand your local professional circle. All locations are within walking or public transit distance from the conference property. Attendees are responsible for the cost of their own meals and transportation.

Register via SignUpGenius

Illinois vs. Connecticut – NCAA Men’s Basketball at the United Center

Friday, December 4 (Time TBD)
Cost: $51.67 | 15 tickets available
Transportation: Public Transportation or Ride-sharing

Reigning Final Four teams Illinois and UConn will meet on Friday, Dec. 4, at the United Center in Chicago for one of the premier non-conference games of the 2026-27 college basketball season. Illinois and UConn will play for the fourth time in four seasons, and seventh time overall. The programs met twice last season, including the 2026 National Semifinal in Indianapolis, a 71-62 Huskies victory. UConn leads the all-time series, 5-1. Illinois is coming off a Final Four appearance, 28-9 record- the fourth-most wins in school history. Illinois is the winningest team in Big Ten play this decade. To register, look for the “2026 AFA Add-On Events” form in the AFA Events table in FSCentral.

Register via FSCentral

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Fraternity & Sorority Life Experience: Access, Excellence, and Community in Chicago

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2
Cost: Transportation costs only
Transportation: Public Transportation (CTA Blue Line) or Ride-Sharing

Join the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Fraternity & Sorority Life team for an immersive excursion that explores fraternity & sorority life at Chicago’s only public research university. Experience how UICs commitment to access, excellence, and student success shapes a dynamic fraternity and sorority community that supports leadership development, belonging, and campus engagement.

Attendees will enjoy a guided campus experience, connect with UIC professional staff and student leaders over lunch, participate in meaningful conversations about institutional practices and innovative programming, and engage in interactive learning designed to spark new ideas for their own campuses. Whether you’re looking to exchange best practices, expand your professional network, or experience UICs unique urban campus, this excursion offers an authentic look at fraternity and sorority life in action.

Register via SignUpGenius

Christkindlmarket Chicago

12 – 2 p.m. Saturday, December 5
Cost: Travel and cost of purchases
Transportation: Walking, public transit or ride-sharing

Join the Attendee Engagement committee in walking to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket! The Christkindlmarket is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities. The market is located at Daley Plaza and entry is free. Pro-Tip: Dress warmly and bring cash as most vendors are cash only.

Register via SignUpGenius

The Attendee Engagement Committee made several efforts through multiple avenues to secure tickets to the Obama Presidential Center & Museum; however, as one of Chicago’s most highly anticipated experiences, all time slots are currently sold out for the dates of the Annual Meeting. We encourage attendees to take advantage of the many other opportunities provided to connect, engage, and experience Chicago together!