IJF Events
Illinois Joining Forces both hosts and partners with organizations to offer outstanding virtual and in person events. Explore upcoming events and past events, how to attend, partner, participate, and sponsor.
Upcoming Events
2025 Illinois Joining Forces Annual Summit - April 30, 2025 | 8:30-3:30pm
Annual Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Get ready to engage with industry leaders, network with fellow professionals, and gain valuable insights. At the IJF Annual Summit, you'll have the opportunity to participate in thought-provoking discussions, attend insightful breakout sessions, and learn from others in the field. Following this years theme of "Collaboration" this event promises to be a platform for sharing ideas, exploring industry trends, and fostering meaningful connections.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the IJF Annual Summit offers a unique chance to expand your knowledge, exchange experiences, and gain fresh perspectives. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a dynamic opportunity.
Past Events
2025 Illinois Joining Forces Southern Illinois Regional Summit - Feb. 27, 2025 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. The panel discussion will highlight collaboration and how service provider networks work together to support Service Members, Veterans, and their families. During the evening portion, service providers will have the opportunity to set up a resource table during the Resource Fair for veterans and their families. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
Veterans Town Hall & Resource Fair - Feb. 27, 2025 | 5-8pm
Service Members, Veterans and their Family Members are invited to join IJF for a night out.
​
Join Illinois Joining Forces for a fun night out with family and community. Veterans and Service Members will have the opportunity to visit with service providers and learn about local resources, and hear the Veterans Town Hall. Guests will also enjoy The Pavilion and all it has to offer. Food will be provided. *Eventbrite Registration & Military/Veteran ID required for entry.
2024 Illinois Joining Forces Northern Illinois Regional Summit - Sept. 27, 2024 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. The panel discussion will highlight collaboration and how service provider networks work together to support Service Members, Veterans, and their families. During the evening portion, service providers will have the opportunity to set up a resource table during the Resource Fair for veterans and their families. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
Military & Veterans Night Out at Rock Island Arsenal - Sept. 27, 2024 | 5-8pm
Service Members, Veterans and their Family Members are invited to join IJF for a night out.
​
Join Illinois Joining Forces for a fun night out with family and community. Veterans and Service Members will have the opportunity to visit with service providers and learn about local resources. Guests will also enjoy Rock Island Arsenal and all the attractions it has to offer. Food will be provided. *Eventbrite Registration & Military/Veteran ID required for entry.
2024 Illinois Joining Forces Central Illinois Regional Summit - July 19, 2024 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. The panel discussion will highlight collaboration and how service provider networks work together to support Service Members, Veterans, and their families. During the evening portion, service providers will have the opportunity to set up a resource table during the Resource Fair for veterans and their families. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
2024 Illinois Joining Forces Annual Summit - May 1, 2024 | 8am-3:30pm
Annual Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Get ready to engage with industry leaders, network with fellow professionals, and gain valuable insights. At the IJF Annual Summit, you'll have the opportunity to participate in thought-provoking discussions, attend insightful breakout sessions, and learn from others in the field. Following this years theme of "Collaboration" this event promises to be a platform for sharing ideas, exploring industry trends, and fostering meaningful connections.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the IJF Annual Summit offers a unique chance to expand your knowledge, exchange experiences, and gain fresh perspectives. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a dynamic opportunity.
2024 Illinois Joining Forces Southern Illinois Regional Summit - February 23, 2024 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. Our focus will be on best practices for supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their families during times of transition, through a holistic approach to wellness and upstream service. During the evening portion, service providers will have the opportunity to set up a resource table during the Resource Fair for veterans and their families. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
Military & Veterans Night Out at Gateway Classic Cars - February 23, 2024 | 5-8pm
Service Members, Veterans and their Family Members are invited to join IJF for a night out.
​
Join Illinois Joining Forces for a fun night out with family and community. Veterans and Service Members will have the opportunity to visit with service providers and learn about local resources. Guests will also enjoy Gateway Classic Cars and all the attractions it has to offer. Dinner will be provided. *Eventbrite Registration & Military/Veteran ID required for entry.
2023 Illinois Joining Forces Peoria Regional Summit - November 17, 2023 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. Our focus will be on best practices for supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their families during times of transition, through a holistic approach to wellness and upstream service. During the evening portion, service providers will have the opportunity to set up a resource table during the Resource Fair for veterans and their families. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
Military & Veterans Night Out at Caterpillar Visitors Center - November 17, 2023 | 5-8pm
Service Members, Veterans and their Family Members are invited to join IJF for a night out.
​
Join Illinois Joining Forces for a fun night out with family and community. Veterans and Service Members will have the opportunity to visit with service providers and learn about local resources. Guests will also enjoy the Caterpillar Visitors Center and all the attractions it has to offer. There will also be a special World War II exhibit by Caterpillar. Children can enjoy crafts, a face painter, and more family-friendly fun. Dinner will be provided. *Eventbrite Registration & Military/Veteran ID required for entry.
2023 Illinois Joining Forces Aurora Area Regional Summit - July 28, 2023 | 1-4pm
Summit for Service Providers & Industry Leaders
​
Join other industry leaders and Veteran service providers for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and collaboration. Our focus will be on best practices for supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their families during times of transition, through a holistic approach to wellness and upstream service. Veterans, Military Community Members, and Family Members over the age of 18 are also welcome to attend.
Military and Veterans Night Out at Blackberry Farm - July 28, 2023 | 5-8pm
Service Members, Veterans and their Family Members are invited to join IJF for a night out.
​
Join Illinois Joining Forces for a fun night out with family and community. Veterans and Service Members will have the opportunity to visit with service providers and learn about local resources. Guests will also enjoy activities and attractions such as a carousel, hay wagon and train rides, as well as a complimentary Mission BBQ dinner. *Eventbrite Registration & Military/Veteran ID required for entry.
Operation Connect Illinois Annual Summit - Hilton Northbrook - April 19, 2023
Join IJF for a day of learning, discussion, connection and collaboration with Industry Leaders and Veteran Service Providers.
​
The Morning will begin with a networking breakfast, followed by an opportunity to hear from IJF, IDVA, the Governor's Challenge, and the Road Home Program. The Road Home Program will be presenting on suicide awareness and prevention from the lens of a provider; how can you support getting upstream of suicide, engage your SMVF in the conversation, and what resources are available for referral.
The Afternoon will begin with a networking lunch followed by 2 rounds of breakout sessions. Connect and collaborate with other providers within the same area of interest, through round table discussions on best practices, challenges, and how to work together to meet the needs of the SMVF community.
Illinois Joining Forces 2022 - Springfield Regional Summit - November 3, 2022
Join IJF in partnership with IDVA, Road Home, and Wounded Warrior Project in connecting and collaborating with industry leaders and veteran service providers. The morning will be an opportunity for service providers to connect with each other via a networking breakfast and round table discussions focused on 4 areas of need for todays’ SMVF communities.
In the afternoon, we welcome the SMVF community to attend the Resource Fair. Lunch catered by Mission BBQ is offered to registered attendees and to the first 75 Veterans attending the resource fair. SMVF will have the opportunity to directly connect with resources and attend 2 breakout information sessions.
August 26 & 27, 2021
August 17, 2021
Valor Games Resource Fair - Chicago Park Service