Home2025 ABCD International Gathering

United States Convening will take place Tuesday July 29-Wednesday July 30 with a reception on Monday, July 28.

ABCD International Gathering

Join us in July to discuss the future of ABCD. In the current state of the world, we need ABCD now more than ever. Help us recognize our past, while looking ahead to how we support communities going forward. International participants will be able to join sessions virtually. US participants will gather in Chicago.

Week of July 28th- Virtual Gathering for International Practitioners.

Practitioners across the world will come together in community to actively participate in dialogue around ABCD.

If you have not joined our network, please do so before registering here. Our network platform provides multiple ways for participants to engage with each other as part of the gathering.

International Practitioners- Register Here

Monday, July 28, 2025
Evening Reception
The DuSable Black History Museum
Chicago, IL

Join us on Monday, July 28 from 5:30-8pm at The DuSable Black History Museum to honor the legacy of ABCD Institute Co-Founders Jody Kretzmann and John McKnight. Together, we will celebrate the Institute’s 10 year anniversary as a nonprofit and advance the Institute forward. All tickets include entrance to the museum and reception, hearty hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soda.

Individual Tickets: $200 early bird pricing and $250 after 6/1/25.

Legacy Sponsorships: $5,000 includes a hosted table in premier location for ten guests, parking for two vehicles, your organization's logo and information or a personal message in event program and other materials. Limited availability.

Community Sponsorships: $1,500 includes six tickets, guaranteed seating, and your organization's logo and information or information included in event program and materials.

Tickets for ABCD Institute Reception

Tuesday, July 29- Wednesday, July 30, 2025
US Site Location
Kennedy-King College
6301 A Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60621

We will convene all day on Tuesday with plans to end at noon on Wednesday. Sessions will include facilitated conversation around key components of ABCD. Light breakfast, refreshments, and lunch provided.

Registration:
The ABCD Institute has adopted a sliding scale for our events and network membership. If you are affiliated with an organization, please register based on the budget of your organization. Community Practitioners are typically individuals who do not have a formal role but support strengths based efforts in their own community.

If you have not joined our network, please do so before registering here. Our network platform provides multiple ways for participants to engage with each other as part of the gathering.

Fees:
$200: Organizational Practitioners with budgets less than $1 million
$450: Organizational Practitioners with budgets between $1 million and $5 million
$650: Organizational Practitioners with budgets over $5 million

$100: Students and Community Practitioners. Community members who need fees waived or reduced can contact the Institute at admin@abcdinstitute.org.

Register here for Chicago 7/29- 7/30

Hotel Information

We have secured a block of rooms near both locations
The Study at the University of Chicago
Rate: $209 a night plus tax
Hotel Reservations

Photo of The Study a multi story hotel with the Chicago Skyline in the background

Photo of The Study a multi story hotel with the Chicago Skyline in the background

Getting Around

The hotel is located near both the DuSable Museum and Kennedy-King.

Extending your trip in Chicago

Looking for additional things to do in the area? We will post events and opportunities here.

Support local advocates by viewing the Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago on Saturday, July 26: https://www.disabilityprideparade.org

Check out the Chinatown Summer Fair on Saturday, July 26 or Sunday, July 27:
Summer Fair – Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation 芝城華埠基金會

Enjoy Jazzin' at the Shedd Aquarium on Wednesday, July 30:
Jazzin' at the Shedd | Shedd Aquarium

Tour the new National Public Housing Museum. Learn more about the museum in recent press coverage.

Ride with Sherman Dilla Thomas on a neighborhood tour about Chicago's rich history:
https://www.chicagomahogany.com

Experience classical music in Grant Park:
https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com

Check out free film screenings or concerts in Millennium Park:
City of Chicago :: Millennium Park Calendar