We've received consistent feedback emphasizing the importance of unstructured time. This year's conference will include:
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Built-in time for open networking and informal check-ins
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Lounge and workspace areas available throughout the day for one-on-one meetings, committee regroupings, or rest
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Coffee breaks, community meals, and evening socials designed for continued connection
Wednesday, October 22
Optional Early Arrival
TBD
*new festival orientation/meet up to be scheduled based on arrivals
EVENING
Welcome Gathering: Casual meet-up with drinks/snacks for early arrivals to kick off the weekend and connect. Location TBA.
Thursday, October 23
Opening & Foundations
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
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Conference Check-In & Coffee
Meet your USAFF hosts, grab your badge, and settle in.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Opening Session: Must-Talk Topics Roundtables
A guided, full-group session where we surface shared challenges and goals.
Small group discussions on essential issues.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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Large-Group Report-Out & Idea Exchange
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
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Lunch (On Your Own or Hosted Meetups)
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
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Session Block 1
Breakouts
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
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Open Networking / 1:1 Meetings / Break
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
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Session Block 2
Breakouts
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Free Time / Informal Dinners
Friday, October 24
Collaboration & Risk Taking
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
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Coffee & Informal Check-Ins
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Session Block 3
Breakouts
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
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Lunch / Optional Affinity Table Conversations
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
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Committee Meetings – Round 1
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
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Open Time / 1:1s / Personal Reflection / Coffee Break
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
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Workshop
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Fringe Night Out in Elgin
Saturday, October 25
Future Visioning
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
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Session Block 4
Breakouts
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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Committee Meetings – Round 2 / Working Groups
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
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Lunch / NOCS + Billeting Info Session
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
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Session Block 5
Breakouts
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Open Time / Self-Organized Conversations / One-on-Ones
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Conference Social: Casual Dinner & Group Photo
SATURDAY EVENING – OPTIONAL
Nightmare on Chicago Street (NOCS)
NOCS is Elgin’s massive city-wide immersive Halloween experience, presented by the Zombie Defense Initiative. It features themed streets, immersive performance, food and drink, and thousands of attendees.All interested delegates will receive free admission and behind the scenes opportunities.
Sunday, October 26
Wrap-up and Depatures
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
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Closing Circle: What’s Next for USAFF
Reflections, commitments, and community planning
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
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Optional Local Meetups / Coffee Shop Hangouts
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Departures
