IEC Events
Build Community at IEC Events
Throughout the year, IEC hosts a number of events to inspire, educate, build community, and give you the tools to influence decision-makers. Below are our biggest opportunities to connect with the environmental movement.
Our Upcoming Events
Breaking Down the 2026 WRDA for Illinois
Friday, September 4, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Join us to get the inside scoop on the newly released Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislative text, its major provisions, and its implications for Illinois and the Great Lakes.
Incoming on Track 2027: Rail Merger
Friday, September 4, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Hear from workers, partner rail companies, and community members about what the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger will mean for Illinois and what collective action we can take to prevent this merger from happening.
Cows and Contamination: How Factory Farms Pollute Your Water
Tuesday, September 22, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Experts will explain how industrial livestock operations and nutrient loss effect rural landowners, residents, and drinking water.
State of Local Ecosystems: Urban Wildlife Health in Chicagoland
Tuesday, October 6, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join the veterinary and science team from Brookfield Zoo Chicago to walk through the wildlife health research they conduct across the Chicago region: what they monitor, how they do it, and what the current data tell us about the state of local ecosystems.
Explore More IEC Events
IEC Session Kickoff
Members-Only
IEC Members are invited to an engaging preview of IEC’s official 2026 Legislative Agenda.
Gain insights into our team’s legislative strategy, key policies we’ll be fighting for, opportunities to get involved, and more!
Winter 2026
Become a member of IEC today!
IEC Lobby Days
The Illinois environmental movement is invited to join IEC and our partners in the energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and zero waste spaces in Springfield! Meet your decision-makers and build new connections with advocates who share your passion for the environment.
Winter/Spring 2026
IEC Environmental Leadership Dinner
Rub shoulders at Illinois’ largest environmental gathering and celebrate big victories made possible by our green champions.
Fall 2026
IEC Environmental Town Halls
Help us design our 2027 Legislative Agenda!
Fall 2026
Wine & Art Harvest
Hosted by the IEC Young Professionals Board
Socialize, sip wine, and shop local artisan wares– all while benefitting the environment! Join IEC’s Young Professionals board for this fall night to remember.
October 2026
IEC Annual Meeting
Members-Only
IEC Members are invited to join our staff, board, and affiliate organizations for refreshments, a year-in-review, and the opportunity to approve our legislative agenda for the year to come.
December 2026
Become a member of IEC today!