Quick summary: NAMI Illinois will host its Annual Statewide Conference on 23rd–24th October 2026 at Benedictine University in Lisle Illinois under the theme “Bridging Gaps by Reimagining Community Care”. Individuals gain practical education from professionals on youth mental health, education, innovation, advocacy and collaboration alongside networking with changemakers and access to grassroots resources that enhance personal and community well being. Businesses that sponsor secure brand visibility among healthcare and community leaders, align with mental health equity goals and fund programmes that drive systemic improvements in behavioural health care and public policy across Illinois.
Mental health support, education, and systemic advocacy have never been more essential to building healthy communities. Across Illinois, individuals, families, providers, and organisations are actively seeking collaborative solutions to improve mental health awareness, expand access to care, and reduce barriers to support. At the centre of this movement is NAMI Illinois, an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with mental health disorders and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
On 23rd–24th October 2026, NAMI Illinois will host its Annual State-Wide Conference at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. Guided by this year’s theme, “Bridging Gaps by Reimagining Community Care,” the conference serves as a pivotal gathering place for attendees from every corner of the state.
Whether you are looking to participate as an individual attendee or represent an organisation as a sponsor, this landmark event offers immense value. Below is a detailed look at why individuals should attend and why businesses should step up to sponsor this transformative gathering.
For individuals: Why you should attend
The 2026 NAMI Illinois Conference brings together a diverse spectrum of attendees, including individuals living with mental health conditions, family members, youth leaders, community providers, advocates, educators, peers, and healthcare professionals. If you are deeply invested in personal wellness, supporting loved ones, or advancing behavioural health, attending this conference offers three distinct advantages:
Learn from vetted professionals on impactful topics
At the core of the conference is a robust educational curriculum designed to turn knowledge into real-world action. Attendees can learn from vetted professionals in the field on a variety of highly relevant and impactful topics. The session programming is structured around five core pillars:
- Youth mental health (Supporting the next generation): Discovering actionable strategies and intervention tools to foster resilience and support mental well-being in young people.
- Education (Turning knowledge into action): Translating clinical research and lived experience into effective, practical care techniques.
- Innovation (Driving change in mental health care): Exploring creative care models, emerging technologies, and new therapeutic approaches designed to enhance outcomes.
- Advocacy (Leading the charge for systemic change): Gaining the tools to navigate legislative processes and advocate for policy reform across Illinois.
- Collaboration (Strengthening our state-wide alliance): Learning how cross-sector partnerships build sustainable, comprehensive care networks.
Network with other changemakers in the field
Attending the conference places you in the room with hundreds of passionate advocates and leaders. You will have the opportunity to network with other changemakers in the field, including leaders from NAMI Illinois’ plethora of local affiliates and partners across the behavioural health system. Building relationships with peers who share your commitment creates opportunities for ongoing collaboration, peer support, and resource sharing long after the weekend concludes.
Access the latest resources in grassroots mental health
Navigating local mental health services can often feel overwhelming. By attending, you will get the latest and greatest resources in grassroots mental health. Whether you are looking for local support group programming, educational materials for schools, or community-based crisis strategies, the conference exhibition and sessions equip you with tools to make an immediate impact in your home, workplace, and local community.
For businesses: Why you should sponsor
For corporations, healthcare providers, small businesses, and community institutions, sponsoring the 2026 NAMI Illinois Conference provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while engaging a broad, targeted audience across the state. As organisations across sectors prioritise workforce wellness and community health, sponsoring this conference delivers meaningful, multi-layered return on investment.
Elevate brand visibility to a state-wide audience
Sponsoring the NAMI Illinois Annual Statewide Conference puts your brand in front of a dedicated, diverse audience from throughout Illinois. Attendees include key leaders from healthcare organisations, educational institutions, non-profit agencies, and grassroots community networks. NAMI Illinois offers various sponsorship tiers featuring both in-person and online conference advertising opportunities. Sponsoring allows your business to gain prominent brand recognition while positioning your organisation as a compassionate, forward-thinking leader.
Align your business with a high-impact mission
Aligning with NAMI Illinois signals to your employees, clients, and community partners that your business is deeply committed to mental health awareness, support, and equitable access to care. Supporting the conference highlights your organisation’s role in addressing one of the most critical public health challenges of our time. Sponsoring sends a strong signal that your organisation actively supports mental health equity and wellness initiatives across Illinois.
3. Forge Partnerships with industry leaders and decision-makers
The NAMI Illinois Statewide Conference serves as a hub for professionals and decision-makers in the behavioural health ecosystem. Sponsorship provides direct access to leaders from NAMI Illinois’ local affiliates, healthcare executives, and community organisers working across the behavioural health system. These connections open the door to strategic B2B relationships, corporate wellness partnerships, and collaborative community programmes.
4. Direct investment in community innovation
Sponsorship dollars directly support conference programming focused on vital areas like youth mental health, educational initiatives, innovation, and systemic advocacy. By supporting NAMI Illinois as a sponsor, your business serves as a direct partner in strengthening state-wide alliances and funding the grassroots education necessary to improve community care.
Join the movement in Lisle This October
The 2026 NAMI Illinois Annual Statewide Conference is a critical gathering for anyone dedicated to advancing behavioural health and community care in Illinois. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and lead.
Whether you join as an individual attendee to learn from vetted professionals, network with changemakers, and obtain grassroots resources (or participate as a business sponsor driving corporate social impact) your involvement strengthens the state-wide alliance.
To learn more about attending or to secure your organisation’s sponsorship package, visit NAMI Illinois or contact Teagan Janssen, manager of development and grants, with questions at teagan@namiillinois.org.
