Power of PFLAG Conference comes to NIU Naperville on Oct. 10

CHICAGO, ILL. - As autumn settles across the region, local advocates, families, and allies are gearing up for one of the most anticipated community gatherings of the season. The PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois is hosting its biennial Power of PFLAG Conference on Saturday, October 10, 2026, bringing together community leaders, parents, youth, and professionals for a full day of learning, connection, and empowerment.

For decades, PFLAG has stood as the nation's largest family and ally organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ individuals, their families, and those who love them. Through education, advocacy, and peer support, local chapters across Illinois have worked tirelessly to build safer, more inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

The biennial conference serves as the crown jewel of the council's organizing efforts, offering a centralized space to share resources, strategize around advocacy, and foster deep community ties. Because the council operates entirely through grassroots dedication without paid event staff, the conference relies heavily on community spirit, making it an intimate yet high-impact gathering.

This year’s event takes place at the NIU Naperville Conference Center, located at 1120 E. Diehl Road in Naperville, running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In an exciting milestone for the organization, this year's program will feature a dedicated youth track for the very first time, ensuring that young people have specialized spaces, discussions, and programming tailored directly to their experiences.

Attendees can look forward to a robust lineup of workshops across multiple tracks spanning safety and trans topics, school advocacy, family support, spirituality, and youth-centered programming. Highlights include sessions such as "Trans Joy - A Lived Experience Perspective on Navigating Strength and Resilience in Difficult Times" led by Dylan Conmy, "Education Rights: Navigating Every Step of the Way" with Asher McMaher, an "Everyday Advocacy Panel," and Heather Hester's workshop on "Brave Conversations - Staying Connected in High Stakes Moments." Additional specialized tracks feature youth-led sessions like "Joy Is Resistance" and "Using Sketch Comedy to Process our Queer Experience," alongside panels covering healthcare, intersectionality, and community care.

To ensure the event remains as accessible as possible, registration is kept at an affordable $20 per person, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Organizers note that the actual cost per attendee is significantly higher, and welcoming optional donations during registration helps cover venue, catering, and presentation expenses.

Registration is officially open, and community members are encouraged to sign up early. To secure your spot, visit the registration link at pflagillinois.org/conference-2026/.

Whether you are a parent seeking guidance, a queer youth looking for community, or an ally wanting to deepen your advocacy work, the Power of PFLAG Conference offers a welcoming space to connect and recharge as we head deeper into the autumn season.