2026 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference

Jan 29, 2026
John M. O’Driscoll, Andrew S. Paine, James J. Hess, Megan M. Olson, Darcy L. Proctor, Elizabeth F. Wagman, Kathleen M. Gibbons, Drew O’Donnell

Tressler attorneys John M. O’Driscoll, Andrew S. Paine, James J. Hess, Megan M. Olson, Darcy L. Proctor,  Elizabeth F. Wagman, Kathleen M. Gibbons, and Drew O’Donnell have been selected to present at the 2026 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference scheduled at the Hyatt Regency Chicago from January 29-31, 2026. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

When: January 29-31, 2026

Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60601

Conference Website: http://www.ilparksconference.com/

Please click here to register.

Presentations:

So You Want to Stay Out of Jail? What Park District Leadership “Must Know About Ethics” Requirements

About the Session:

This session will provide park district leadership and employees with critical information about the Gift Ban Act, prohibited political activities, conflicts of interest, official misconduct, whistleblower protections, and executive session confidentiality. We will cover updates to legal and ethical requirements, including recent opinions from the ethics commission and attorney general. This session will be interactive, with the presenters asking for attendees to participate in discussions, provide real life examples of everyday issues, and even a few pop quiz questions.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the limitations of gifts that can be received and the need for placing boundaries on certain relationships.
  2. Properly evaluate potential conflicts of interest and determine what steps need to be taken to avoid legal and ethical consequences.
  3. Understand best practices for closed session portions of meetings, as well as the importance of maintaining necessary confidentiality.

Beyond the Basics: How to respond when OMA and FOIA are Weaponized Against Your Agency

  • Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
  • Time: 10:00am-11:00am
  • Location: Roosevelt 3AB
  • Session: 105
  • Speakers: Andrew S. Paine

About the Session:

We live in an increasingly polarized world, and local government is no exception. And these days when faced with controversial topics, it is becoming more and more common for members of the public to try and use (abuse?) OMA and FOIA to further their personal agendas. This session will provide Park District Board members and staff with tools to combat this practice. We will discuss managing public comment, who is and is not “news media,” recurrent requesters, voluminous requesters, and how to use those and other strategies to make your interactions with challenging members of the public more manageable and efficient.

Learning Objectives:

  1. In depth discussion on the ways FOIA and OMA can be weaponized against public agencies and tips and tricks for minimizing its impact.
  2. Using statutory tools, like voluminous requests and the recurrent requester designation, to better handle FOIA frequent flyers.
  3.  Key strategies for dealing with challenging members of the public.

Policies in Practice: Preparing for Shifts in Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Enforcement

About the Session:

This training equips Illinois park district leaders and staff with the tools to uphold strong anti-discrimination and harassment policies amid potential shifts in federal priorities under a new presidential administration. Participants will review current legal obligations under Illinois and federal law, explore how changes in federal enforcement may impact workplace protections, and learn proactive strategies to maintain inclusive, compliant, and respectful environments. The session will include policy review checklists, case studies, and guidance on reinforcing a culture of equity and accountability.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Review tools and best practices for strong anti-discrimination and harassment policies in the current regulatory environment.
  2. In depth discussion of current state and federal laws impacting the workplace.
  3. Participants will leave with real world guidance and policy review checklist to navigate the current workplace.

2026 Employment Law Update

About the Session:

This session will cover recent developments in state and federal employment laws and court decisions impacting Illinois park districts. The session will also cover best practices for avoiding employer liability and putting the employer in the best position to
defend potential employment related claims and lawsuits. This session will cover recent developments in state and federal employment laws and court decisions impacting Illinois park districts. The session will also cover best practices for avoiding employer liability and putting the employer in the best position to defend potential employment related claims and lawsuits.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify common workplace issues that lead to employment litigation and potential employer liability.
  2. Minimize liability exposure and mitigate risk associated with employment decisions and practices.
  3. Review key court cases and legislative updates.

Please contact Tressler attorneys  Andrew S. Paine at apaine@tresslerllp.com or John M. O’Driscoll at jodriscoll@tresslerllp.com with any questions.

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