iConverge 2025
Building Your Career: Networking Your Way to Success.
September 11-13, 2025
The annual iConverge weekend provides an opportunity for learners in our iDegree programs to visit their campus, interact with fellow learners, engage with faculty, and create lasting impact and connections.
This year, iConverge will focus on building communication and networking skills. Participants will gain powerful strategies for enhancing their career, from initial business contacts to long-term professional growth.
Gies Business iDegree and MBA alumni supported the start and ongoing success of iConverge, and they are always welcome to attend iConverge and participate in the program.
.jpg?sfvrsn=c2cf9b43_0 "iConverge 2024 Learners in the Quad")
iConverge 2024 attendees on the Main Quad.
Agenda
Please check back later in Summer 2025 to see our finalized agenda. Below is the general plan for iConverge:
- Thursday: Activities start at 2:00 pm at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center.
- Friday: Be ready for a day full of learning, networking, and fun!
- Saturday: Join us for a football game to cheer on the Fighting Illini. Information on purchasing tickets will be provided later in the summer.
Alumni-Specific Events
While iConverge is designed with current learners in mind, we welcome our iDegree and MBA alumni to attend all program activities. The Office of Advancement alumni engagement team plans a special session for alumni. We will share more details in the summer.
- Thursday: A group of alumni hosts a separate summit for alumni prior to the start of iConverge. Details forthcoming.
- Friday: The advancement office will host an alumni reception from 3:00–5:00 pm.
iConverge 2024 Recap: Take a look at iConverge 2024! While some of the programming might be different, you can expect a similar level of excitement.
Transportation and Parking
Friday: Free parking is available in the northwest and southwest lots of at the State Farm Center off First Street (see map). Parking should be plentiful, and you should have no problem finding a space.
A shuttle will be available on Friday, September 12, to take you from the State Farm Center to the Business Instructional Facility (BIF). Please note that the shuttle will also take you to the Illini Union after the afternoon session. The shuttle will return to the State Farm Center at the end of the day. So, you can leave your car at the State Farm Center throughout Friday.
Enjoy a Fighting Illini football game!
We hope you’ll be able to join for the football game on Saturday when the Fighting Illini take on the Western Michigan Broncos.
Parking
The best single game parking would be in Research Park. It is $20 in advance or $25 the day of the game.
Networking
More details will be provided soon.
Clear bag policy
The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics enforces a clear bag policy for entrance into Memorial Stadium. Each ticketed guest is permitted to carry one (1) clear plastic or vinyl bag or one, one-gallon clear plastic or Ziplock bag. Bring only necessary items into Memorial Stadium. All bags are subject to search and inspection. Full policy details and bag dimensions are available here. Please note that you will receive a complimentary clear bag as one of your gifts for attending iConverge.
Ticket Information
A registration link will be sent in the summer by email to all those who register for iConverge. Tickets are available at a discounted price. Contact us i-support@illinois.edu if you need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I register for iConverge?
Registration for iConverge will officially start on April 22. Please check your email to find the registration link.
Can I bring a guest?
Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, we are not able to receive guests.
When can I see the program?
The final program is usually shared in August, but we will provide updates as they become available in the months leading up to iConverge. Closer to the event, we will provide you with log in information for the Whova App to see the updated agenda.
Can I meet faculty during iConverge?
As has happened in prior iConverge gatherings, we expect some faculty members will participate in iConverge either by leading an activity or by attending social events. While not all Gies Online faculty members will attend, it is likely that you will see them at one point or another at iConverge.
Will there be career development opportunities
We make sure to invite guests who can have an impact on our learners’ careers. We do not offer technical support, such as resume review or mock interviews.
Do learners and alumni organize activities during iConverge?
learners and alumni on campus is a unique opportunity, so other organizations or groups seize the opportunity to connect with fellow learners and alumni.
For learners, the iGBA independently organizes activities that take place during the iConverge weekend.
For alumni, in the past few years, a group of MBA and iDegree alumni have planned an Alumni Summit where alumni invite guest speakers and participate in panel discussions and workshops.
While these activities aren’t part of the official iConverge program organized by the College, we encourage you to connect with the organizers and learn more about how you can make the best out of your visit to your campus.
What is the dress code for iConverge?
Smart casual. We will be wearing jeans and blazers to panel discussions and events on-campus. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes on Friday as you will have a long day and will visit multiple locations. On Saturday, feel free to wear the T-shirt you will receive in your gift bag to the game.
Do you ever hold iConverge outside of Urbana-Champaign?
iConverge is intentionally held on campus to give our learners and alumni a chance to connect with their campus and get to know the University of Illinois in person
Are there traditions that Illinois visitors should do on campus?
- Take a photo with Alma Mater near the Illini Union.
- Take picture at or near Gies Business’ three facilities: Wohler’s Hall, Business Instructional Facility, and Steven S. Wymer Hall.
- Talk with someone new in the Main Quad.
- Attend a Fighting Illini football game or visit a park if you are not a football fan.
- Meet a faculty member in person.
Are there any places on campus you recommend we visit?
Learn more about Gies Business’ three facilities: Wohler’s Hall, Business Instructional Facility, and Steven S. Wymer Hall.
Campus Admissions Office has developed a self-guided tour of the main campus area: https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/visit/campus-visits/self-guided-quad#admissions
You can also check out this website for more ideas.
Do you have restaurant recommendations?
Here are some recommendations from local websites:
- https://www.chambanamoms.com/2024/08/07/campustown-places-to-eat-champaign-urbana/
- https://experiencecu.org/experiences/food-and-drink
- https://www.smilepolitely.com/category/food-drink/
Where can I purchase Gies and Illinois merchandise?
In addition to receiving a gift bag when you arrive, you will be able to purchase Gies-branded wearables and items on Friday afternoon at BIF. Illinois-branded items can be found at the Illini Union Bookstore.
Questions?
If you have any questions about iConverge, please contact us at i-support@illinois.edu.