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.

iConverge 2024 attendees on the Main Quad.

Agenda

As you get ready to join us, you can see an overview of the events below. The specific day-to-day agenda of events can be found on the Whova app. Be sure to download it to your smartphone to make the most of your time here.

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. We’re pleased to offer 75 free tickets for Illinois vs. Western Michigan, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Signup details were emailed to all registrants.

Alumni-Specific Events
While iConverge is designed with current learners in mind, we welcome our iDegree and MBA alumni to attend all program activities. As you make plans to reconnect with other alumni while on-campus, make sure to consider the following events:

Thursday: A group of alumni will host a separate summit for alumni from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A registration link was sent by email to alumni.
Friday: The advancement office will host an alumni reception from 3:00–5:00 pm. This event is included with your iConverge registration.

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. 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.

iConverge State Farm Center Parking 2024

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 Gies 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 Gies Memorial Stadium. All bags are subject to search and inspection. Full policy details and bag dimensions are available here.

Ticket Information

We’re pleased to provide 75 complimentary tickets for iConverge participants, available on a first-come, first-served basis, all in the same section. Please refer to the email you received for instructions on how to request a ticket.

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:

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.

Can I visit Steven S. Wymer Hall when I’m on campus for iConverge?

Yes! We welcome you to explore the building at your convenience. The first two floors feature student-focused spaces, including informal collaboration areas and team rooms—all designed with learners in mind. The third and fourth floors feature private conference rooms, huddle rooms, and faculty and staff offices. Please keep in mind that classes will be in session during your visit. As a result, classrooms, studios, meeting rooms, and the terrace may be in use and unavailable for viewing.

Questions?

If you have any questions about iConverge, please contact us at i-support@illinois.edu.