West Lakes Regional Division Meeting & Conference 2026
A regional gathering of geographers and GIS researchers hosted by the American Association of Geographers.
Natural History Building, University of Illinois, Urbana
- Dates
- October 16–18, 2026
- Venue
- Natural History Building, University of Illinois, Urbana
- Price
- $149–$199 (students $20)
TL;DR
- West Lakes Regional Division Meeting & Conference runs October 16–18, 2026, at the Natural History Building on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana.
- Early bird registration costs $149; regular registration is $199; students are $20.
- The three-day conference features geography research presentations with an opening keynote by Lindsay Naylor of the University of Delaware.
- Attendees include geographers and GIS researchers from the West Lakes region, with reduced rates available for students.
About
The West Lakes Regional Division Meeting is organized by the American Association of Geographers as a gathering for regional geographers and GIS researchers. The 2026 conference brings together academics, professionals, and students to present research findings, share methodologies, and build professional networks across the discipline.
Who you'll find in the room
Geographers
Academic and professional geographers from the West Lakes region conducting and presenting geography research.
GIS Researchers
Geographic Information Science researchers and practitioners exploring GIS applications and methodologies.
Students
Graduate and undergraduate students pursuing geography and GIS with access to discounted registration rates.
Featured speakers
1 listedLindsay Naylor
Opening Keynote Speaker · University of Delaware
Venue & travel
Venue
Natural History Building, 1301 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801Getting there
The Illini Union Hotel is adjacent to the Natural History Building and offers a conference rate of $144–$189 per night through September 16.
Getting there
Additional hotel options include TownePlace Suites (1/4 mile away) and Hotel Royer (1.1 miles from campus).
Getting there
Free parking is available in lots B1, B7, D1, D2, and D6 on weekends.
Getting there
Campus WiFi is accessible through EduRoam (register at your home institution first) and the Illinois_Guest network.
Getting there
University of Illinois Willard Airport is served by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Questions people ask
6 answeredThe conference runs October 16–18, 2026, with the opening keynote on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and closing on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Sessions take place in the Natural History Building at 1301 West Green Street, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.
Early bird registration through September 15 is $149; regular registration from September 15 is $199; students, underemployed, and unemployed individuals pay $20.
Attendees are geographers and GIS researchers from the West Lakes region, including students who receive reduced registration rates.
Most attendees wear business casual or academic dress for presentations and networking. The organizer does not publish a specific dress code, but expect a professional conference environment.
The value depends on your research focus and location. If you conduct geography or GIS research in the West Lakes region or plan to present your work, the conference offers a regional forum for peer engagement and knowledge exchange.
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