Annual Conference

The Progressive City is the Conservancy’s third Chicago conference, the first there in fifteen years. Chicago around 1900 was a laboratory of progressive reforms addressing widespread social inequality, public health crises, and lack of access to education, nature and affordable housing. Education sessions will focus on the efforts of Wright, his peers and collaborators to improve the city through innovations in architecture, urban planning, parks, public health, education, social services, and housing. We will revisit must-see favorites from our past tours including Unity Temple and the Frederick C. Robie House (both a part of The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright World Heritage inscription and restored since our last visit), as well as the Bradley House, The Rookery, Wright’s Oak Park Home & Studio, the Coonley Estate, Emil Bach House, and more. We will also have the opportunity to visit homes never before toured during in-person Conservancy events: the Jessie and William Adams House, Foster House, Baker House, Kathryn and Lloyd Lewis House, and others. Evening events will provide fellowship, support the Conservancy’s mission, and celebrate the recipients of the 2022 Wright Spirit Awards. The Conservancy’s Annual Meeting will take place on the morning of Saturday, October 22. We hope you will join us in Chicago – or online!

2022 Conference Co-Chairs
Kelly Jones, FLWBC Board
Carmen Korleski, TAWANI Hospitality/Emil Bach House
Heidi Ruehle, Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

We are excited to gather safely in person – while also committed to offering an accessible and substantive online option. All education sessions and the gala with Wright Spirit Awards will be livestreamed, enabling in-person and online attendees to participate together. All session recordings will be available to all registrants to stream for three months after the conference, allowing both in-person and online attendees to watch at their convenience.

Click the buttons below to see schedules and registration information for the in-person or online conference experiences.

September 26 update: Online experience registration is now available. Capacity remains for all in-person events, but the hotel block is now closed. Rooms must be requested through the Conservancy office, and rates and availability are not guaranteed.

The Conservancy is grateful for the support of our conference sponsors. Interested in becoming a conference sponsor? Learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits.

Presenting Partner

Major Partners

Kelly Jones
Ron and Jan Scherubel

Conference Partners

Anonymous
Chuck and Kit Henderson
Lukas Ruecker and Safina Uberoi
Blossoms and Turkel House

Patron

Gaines and Sharon Hall
Carmen and Christopher Korleski

Sponsors

Berglund Construction
CYLA Design Associates, Inc. Landscape Architecture & Planning
Eifler & Associates Architects
Tim Gibson representing Rotary District #6540
Harboe Architects, PC
WJE Engineers, Architects & Materials Specialists

Supporters

Architectural Resources Group
Harding Partners, Architects
George Meyer
Janet Parks
Mary and Tom Roberts
Sassetti, Accountants

Special Thanks

J. Charles
Doug McGoldrick Photography
The Rookery

The Conservancy’s most popular annual fundraiser will take place online in conjunction with the conference. The auction offers rare Wright memorabilia, artwork, collectibles, experiences at Wright sites, books, and more. All proceeds support our mission of preserving Wright’s remaining structures.

Bidding will open near the start of the conference, and will conclude after the gala on Saturday night, October 22nd. Check back for more details as the conference approaches. The silent auction is open to everyone; attendance at the annual conference is not required.