TheNational Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2026 Annual Convention is heading to the heart of the Midwest, bringing school psychologists from across the nation to Chicago this February. This premier professional development event promises cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and invaluable networking opportunities—all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most vibrant cities. Convention Website
Whether you’re a first-time conference attendee or a NASP veteran, Chicago in February presents unique opportunities and challenges. With the right preparation and mindset, you can maximize both your professional growth and personal enjoyment during this transformative week.
Mastering Chicago in February: Weather and Wardrobe
Chicago in February is cold—there’s no sugarcoating it. Average temperatures range from 20°F to 35°F, with wind chills often making it feel much colder. However, proper preparation transforms potential misery into manageable adventure.
Essential Packing Guide
Layer Like a Pro: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating middle layers, and top with a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Chicago’s famous winds can cut through inadequate clothing instantly.
Footwear Strategy: Pack waterproof boots with good traction for outdoor walking, plus professional shoes for conference events. Many locals carry dress shoes and change indoors.
Accessories That Matter: A warm hat that covers your ears, insulated gloves, and a substantial scarf aren’t optional—they’re survival gear. Consider hand and foot warmers for extended outdoor activities.
Professional Conference Attire: Most conference venues are well-heated, so plan for comfortable, professional clothing that can be layered or adjusted. Bring a blazer or cardigan for networking events and formal presentations.
Weather Wisdom
Check forecasts daily during your visit, as Chicago weather can change rapidly. Snow is common but usually manageable with proper footwear. The city’s snow removal systems are efficient, but allow extra travel time during active weather.
Don’t let cold temperatures keep you indoors—many of Chicago’s best attractions are enhanced by winter’s dramatic beauty. Frozen lakeshores, snow-covered architecture, and cozy indoor spaces create magical experiences unavailable in warmer months.
Navigating the Conference City
Transportation Made Simple
From the Airport: Both O’Hare and Midway airports connect directly to downtown via the CTA Blue and Orange lines respectively. These trains run frequently and cost significantly less than taxis or ride-shares. Travel time is 45-60 minutes to downtown.
Conference Venue Access: Most NASP conventions utilize major downtown hotels connected to Chicago’s comprehensive public transit system. The convention center and affiliated hotels are typically within walking distance of multiple train stations.
Getting Around Downtown: Chicago’s Loop area is highly walkable, with most conference activities, hotels, and attractions within a compact area. The elevated train system (the “L”) provides quick access to neighborhoods beyond downtown.
Ride-Share Considerations: While convenient, ride-sharing can be expensive during peak conference hours. Plan ahead and consider combining with colleagues to share costs.
Hotel Strategies
Book early through NASP’s housing bureau for discounted rates and convenient locations. Consider these factors:
Proximity to Convention: Walking distance saves time and transportation costs
Amenities: Look for fitness centers, business services, and quality restaurants
Networking Opportunities: Many informal professional conversations happen in hotel lobbies and bars
Professional Networking Success
Strategic Session Selection
Create a balanced schedule mixing different session types. Attend research presentations to stay current, workshops for practical skills, and poster sessions for emerging ideas. Leave time for informal networking—some of the most valuable conversations happen between sessions.
Networking Event Navigation
NASP hosts several formal networking events, but don’t overlook informal opportunities. Hotel lobbies, coffee shops near the convention center, and shared meals often produce the most meaningful professional connections.
Preparation Tips:
- Update your LinkedIn profile before arriving
- Prepare a brief personal introduction highlighting your interests and goals
- Bring plenty of business cards or consider digital alternatives
- Follow up within a week after the conference
Making Connections Count
Focus on quality over quantity in networking. A few meaningful conversations are more valuable than collecting dozens of business cards. Ask thoughtful questions about others’ work and share your own experiences genuinely.
Consider organizing informal meetups with colleagues who share your interests. Many successful professional collaborations begin with casual conference conversations.
Chicago’s Cultural Treasures
World-Class Museums
Art Institute of Chicago: Home to one of the world’s finest Impressionist collections, plus contemporary works that inspire creativity. The museum’s educational approach offers insights relevant to learning and development.
Field Museum: Beyond dinosaurs, explore exhibits on human cultures and evolution that inform understanding of child development and diversity.
Museum of Science and Industry: Interactive exhibits demonstrate learning principles that can enhance your educational practice.
Architectural Marvels
Chicago’s architectural legacy provides stunning backdrops for conference breaks. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers winter tours that combine sightseeing with professional development insights into environmental psychology and design thinking.
Must-See Structures:
- Willis Tower Skydeck (weather permitting)
- Chicago Riverwalk (beautiful even in winter)
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)
Culinary Adventures
Chicago’s food scene offers comfort during cold February days and opportunities for memorable colleague meals.
Deep-Dish Pizza: Try Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s for authentic Chicago-style pizza—perfect for sharing with conference colleagues.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: A quick, warm meal between sessions.
Fine Dining: Restaurants like Alinea, Girl & Goat, or The Purple Pig provide special occasion dining for celebration dinners or important professional meetings.
Coffee Culture: Chicago’s numerous coffee shops offer warm spaces for informal meetings and presentation preparation.
Balancing Professional and Personal Goals
Time Management Strategies
Create a realistic schedule that allows for professional development without burnout. Include time for:
- Key presentations and workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Personal exploration of the city
- Rest and reflection
Extending Your Stay
Consider arriving a day early or staying after the conference ends. This provides opportunities to:
- Explore Chicago’s attractions without conference pressure
- Meet with local colleagues or potential collaborators
- Attend non-conference cultural events
- Simply enjoy the city’s offerings
Wellness During Travel
Conference travel can be exhausting. Maintain your wellbeing through:
- Regular sleep schedules despite exciting evening events
- Healthy eating choices among tempting local cuisine
- Staying hydrated in heated indoor environments
- Taking breaks from intense professional programming
Making the Most of February in Chicago
Winter-Specific Opportunities
February in Chicago offers unique experiences unavailable in warmer months:
Ice Skating: Millennium Park’s rink provides magical downtown skating experiences.
Winter Theater: Chicago’s renowned theater scene continues through winter with indoor performances perfect for conference evenings.
Cozy Indoor Spaces: Libraries, bookstores, and cafes become especially welcoming during cold weather.
Photography: Snow-covered cityscapes create stunning photo opportunities for those willing to brave the cold briefly.
Indoor Cultural Exploration
Plan indoor activities for the coldest days:
- Extended museum visits
- Shopping on the Magnificent Mile
- Exploring Chicago’s famous architecture from inside heated buildings
- Attending concerts or theatrical performances
Conference Success Strategies
Pre-Conference Preparation
Research Presenters: Identify speakers whose work aligns with your interests and plan to attend their sessions.
Set Goals: Define what you hope to accomplish professionally during the conference.
Plan Follow-Up: Prepare systems for organizing new information and maintaining new connections.
During the Conference
Active Participation: Ask questions, join discussions, and engage with presenters and colleagues.
Documentation: Take notes not just on presentation content but on networking contacts and ideas for implementation.
Balance: Mix intense learning with lighter networking and exploration activities.
Post-Conference Implementation
Process Learning: Schedule time after returning home to review notes and plan implementation strategies.
Follow Through: Contact new connections within a week while conversations remain fresh.
Share Knowledge: Present key learnings to colleagues at your home institution.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Cost Management
Early Bird Registration: NASP offers significant discounts for early conference registration.
Shared Accommodations: Consider sharing hotel rooms with colleagues to reduce costs.
Group Meals: Organize group dining with colleagues to share costs and enhance networking.
Free Activities: Many Chicago attractions offer free or low-cost options, including architectural tours, park activities, and cultural events.
Professional Development Investment
Remember that conference attendance is a professional investment. Many employers provide professional development funding, and conference expenses may be tax-deductible. The connections and knowledge gained often provide returns far exceeding the initial investment.
Your Chicago Conference Adventure Awaits
NASP 2026 in Chicago represents more than just another professional conference—it’s an opportunity to advance your career, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore one of America’s greatest cities. The combination of cutting-edge professional development and rich cultural experiences creates memories and connections that last far beyond the conference week.
February in Chicago may be cold, but the warmth of professional community and the excitement of learning new approaches to serving students and families make it an invaluable experience. With proper preparation for the weather and thoughtful planning for both professional and personal goals, your NASP 2026 experience can become a career highlight.
Pack your warmest clothes, bring your most curious mind, and prepare for a conference experience that will inspire your practice and enrich your professional journey. Chicago is ready to welcome you, and the school psychology community is eager to share insights, innovations, and inspiration.
The Windy City awaits—are you ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity for growth, connection, and discovery?
