Member Community Activities

At ILA's Global Conference

ILA’s Member Communities super charge the member experience and provide targeted networking opportunities at the conference and beyond! Each community is led by a spirited group of volunteers who work closely with ILA’s staff to guide programming of interest for their constituencies. Visit https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/member-communities/ to learn more about their work.

Member Community Open House

Wednesday 28 October 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30

ILA’s member communities are where many attendees find their home within the association, and the Opening Reception is your first chance to meet them. Throughout the Wednesday evening reception, communities will be hosting tables where you can learn what each group is about, see which sessions and activities they have planned for the week, and meet the members who make them tick. Whether you’re already part of a community or still looking for one that fits your work and interests, stop by a table, pick up a flyer, and start a conversation. You may leave with a few new plans for the days ahead and a group of colleagues to see them through.

Member Community Networking Meetings

Member Communities hold networking meetings throughout the conference. Check the agenda for details on when the community you’re interested in is meeting. 

These relaxed conversations are open to longtime members and newcomers alike, and there’s no agenda to prepare for or presentation to sit through. Come meet fellow members, share what brought you to the conference, and talk about what you’d like to get out of your community, whether that’s new connections, ways to get involved, or ideas for where the group could go next. 

Member Community Ticketed Meals

Register for these in advance.  You may add a ticket for yourself and/or a companion via the links below.

Women & Leadership Member Community Luncheon (Ticketed Event, Not Included in Registration)
Friday, 30 October, 12:00-1:30 PM | Regatta Room, Westin Harbour Castle

Tickets must be purchased in advance; there will be no sales at the door.

Join ILA’s Women and Leadership Member Community for its annual luncheon! Purchase your $75 ticket when you register for the conference or as an add-on. 

At time of purchase select from the following entrees:

  • Roasted chicken breast (7oz) – smoked paprika and rosemary rub, potato and cheddar gratin, seasonal vegetables, grains mustard jus (NF, Halal)
  • Eggplant Moussaka (5oz) – braised baby eggplant, red curry gravy, jasmine rice, crispy shallot, clove and nutmeg (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)

All meals also come with salad, dessert, and beverage.

Public Leadership Member Community Dinner (Ticketed Event, not included in registration)
Friday, 30 October, 7:00-9:00 PM | Irene (Offsite Restaurant)

Join ILA’s Public Leadership Member Community for its annual dinner! Purchase your $65 ticket when you register for the conference or as an add-on.  Meet in the Westin lobby around 7:00 PM then walk (~8 min.) or taxi to the restaurant – Irene.

At time of purchase select from the following entrees:

  • Jerk Chicken – Dark Meat/Thigh, Medium Spice | Spiced Rice, Tamarind Gastrique | Pickled Red Onions
  • Fish & Chips – Cod, Dill Batter | French Fries | Coleslaw | Tartar Sauce
  • Vegan Pesto Pasta – Linguine | Roasted Red Pepper | Cherry Tomato | Asparagus | Vegan Cheese

Member Community Dine Arounds

Dates & Times Are Forthcoming in the App

Some of the best conversations at an ILA conference happen away from the session rooms, over a shared meal. Community Dine-Arounds bring small groups of attendees together at local Toronto restaurants to break bread, swap ideas, and turn new acquaintances into lasting connections. As the conference approaches, informal sign-ups will open in the Whova app, so keep an eye out and claim a seat at a table that appeals to you. These dinners are self-pay: each guest orders and covers their own meal at the restaurant.