VIP Brunch to Open 2026 Chicago-Calumet River Summit on Biodiversity, Sponsorships and Tickets Now Available
The 2026 Chicago-Calumet River Summit returns on Friday, January 30, with a powerful new addition designed to spark early connection and collaboration: a VIP Brunch preceding the full Summit program.
River Summit Tickets on Sale Now
This year’s theme of In Defense of Biodiversity will guide a full day of discussion, strategy, and inspiration as leading voices in science, policy, and community action shine a light on the biodiversity that defines our watershed, from fish and migratory birds to the neighborhoods of the river system. The Summit will also confront the growing threats posed by climate change and the weakening of cornerstone environmental protections such as the Clean Water Act.
A New Summit Experience: VIP Brunch (9:30–10:30 a.m.)
For the first time, Summit attendees and sponsors can begin the day with exclusive networking, and a conversation-driven brunch moderated by Juanpablo Ramirez Franco, Environment Reporter for Grist and WBEZ Radio. The program will open with a timely dialogue featuring top environmental and agency leaders:
- Adam Bianchi, General Superintendent, Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Margaret Frisbie, Executive Director, Friends of the Chicago River
- John Murray, Executive Director, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District
Designed to cultivate meaningful connections before the broader Summit convenes, the brunch will highlight both urgent challenges and emerging opportunities for the river system and adjacent land.
VIP Brunch Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a VIP Brunch Sponsor to support the Summit’s mission, and gain prominent visibility.
Sponsorship benefits include:
- An opportunity to provide remarks during the brunch
- High-profile recognition across all Summit materials
- Complimentary Summit tickets and VIP Brunch admission
To reserve a sponsorship, contact Annie Hanrahan at ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org or (312) 939-0490 x19.
Following the VIP Brunch, the 2026 Chicago-Calumet River Summit will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a special cocktail hour and presentation of the Chicago River Blue Awards from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This year’s Summit will be held at SOM, 224 S. Michigan Ave.
Don’t miss this dynamic day of dialogue, action, and advocacy.
