ASEE IL/IN Sectional Conference 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Valparaiso University
8:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT
Conference Content
Paper Presentations
This is an opportunity for faculty colleagues to share their experiences. There will be no paper abstracts this year. Instead, initial paper submission will be due on Friday, January 23, 2026. Please review the Call for Papers for appropriate topics and the paper formatting guidelines. All accepted papers submissions will be required to present. Presentations will be 12 minutes with 3 minutes for questions.
Student Posters
All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to present on their research projects, senior design projects, or other projects. The poster session has its own dedicated time slot from 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm CDT. Awards will be given to the top posters. Students should submit a document with their title, authors, and an abstract no longer than 500 words. The deadline is February 13, 2026.
Workshops
The conference features 50-minute workshops that provide an opportunity for a longer format presentation with active participation by the attendees. This is an opportunity for professional development in engineering pedagogy and technology. Workshop proposals should be submitted by January 23, 2026.
Registration
| Registration Type | Advance Registration January 12 – February 20, 2026 | Standard Registration February 21 – March 6, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General | $100 | $125 |
| Graduate Student | $60 | $60 |
| Undergraduate Student | $60 | $60 |
If you get an error after submitting your payment, wait a few minutes for your receipt. Do not resubmit immediately.
Deadlines
| Paper | Initial Paper Due | |
| Workshop | Proposal Due | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
| Poster | Abstract Due | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Paper | Initial Decision | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Poster | Decision | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Registration | End of Advance Registration | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| Paper | Final Paper Due | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
| Paper | Final Decision | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Registration | Last Day to Register | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Conference | Saturday, March 21, 2026 |
Schedule at a Glance
All times are in CDT
| Breakfast and Registration | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Welcome | 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM |
| Keynote | 9:15 AM – 9:35 AM |
| Break | 9:35 AM – 9:45 AM |
| Paper Session 1 | 9:45 AM – 10:40 AM |
| Break | 10:40 AM – 10:50 AM |
| Paper Session 2 | 10:50 AM – 11:45 AM |
| Lunch | 11:45 AM – 12:35 PM |
| Business Meeting | 12:15 PM – 12:25 PM |
| Distinguished Lecture | 12:25 PM – 12:40 PM |
| Break | 12:40 PM – 12:45 PM |
| Undergraduate and Graduate Student Poster Session | 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM |
| Paper Session 3 | 1:45 PM – 2:40 PM |
| Break | 2:40 PM – 2:45 PM |
| Awards Ceremony | 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Workshops | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
Hotel Information
Country Inn and Suites
Cost: $139, Walking Distance
Cutoff Date: March 2, 2026
Hampton Inn
Cost $129
Cutoff Date: March 9, 2026
Holiday Inn Express
Cost: $109 – $129
Cutoff Date: None
Travel Information
Conference Location
All conference sessions and meals are at the Harre Union. This large building is just North of the Chapel and is adjacent to the parking lot.
Harre Union
1509 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZiFvspmsBP4KXzZJ8
Park in lot 14
Valparaiso University – Parking lot 14
1409 Chapel Dr
Valparaiso, IN 46383
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rnupZ8s3TLb3xBtM7
By Air
For attendees intending to fly to the conference, the most common method is to fly into one of the Chicago airports Midway (MDW) or O’Hare (ORD) and then rent a car from one of the many on- or near-airport options and drive to Valparaiso, IN.
Nearest Airports:
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Approximately 55 miles (1-hour drive).
- Transportation: Ground Transportation Options
- Parking: Parking Information. The Economy parking lots are popular.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Approximately 70 miles (1.5-hour drive).
- Transportation: Ground Transportation Options
- Parking: Parking Information
- South Bend International Airport (SBN) – Approximately 50 miles (1-hour drive).
- Transportation & Parking: Parking & Transportation
- Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) – Approximately 20 miles (30-minute drive).
- Transportation & Parking: Airport Information
Airport to Valparaiso Options:
- Rental Cars: Available at all airports. This is the preferred method.
- Private Shuttle Services: Pre-book options like Airport Express.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft operate in all area
By Car
Driving Directions:
- From Chicago: Take I-94 E or I-90 E (via Indiana Toll Road) to IN-49 S, then US-30 W.
- From Indianapolis: Take I-65 N to US-30 E, then IN-49 N.
Valparaiso University – (Parking lot 14)
Parking on Campus:
Details will be included in your registration packet or provided on-site. There are no fees for parking on campus during the conference in the designated areas.
Local Transporation
Public Transit: Valparaiso’s V-Line bus system offers affordable local transportation. V-Line Information