24th Annual Conference
February 18- 20th, 2009

Hotel Père Marquette
Peoria, Illinois

General Overview
The annual ILMA conference returns to Peoria in February. The jewel of Central Illinois, Peoria is a vibrant metropolis located along the shores of the Illinois River. In Peoria, you'll experience the culture, entertainment, and energy of a big city, without the attitude.

The conference kicks off Wednesday afternoon, February 18th, with an extremely timely workshop, Grant Opportunities and Funding Options for Lake and Watershed Projects. If you are considering a lake or watershed project in the near future, you will not want to miss out on this excellent opportunity.

Sessions begin Thursday morning, February 19th. Steve Pallo, IDNR’s Chief of Fisheries, and John Marlin, Associate Director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability, will lead off the day’s events. Conference goers will enjoy other conference highlights, such as the ever-popular Lake Education Assistance Program (LEAP) presentation given this year by St. Mary’s School (Bloomington) sixth graders. We will also learn what to do with that stash of old prescription drugs that are piling up in your medicine cabinet. Pontiac High School students will be on hand with the “script” on how to recycle old pharmaceuticals. This year’s conference will also revisit a couple of popular themes from last year. Chuck Pederson, Eastern Illinois University, will present a summary of last year’s “What is a Good Lake” session and Mae Davenport and Joan Brehm’s session will further explore the relationship between human beliefs, behavior, and water quality improvement. And that’s just the beginning!

Finally, let’s not forget one of the most important features of ILMA: Networking! The conference offers a perfect opportunity to connect with others just like you. Plan to visit the vendor area for a chance to meet the experts and discover the latest technology available for lake and watershed management. And as usual, the hospitality suite will be available in the evening for a chance to continue the day’s discussions or to relax and get reacquainted with old friends or to make new ones. See you in Peoria in February!

Registration
The registration fee for this year’s conference is $75 for current ILMA members. Fees include Thursday’s lunch and dinner, all breaks, the Exhibitors’ Reception, and all conference materials. If you are not currently an ILMA member, the registration fee is $95, which includes a one-year, individual ILMA membership. There is an additional $15 registration fee for Wednesday’s workshop. You can register for the workshop even if you do not plan to attend the conference. Meal plans ($60) are available for guests of attendees that do not plan to attend the conference.

Be sure to register by January 28, 2009 to obtain the special conference room rate. Workshop availability is also limited, so register early to ensure a seat. Payment can be made by check (mail) or charge (fax or mail). Cancellations will be subject to a $20 service fee until February 4, 2009, after which no refunds will be available.

Location
This magnificent hotel delivers vintage hospitality and modern elegance in the heart of Peoria. Opened in 1927 at a cost of $2.5 million, Hotel Père Marquette continues to enjoy the status of Peoria’s premier hotel. Maintaining a rich tradition of service excellence, the hotel has hosted presidents, heads of states, international dignitaries and celebrities for decades. After a massive renovation in 1981, the hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Conference attendees will receive a special room rate of $99.00 if reservations are made by January 28, 2009. When making reservations be sure to mention the Illinois Lake Management Association Conference. A limited number of government rate rooms will be available with proper identification, but we advise you to make your reservation early.

For additional hotel information,: Hotel Père Marquette 501 Main Street, Peoria, IL 61602 Reservations: 800-447-1676 Group Code: Illinois Lake Management Association

Hotel guests will also enjoy the following amenities: Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet – 6am to 9am, Complimentary Wireless and DSL Internet in all rooms/public areas, Complimentary Self Parking in Parking Deck, Complimentary Airport Shuttle Transportation, Fitness Center Located on Street Level, Complimentary use of the Business Center.

Silent Auction
As in the past, we are looking for donated items for the Silent Auction to benefit the ILMA Scholarship Fund. Items will be available for bidding all day Thursday during the conference and Friday until 10:00 a.m. The winners will be announced at noon on Friday. Donated items may be brought with you to the conference and dropped off at the registration desk.

Remember - all proceeds from this event go to the ILMA Scholarship Funds, so please be generous in your donations and bidding! If you have an item to donate, please contact Dan Brill at (217)757-8660 x1024 or by email: dan.brill@cwlp.com.

Photo Contest
This is for all of you avid photographers out there. We know you all have great lake/water related photos laying around. Why not show them off to the rest of the world? The first place entry will receive $50 and be featured on the cover of the 2010 Conference Program! There will also be prizes for the second and third place photos.

Contest Rules:
- Photo submissions must be lake/water related and have been taken in the State of Illinois
- Limit TWO photos per attendee
- Photos must be submitted on 8x10 photographic paper (B&W or Color)
- Submittal deadline is February 13, 2009. No late entries will be accepted.
- Include your name, title, where photo was taken, phone number, and e-mail
Mail photos to:
Joe Marencik,
Illinois EPA
9511 W. Harrison St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016

24th Annual Conference Schedule At A Glance