Event Info

CLLA 129th
National Convention

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Friday, April 14, 2023

Swissotel Chicago
323 East Upper Wacker Drive
Chicago Illinois 60611
(312) 565-0565

CLLA’s 129th National Convention

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
May 17-19, 2023

Happy 2023! Spring is sure to arrive soon, which can only mean we will be in Chicago for CLLA’s 129th National Convention! I found the below quote that, to me, describes Chicago perfectly:

“It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.” Mark Twain, Life On The Mississippi 1883

I think about the many times I have been in Chicago for CLLA and each and every time I discover something new about the city or new about the League. Open your mind to all this great city and this great organization have to offer.

We are planning an action-packed three days of education, keynote speakers, awarding of the President’s Cup, installation of new volunteer leaders; and, of course, networking opportunities. Please join us Friday to celebrate this year’s winner of the President’s Cup and to welcome our new President, Bill Thrush.

Your First Lady of the League, Maria Kozelek is putting together the first community outreach program for the Women’s Empowerment Networking Event. Maria is working with staff and Dress for Success Worldwide. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. More information about this event can be found on the insert.

As I head into the final months of my term as your President, I am still amazed at the amount of time and effort our volunteer leaders spend in making this organization the premier trade organization that it is. So please, in your travels take the time to thank our volunteer leaders who spend countless hours each year on your behalf. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance in helping to make your membership with the League a success.

Jim Kozelek,
CLLA President 2022-2023

Convention Events

• Business Session – Town Hall Meeting that includes the Annual Report from the League President and the Treasurer’s Report.
• Nominating Debates (when necessary) – Make informed decisions on candidates running for office.
• Change of Officers – Introduction of the newly installed officers.
• President’s Cup – Recipient recognition.
• Goosechase – The CLLA is sending you on a goosechase.
• Game Show – Bring your best brain-teasing solving mind.
• Prohibition Tour – This tour of several local Speakeasies is an in depth look at prohibition. There is an extra charge for this tour. The limit is 40 people so sign up when you register for the convention!

WINDY CITY THROWDOWN

Wednesday, May 17
8:30 — 10:30 PM

Join your sponsors, the Young Members Section for a night of socializing, food, libations, and throwing down with other CLLA members at the Game Room of the Chicago Athletic Association.

LOCATION:
The Chicago Athletic Association, Game Room
12 South Michigan Avenue; 312-940-3552

Thank You to Our Windy City Throwdown Sponsors

General Sponsorships

• CLLA website
• Email promotions
• On-site Signage
• Event Program

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 17, 2022.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS Friday, April 14

*Disclaimer: CLE credit is available to attendees from qualifying states who register on or before March 17. We cannot guarantee state accreditation after March 17.
**One registration form per member.
***Please note that business colleagues are not eligible to register under this category.

 Virtual Registration Fee Includes:

• Access to all Educational Sessions
• Keynote Speaker
• Continuing Education: CLE/CEU
• Thursday’s Business Meeting
• Friday’s Annual Awards Program

Transportations and Parking:

Swissotel: Valet Parking overnight with in/out access is $78/night

Nearby Self-Parking Garages:

• 303 East Wacker Garage (303 E. Wacker Dr.)
• Coast Parking (345 E, W. Wacker Drive)
• The Tides at Lakeshore East (360 E. South Water St)
• Illinois Center (111 E. Randolph)
• Park Millennium Parking Garage (221 N. Stetson Ave.)

To find discounted parking near the hotel, download the SpotHero app to your mobile device and search the area.

Transportation
Visit this link  for driving directions: https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/chicago/explore-hotel/

Jim Kozelek,
CLLA President 2022-2023

CLLA’s 129th National Convention

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
May 17-19, 2023

Happy 2023! Spring is sure to arrive soon, which can only mean we will be in Chicago for CLLA’s 129th National Convention! I found the below quote that, to me, describes Chicago perfectly:

“It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.” Mark Twain, Life On The Mississippi 1883

I think about the many times I have been in Chicago for CLLA and each and every time I discover something new about the city or new about the League. Open your mind to all this great city and this great organization have to offer.

We are planning an action-packed three days of education, keynote speakers, awarding of the President’s Cup, installation of new volunteer leaders; and, of course, networking opportunities. Please join us Friday to celebrate this year’s winner of the President’s Cup and to welcome our new President, Bill Thrush.

Your First Lady of the League, Maria Kozelek is putting together the first community outreach program for the Women’s Empowerment Networking Event. Maria is working with staff and Dress for Success Worldwide. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. More information about this event can be found on the insert.

As I head into the final months of my term as your President, I am still amazed at the amount of time and effort our volunteer leaders spend in making this organization the premier trade organization that it is. So please, in your travels take the time to thank our volunteer leaders who spend countless hours each year on your behalf. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance in helping to make your membership with the League a success.

Jim Kozelek,
CLLA President 2022-2023

CLLA Welcomes You to Chicago

Join CLLA, May 17-19, 2023, in Chicago at the Swissotel Chicago. In addition to the high-quality educational sessions and networking events, you can explore Chicago – a shopping mecca! Or, take in the festive atmosphere of Navy Pier, do some museum hopping, and sample cuisine from around the world. Nearby attractions include: The Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute of Chicago, State Street shopping, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.

Convention Events

• Business Session – Town Hall Meeting that includes the Annual Report from the League President and the Treasurer’s Report.
• Nominating Debates (when necessary) – Make informed decisions on candidates running for office.
• Change of Officers – Introduction of the newly installed officers.
• President’s Cup – Recipient recognition.
• Goosechase – The CLLA is sending you on a goosechase.
• Game Show – Bring your best brain-teasing solving mind.
• Prohibition Tour – This tour of several local Speakeasies is an in depth look at prohibition. There is an extra charge for this tour. The limit is 40 people so sign up when you register for the convention!

WINDY CITY THROWDOWN

Wednesday, May 17
8:30 — 10:30 PM

Join your sponsors, the Young Members Section for a night of socializing, food, libations, and throwing down with other CLLA members at the Game Room of the Chicago Athletic Association.

LOCATION:
The Chicago Athletic Association,
Game Room
12 South Michigan Avenue; 312-940-3552

Thank You to Our Windy City Throwdown Sponsors

Sponsorship will provide you with exposure to attorneys, agencies and commercial collection professionals. This is a great opportunity to showcase your company name as one of the sponsors at the 129th National Convention. Show your support and sponsor today!

BENEFITS
All sponsors will be listed on

• CLLA website
• Email promotions
• On-site Signage
• Event Program

Exclusive Sponsorships

• Lanyards – $750 SOLD
• Pocket Guide – $500 SOLD
• Notepads – $350  SOLD
• Pens – $350  SOLD

General Sponsorships

• CLLA website
• Email promotions
• On-site Signage
• Event Program

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 17, 2022.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS Friday, April 14

*Disclaimer: CLE credit is available to attendees from qualifying states who register on or before March 17. We cannot guarantee state accreditation after March 17.
**One registration form per member.
***Please note that business colleagues are not eligible to register under this category.

Member/Non-Member Registration Fee Includes:

• Access to all Educational Sessions
• Keynote Speaker
• Continuing Education: CLE/CEU
• Breakfast daily
• AM/PM Breaks
• Goosechase
• Thursday’s Lunch Buffet
• Women’s Empowerment & Networking Event
• Evening Receptions
• Game Show
• Friday’s Annual Awards Program

Spouse/Guest Registration Fee Includes:

• Keynote Speaker
• Breakfast daily
• Goosechase
• Thursday’s Lunch Buffet
• Women’s Empowerment & Networking Event
• Evening Receptions
• Game Show
• Friday’s Annual Awards Program

 Virtual Registration Fee Includes:

• Access to all Educational Sessions
• Keynote Speaker
• Continuing Education: CLE/CEU
• Thursday’s Business Meeting
• Friday’s Annual Awards Program

Maria Kozelek,
Event Chairperson

Women of the League and Spouses of League Members are invited to join us for the CLLA Women’s Empowerment and Networking Luncheon, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 starting at 12:15 p.m.

 A buffet lunch will be served, and each attendee will receive a swag bag!

Registration for this event is required. For those planning to attend, please indicate that preference when registering for the National Convention.

Charitable donations for Dress for Success are being accepted now and will continue through the event. The first $2,000 in donations will be matched by me, your hostess. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

 It is our hope that we can help empower other women in business that need a step forward.

 I look forward to seeing you in Chicago, but if you cannot be there and would like to donate, please use the donation button to the left.

 Thank you for your generosity!

Event Location

Swissotel Chicago

323 East Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 565-0565

Accomodations:

Designed by renowned Chicago architect Harry Weese, Swissotel Chicago is an award-winning luxury hotel overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and just steps from the Magnificent Mile. The distinctive 4-diamond, all-glass hotel offers spectacular wrap-around views from Navy Pier to Millennium Park, 662 guest rooms and suites, five premier ballrooms, state-of-the-art penthouse fitness center, and spotless European-style service.

Hotel Reservations:

Make your hotel reservation as early as possible to ensure you receive the discounted rate (subject to availability).
Making your reservation by phone, call the Reservations Department at 1-888-737-9477 or the Global Reservation Centre at 1-800-441-1414. Be sure to mention you are with the Commercial Law League of America-CLLA to receive the group rate.

On-line reservations can be made by clicking the link below:
https://book.passkey.com/e/50371135

Room Rate: $269/night, single/double occupancy, plus applicable taxes (currently 17.4%) (NO resort fee). Room cut-off is Friday, April 14, 2023.

Weather:

Average Chicago temperatures for early May are high 70 / low 50. Rain is always a possibility. Be prepared, it’s Chicago!

Transportations and Parking:

Swissotel: Valet Parking overnight with in/out access is $78/night

Nearby Self-Parking Garages:

• 303 East Wacker Garage
  (303 E. Wacker Dr.)
• Coast Parking
  (345 E, W. Wacker Drive)
• The Tides at Lakeshore East
  (360 E. South Water St)
• Illinois Center
  (111 E. Randolph)
• Park Millennium Parking Garage
  (221 N. Stetson Ave.)

To find discounted parking near the hotel, download the SpotHero app to your mobile device and search the area.

Transportation
Visit this link  for driving directions: https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/chicago/explore-hotel/

Thank You To Our Champions Sponsors!