ILLBA

(Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA
2025-06-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
This month’s topic is TBD – pay attention to the weekly ILLBA Roundup email for more information!
Future topic suggestions? Contact Paula or any board member with your ideas.

IN-PERSON Breakfast With The ILLBA
2025-07-15 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-16 09:00 - 11:00
Topic and location TBD – pay attention to the weekly ILLBA Roundup email for more information.
Topic suggestions for next time? Contact Paula or any board member.

(Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for November’s free virtual coffee meeting! Members and non-members are welcome, register now to participate. You will receive a confirmation email with a URL link to the event.
Topic: DOT Regulations and Requirements – What Every Operator Needs to Know
Our guest speaker will be John Murphy, MCSAP, Compliance Officer of the IL Dept. of Transportation.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations apply to commercial motor carrier operators. This session will provide valuable information to help you better understand which regulations may apply to your organization, and the requirements to ensure compliance.
There will be a Q&A session followed by industry updates.
Contact ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi with any questions.

Ring in the New Year with the ILLBA!
2026-01-13 16:30 - 20:30 | Carlucci Rosemont, 611 N River Road, Rosemont, IL, 60018, United States
Save the date, and get excited for our third annual in-person gathering at Carlucci Rosemont to ring in 2026! Start the new year on a high note by joining us for an evening of networking, a 3-course Italian meal, prizes, and surprises.
Details and registration coming soon — in the meantime, check out photos from last year’s event.
We look forward to celebrating with you!

(Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for the first virtual coffee meeting of 2026!
TOPIC: Your Business Card—A Powerful Marketing ToolOur guest speaker will be ILLBA member Drew Messina, Vice President of Operations at Create‑A‑Card, Inc.
Business cards are a cost-effective marketing tool that can create a strong first impression, serving as a reminder of your business to prospective customers. However, there are a few specific ways to optimize them for maximum impact.
In this session you will learn tips, techniques, and content strategies to make your business cards a professional and effective way to drive engagement.
Members and non members welcome!
There will be a Q&A session followed by industry updates. Contact ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi with any questions.

IMPORTANT! (Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA
2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:30
The ILLBA invites you to join us for this very important virtual coffee session — come learn about the updated livery license laws!
Register now to participate for free. You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.
Topic: Updated Livery License Laws effective February 1, 2026
We are pleased to welcome Deputy Commissioner Rupal Bapat of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to discuss the City of Chicago’s updated livery license laws, which are in effect as of February 1, 2026. This includes the transition to a 2-year license term, vehicle fee updates, and key dates for compliance.
Click here for the BACP industry notice.
We encourage the submission of questions in advance of the meeting. Please email questions to the ILLBA office (info@illba.org) no later than Thursday February 12, 2026, 5pm CT.
Members and non members are welcome to join!
There will be a Q&A session followed by industry updates. Contact ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi with any inquiries.

(Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:30
This month we are exploring strategies for tapping in to (or increasing) global business!
TOPIC: The Secrets to Going Global — Meet Our International Affiliate Panel to Learn How
Members and non members welcome. There is no requirement to participate if you prefer to simply observe and benefit from the knowledge shared.
There will be a Q&A session followed by industry updates! Contact ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi with any questions.

IN-PERSON Breakfast With The ILLBA
2026-04-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Blueberry Field Restaurant, 558 E 162nd St, South Holland, IL, 60473﻿, United States
There are some things we learn best from each other in person. Join us for networking, conversation, and a delicious breakfast as we come together to support and appreciate the work we’re all doing.
Blueberry Field Pancake House & Restaurant — Discussion topic TBD.
Pay attention to the weekly ILLBA Roundup email for any updates and additional information.
Topic suggestions for next time? Contact Paula or any board member.

(Virtual) Coffee With The ILLBA: Learn the Secrets of Going Global
2026-06-16 10:00 - 11:30
This month’s topic: Learn the Secrets of Going Global
Register now to attend this free virtual education session!
Do you offer your customers worldwide transportation services? Want to learn how?
We’ve assembled a panel of highly-experienced global operators to share their industry expertise! Join us to learn what it takes to market, create, manage, and service a worldwide affiliate network.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to create more value for your customers.
Members and non members welcome. Questions are welcome, but there is no requirement to participate if you prefer to simply observe and benefit from the knowledge shared.
There will also be time for a roundtable discussion, followed by industry updates. Contact ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi with any questions.

August IN-PERSON Breakfast With The ILLBA
2026-08-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Tiffany’s Restaurant Cafe, 2179 E Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, 60018, United States
The ILLBA in-person breakfast meeting heads back to Des Plaines, convenient to O’Hare Airport.
Join us on Tuesday, August 18th from 9-11 AM CT at Tiffany’s Restaurant Cafe for a great breakfast and open networking with your fellow industry professionals in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Bring plenty of business cards to share, and your questions on any industry topic. Leave with new ideas, inspiration, and positive energy!
Members and non members are welcome. See you in Des Plaines!
Pay attention to the weekly ILLBA Roundup email for any updates and additional information.
Topic suggestions for next time? Contact Paula or any board member.

DEADLINE: 2026 CD/NLA Scholarship Applications Due!
2026-09-10
The NLA Scholarship Program, organized and funded by the NLA, is designed to enable new operators to attend the CD/NLA Fall Show in Washington, D.C., from October 25-27, 2026. These scholarships provide an unsurpassed business development opportunity for operators who have recently launched their companies and have never attended a CD/NLA event before.
What does the scholarship include?

One (1) Full Show Pass to the 2026 CD/NLA Fall Show. ($599)
Three (3) paid nights at host hotel, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. ($897)
One (1) year NLA membership if scholarship winner is not currently an NLA member. ($395+)
Networking and education to grow your business (Priceless!)

Opening Date: Applications open on August 7, 2026.
Deadline: Complete applications must be submitted by September 10, 2026.
Questions about the scholarship experience? Reach out to board members Paula DeBiasi and James Jordan, former scholarship winners!
Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here.

2026 Chauffeur Driven / NLA Show (3-day event)
2026-10-25 - 2026-10-27 | Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD, 20745, United States
Join your fellow operators and vendors October 25-27 in the Washington, D.C., area for the CD/NLA Show, the premier international event for the chauffeured transportation industry. This year’s show returns to Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, an attendee favorite located just minutes from the nation’s capital in Maryland.
Designed for operators of every size and stage of growth, the CD/NLA Show delivers focused education, unmatched networking, a dynamic exhibit floor, and memorable evening events—all in one high-impact experience. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your business strategy, discover innovative solutions, build valuable industry relationships, or reconnect with affiliates and friends, the CD/NLA Show offers a strong return on your time and investment.
Come out this October to plant new seeds for future growth, gain fresh insights, forge meaningful connections, and move your business forward. Register now, and we’ll see you there!
