2026 IPS Annual Meeting:
The Elephant in the Waiting Room: Confronting Today's Psychiatric Challenges
Saturday, October 3, 2026
William Tell Hotel (formally known as Holiday Inn Countryside)
6201 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525
ABOUT:
Psychiatry is changing faster than ever before. Are you keeping pace?
With medical knowledge estimated to double approximately every 73 days, staying current has never been more challenging—or more important. From groundbreaking advances in neuroscience and emerging AI technologies to the evolving role of psychedelic therapies, today's psychiatrists are navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
Join colleagues from across Illinois at the IPS Annual Meeting as we tackle The Elephant in the Waiting Room: Confronting Today's Psychiatric Challenges. This year's meeting will feature recognized experts, practical clinical insights, and meaningful discussions designed to help you translate the latest developments into better patient care.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore innovative research during our annual Poster Competition, where medical students, residents, and fellows will showcase the exciting work shaping the future of psychiatry.
The day concludes with the IPS Annual Awards Dinner, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding individuals whose leadership, service, advocacy, and clinical excellence continue to strengthen psychiatry throughout Illinois.
Whether you're seeking cutting-edge education, valuable networking opportunities, or inspiration from leaders and colleagues across the profession, the IPS Annual Meeting is the place to be.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of psychiatry. Register today and join us for one of the year's premier events for Illinois psychiatrists.
REGISTRATION FEES AND DEADLINES:
Early Bird Registration Deadline:
August 28
Standard Rate Registration Deadline:
September 18
Please note: No commercial attendee registrations will be accepted. If commercial/industry representatives would like to attend, please refer to the Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration information.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration cancellations must be received in writing by September 15 to be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after September 15.
In the event that the Annual Meeting is canceled or postponed by the Illinois Psychiatric Society due to circumstances beyond its control, registrants will be notified and provided with information regarding available refund or transfer options.
MEETING AGENDA: (subject to change)
1:00- 1:40 pm Check-In and Networking with Exhibitors
1:40 - 1:45 pm Opening Remarks and Welcome
Steven L. Weinstein, MD, IPS President
1:45 - 2:30 pm Session 1: Washington Update: Federal Policy Shaping Psychiatric Practice
Brooke Trainum, JD; Senior Director, Practice Policy, APA
Trip Stanford; Director, Federal Relations, APA
2:30 - 3:15 pm Session 2: ELIZA for the 21st Century: Promise and Perils of AI in Psychiatric Practice
Olu Ajilore, MD, PhD,;
UI Center for Depression and Resilience Professor of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine
3:15 - 4:00 pm Poster Session/Break/Networking with Exhibitors
4:00 - 4:45 pm Session 3: Integrating Neuroscience into Clinical Psychiatry
Joseph J. Cooper, MD, FANPA:
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Vice Chair for Education, Director of Residency Training and the Director of the
Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry Fellowship in the Dept. of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago
4:45 - 5:45 pm Session 4: Session 4: The Evolving Therapeutic Role of Psychedelics in Psychiatric Conditions: Current Data,
Mechanism of Action, Multi-disciplinary Model, and Role in Clinical Practice
John Zajecka, MD
Professor of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Director, Rush University Woman’s Board Depression
Treatment Research Center, Co-founder and current Managing Member of Psychiatric Medicine Associates, LLC
5:45 - 7:00 pm Cocktail Hour/Networking with Exhibitors
7:00 - 9:00 pm Awards Dinner
Business Meeting with IPS President
Remarks from IPS Executive Director
Carl Bell Essay Competition Presentation
Poster Session Winners
Awards Ceremony
HOTEL INFORMATION:
William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta
(formally known as the Holiday Inn Countryside)
6201 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525
If you are in need of a hotel room, please use this link to book.
William Tell Hotel, MOD Collection by Sonesta– Best Rates
Questions? Contact Kristen Malloy at kmalloy@ilpsych.org or 312-224-2600.
Thank you to our IPS 2025 Annual Meeting Sponsors/Exhibitors:
