Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward: Registration opens for IDOT conference promoting diversity on state projects

For Immediate Release – February 4, 2025

Skills-building, networking event Feb. 26 and 27 aims to grow DBE program

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting the 34th “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” conference Feb. 26 and 27 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Sponsored by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, the conference provides minority- and women-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to grow and succeed.

“With record investments in our statewide transportation system, it is more important than ever that we create opportunities for people to build careers, grow their businesses, and participate fully in our engineering and construction programs,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We are committed to ensuring that minority- and women-owned businesses are supported and successful and we ask the entire contracting community be part of that effort.”

Visit https://idot.click/TCTR-25 or click here for registration information and other details.

“Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” offers workshops to build skills, seminars on best practices and networking opportunities for firms and contractors wanting to do business with the state through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Conference topics include regulatory updates, funding opportunities, “getting paid” and jobsite safety. Industry leaders and IDOT staff also will be leading sessions on how to bid on, participate in and deliver projects. Speakers include East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a six-time Olympic medalist, including three gold medals and founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.

The event is attended by subcontractors and prime contractors in construction, trucking, engineering and other consulting services. The conference will be held in person and is free to attend. The conference will conclude with a keynote address and award presentation on Feb. 27.

Walk ins are welcome.