We know great things happen when brilliant minds and practitioners come together, and we believe that spending this time together will help set our partner IBCLCs and their businesses up for success and ultimately, allow us to provide impactful care to more families together.  

The Lactation Network 2024 Summit will take place at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, 2121 S Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616. 

We’re thrilled to host you in Chicago, IL, at The Lactation Network 2024 Summit — during what most Chicagoans consider their favorite time of year. Visit Chicago has information about the city events and attractions to explore during the autumn season that will be helpful. In addition, you should likely know the following: 

• Time zone: Central Time (CST) 

• Weather: Mild & pleasant with typical highs in the mid-70's, and lows in the 50's 

• Local airports: 

  • O'Hare International Airport (ORD), typically 25-50 minutes driving from Marriott Marquis Chicago

  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), typically 15-25 minutes driving from Marriott Marquis Chicago

  • Note that rush hour traffic can impact travel time significantly 

The Lactation Network is covering the cost of your accommodations for the two nights you’ll be attending The Lactation Network 2024 Summit, so your hotel room at the Marriott Marquis Chicago on September 29 and 30, 2024 is completely complimentary. However, regular room charges and incidental fees you incur or charge to your room still apply. The hotel will need a credit card to reserve your guest room. You will be provided with a link to book your guest room during the registration process. 

Family members and friends may accompany you in your room for covered nights, although TLN IBCLCs are the only people invited to participate in TLN 2024 Summit programming. (TLN is covering the registration fee and the hotel stay for contracted IBCLCs.) 

The hotel will need a credit card to reserve your guest room (the card will be used for incidental charges only).  

Hotel reservations must be canceled directly with the hotel 72 hours prior to the day of arrival to avoid a penalty of one night's room and tax. This hotel cancelation policy is enforced by the Marriott and not TLN. 

If you would like to extend your stay at the standard rate, or if you have questions about your hotel reservation, contact events@tln.care.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for your convenience during the Summit. The Field Museum event (details about this event will follow post-registration) will include appetizers, drinks, and a full dinner. (Dietary requirements will be captured during registration, and we’ll have a variety of options to accommodate diverse dietary needs.) 

You are responsible for your own transportation to and from Chicago for The Lactation Network 2024 Summit.

• Taxis as well as ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are available.
• Traffic: The heaviest times for traffic are typically between 6 - 8 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m.
• Public transit: Chicago has a local rail called "The L"

For parking information, please click here. As a reminder, parking will not be covered by TLN. Please note this is considered an incidental and guests will be responsible for those fees. 

Please sign up here to join the waitlist for The Lactation Network 2024 Summit. If a spot at TLN 2024 Summit becomes available, you will receive a notification email with a link to register. You will have 48 hours from the time you receive your notification email to complete your registration. Once that time expires, your spot will be given to another person on the waitlist.

Please note that only registered TLN 2024 Summit attendees are permitted to participate in Summit events. You must be a TLN lactation consultant to register and attend The Lactation Network 2024 Summit. If you are contracted in our network directly as a subcontractor and in good standing (e.g., your access to the portal has not been deactivated), you are welcome to register.

If you’re traveling with family to Chicago, they are welcome to stay in your room, but The Lactation Network 2024 Summit and its events, meals, and programming are only open to TLN IBCLCs. (TLN is covering the registration fee and the hotel stay for contracted IBCLCs.)

All attendees of the Summit must be 21 years of age or older.

You can view or modify your existing registration by clicking the Sign in button at the top of the event website and using the password you created during the registration process. If you don't remember your password, you can click here to reset it. 

Event registration is located on the 4th floor in the Grand Horizon Ballroom Foyer and will be open at the following times: 

• Sunday, September 29th: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT 

• Monday, September 30th: 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT 

• Tuesday, October 1st: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CT

Conference Badges 
When you check in with us at event registration prior to the Welcome Reception, you will receive a name badge with your personal QR code for tracking session attendance. Your name badge is required for admission to all events, including evening events, and displays important information that allows you to connect with other IBCLCs at the Summit.

The Lactation Network 2024 Summit will offer two full days of programming including clinical and business sessions presented by industry leaders and tailored to support IBCLCs in private practice. You’ll have an opportunity when you register to choose your breakout sessions. This is a unique opportunity to gather as a community, expand your clinical knowledge, and learn information to help you grow your business. Please visit the agenda for updates.

When you register you will be given the option to select your breakout sessions. If any of the sessions you would like to join are at full capacity you will be given the option to join the waiting list and can make a selection for your second choice. If an opening becomes available for your waitlisted session, you will receive an email notification that you have been added to that session, and the session you selected as your second option will be removed. The new session will show on your “My Schedule”.

We invite you to dress in whatever makes you most comfortable. Local temperatures in October are typically in the low 70s during the day and mid-40s at night. As you may be outdoors in the evening, please plan on bringing a jacket and wearing layers. Comfortable shoes that can be worn indoors and outdoors (on soft and concrete surfaces) are recommended.

Registration and general session are located on the 4th floor in the Grand Horizon Ballroom Foyer. Breakout Rooms and the Mother’s Room are located on the 3rd floor.

While The Lactation Network 2024 Summit will offer extensive clinical education opportunities, we intentionally decided not to offer accreditation or CERPS at this year’s event. We aim to create a unique experience that will transcend traditional conference offerings and center IBCLC inspiration, community, and autonomy in private practice development. If you’re looking for opportunities for CERPS, we’re happy to point you toward the myriad of virtual and in-person options that are available throughout the year.

To schedule your 5-minute headshot session at The Lactation Network 2024 Summit, please click on this link.   

To prepare for your professional headshot: 

• Hydrate and get a good night’s sleep prior to your session.  

• Have your outfit ready the day before your session — pressed, hung, and ready to go. (Less stress typically results in a relaxed, confident photo!) 

• Bring clothing that makes you feel fantastic! Solid colors are best, and jewel tones are flattering on almost all skin tones. Choose clothes that complement your skin and eyes.  

• Try to avoid clothing with bold patterns or logos. If florals or stripes are part of your personal style, your photographer can incorporate them — the main goal is to ensure you’re the main focus of your photo, not your clothing. 

• Layers also look great in headshots, so consider bringing a sweater, jacket, blazer or another top that adds texture to your look. Pro-tip: Keep jewelry simple. 

We will send you a link to your headshots immediately after you complete your session so you can select your preferred image.  

TLN recommends that attendees follow current CDC guidelines for vaccinations, masking and self-testing. We strongly encourage self-testing prior to arrival and that, if your test is positive, to please stay home, even if you do not have symptoms. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. Masking is not required; wearing one is at your discretion. To notify TLN of any attendance change, please contact events@tln.care.

The hotel for the event is located in downtown Chicago. Like in all cities, please take the appropriate precautions when navigating to external locations. Wearing your name badge at hosted events will help us keep our spaces secure.

Due to overwhelming interest and limited capacity, there is currently a waitlist for this year’s event. To accommodate as many attendees as possible (and ensure registrants plan to attend), a $500 fee will be charged for no-shows and cancellations, as outlined below: 

Cancellation: 

If you are unable to attend the Summit and need to cancel for any reason, contact events@tln.care before Thursday, September 5, 2024. Cancellations made after 11:59 p.m. CT, September 5, 2024, will incur a $500 fee.  

We are implementing this policy to accommodate the largest group possible and ensure as many IBCLCs who are on the waitlist can attend. We do, however, understand that extenuating circumstances may arise — if this is the case, please reach out to events@tln.care and we will work with you on a case-by-case basis. 

No-shows: 

If you do not check-in for registration at the TLN 2024 Summit, you will be considered a “no-show” and charged a $500 fee. 

Hotel policy and cancellation: 

If you choose to stay at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, The Lactation Network will cover the cost of your hotel room for the two nights you’ll be attending The Lactation Network 2024 Summit. This means your hotel room on September 29 and 30, 2024, is completely complimentary. You will be provided with a link to book your guest room during the registration process. 

The hotel will need a credit card to reserve your guest room (the card will be used for incidental charges only). Regular room charges and incidental fees you incur during your stay will be your responsibility.  

Hotel reservations must be canceled directly with the hotel 72 hours prior to the day of arrival to avoid a penalty of one night's room and tax. This hotel cancelation policy is enforced by the Marriott and not TLN. 

All breastfeeding attendees at the Summit will have dedicated, private space for breastfeeding and pumping.

Having any issues registering or have additional questions regarding the Summit? Please email us at events@tln.care.

If you’re interested in partnering with us for the Summit or speaking at the Summit, please email events@tln.care for information about speaking opportunities.

The Lactation Network 2024 Summit will have no exhibitors or sponsors present — just TLN employees and our partner IBCLCs.

The event, speakers, and topics will also be entirely WHO Code compliant.