📢 What is the Midwest Regional Convening?
Are you part of an organization in the U.S. Midwest working to uplift, organize, or advocate for LGBTQ+ AANHPI communities? Or are you an individual seeking connection, a political home, or a deeper role in community organizing?
The Midwest Regional Convening is a dedicated gathering for individuals, organizations, and coalitions across the Midwest to come together for two full days of workshops, strategy sessions, and resource sharing.
From urban centers to rural towns, the Midwest is home to a vibrant and growing AANHPI community. Yet, many in our region remain under-resourced and overlooked. This convening is a chance to strengthen our networks, share our stories, and build power together—rooted in the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ AANHPI people in the heartland.
📅 Event Schedule
📍 Location: Chicago, Illinois
📅 Dates: September 25-28, 2025
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SCHEDULE TBD
💡 Why Attend?
✅ Connect with LGBTQ+ AANHPI leaders, organizers, and advocates in the Midwest
✅ Gain resources, tools, and strategies for community work
✅ Strengthen local, regional, and national networks
✅ Be part of a space built for and by Midwesterners
📌 Whether you're a seasoned organizer, an emerging leader, or someone looking to get involved, this convening is for YOU!
Apply to be
Workshop Presenters
NQAPIA’s Midwest Regional Convening is coming to Chicago, IL from September 25–28, 2025, with full-day programming on September 26–27.
We’re now accepting breakout session proposals from individuals, orgs, and groups serving LGBTQ+ AANHPI communities in the Midwest. Sessions (45–75 mins) can be led by up to two facilitators and may cover any format or topic relevant to our community.
NQAPIA is able to offer a $300 honorarium per session.
Facilitators will be responsible for covering lodging, meals, transportation to/from convening, on the ground transport, and any incidentals. Travel scholarships will be available through a separate form.
🏨 Travel & Accommodations
📌 Closest Airport: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW)
🚆 Transportation to Downtown Chicago
Both O’Hare and Midway airports are well-connected to downtown Chicago via the city's public transit system:
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O’Hare: CTA Blue Line train provides 24-hour service between the airport and downtown.
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Midway: CTA Orange Line train offers service to downtown, with trains running from early morning until late at night.
Apply for
Travel Scholarships
In an effort to alleviate the cost of participation for community members, NQAPIA's Midwest Regional Convening is free to register and attend. We are happy to share that we are offering $300 travel scholarships for Midwest-based community members to reduce travel costs to Chicago! Limited funds are available for partial reimbursement for flights or gas mileage.
Scholarship applications will remain open until Wednesday, September 3rd. We will confirm scholarship status with all applicants no later than September 10th via email.
*Travel reimbursement payments will be made after the convening and recipients will be required to submit payment documentation.
