About the Owner Symposium | Chicago Housing Authority

ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

History

For 16 years, industry professionals and partner organizations have gathered for education and networking to improve their businesses and support affordable housing opportunities throughout each of Chicago's 77 communities.

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Owner Symposium was first held in 2008 to educate property owners who were already participating in, or were interested in, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Since then, the Symposium has steadily grown into the premier event for Chicago property owners, managers, and real estate investors, regardless of their affiliation with CHA.

In 2020, CHA embraced the opportunity to move the Owner Symposium online and launched Symposium Week, an all-virtual event. Branded OS20, the week featured 23 live educational sessions and networking opportunities, all of which remained available on-demand through the end of the year. In 2021 and 2022, Symposium Week was held on an all-inclusive virtual event platform, offering numerous opportunities for education and connection among attendees, speakers and sponsors alike.

In 2023, the Owner Symposium returned in person (and online), offering a variety of options for housing providers to learn and engage with CHA and their colleagues. This year, the day-long event will be held at CHA Headquarters on Thursday, October 29, 2026, and feature:

Three general sessions covering timely industry topics

A dedicated exhibit area with products and services from a variety of vendors

Lunch and afternoon snack

Opportunities to connect with other Chicago housing providers

Can't make it in person? Watch sessions online from the comfort of your home or office!

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the 2026 Owner Symposium be held?

The Owner Symposium will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be in person at CHA Headquarters, 60 E. Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605 as well as online (a link to view the sessions will be provided to registered attendees closer to the event date).

Who should attend the Owner Symposium?

All property owners, property managers, real estate brokers, real estate investors and residential rental housing professionals working across Chicago's 77 communities or those who want to learn more about how they can improve their community and grow their real estate business.

Note: The Owner Symposium is not designed for HCV Program participants.

Do I need to register for the Owner Symposium?

Yes, advance registration is required to attend. Registration will open later this summer ... stay tuned!

Is parking available for the in-person Owner Symposium?

Yes, self-parking is available at the attendee's own expense through Millennium Garages at a discounted rate. Simply book online in advance (select Grant Park South) and use promo code CHAOS26 at check out. To learn more about getting to the in-person Owner Symposium, visit the Venue Information page.

How can I become a sponsor/exhibitor?

The Owner Symposium presents wonderful sales and networking opportunities for vendors looking to connect with real estate professionals throughout Chicago, all in one place. Several levels of sponsorship are available to fit every company's budget. More details will be announced soon ... stay tuned!

Are children allowed to attend?

This is a professional educational and networking event and therefore, accommodations have not been made for children. All attendees are advised to make their own childcare arrangements prior to attending.

Still have questions? Email symposium@thecha.org.