CII AGM 2025
COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATORS
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
AUGUST 27 - 31
Join us for a week of cultural events, knowledge sharing, and networking with the world's top agency owners.
Mingle, learn and be inspired!
71st Annual General Meeting
Looking to expand your investigative skills and network with some of the most knowledgeable investigator colleagues from around the world?
Our 71st Annual AGM has something for everyone. We have a phenomenal group of experts presenting on ten interesting and vital topics and there will be plenty of fantastic networking opportunities with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable investigators in the world.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, it has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works
Our hotel and meeting venue is set in a glass high-rise building offering views of Lake Michigan. This polished Downtown hotel is a 3-minute walk from Chicago metro station, and an 8-minute walk from shops and restaurants on the lively Magnificent Mile.
Weather
The city of Chicago is in the Midwest state of Illinois, along the shores of Lake Michigan and close to the border with Indiana and Wisconsin. Otherwise known as the ‘Windy City’, Chicago has a humid continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters. In August, the city’s often sunny and balmy, but there’s a chance of showers from time to time so make sure you bring a light waterproof jacket.
In August, the average temperature in Chicago is a pleasant 22°C (72°F), reaching highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) after dark. In the daytime, the weather can be very warm so you’ll need to pack your summer wardrobe for trips to Chicago at this time of year, along with some warmer layers for evenings out.
Culinary
Chicago boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, renowned for its iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Beyond these staples, the city offers a wide array of cuisines and dining experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors.
Iconic Chicago Foods:
Deep-Dish Pizza: A Chicago staple, characterized by a thick, crispy crust, a generous layer of cheese, and tomato sauce.
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Chicago-Style Hot Dog: An all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt.
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Italian Beef Sandwich: A classic Chicago sandwich featuring thinly sliced, juicy Italian beef, served on a toasted bun and dipped in its own flavorful au jus.
Conference Schedule
| Wednesday, August 27 | Event | Speaker / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00am - 3:00pm | Bert Falbaum Memorial Golf | Cog Hill Country Club |
| 9:00am - 4:00pm | Registration | Sofitel |
| 2:30pm - 4:30pm | Board Meeting | Sofitel |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Opening Cocktail Reception | Sofitel |
| 9:00pm - 11:00pm | Hospitality Suite | Sofitel |
| Thursday, August 28 | Event | Speaker / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am - 10:00am | Opening Ceremony | Sofitel |
| 10:15am - 12:30pm | Annual General Meeting & Elections | Sofitel |
| 10:30am - 3:30pm | Spouse/Partner Tour | Art Museum & Luncheon |
| 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Lunch on your own | |
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Seminer: Child Trafficking | Chief Judge Virginia Kendall |
| 3:15pm - 4:15pm | Seminar: A.I. Deep Fakes | Keith Elliott, CII |
| 4:15pm - 5:00pm | Seminar: International Asset Recovery | Bill Tasch, Esq |
| 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Charity Auction & Rooftop Party | |
| 10:00pm - 11:00pm | Hospitality Suite | Sofitel |
| Friday, August 29 | Event | Speaker / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am - 1:00pm | Spouse/Partner Tour | Riverboat Architecture Tour |
| 9:00am - 10:00am | Seminar: Wrongful Convictions | Kathleen Zellner, Esq |
| 10:00am - 11:00am | Seminar: Collaboration Between Lawyers & Investigators | John Korocos, Esq |
| 11:15am - 12:00pm | Seminar: The State of International Terrorism | Ryan Maxwell, FBI |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Seminar: International OSINT | Zvonimir Damnjanovic & Milan Gabor |
| 1:30pm - 4:00pm | Awards Luncheon | Chicago Sports Hall of Fame |
| 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Free Afternoon | |
| 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Evening Mini Outings | Blues Club, Second City, White Sox Baseball, Jazz Festival (your choice) |
| 10:00pm - 11:00pm | Hospitality Suite | Sofitel |
| Saturday, August 30 | Event | Speaker / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am - 10:15am | Seminar: Operation Shamrock - Building Bridges to Tackle Pig Butchering | Erin West |
| 10:30am - 11:30am | Seminar: Ethics | Heidi Exner, CII |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm | Panel: Best Marketing Practices | CII Members: Brett Mikkelson, Mike LaCorte, Bjorn Wahlstrom, Kelly Riddle |
| 12:30pm - 6:00pm | Free Afternoon | Explore Chicago |
| 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Board Luncheon | |
| 2:00pm - 3:30pm | New Board Meeting | |
| 6:00pm - 11:00pm | Cocktail Reception & Gala Banquet | Featuring Prissillas Classy Rock Band |
Hotel
SOFITEL CHICAGO
MAGNIFICENT MILE
Perfectly situated off Michigan Avenue, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile embodies this historic district’s bold character with flourishes of French savoir faire.
Discover Chicago's wonders while savoring its sophistication.
Modern art and architecture meet uncommon comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. Let us surprise and delight you with a chic getaway boasting unexpected luxuries and a sublime level of service.
Hotel rates as low as $199 per night.
If any issues with booking, please contact the CII office - office@cii2.org
Conference Events
Bert Falbaum Memorial Golf
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Cog Hill Golf, a Jemsek Golf Facility, is a historic 72-hole public golf facility located near Chicago. Dubsdread (Course #4) has been awarded "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses" by Golf Digest and is Rated #1 in Illinois-Golfweek.
The year-round facility includes a driving range with heated Toptracer stalls, a learning center, two golf shops, a restaurant with patio seating, along with a 280-seat banquet hall located in the historic clubhouse.
Black Tie Gala Dinner
Our gala banquet will be held in the exquisite Paris Ballroom at the Sofitel Hotel. Known for its French ambiance and excellent cuisine, the night will include a cocktail reception, dinner with wine, swearing in ceremony, and announcement of the International Investigator of the Year. Our night will conclude with dancing to the sound of the Chicago-based all girl cover band,
THE PRISSILLAS.
Known as “A Classy Rock Band, the ladies play with an intensity and passion that will keep you engaged from the first note...to the last. Check them out on YouTube or hear them on Spotify.
Charity Auction & Rooftop Party
Our Charity Auction is always a can't miss event. Hosted by Jack Burke on the 28th floor on a beautiful downtown Chicago skyscraper, sightlines include Navy Pier to the East, Lake Michigan to the East and Soldier Field to the South. Dance and sing the night away with our own DJ and Karaoke.
CII 2025 Charity – The 100 Club of Chicago www.100clubil.org
The 100 Club of Illinois is a non-profit organization that provides support to the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and supports active-duty first responders throughout the state of Illinois. They provide resources, financial aid, access to training, and moral support. Their goal is to help families navigate after the loss of a loved one, and to support the needs of active-duty first responders in any way possible. They are proud to be able to offer this support and are dedicated to serving those who risk so much to keep the community safe.
Awards Luncheon
This year’s Awards Luncheon is being held at the Chicago Sports Museum, a 23,000-square-foot museum located along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, in the renowned Water Tower Place vertical shopping mall. The museum features interactive skill challenges, unique sports memorabilia, and a collection of game-used artifacts well known to fans of Chicago sports. Lunch will be catered by the renowned Harry Carey Restaurant.
FRIDAY MINI OUTINGS
DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Second City Chicago
This famous comedy review is the oldest improvisational theater troupe to be continuously based in Chicago with training programs and live theaters in Toronto and New York. Since its debut in 1959, it has become one of the most influential and renowned comedic venues in America. Its alumni include countless comedians who have starred on Saturday Night Live, SCTV, movies and television. Those include Bill Murray, John Candy, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Eugune Levy, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, and more.
Kingston Mines
Whether you have the blues or just want to hear the blues, The Kingston Mines is the place to chill out and listen to some of Chicago’s finest musicians. Founded in 1968, Kingston Mines is the largest and oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago. Its two stages have been graced by the likes of Magic Slim, Koko Taylor, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Junior Wells, Mike Wheeler, Joanna Connor, and scores of other musical greats.
Chicago White Sox
It’s the Sox taking on the dreaded New York Yankees for a night game, followed by fireworks. If you have never been to a major league baseball game, it’s America’s past time and an evening to remember.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Just a mile or two up the road from the Sofitel, the Chicago Jazz Festival will be underway at Millenium Park. Featured acts for Friday night are Patricia Barber and Monty Alexander. Come and listen to cool jazz under the stars.
Spouse / Partner Tours
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum is based in the Art Institute of Chicago Building in Chicago's Grant Park. Its collection, stewarded by 11 curatorial departments, includes works such as Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, and Grant Wood's American Gothic. Its permanent collection of nearly 300,000 works of art is augmented by more than 30 special exhibitions mounted yearly that illuminate aspects of the collection and present curatorial and scientific research.
The Art Institute trip includes a luncheon at The Gage, a well known Irish American restaurant on Michigan Avenue. The luncheon will include a lecture/ presentation by Natalie van Straaten,
an author, publisher of the Chicago Gallery News, and Executive Director of the Chicago Art Dealers Association. She will explain what to expect and the best way to tour the Chicago Art Museum.
Riverboat Architecture Tour
We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago.
Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSOR
At GDA, our mission is to safeguard and empower our clients by providing cutting-edge investigative and security services. We strive to exceed expectations through unwavering dedication, ethical conduct, and the relentless pursuit of the truth. With a rich history, a mission rooted in integrity, and a visionary outlook, we continue to evolve, adapt, and lead in an ever-changing landscape. At GDA, we are not just service providers; we are your trusted partners in securing the present and shaping a resilient future.
GOLD SPONSOR
Hatfield Investigation Services (P) Limited is a renowned firm which was set up to provide the finest investigation services. This firm was developed in 1991 by Mr. Ajit Singh. Hatfield Investigation Services (P) Ltd.is established in Delhi and operates from here to manage all the corporate deals. The firm has embarked on a great status among its clients with its reliable & successful services.
SILVER & BRONZE SPONSORS
Sponsorship Opportunities
To inquire about available AGM sponsorship opportunities, please connect with the CII Office.
Platinum $10,000
Includes four (4) full registrations; back page ad plus full-page ad in conference program; top prominent placement on all banners; listed as gala banquet sponsor; full page ad in two issues of the Councilor; prominent website acknowledgment; prominent name and logo on the delegate swag bag; special acknowledgment on the CII Connect App; special acknowledgement at opening ceremony and at gala banquet.
Gold $5,000
Includes two (2) full registrations; inside cover ad plus full-page interior ad; listed as opening cocktail reception sponsor; prominent placement on all banners; full page ad in upcoming issue of The Councilor; prominent website acknowledgement; name and company logo on the delegate swag bag; C; special acknowledgement in opening ceremony and at gala banquet.
Silver $2,500
Includes one (1) full registration; full page interior ad; premium placement on all banners; listed as roof top party sponsor; half page ad in upcoming issue of The Councilor; website and CII Connect app acknowledgement; company name on the delegate swag bag; special acknowledgement at opening ceremony and at gala banquet.
Bronze $1,000
Includes a half (1/2) page ad in conference program; advanced placement on all banners; listed as awards luncheon sponsor; half page ad in an upcoming issue of The Councilor; website and CII Connect app acknowledgement; acknowledgement in opening ceremony and credit at gala banquet.
Patron $500
Includes a quarter (1/4) page ad in conference program; placement on all banners; quarter page ad in an upcoming issue of The Councilor; website and CII app acknowledgement; acknowledgement in opening ceremony and credit at the gala banquet.
Partner $250
Includes a quarter (1/4) page ad in conference program; placement on all banners; website and CII app acknowledgment; credit mention in the opening ceremony and at the gala banquet.
Friend $100
Includes a business card ad in conference program; placement on all banners; website and CII app acknowledgment; credit mention in the opening ceremony and at the gala banquet.
