Innocence Network Post-Conviction Litigation Training: Evidentiary Hearings 101

Note: This training is for conference-registered Network member litigators only. It is designed specifically for post-conviction innocence litigators. 
Facilitators: Richard Davis, Chris Fabricant, Lisa Kavanaugh, David Owens, Imran Syed, Josh Tepfer
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Plaza Ballroom, Lobby Level, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL

Innocence Network litigators will lead a full-day nuts-and-bolts training on evidentiary hearings on Thursday, April 9th. This session will guide attorneys through prepping and conducting an evidentiary hearing that has been granted in a post-conviction case. The training will be in two parts. Part I (3 hours) will train attorneys on preparing for a post-conviction evidentiary hearing, including basic investigation strategies, litigation of discovery issues, identifying and prepping appropriate expert witnesses, and navigating the difficulties of common procedural issues and legal theories. Part II (3 hours) will focus on conducting the hearing itself, including the basics of directing witnesses, especially experts, cross-examining State witnesses, and crafting an innocence narrative through opening and closing arguments. 

This training is free-of-charge for conference-registered litigators, though an additional hotel night will be required; participants will need to arrive in Chicago no later than the evening of Wednesday, April 8th, as the workshop will begin at 9:00 am on Thursday, April 9th (programming will start promptly at 9:00 am). Reserving and paying for the additional night at the hotel is the responsibility of the attendee OR their organization. Advance registration is required. Those who are interested in attending this training can sign up through the conference registration form. For those who would like to attend and have already registered for the conference but did not sign up for this training at that time, please email eventsupport@metroconnections.com to add the training to your registration.

Community in Action: Freed and Exonerated People Leading the Way

Note: This convening is for conference-registered freed/exonerated people only.
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 12 pm to 5 pm 
Where: Grand Hall I, Ballroom Level, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Organizer: Innocence Network Conference Lead Ambassadors

Join this half-day convening of freed and exonerated leaders to connect, build community, and shape the future of our movement. With a welcome orientation, dynamic leadership panel, interactive workshops, and women’s gathering, participants will explore Network programs, initiatives, and opportunities for involvement, while amplifying their own voices and collective power. Together, we’ll step into leading this work ourselves—stronger, united, and inspired for what’s ahead.

This training is free-of-charge for conference-registered freed/exonerated people, though an additional hotel night is recommended; participants should plan to arrive in Chicago on the evening of Wednesday, April 8th, as the workshop will begin at 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 9th (programming will start promptly at 12:00 pm). Reserving and paying for the additional night at the hotel is the responsibility of the attendee OR their sponsoring organization. Advance registration is required. Those who are interested in attending this training can sign up through the conference registration form. For those who would like to attend and have already registered for the conference but did not sign up for this training at that time, please email eventsupport@metroconnections.com to add the training to your registration.

BIPOC Innocence Network Organization Staff Leadership Retreat

Note: This retreat is only for staff of Innocence Network member organizations who identify as BIPOC only.
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2 pm to 7 pm
Where: Grand Hall L, Ballroom Level, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Organizer: Innocence Network DEI Committee

Join BIPOC Staff of the Innocence Network for a half-day retreat. This year's theme is: The Resistance Retreat: Reclaim. Restore. Resist. The Resistance Retreat is an intentional gathering for BIPOC staff to slow down and reconnect in the midst of ongoing harm and uncertainty. This space is designed to support reflection, honesty, and care in a way that centers our humanity. Through healing practices and shared dialogue, we will name what we are carrying, restore our energy, and prepare ourselves for the work ahead. This retreat affirms rest and healing as necessary acts of resistance and recognizes community as the foundation that sustains us. Attire Theme: Come dressed in whatever resistance looks like for you – protective, expressive, comfortable, cultural, soft, bold, or symbolic. Your presence is the statement. If you would like to join this retreat, please RSVP using this form. 

Conference Send-Off Hosted by The Exoneration Project

When: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6 pm to 9 pm
Where: The vibrant West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, 311 N Aberdeen Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Organizer: The Exoneration Project

The Exoneration Project, a Chicago-based Network member organization, a Chicago-based Network member organization, will be hosting a send-off event on the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2026. Any individual registered for the conference is invited to attend. Join the Exoneration Project for light bites, refreshments, and community. If you plan to attend Saturday evening, please RSVP to the Exoneration Project using this form. For questions, please contact Atzimba Parra at events@exonerationproject.org.

The Sing Sing Chronicles: An Emmy Award-Winning Special Screening & Live Conversation

When: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11 am
Where: CineCity Studios, 2429 W. 14th St Chicago, IL 60608

CineCity Studios will host a special screening of the Emmy Award–winning docuseries The Sing Sing Chronicles, followed by a live conversation and book signing, featuring JJ Velazquez, justice reform activist, and Dan Slepian, Emmy Award–winning NBC journalist. The gathering will bring together exonerees, advocates, journalists, filmmakers, and conference attendees for a shared moment of reflection, conversation, and community during the conference weekend.

A documentary courtesy of NBC, co-presented by MONUMENTAL MEDIA, Voices From Within, and the Actor Empowerment Summit. Additional partners to be announced. An Eventbrite registration link will be shared soon.