About the Conference
The Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) returns to Chicago June 22-25, 2026, bringing together art house cinema and film festival professionals from around the country for four days of community education, networking, and industry advancement. The conference is a joint partnership between Art House Convergence (AHC) and Film Festival Alliance (FFA) and is dedicated to advancing the reach, impact, and sustainability of independent exhibitors and film festivals.
Taking place in the Chicago Loop at venues including VenueSix10, Chicago Cultural Center, and other iconic Chicago locations, IND/EX 2026 will feature educational programs, skill-based workshops, industry experts, keynote speakers, vendor and distributor tradeshows, film screenings, and signature conference events. Plus fun extracurriculars like field trips, screenings, and affinity group meet-ups!
Art House Convergence
Art House Convergence (AHC) is a coalition of independent exhibitors that connects, amplifies, and advocates for its community. We provide networking opportunities, resources, and best practices for the AHC membership. We value difference in thought and experience, and we embody this by championing a diversity of voices and promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and equity within our industry. Collectively, our members serve over 30 million patrons annually.
Film Festival Alliance
Film Festival Alliance (FFA) creates a collaborative global community for mission-driven film festivals. FFA advocates for a sustainable and inclusive environment for our industry within the cinema exhibition ecosystem and creates a powerful collective voice for film festivals and the people who run them.
PARTNER WITH US
IND/EX offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services to a national community of engaged decision makers in the independent exhibition landscape. Simply put, no other event offers the same high visibility and direct connection to a critical mass of new and returning movie theaters, film festivals, and other exhibitors. Come experience the magic of the independent art house and film festival community!
To learn more about IND/EX 2026 sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Barbara Twist at barbara [at] filmfestivalalliance.org
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) recognizes the financial barriers to attending a professional development event. To increase access to the conference and its educational networking, and professionalization opportunities, IND/EX is able to offer 20 COMPLIMENTARY passes to the event.
LINK TO APPLY URL: https://bit.ly/49QdjOe
SCHOLARSHIP Timeline
*Subject to change
Dec. 1st — Application launch
Jan. 6th — Application deadline
Jan. 20th — Scholarship award notifications
Who Should Apply?
We encourage applications from those who are:
In the early or emerging stages of their careers in film exhibition or related fields
First-time attendees of IND/EX
From underrepresented regions or organizations
Experiencing financial barriers to participation
Applications will be evaluated based on financial need, career stage, impact statement, and geographic diversity. Strong candidates will articulate how attending IND/EX 2026 will advance their professional growth, leadership capacity, and contribution to the independent exhibition community.
These scholarships are designed to support emerging leaders in film exhibition—individuals who are building their careers, shaping their communities, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of independent cinema
CONFERENCE ROOM BLOCKS
CONGRESS PLAZA HOTEL
10 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
200 ft from venue
$229/night
THE SILVERSMITH HOTEL
10 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
0.6 miles from venue
$189/night
BEST WESTERN GRANT PARK
1100 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
0.4 miles from venue
$185/night
Le MÉRIDIEN ESSEX
800 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
0.2 miles from venue
$269/night
FAQs
-
Where is the conference taking place?
The conference and its primary activities will take place in the Downtown Chicago Loop area. The event will be primarily based at VenueSix10 with additional iconic Chicago venues. More information on venues will be shared in the coming months.
VenueSix10
610 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605 -
What is the conference schedule?
Conference registration will open midday on Monday, June 22 with official activities beginning Monday evening. There will be add-on workshops available for participants earlier on Monday with more details coming later this Fall. The conference will wrap up by mid-afternoon on Thursday, June 25. The conference schedule will be available in more detail in the new year.
-
When should I arrive?
If travelling by plane, we recommend arriving on Sunday June 21. In addition to being the first in line for registration, there’s also a home Cubs game on Sunday :)
If traveling by train, car, or you already live in Chicago, we recommend arriving in time to check in at registration before 5pm so you can amble over to our evening event with time to spare.
-
Wait, when does registration open?
Conference passes will go on sale on Tuesday, January 20. We are just finalizing our pass prices and will share those by mid-October so you can plan in advance. In the meantime, we encourage you to book your hotel with one of our hotel partners to secure the best rate.
-
What is the program? Who will be speaking? Will there be Trailer Wars?
You can expect program announcements beginning in January with most of the program announced before the Early Bird deadline. We encourage you to sign up for our email newsletter to get the first alerts on all things programming.
-
I’m interested in sponsoring. Who do I contact?
If you are a vendor or film distributor, we’d love to speak with you. Head over to our Sponsors Page for more information.
-
What is your cancellation policy?
Refund Policy
Refund requests made before March 22, 2026 are eligible for a full refund. A 4% cancellation fee will apply.
After March 22 and before May 2, a partial refund of 50% of the registration fee will be available. A 4% cancellation fee will also apply.
No refunds will be made after May 2, 2026.
To request a refund, please email help@indiefilmex.org.
Transfer Policy
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another individual at any point before June 22, 2026. Transfers cannot be made after the conference begins and registrations may not be split between two people.
Please email help@indiefilmex.org with the name of the original registered attendee and the name and email address of the person being transferred to.
Promo Code Policy
Promo codes will only be honored at the time of purchase.
-
I have other questions!
Please feel free to reach out to help@indiefilmex.org with other questions. Please note we are in the early planning process so we may not yet have an answer.
Contact Us
Need help or general info? Contact help@indiefilmex.org
Accessibility questions? Contact accessibility@indiefilmex.org
Interested in sponsoring? Contact barbara@filmfestivalalliance.org