Chicago Finance Exchange upcoming events

Cocktails & Connections: Downtown (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join CFE as we kick off the holiday season with an evening of drinks and conversation at Grill on 21. This casual, after-work gathering is all about building relationships, meeting fellow members, and enjoying genuine conversation in a welcoming setting. No formal program, just a chance to unwind and connect.

This is a great opportunity to invite a prospective member to experience CFE! Email membership@chicagofinanceexchange.org for more information.

Hosted by CFE President, Barbara Best. Each guest will purchase their own beverage(s).

Cocktails & Connections are also being held on November 12 at Beatrix in Oak Brook and on November 19 at CoCo Blu in Arlington Heights. Check the website calendar for details.

Cocktails & Connections: West Suburban (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join CFE as we kick off the holiday season with an evening of drinks and conversation at Beatrix. This casual, after-work gathering is all about building relationships, meeting fellow members, and enjoying genuine conversation in a welcoming setting. No formal program, just a chance to unwind and connect. Come and go as your schedule allows.

This is a great opportunity to invite a prospective member to experience CFE! Email membership@chicagofinanceexchange.org for more information.

Hosted by CFE Board Member, Sandra Pinter. Each guest will purchase their own beverage(s).

Cocktails & Connections are also being held on November 12 Downtown at Grill on 21 and on November 19 at CoCo & Blu in Arlington Heights. Check the website calendar for details.

Cocktails & Connections: Northwest Suburbs (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Kick off the holidays with Cocktails & Connections on November 19 at CoCo & Blu in Arlington Heights. This casual, after-work gathering is all about building relationships, meeting fellow members, and enjoying genuine conversation in a welcoming setting. No formal program, just a chance to unwind and connect. Appetizers and desserts will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Come and go as your schedule allows.

This is a great opportunity to invite a prospective member to experience CFE! Email membership@chicagofinanceexchange.org for more information.

Cocktails & Connections are also being held on November 12 at two locations: Downtown & Oak Brook. Check the website calendar for details.

CoCo & Blu is located on the Metra UP NW line, for those interested in public transportation.

AI Leadership Series: AI 201 - Making AI Work for You (12/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 17:30:00 GMT

The Chicago Finance Exchange's AI Leadership Series is a progressive learning journey designed to take financial leaders from AI basics to strategic application. The series features four virtual webinars and culminates in an in-person event, with peer-to-peer sharing woven through every session. Members are encouraged to customize their experience and join as their schedule allows.

Session II - AI 201: Making AI Work for You

• AI 201 - Building financials and presentations
• Vibe coding for finance leaders — what is it? No tech background needed
• Building powerful presentations with AI
• Long prompt walkthrough: creating an exec presentation
• Best AI courses members have found — curated list

Series Overivew:

Session I (virtual) - Getting Started in the World of AI: Click to view the recording
Session II (virtual) - Making AI work for YOU - Register Today!

Upcoming (dates TBD):
Session III (virtual) - Watch Out - The Risks & Reality
Session IV (virtual) - Complex Uses & What's Next Beyond AI - The Next Frontier
Session V (in-person) - AI After Hours: Cocktails & Conversations