Tickets now available as SOCAP brings event to the Midwest, October 12-14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
CHICAGO — SOCAP Global, producer of the world’s largest conference focused on impact investing and inclusive capital ecosystems, today announced its flagship annual event will be held in Chicago from October 12 to 14, 2026. Chicago’s central location increases accessibility while connecting SOCAP’s global community directly to the important work and innovations happening in the American Midwest.
“SOCAP has always been about connecting people who are innovating at the intersection of money and meaning,” said Robert Munson, SOCAP CEO and a Managing Director at the Sorenson Impact Institute, which manages SOCAP’s operations. “Chicago is a world-class destination, and the Midwest is where some of the most important work in our field is happening anywhere in the world. We want to be a part of what’s happening there; to highlight it, amplify it, learn from it, and bring the world-changing SOCAP community to this city and region.”
The SOCAP 2026 conference will be held in downtown Chicago. Tickets are currently available at a special early bird price at socapglobal.com. Early bird tickets are limited.
“SOCAP is one of the true cornerstones of the field of impact investing,” said Jim Sorenson, Chairman, the Sorenson Impact Group. “SOCAP has helped to create and connect global markets for investors and entrepreneurs who are working to build and scale solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. Bringing this community with intention to a place like Chicago and the Midwest, where there is so much innovation and leadership, will help accelerate that growth. It’s exciting to see how SOCAP continues to evolve to help drive our field forward.”
In addition to being a hub for investors, foundations, family offices, policy advocates, and leaders shaping the future, Chicago and the Midwest region also offer a central geographic location that is accessible to both domestic and international participants, along with direct connections to major capital allocators and leaders in the inclusive capital ecosystem.
Munson said SOCAP’s long-standing relationships, along with multiple new partners in the area, have made the move possible. Chicago, he said, has welcomed SOCAP with “incredible enthusiasm.”
“We are thrilled to welcome SOCAP’s global community to our hometown of Chicago,” said John Balbach, director of impact investing at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a longtime supporter of SOCAP. “We are grateful for the Sorenson Impact Institute’s continued leadership in fostering connections and spotlighting the contribution of catalytic capital toward inclusive and systemic impact through this conference.”
SOCAP welcomes attendees from all over the world, often from more than 50 countries. Attendees include investors, foundations, entrepreneurs, corporations, financial institutions, funds and fund managers, service providers, academics, media, public sector leaders, and thought leaders from across multiple verticals of public and private finance and philanthropy.
“We are thrilled to sponsor SOCAP’s first convening in Chicago,” said Lindsey Doolittle, Director of Impact Investments, The Chicago Community Trust. “We look forward to welcoming peers from around the world to engage across the full impact investing landscape, including innovative place-based strategies. Chicago’s collaborative impact investing ecosystem makes it an ideal setting for this gathering and the ideas and partnerships it will spark.”
The first day of the 2026 event coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day and falls on the day after the world-famous Chicago Marathon. Munson said the events surrounding SOCAP’s flagship convening add to the “extraordinary energy of the region.”
“Chicago is where capital, community, and purpose intersect—and SOCAP’s decision to bring its global investment conference here reflects that strength,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Being chosen as SOCAP’s first host city outside San Francisco underscores Chicago’s natural alignment with impact investing, equitable growth, philanthropy, and cross-sector innovation. We’re proud to welcome SOCAP’s global community to a city built for collaboration, driven by ideas, and committed to turning capital into lasting impact for people and the planet.”
“I couldn’t be more excited that SOCAP is bringing its annual convening to Chicago. SOCAP’s historic focus on innovative ideas around impact investing and cross-sector collaboration among a diverse range of partners aligns perfectly with a city that has long been at the forefront of economic justice, community-driven solutions, and visionary ideas for a more equitable future,” said Bob Tucker, President, Chicago Community Loan Fund. “I’m also thrilled that attendees will be able to experience my favorite time of year in Chicago and have an opportunity to dive into the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, rich culture, and, of course, world-class dining scene.”
SOCAP Global intends to hold its flagship event in Chicago for two consecutive years. The company maintains its corporate home in California as a Public Benefit Corporation and plans to return to its home base in San Francisco where it has held its flagship event for 18 years.
“This is a time in our world that calls for action,” said Katie Macc, Sorenson Impact Institute CEO. “Bringing SOCAP and its incredible community to Chicago, to collaborate with new audiences, new partnerships, and new ideas is one of the many ways SOCAP is helping to accelerate positive impact around the world. The Midwest is a place where truly innovative and world-changing initiatives are happening in real time. It’s going to be exciting to plug into that energy and to learn from all that is happening there.”
Programming details will be announced in the coming months. For partnership opportunities, please contact Tova Lobatz, Chief Operating Officer. A limited number of early bird tickets are currently available at a special price at socapglobal.com.
“We’re deeply grateful for what San Francisco has given SOCAP over the years, and we will be back soon,” said Geoff Davis, SOCAP Board Chair. “At the same time, the impact economy is no longer coastal or centralized. Chicago offers a powerful moment to test what’s possible when we bring SOCAP into another region rich with social innovation, grounded operators, and capital looking for real-world impact.”
Plans for the 2027 conference will be announced following the 2026 event.
“SOCAP26 in Chicago will demonstrate the power of the impact ecosystem in the middle of the U.S. with a compelling blend of entrepreneurs, investors, foundations, NGOs, universities, and public agencies,” said Tom Balderston, SOCAP Board member. “Year after year, SOCAP has attracted a blend of regulars who attend frequently. This year represents an opportunity to bring many new players under the ‘big tent’ while also welcoming frequent attendees’ exposure to an exciting new region.”
About SOCAP Global
SOCAP Global produces the world’s largest impact investing conference, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, foundations, and practitioners to accelerate the flow of capital toward social and environmental impact. For more than 18 years, SOCAP has served as the premier gathering place for the impact investing community. Learn more at socapglobal.com.
