Countdown to Forum

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • 6:00 PM

The Green Mill • 4802 N Broadway

📋 LOGISTICS CHECKLIST

Internal planning document for event organizers

📅 Event Schedule

📋 Pre-Event Checklist

🎤 Forum Format

🎤 Moderator & Questioners

• ☐ Confirm Justin Kaufmann (Axios) — moderator
• ☐ Confirm Alderwoman Angela Clay — questioner
• ☐ Confirm Sean Tenner — questioner
• ☐ Confirm Aman Yohannes (high school student) — questioner
• ☐ Send questions/topics to moderator in advance
• ☐ Brief questioners on format and timing

🏛️ Venue & Space

• ☐ Confirm Green Mill reservation
• ☐ Confirm 46th Ward office overflow room (upstairs)
• ☐ Determine capacity — main room vs. overflow
• ☐ Arrange seating layout for candidates
• ☐ Confirm stage/podium setup
• ☐ Coordinate with Green Mill on bar service during forum

🔊 Audio/Visual & Broadcast

• ☐ Confirm live radio broadcast arrangement
• ☐ Set up audio feed to overflow room
• ☐ Microphones — moderator, questioners, candidates
• ☐ PA system / speakers in main room
• ☐ Test all audio equipment (day before or morning of)
• ☐ Video recording setup (if recording for later)
• ☐ Backup audio plan if tech fails

📣 Promotion & RSVPs

• ☐ RSVP page live at 46thwarddemocrats.org/congressional
• ☐ Flyer distributed — digital
• ☐ Flyer distributed — print (local businesses, ward office)
• ☐ Social media posts scheduled
• ☐ Email blast to ward mailing list
• ☐ Press release / media advisory sent
• ☐ Monitor RSVP count — prepare for capacity

🎷 Entertainment

• ☐ Confirm Chicago Cellar Boys for 8:00 PM
• ☐ Confirm band setup/sound check time
• ☐ Coordinate transition from forum to jazz

👥 Candidates Invited (16)

Click any name to learn more about each candidate running to succeed Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

📍 Day-Of Checklist (Feb 17)

🌅 Morning / Early Afternoon

• ☐ Final confirmation calls — moderator, questioners, band
• ☐ Print attendee check-in list from RSVPs
• ☐ Prepare candidate name cards/placards
• ☐ Gather supplies: pens, tape, signage, timer

🕓 4:00 PM — Setup

• ☐ Arrive at Green Mill for setup
• ☐ Set up candidate seating with name cards
• ☐ Test all microphones and audio
• ☐ Test audio feed to overflow room
• ☐ Confirm radio broadcast connection
• ☐ Post directional signage (entrance, overflow, restrooms)
• ☐ Set up check-in table at entrance

🕠 5:30 PM — Doors Open

• ☐ Staff check-in table — greet attendees
• ☐ Direct overflow crowd upstairs when main room fills
• ☐ Candidates arrive — escort to seating area
• ☐ Brief candidates on format (time limits, order)

🕕 6:00 PM — Forum

• ☐ Sean Tenner welcome / intro
• ☐ Hand off to Justin Kaufmann
• ☐ Timer visible to candidates (enforce time limits)
• ☐ Questioner rotations: Sean Tenner, Angela Clay, Aman Yohannes
• ☐ Monitor audio levels throughout

🕢 7:30 PM — Wrap Up

• ☐ Thank moderator, questioners, candidates
• ☐ Announce mingling period and jazz at 8:00
• ☐ Clear candidate seating for band setup

🕗 8:00 PM — Jazz & Closing

• ☐ Chicago Cellar Boys take stage
• ☐ Enjoy the music 🎷

🌙 After Event

• ☐ Collect any materials/signage
• ☐ Thank Green Mill staff
• ☐ Send thank-you notes to moderator, questioners, band
• ☐ Post event photos/recap to social media
• ☐ Share recording (if available)

🗺️ 46th Ward Map

The 46th Ward covers Uptown, Buena Park, Sheridan Park, and the lakefront from Montrose to Belmont.

📞 Key Contacts

📝 Submit Your Questions

Scan the QR code to submit questions for the candidates.
The moderator may select questions from the audience during the forum.

Click here to submit →

🔥 What is your Hot Topic?

Healthcare
Immigration
Housing
Economy & Jobs
Education
Climate
Public Safety
Gun Violence
Reproductive Rights
Social Security
Veterans
Democracy
Transportation
Civil Rights
Labor & Unions
Foreign Policy
Student Debt
Taxes
Small Business
Seniors & Aging

…or ask about anything else!

For questions:

Call Beto: (773) 744-0238

Field Director

46th Ward Congressional Forum — Logistics Hub
RSVP →