Biomedical Conference Week Edition

The Chicago Ballroom Alliance returns with another installment of our Walk For Me Wednesdays mini ball series — this time rooted in care, culture, and community.

As Chicago welcomes leaders, researchers, and professionals from around the world for the Biomedical Conference on HIV & AIDS, we recognize that while conversations are happening in conference rooms, the real work has always been happening in our communities — and in our Ballroom.

Ballroom has long been a space of connection, survival, education, and care.
From outreach workers to peer navigators, from chosen family to house structures — this culture has always been a bridge between people and the care they deserve.

This night is about honoring that.

This is for the ones:
• linking people to care
• educating and preventing
• supporting those living with HIV
• showing up every single day

This is not just a Ball.
This is community in motion.
This is care in real time.

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Wednesday, April 8th 2026
3001 W Peterson Ave. Chicago, IL
Doors Open 8PM
LSS at 9PM SHARP — no exceptions
Entry: $15
Mini Ball
$2000 in Cash Prizes
$35 OPEN BAR package available at the bar

On-site health screenings will be available with incentives.
Get tested, get informed, and get connected with trusted community partners offering resources, support, and care.

Special thank you to our partners:
ViiV Healthcare, Vivent Health + TPAN, Lace to Liberation, South Side Help Center, and as always, the School of Opulence.

Walk For Me Wednesdays continues to be a platform where culture meets purpose — and tonight, purpose is care.

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FEATURED CATEGORY

OTA REALNESS – “CARE, CULTURE & COMMUNITY”

MF – $250 | FF – $250
Winners Battle for an additional $500

Tonight, you are the face of the work.

Bring it in one of the following:
• Scrubs (Healthcare Worker)
• Lab Coat (Clinical / Research Professional)
• Outreach Shirt & Casual Gear (Community Worker / Peer Navigator)

This is about believability, intention, and presence.
You’re not playing a role — you are representing real people doing real work.

Make us believe.

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REMAINING CATEGORIES

All participants in remaining categories must incorporate a prophylactic into their look.
(Condoms, dental dams, or other forms of protection — get creative, but make it visible.)

OTA Runway – $200
OTA Performance – $200
OTA Face – $200
OTA Sex Siren – $200
OTA New Runway – $200