2026 Illinois Main Street Conference
November 18-20, 2026
Springfield, Illinois
Join statewide leaders, advocates, and community champions in Springfield to learn from industry experts about growing and sustaining downtown districts as vibrant centers of economic and social opportunity.
This year’s conference will be held November 18–20 and will feature educational breakout sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and valuable networking opportunities.
The conference is presented by Illinois Main Street, in partnership with Juliana Stratton, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and Downtown Springfield, Inc.
Conference Host
Registration
Tickets
$175 - Non-Member
$100 - Member
$50 - Student with ID
$30 - Awards Dinner Only
Add-ons (free with ticket)
Wednesday, November 18
Where Momentum Gets Stuck Workshop*
Let’s Take a Road Trip Workshop*
Thursday, November 19
Breakout Sessions
Tours: Six free tours available, both guided & self-guided. Reservation needed for tours. Link provided at registration.
Awards Dinner - Kindly RSVP
Friday, November 20
Breakout Sessions
Brunch & Learn
Hands on Workshop Activity*
*Workshops are free with ticket purchase, but limited capacity.
Revitalization works better with a group of active participants in your community. Illinois Main Street Members receive one (1) complimentary registration per community and will receive a promo code in advance. Other IMS Member program staff, board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders. receive 50% off CODE of the General Admission price.
Admission includes all conference activities and the award reception.
PROGRAM
Session Highlights:
Downtown Momentum Scorecard: Turning Ideas into Action
Fund Development Without the Fear
The Human Advantage: Building Loyalty for Local Businesses
Solving Common Downtown Design Challenges
Strengthening Your Social Media and Online Presence
Reclaiming Vacant and Neglected Buildings
Building Trust and Alignment for Downtown Redevelopment
Strategic Event Planning: Mission, Capacity and Execution
Infill Housing and Downtown Development
Growing Community Impact Through Farmers Markets
Schedule At-A-Glance
View Schedule At-A-Glance Document
2026 Illinois Main Street Conference Program
View Conference Program Document - COMING SOON
Conference Agenda At-A-Glance
Wednesday, November 18th
Exclusive Leadership Workshops
Limited Capacity Reservations Required
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
Conference Registration Opens
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
Welcome Reception
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Begin the conference with an evening of conversation and connection with community revitalization leaders from across the state.
Location: Anvil & Forge
619 E Washington St, Springfield, IL
Thursday, November 19th
Morning Registration Opens & Breakfast
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
Opening Keynote: Landmarks Illinois
Frank Butterfield Interim President & CEO
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Hear opening remarks and get some inspiration from our partners to kickoff the conference.
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Lunch
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tours
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Tour
State Capitol Tour
Dana-Thomas House Tour
Route 66 Experience Tour
Governors Mansion Tour
Lincoln Home Tour
Cocktail Hour & Awards Reception
5:00 PM - Cocktail Hour
6:00 - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Awards
Location: Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
Celebrate success within downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the state with the Lt. Governor Awards for Revitalization.
Friday, November 20th
Breakout Sessions
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Choose from different concurrent sessions throughout downtown.
Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Brunch
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Closing Activity: Dream Play Build
James Rojas and John Kamp
12:30 PM
Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places with James Rojas and John Kamp.
Breakout Session Venues
Choose from different concurrent learning sessions throughout downtown.
Arlington’s: 210 Broadway
Eck, Schafer & Punke: 227 South 7th
Kidzeum: 412 E Adams St.
Old State Capitol: 526 E Adams St.
President Abraham Lincoln: 701 E Adams St.
AGENDA
Wednesday
November 18, 2026
Thursday
November 19, 2026
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
1:00 - 5:00 PMAfter checking into your hotel stop by the registration table to grab your badge with conference program, and other goodies in your swag bag sponsored by Downtown Springfield Inc.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
1:00 - 2:30 PMWelcome
Jay Shanle, Executive Director Downtown Springfield, Inc.Presenter
Erik Reader, Reader Area DevelopmentMost downtowns are not short on ideas or energy. The real challenge is understanding why progress sometimes feels slower than it should.
In this interactive workshop, participants will use the Downtown Momentum Scorecard to identify where progress may be getting stuck in their own community. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, attendees will interpret their results and develop a focused 90-day priority to help align partners, clarify direction, and strengthen downtown momentum.
Participants will leave with a practical tool they can use with their board and community partners to support clearer decisions and sustained progress.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
3:00 - 4:00 PMPresenters
Scott Dahl, Director at Springfield Convention & Visitors BureauCasey Claypool, Executive Director Illinois Route 66 Byways
Route 66 defined a remarkable era in our state’s history and it lives on today in Illinois many Route 66 roadside attractions, museums, and restaurants. It’s the shining ribbon of blacktop, original concrete, and paved bricked roads we call the ‘Mother Road.’
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Anvil & Forge
619 E Washington St, Springfield, IL
5:00-8:00PMBegin the conference with an evening of conversation and connection with community revitalization leaders from across the state. Hear welcome remarks from our Springfield hosts and start celebrating work done throughout this past year. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones as you explore the venue!
Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided for attendees.
Don’t miss the special Build Your Own Horseshoe Bar a must have Springfield treat!
Friday
November 20, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
8:00 - 11:00 AMAfter checking into your hotel or arriving to the Opening Keynote, stop by the registration table to grab your badge with conference program, and other goodies in your swag bag sponsored by Downtown Springfield, Inc.
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Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL9:00 - 10:00 AM
Opening Keynote:
Frank Butterfield Interim President & CEO, Landmarks IllinoisHear opening remarks and get some inspiration from our partners to kickoff the conference.
Preservation and Main Street begin with the same idea: historic places not only tell a community's story but are resources to propel it forward. Frank Butterfield, Interim President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois, knows this connection firsthand, having lived in downtown Springfield and worked with Main Street communities across Illinois. Drawing on those experiences, he will explore how Landmarks Illinois and Illinois Main Street work together to advance community and economic development by encouraging reinvestment in existing buildings, strengthening local businesses, fostering civic pride, and creating places where people want to be.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
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Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Jay Shanle, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.The presentation showcases how the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series transforms an underused downtown space into a vibrant cultural anchor. It highlights the social, economic, and placemaking benefits of free, family-friendly concerts, demonstrating how consistent, inclusive programming strengthens community bonds, boosts local businesses, and accelerates downtown revitalization efforts.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Richard Clark, Founder of Area Code AudioIn an era dominated by algorithmic convenience and online retail giants, local brick-and-mortar businesses have a timely differentiator: humanity. In this session, we'll explore how main street communities can build consumer loyalty and deep community investment by leaning into human stories, relational intimacy, and community narratives.
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Kidzeum
412 E Adams St.
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Lee-Ann Burgener, executive director of the Dana-Thomas House FoundationFrank Lloyd Wright built a home for Susan Lawrence Dana to entertain. It was purchased by Charles C. Thomas in 1943, who operated a publishing company in the house for almost 40 years. It was then purchased by the State of Illinois, who has turned it into a tourist destination.
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Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Gustavo Ustariz, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Support for Main Street AmericaThis session will share the Small Business Hub’s initial findings, lessons, and emerging opportunities, including what is working, what we are learning from small business owners, and what it takes to build engagement beyond simply providing content. Participants will also explore how local Main Street directors can leverage the Small Business Hub as an extension of their existing small business support efforts connecting businesses from their communities to a custom developed course catalog, networking discussion forums, practical resources, and specialized support without having to build everything themselves.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Around Downtown
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
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Kidzeum
412 E Adams St.
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Maggie Strong, Founder of Me Strong ConsultingMain Street runs on the same small group until they burn out. This session names the real barriers to engagement and introduces the Community Capitals Framework — a practical tool for finding the untapped people and resources already in your community. Leave with strategies and a 30-day commitment to build broader, stronger connections.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
1:00 - 2:00 PMSpeaker
Valerie Berstene, Senior Planner for DLR GroupHave you encountered one of these top 5 common design challenges in your downtown or main street: painting brick facades; adding new materials to the existing façade; visibility through storefront windows; ADA access; and parking? If so, this session is for you!
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Eck, Schafer & Punke
227 South 7th
1:00 - 2:00 PMSpeaker
Kyle Moore, President & CEO of Great River Economic Development Foundation & Illinois State Representative for District 99Forget phone-a-friend — advocacy is about showing up prepared, with the right ask, at the right time. Join former Mayor and State Rep Kyle Moore for a fast, funny walkthrough of what actually gets elected officials to say yes to your Main Street project.
Presenter Information
Rep. Moore was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in November 2024. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Quincy University and is a former co-owner and Vice President of a family business. Rep. Moore is a former member of the Quincy City Council and was elected Mayor of Quincy in 2013 and re-elected in 2017. He was named President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation in 2021. Rep. Moore resides in Quincy with his wife Emily. -
Arlington’s
210 Broadway Springfield, IL
1:00 - 2:00 PMSpeaker
Dr. Niki Davis, Professor of Practice, Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management, Southern Illinois UniversityStephanie Rhodes, founder of Bloomin’ Communications LLC
and Assistant Instructor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event ManagementThis session explores how to evaluate whether an event truly aligns with your mission, community, and organizational capacity. Participants will learn to assess event purpose and strengthen operational systems, including logistics, budgeting, partnerships, and on‑site execution.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Downtown Springfield Community Tours
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Break
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cocktail House & Awards Reception
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Arlington’s
210 Broadway
5:00 - 8:00 PMWelcome to an evening of appreciation and recognition! The 2026 Illinois Main Street Awards celebrate success within downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the state. Help us recognize work in Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions, along with Volunteer and Board Members of the Year.
Mix and mingle during a social hour before the program starts at 6:00pm. Join us as we present the Lieutenant Governor Awards for Excellence in Revitalization, recognizing outstanding organization and activities, as well as the inspiring people who drive revitalization efforts in their communities.
Casual attire. Enjoy refreshments and dinner. Dinner to be served at 7:00pm.
8:00 PM - Your Heart’s Desire
Extended Networking After Hours
Explore Downtown Springfield and continue to get to know your fellow Main Street friends!
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St.
9:00 - 10:00AMSpeaker
Quinn Adamowski, Director of Public Affairs for Landmarks IllinoisRevitalizing a downtown requires resources, communication, champions, and dedicated local and statewide partnerships. Join Landmarks Illinois for an interactive roundtable exploring how we can better serve Illinois Main Street communities. Together, we will discuss common challenges facing Main Street organizations and how Landmarks Illinois can provide meaningful assistance through advocacy, preservation expertise, technical assistance, and strategic connections. Bring your experiences and ideas to the conversation as we identify practical ways to strengthen our shared efforts, elevate your community's story, and ensure you have the tools you need to thrive. We look forward to exploring how Landmarks Illinois can become a stronger partner in your community's success.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St.
9:00 - 10:00AMSpeakers
Kristen Burns, Executive Director for Woor River Business AllianceBrad Wells, Building and Zoning Administrator and Police Chief
Aaron Burns, Detective & Patrol Commander for the Wood River Police Department
How Wood River’s Business Alliance, Police Department, and Building & Zoning Team Work Together to Reclaim Forgotten Buildings through Vacant Structure Ordinances and Building Registry.
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Eck, Schafer & Punke
227 South 7th
9:00 - 10:00AMSpeaker
Jim Miller - Cedar Rapids, IAJoining this session? Take this brief survey ahead of time! SURVEY
Do the words fund development make you weak in the knees? Do you start sweating at the thought of fundraising? It’s all about telling your story and finding friends and supporters to come along on your organization’s successful growth. And yes, ya gotta know the territory – your territory. Join Jim for this audience-engagement session with some honest talk about raising money and shared ideas from your colleagues.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St.
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
Julia Cain, Communications & Giving Manager for Downtown Springfield Inc.Stretch your content by learning to repurpose existing stories and media into new marketing materials. This hands-on workshop will include direct examples of projects from Downtown Springfield, Inc. We'll break down the organization's wins and showcase the media pieces created from them to best serve goals across public communication, press relations, community involvement, and fundraising. Attendees will also be invited to break down their own wins through a media repurposing workshop to leave with actionable starting points.
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St.
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeaker
William Baker III, Community Outreach Coordinator for Austin African American Business Network AssociationHow do you create a transformative revitalization model for a community while preserving its culture? Learn about the AAABNA and how we leverage Austin’s cultural capital to uplift community residents and drive economic development. We will review our corridor strategies, special projects, investments, and opportunities. We will also share a special video presentation highlighting the Soul City Corridor and the greater Soul City Cultural District.
William is an economic development practitioner focused on business development, strategic relationship building, and social impact strategy. Early in his career, he worked across multiple industries, including conservation, Preservation, Creative Production, and Media. William has served Austin for the past three years, working at the Austin African American Business Networking Association, managing programs, cross-collaborating with stakeholders, and developing funding and relationship opportunities. William has learned the AAABNA model of leveraging cultural capital to drive economic development, implementing traditional and unique solutions to address economic development. Most notably, William was the lead writer on the development team that helped secure the Soul City State Cultural District designation and the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program. William is passionate about organizing wealth and resources into an accessible and open-source framework. William believes capacity building in local communities can strengthen them and, over time, sustain them for long-term investments.
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Old State Capitol
526 E Adams St.
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeakers
Molly Harms, Program Director for Downtown Springfield, Inc.Cassandra Grey, Associate Director for Downtown Springfield, Inc.
Farmers markets are integral to the formation of community connections for many organizations. Examine how the Old Capitol Farmers Market has adapted existing programming and partnerships to broaden the market’s effect. Attendees will identify goals for their markets and evaluate how current practices can be used to support those goals.
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Eck, Schafer & Punke
227 South 7th
10:30 - 11:30 AMSpeakers
Tanner Melvin, Co-owner of Side Street Studio ArtsDowntown projects often stall due to misalignment between municipalities, nonprofits, and business owners. This session explores how to build trust, improve communication, and align goals to move projects forward, using real-world lessons from a complex downtown redevelopment project.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Brunch & Build: Resources for Stronger Communities
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Bloom Wine Bar & Florals
2 S Old State Capitol Plaza
11:30 AM - 12:30 PMSpeaker
Aly Grady, Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic OpportunityGrab a plate and join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for brunch and a conversation about resources available to support communities, downtowns, and local businesses across Illinois. Hear updates on statewide programs, get a preview of current and upcoming funding and technical assistance opportunities, and learn how communities are putting DCEO resources to work. Come ready with questions and leave with new connections, ideas, and opportunities to explore back home.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Closing Hands on Workshop & Activity
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President Abraham Lincoln
701 E Adams St.
12:30 - 3:30 PMSpeakers
James Rojas and John Kamp, authors of Dream Play Build: Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and PlacesIn this closing workshop, participants will get to work not only with their hands to build models
of the main street of their dreams but also get to go outside and explore downtown Springfield
with their senses. James Rojas of Place It! And John Kamp of Prairieform will lead
participants through three activities that each build off of the other – starting with using found
objects provided to build a model of a favorite childhood memory, to then moving into an
outdoor activity in which participants will explore the area of downtown adjacent to the hotel
with their senses, and then coming back inside and working in groups to build a redesigned
version of that downtown they just explored. Along the way there’ll be music, collaboration,
and all around good cheer. At the end will then be room for a Q and A and discussion about
how these hands-on and sensory-based methods could be applied to your own work
engaging residents in making a more thriving and inviting main street.
Sponsors & Supporters
Hotel Information
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield
a Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
701 E. Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
217-544-8800 (code IMS)
Transportation
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI)
1200 Capital Airport Dr.
217-788-1060 flyspi.com
Nonstop: Chicago ORD via American
Amtrak - 10 daily trains: Chicago to Springfield
100 N. 3rd St.
amtrak.com
Who should attend?
If you are a current staff member, board member, or volunteer with a downtown or neighborhood commercial district revitalization program;
Hold a position in city or county government in leadership, economic development, planning, tourism, or other related fields;
Hold an elected position as an official in city, county, or state government;
Work in a related industry such as non-profit development, community development, historic preservation and design;
Want to learn about the combination community development, historic preservation, and economic development that creates lasting impact in downtowns.
FAQs
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No. We welcome professionals from all different types of organizations. If you are a volunteer or serve on a board or committee for a revitalization effort, we would love to have you attend!
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You can learn more about Main Street Approach, a national model for downtown development with a 45-year track record of success.
We also cover topics such as: historic preservation, real estate development, small business assistance, entrepreneurial ecosystem building, destination marketing, community engagement techniques, and creative placemaking projects.
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The conference takes place at various venues throughout downtown and also includes walking tours, offsite networking events, and a hands-on project to conclude the event.
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Revitalization works better with a group of active participants in your community. Illinois Main Street Members receive one (1) complimentary registration per community and will receive a promo code in advance. Other IMS Members receive 50% off of the General Admission price.
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Be part of Illinois’ only downtown revitalization event, where civic leaders, developers, small business owners, preservationists, and placemaking professionals come together to learn, connect, and act. Your sponsorship fuels the inspiration and big ideas that lead to real-world projects. Partnering with Illinois Main Street means more than placing a logo on a program—it means becoming a driving force for vibrant downtowns, successful small businesses, and thriving communities across Illinois.
Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities