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
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
5:00 - 8:00 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
8:00 - 11:00 AM
Location TBA
Opening Keynote
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Hear opening remarks and get some an inspirational speaker to kickoff the conference. Location TBA
Breakout Sessions
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Choose from different concurrent learning sessions throughout downtown.
Tours
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Tours TBA
Cocktail Hour & Awards Reception
5:00 - 8:00 PM
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
Innovative Ideas
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Location TBA
Breakout Sessions
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Choose from different concurrent sessions throughout downtown.
Closing Activity
Registration
Tickets
$175 - Non-Member
$100 - Member
$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
Tours: Six free tours available, both guided & self-guided. Reservation needed for tours. Link provided at registration.
Awards Dinner - Kindly RSVP
*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 Members receive 50% off of the General Admission price.
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
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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