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
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

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
    1:00 - 5:00 PM

    After 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.

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
    1:00 - 2:30 PM

    Welcome
    Jay Shanle, Executive Director Downtown Springfield, Inc.

    Presenter
    Erik Reader, Reader Area Development

    Most 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.

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
    3:00 - 4:00 PM

    Presenters
    Scott Dahl, Director at Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Casey 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

  • Anvil & Forge
    619 E Washington St, Springfield, IL
    5:00-8:00PM

    Begin 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

  • Arlington’s
    210 Broadway Springfield, IL
    8:00 - 11:00 AM

    After 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.

  • Arlington’s
    210 Broadway Springfield, IL

    9:00 - 10:00 AM

    Opening Keynote:
    Frank Butterfield Interim President & CEO, Landmarks Illinois

    Hear opening remarks and get some inspiration from our partners to kickoff the conference.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

  • Arlington’s
    210 Broadway Springfield, IL
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Jay Shanle, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.

  • Kidzeum
    412 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Lee-Ann Burgener, executive director of the Dana-Thomas House Foundation

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Richard Clark, Founder of Area Code Audio

  • Eck, Schafer & Punke
    227 South 7th
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Gustavo Ustariz, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Support for Main Street America

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Around Downtown

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

  • Arlington’s
    210 Broadway Springfield, IL
    1:00 - 2:00 PM

    Speaker
    Kate Lock, Community & Brand Experience Manager for Downtown Springfield, Inc.

  • Kidzeum
    412 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Maggie Strong, Founder of Me Strong Consulting

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL
    1:00 - 2:00 PM

    Speaker
    Valerie Berstene, Senior Planner for DLR Group

  • Eck, Schafer & Punke
    227 South 7th
    1:00 - 2:00 PM

    Speaker
    Kyle Moore, President & CEO of Great River Economic Development Foundation & Illinois State Representative for District 99

    Session Description

    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.

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

  • Arlington’s
    210 Broadway
    5:00 - 8:00 PM

    Welcome 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

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St.
    9:00 - 10:00AM

    Speakers
    Dr. Niki Davis, Professor of Practice, Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management

    Stephanie Rhodes, Assistant Instructor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St.
    9:00 - 10:00AM

    Speaker
    Quinn Adamowski, Director of Public Affairs for Landmarks Illinois

  • Eck, Schafer & Punke
    227 South 7th
    9:00 - 10:00AM

    Speakers
    Kristen Burns, Executive Director for Woor River Business Alliance

    Brad Wells, Building and Zoning Administrator and Police Chief

    Aaron Burns, Detective & Patrol Commander for the Wood River Police Department

  • Eck, Schafer & Punke
    227 South 7th
    9:00 - 10:00AM

    Speaker
    Jim Miller - Cedar Rapids, IA

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    Julia Cain, Communications & Giving Manager for Downtown Springfield Inc.

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speaker
    William Baker III, Community Outreach Coordinator for Austin African American Business Network Association

    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.

  • Old State Capitol
    526 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speakers
    Tanner Melvin, Co-owner of Side Street Studio Arts

  • Old State Capitol
    526 E Adams St.
    10:30 - 11:30 AM

    Speakers
    Molly Harms, Program Director for Downtown Springfield, Inc.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Brunch & Build: Resources for Stronger Communities

  • Bloom Wine Bar & Florals
    2 S Old State Capitol Plaza
    11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

    Speaker
    Aly Grady, Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

    Grab 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

  • President Abraham Lincoln
    701 E Adams St.
    12:30 - 3:30 PM

    Speakers
    James Rojas and John Kamp, authors of Dream Play Build: Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places

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

  • 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.

REGISTER TODAY

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)

Website

Reserve

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

Other Transportation Information

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