2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

November 18-20, 2026

For the 2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

We invite proposals for educational sessions on perennial downtown and commercial district management topics guided by the Main Street Approach.

Timeline

April 2026 - Proposal opportunity published online
May 30, 2026 - Proposals due by 7:00pm CST
June 9, 2026 - Notification of selection
August 4, 2026 - Registration opens
November 1, 2026 - Presentation materials due
November 18-20, 2026 - Illinois Main Street Statewide Conference in Springfield

Call for Presenters

Learn more
Learn more
Online Application
Online Application

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.

PROGRAM

Schedule At-A-Glance

View Schedule At-A-Glance Document - COMING SOON

2026 Illinois Main Street Conference Program

View Conference Program Document - COMING SOON

Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Wednesday, November 18th

Conference Registration Opens
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location TBA

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 TBA

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 & Roundtables
2:30 - 4:00 PM

Tours TBA

Cocktail Hour & Awards Reception
5:00 - 8:00 PM

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.

Conference Closes

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
Reserve

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 of $150.

  • 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