Events

Image: Starting Your Business in Illinois

Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thu., Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.

No Cost

Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. There are so many things to consider - location, size, number of employees, ownership structure, and so on. Then, there are anxieties and concerns: “Where do I start?” “Am I in over my head?” “Will I make it?” If you're thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help! Just because you are in business for yourself doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out by yourself. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) offers consulting services and programs for individuals interested in starting or growing a business. 217-522-2772

Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training

Tue., Nov. 10, 9 a.m. and Tue., Dec. 8, 9 a.m.

The Crowne Plaza

3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$1,999.00

Workshops

CBAP® Certification Classroom Training – Upgrade Your Business Analyst & Business Analytics Career Accelerate your career as a senior business analyst with our intensive CBAP® Certification Classroom Training. Designed specifically for experienced professionals in business analysis and business analytics, this in-person CBAP Bootcamp aligns with IIBA® standards and prepares you to excel in both the exam and real-world strategic analysis roles. The globally recognized CBAP® Certification validates your ability to lead complex initiatives, drive analytical decision-making, and deliver value across projects and business functions. With hands-on guidance, interactive exercises, and BABOK®-aligned training, this classroom program offers the perfect pathway to… 713-287-1187

Chatham Chamber Board Meeting

Wed., Nov. 11, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Wed., Dec. 9, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Chatham Area Public Library

600 E. Spruce St., Chatham Springfield

Public Meeting

Regular board meeting of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce. 217-483-6450

217 Food Week

Through Aug. 26

Various locations

Springfield, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

Varies

Networking

Seven days wasn’t enough time to try all the burgers, so we’ve added three extra days to Burger Week. Check 217foodweek.com to view each location’s hours and offerings. Then gather your friends and start making plans. While enjoying the chef-inspired burgers, don’t forget your 217 Burger Week passport. Use it to plan your food journey and enter for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants. Download your passport at 217foodweek.com or pick one up at the Illinois Times office from Aug. 17-26. Be sure to send it to the Illinois Times office by Monday, Aug. 31. Restaurants set…

CILCSA Route 66 Tailgating Party

Thu., Oct. 22, 5-9:30 p.m.

Route 66 Drive-In Theatre

1700 Knights Recreation Drive, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$25 per car

Nonprofit Fundraisers

This year’s Route 66 Tailgating Party will support our chosen charity, the Animal Protective League (APL) Get Your Tailgate Ready CILCSA is taking game night to the drive-in next month. Join us at the Route 66 Drive In Theater as the Chicago Bears take on the New England Patriots on the big screen. Bring your tailgate setup, gather your crew, and get ready to cheer on your team. RSVP your parking spot. 217-698-0066

15 Under Fifteen reception and awards ceremony

Thu., Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m.

United Community Bank

1900 W. Iles Ave., Springfield Springfield

Awards Programs

Join Springfield Business Journal and United Community Bank for a reception and awards ceremony honoring this year's 15 Under Fifteen small business award recipients. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP to info@springfieldbusinessjournal.com. 7 217-679-7806

Ribbon Cutting/Open House - Troxell

Tue., Oct. 27, 4-4:30 p.m.

Troxell

300 S. Grand Ave., Springfield Springfield

Ribbon Cuttings

TROXELL, located at 300 S. Grand Ave. Springfield, IL, will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. Please join them as they showcase their beautiful new office, adjacent to the main office at 214 S. Grand Ave. Springfield. 217-525-1173

Rise & SHINE at Synergy HomeCare

Wed., Oct. 28, 7:30-8:45 a.m.

Synergy HomeCare

3259 W. Iles Ave., Springfield Springfield

Networking

Join the Chamber's young professionals networking group, RISE Springfield, at their October 28 RISE & Shine at SYNERGY HomeCare! Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other young professionals from the Springfield area, enjoy complementary coffee and light breakfast items. Registration is encouraged for this event, but not required. Don't forget your business cards to enter in the drawing for the giveaway! RISE & Shine is RISE Springfield's morning network building event. A Chamber member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide a light breakfast and a casual atmosphere… 217-525-1173

Best of Springfield 2026 Party

Thu., Oct. 29, 5-9 p.m.

Bank of Springfield Center

1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$39

Community Happenings

Celebrate the 2025 Best of Springfield, enjoy food and beverages from local businesses and live music by the Brandy Kristin Band. Event includes vendor booths, a costume contest and chances to win more than $900 in prizes. Tickets available online or at Illinois Times. Tickets are also available by cash or credit card at the Illinois Times office. 217-679-7814

Delegate to Elevate: The Art of Letting Go and Unlocking the Talent in Your Team

Fri., Oct. 30, 9-11 a.m.

1908 Innovation and coworking center

1100 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

Seminars

Effective delegation is not about shoving off work on others, but rather empowering them to take ownership, grow skills, and aid in overall team success. This workshop helps participants understand common issues seen with delegation, and how to identify tasks and structures that enable people to be accountable without being micro-managed. Through practical tools and interactive exercises, participants will learn to “let go” in ways that elevate both their leadership and their team’s potential. 217-753-3551

Abcor Home Health Ribbon Cutting/Open House

Thu., Nov. 5, 12-12:30 p.m.

Abcor Home Health

2121 W White Oaks Dr, Springfield Springfield

Ribbon Cuttings

Abcor Home Health, located at 2121 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on November 5th at noon. Please join them as they showcase their new office. 217-880-6886

Open House at Longview Community Bank

Fri., Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Longview Community Bank

3330 Hedley Road, Springfield Springfield

Free

Open Houses

Meet the staff and enjoy complimentary food from Azteca Restaurant, fun and freebies. 447-303-0659

Chatham Area Chamber Luncheon

Thu., Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Salvation Army

1600 Clearlake Ave., Springfield Springfield

Luncheons

Chamber luncheon scheduled for November at the Salvation Army in Springfield. 217-483-6450

Chamber on Tap - Green Toyota

Thu., Nov. 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Green Toyota

3901 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield Springfield

$5 member/ $15 non-Chamber members

Networking

Green Toyota will host our November Chamber on Tap. Green's mission is to make your car-buying experience simple, enjoyable, and personalized to meet your needs. Whether you're visiting us here at Green Toyota or one of their other dealerships, you can trust their knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and commitment to your satisfaction. Chamber on Tap is The Chamber's monthly network building event. A member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide food, drinks, and a casual atmosphere conducive for making connections that matter. 217-525-1173

MacArthur Blvd Monthly Business Assoc Meeting

Second Thursday of every month

Southside Christian Church

2600 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield Springfield

Public Meeting

Meet neighbors, Boulevard business owners and local government leaders each month at this member meeting.

LIVE2LEAD Leadership Development Workshop

Fri., Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park

4965 S 2nd St, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$125 - thru Aug 13th; $150 thru Oct 13th; $199 after Oct 13th

Workshops

LIVE2LEAD Springfield One Day. Lasting Impact. Transform Your Leadership. Leadership Development & Personal Growth Workshop * Experience world-class leadership insights from John Maxwel and other high impact leaders. * Grow your influence and impact with proven strategies for personal and professional success thru interactive activities during the day, *Connect with like-minded leaders for networking and collaboration. * Gain practical tools to lead with confidence and clarity in today's changing world. * Be inspired by stories of innovation and resilience from top thought leaders. Sponsorships and group pricing available. Hosted by LeadershipDNA. Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company and Chick-fil-A… 217-519-2269

Trauma Informed: An Approach That Strengthens Communities

Fri., Nov. 13, 9:30-11 a.m.

1908 Innovation and coworking center

1100 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

Community Happenings

Join us for an introduction to the essential concept of being trauma-informed. This training will help you understand what trauma is and how it affects individuals, explore secondary trauma, and learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). You'll also become aware of the six core principles of trauma-informed care and identify practical ways to incorporate these principles into your personal and professional life. Register here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ef2657f6746d4ff99f4d4a7d6b090eb2 217-753-3551

Economic Outlook Breakfast 2026

Tue., Nov. 17, 7:15-9 a.m.

Lincoln Land Community College

5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$35 Early Bird/$45 member/$75 non-member/$450 Table of 8

Networking

The Chamber and presenting sponsor, Carrollton Bank, will hold the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast on Tuesday, November 17 at Lincoln Land Community College in their Student Union. This annual event will feature Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He will provide an overview of our national economy, how it will impact our local community and affect the business environment. The economist covers a range of topics including macroeconomic trends, global economic factors, policies and regulations, and market trends. This year's event will feature a buffet-style breakfast. Doors will open and breakfast will be available at 7:15… 217-525-1173 x216

2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

Wed., Nov. 18, 1-8 p.m., Thu., Nov. 19, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Fri., Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel

701 E. Adams, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$33.85 (Award Dinner Only)/$108.55 Member/$188.58 Non-Member

Conferences

Join fellow downtown revitalization leaders from across Illinois for three days of inspiration, connection, and celebration. The annual Illinois Main Street State Conference is an event celebrating historic Main Streets, downtown districts, and neighborhood commercial areas. The conference — powered by dedicated professionals, volunteers, and civic leaderse — aims to bring together leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts to learn from industry experts on how to grow and sustain downtown districts as hubs of economic and social opportunity. The 2026 Illinois Main Street State Conference will be November 18-20 in Springfield, Illinois, and will include educational breakout sessions, informational tours, and numerous… 217-544-1723

Rise & Unwind - Memorial

Wed., Nov. 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Memorial Learning Center

228 W. Miller St, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$5

Networking

RISE & Unwind with us at our November 18 event at Memorial Health! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other young professionals in the Springfield area to help build their professional networks as well as enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverages from Memorial. Don't forget to bring your business cards to enter into the drawing for gift cards from Potbelly! Registration is encouraged for this event, but not required. RISE & Unwind is RISE Springfield's evening network building event. A Chamber member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide light… 217-525-1173

First Citizen Award

Wed., Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m.

Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park

4965 S 2nd St, Springfield Springfield

Awards Programs

Recognizing those who've made the Springfield area a better place with the annual First Citizen Award tradition. 217-789-4431

2026 CIC SHRM Educational Conference

Thu., Nov. 19, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

O'Shea Builders

3401 Constitution Dr., Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$49 SHRM mem/$59 non-member/$29 student

Conferences

Join the Central Illinois SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapter for a half day educational conference featuring multiple speakers including keynote speaker Steven Thomas.

Illinois Local Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday

Sat., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.

Orr Building

Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield Springfield

$5 for ages 13 and over.

Networking

The Illinois Local Holiday Market returns to the heated Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on Small Business Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop local and discover unique gifts, handmade goods, food, and more from talented Illinois small businesses. The festive family-friendly event will feature Santa, Bluey & Bingo, live entertainment from SYPG, Dayna’s Dance Revolution and Springfield Theatre Centre, plus plenty of holiday cheer. Admission is free for children 12 and under and $5 for ages 13 and over. Come celebrate the holidays, support local entrepreneurs, and make a day of it! 217 210 1589

Chamber on Tap - District 23 Boutique

Thu., Dec. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

District 23 Boutique

830 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield Springfield

$5 member/ $15 non-Chamber members

Networking

District 23 Boutique will host our December Chamber on Tap. District 23 is a boutique that sells on trend women's clothing, accessories, home decor, gifts and more. Chamber on Tap is The Chamber's monthly network building event. A member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide food, drinks, and a casual atmosphere conducive for making connections that matter. **Parking will be available in front of District 23, behind the store in the Ergadoozy Parking Lot, the funeral home next to District 23, and the large parking lot north of the… 217-525-1173

Promoted Events

Starting Your Business in Illinois

Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training

Chatham Chamber Board Meeting

Events