2026 Illinois Main Street Conference

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 networking opportunities. The conference is brought to you by Illinois Main Street, in partnership with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, the Driehaus Foundation, Downtown Springfield, Inc., and the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Agenda Day 1 | Two Special Educational Workshops | Registration | Welcome Reception Day 2 | Registration with Breakfast | Keynote Speaker | Educational Workshops | Six Guided & Self-Guided Tours | Awards Dinner Day 3 | Educational Workshops | Closing Experience