Events with Tickets Available

Through Aug. 26

Springfield, Springfield Springfield

Varies

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…

Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training

Tue., Sept. 8, 9 a.m., Tue., Oct. 13, 9 a.m., 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

Chamber Night with WPBL

Thu., Sept. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Robin Roberts Stadium

1415 North Grand Ave. East, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$100

Community Happenings

Join the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce at the Robin Roberts Stadium for Chamber Night with the Women's Professional Baseball League. Chamber members will be able to showcase their products and services at the ballpark during a WPBL Playoff Game on Thursday, September 10, 2026. For $100 Chamber members will receive 10 tickets for the game and one table to display products and services before and during the game. Tickets will be provided via email prior to the game.

Starting Your Business in Illinois

Wed., Sept. 16, 9-10:30 a.m., Tue., Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thu., Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.

Get Tickets

No Cost

Workshops

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

Compass for Kids Back to School Brunch Fundraiser

Sat., Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park

4965 S 2nd St, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$50 indv/$450 table of 10

Nonprofit Fundraisers

Join us as we celebrate the history and impact of Compass for Kids. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, explore historic photos that tell our story, shop the Compass Marketplace (including unique pieces created from Compass kid art), visit the Blind Date with a Book sale, and bid on exciting items in our silent auction. Your presence helps celebrate our past and fules future opportunities for Compass for Kids. Event Schedule: 10:00am - doors open, grab a drink and an appetizer and enjoy shopping and networking 11:00am - brunch buffet is open 11:45am - program begins, let's celebrate the success of… (217) 585-2941

RISE Lunch & Learn: Leading by Example

Wed., Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Green Toyota

3901 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$25 early/$35 after Aug 31st

Seminars

Leading by Example: My Journey and the People I Choose to Lead In "Leading by Example: My Journey and the People I Choose to Lead," Mylas will discuss the experiences, decisions, and lessons that helped shape his path to leadership. He'll also offer valuable insight into what he looks for when hiring, developing, and promoting employees, highlighting the character traits, work ethic, and leadership qualities that set people apart. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a young professional, or someone looking to grow in your career, you'll leave with practical advice and fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed?and how… 217-525-1173

The Listening Advantage: An Active Guide to Active Listening

Thu., Sept. 24, 9-12 a.m.

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Conferences

This is a comprehensive session designed to help participants learn the power of active listening in both personal and professional settings. We will explore why active listening matters, the difference between speaking and truly hearing, and the key elements that contribute to understanding others. Participants will learn how active listening can transform conversations, create deeper connections, and prevent frustration by ensuring others feel heard and valued. Registration link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ef2657f6746d4ff99f4d4a7d6b090eb2 217-753-3551

26th Annual Denim and Diamonds Gala

Sat., Oct. 10, 6-10 p.m.

The Crowne Plaza

3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

$150 - $25,000: Many levels available

Nonprofit Fundraisers, Receptions

Denim & Diamonds provides the seed funds for critical and innovative cancer research, compassionate patient programs and further addresses the growing needs of our patient population. 217-545-0395

MBA Fall Clean-up Event with Blessed Sacrament

Sun., Oct. 11, 9-11 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament School

748 W. Laurel Ave, Springfield Springfield

Get Tickets

Free

Community Happenings

We’re teaming up with Blessed Sacrament School students and staff to clean up along MacArthur Blvd. from Lawrence to Wabash, and we need your help! Please register using the TICKET link so we know who is coming. 217-522-7534

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

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

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

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.

Promoted Events

217 Food Week

Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training

Chamber Night with WPBL

Events with Tickets Available