Illinois Economic Development Association

What's the best way to kick off summer in economic development?

The 2026 IEDA Summit is just three weeks away — June 24–25 at the UIC Dorin Forum in Chicago — and our members say it best:

"The IEDA Summit keeps me up to speed on the latest issues facing economic development and I always return with new ideas, new tactics and renewed motivation to make my community stronger."

- Ken Springer, IEDA Board Chair, President, Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development

Despite a nearly six-hour drive or train ride from southernmost Illinois—or now a convenient one-hour jet flight—we make the IEDA Summit a priority each year. It’s an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues from throughout the state, learn from one another, and engage directly with key state, federal, and economic development professionals to ensure the communities we serve benefit. Whether you’re nearby or traveling from a distance, this annual convening consistently delivers a strong return on both time and investment."

- Deb Barnett, Executive Director, Southern Illinois Now

“The Illinois Economic Development Association’s annual summit is a fantastic opportunity to connect with economic development professionals across Illinois, providing excellent opportunities for networking and education. Please join us for our annual summit later this month.”

- Karen Halstead, Senior Economic Development Specialist, ComEd

“The IEDA Summit is valuable because it creates a unique opportunity to connect with economic development professionals from every corner of Illinois. As a past attendee and planning committee member, I've seen firsthand how the conversations, partnerships, and ideas that emerge from the Summit translate into real-world projects and stronger communities. It's one of the few events where you can learn from peers, engage with thought leaders, and leave energized with new strategies to support economic growth across our state.”

- Renee Wott, Senior Northeast Regional Manager, Office of Regional Economic Development, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Two days of insights, connections, and strategies to strengthen your community — don't miss it.

If you haven't registered yet, now is the time. 🗓️
REGISTER HERE: https://www.ileda.org/2026-ieda-summit

2026 IEDA Summit **Bussing provided between the Crowne Plaza West Loop and the UIC Dorin Forum on June 24 and 25, in accordance with event times.

📣 2026 IEDA Summit — Topics & Tentative Schedule Released!

We're excited to announce the session topics and tentative schedule for the 2026 IEDA Summit, taking place June 24–25 at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum in Chicago, IL.

IEDA's signature annual conference brings together over 200 economic development professionals and stakeholders from across Illinois. Click the link below to view the tentative schedule (times, topics, and session names are all subject to change). This year's sessions include the following:

🔹 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Presentation
🔹 Illinois EDC Presentation
🔹 Powering Illinois' Future: Capacity, Resource Adequacy, and the Role of Nuclear Energy
🔹 Aligning Workforce Strategy with Business Needs
🔹 Making Sense of the Economy: Federal Reserve Midyear Assessment
🔹 The State of Transportation: How Trucking, Aviation, and Rail Are Shaping Economic Development
🔹 Community Approaches to Address Housing Needs
🔹 Small Places, Big Impact: How Tourism Sparks Economic Growth Across Illinois

Register now! 🔗 https://www.ileda.org/2026-ieda-summit

🔗 Calling all economic development professionals in Illinois — let's connect in Chicago this June!

The 2026 IEDA Annual Summit is just around the corner (June 24–25), and I'm excited to spotlight one of my favorite parts of the event: our networking reception at Haymarket Pub & Brewery on the evening of June 24 from 5:30–7:30 PM. We've reserved the back room for food, drinks, and great conversation. Complimentary transportation will be provided between the venue, the Dorin Forum, and our hotel block at the Crowne Plaza West Loop. Haymarket is just a short walk away.

📋 Key details:

Registration: $249 (members) | $349 (non-members). New members can receive a $50 voucher — email [email protected] after joining.

Event Location: UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Hotel: Discounted room block at Crowne Plaza West Loop

Sponsorships: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels available — see details at the registration link.

👉 Register now at ileda.org/2026-ieda-summit

I look forward to seeing you there.