Illinois Economic Development Association

📣 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.

Mark your calendars! The Illinois Economic Development Association (IEDA) will host its 2026 Annual Summit on June 24–25 at the University of Illinois Chicago Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum (725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608). Following a highly successful 2025 Summit in Peoria, we’re returning to Chicago to welcome more than 200 economic developers and stakeholders from across Illinois.

Heading to Chicago? A discounted room block is available at the Crowne Plaza West Loop (25 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661).
https://tinyurl.com/2026iedasummit
Group Code: ILE
You may also reserve your room by calling (800) 972-2494 and using the group code.

IEDA is pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities to help keep the Summit accessible and impactful. Sponsorship levels remain unchanged from 2025. Contact [email protected] or (217) 527-1279 for more information on sponsorships.

We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months! For more information, visit our website ileda.org.

The Illinois Economic Development Association (IEDA) is proud to announce that State Rep. Jay Hoffman has been named the 2025 IEDA Legislator of the Year!

Each year, the IEDA presents this award to a member of the Illinois General Assembly who demonstrates outstanding leadership in advancing legislation and programs that promote economic development, investment, and job creation across the state. The IEDA Board of Directors selected Leader Hoffman in recognition of his leadership and many years of service in the General Assembly.

On October 28, 2025, IEDA Chairman Ken Springer, Executive Director Henry Mohn, and Lobbyist James Sherwood met with Leader Hoffman in Springfield to present him with the award and discuss upcoming initiatives and priorities for the General Assembly’s fall veto session.