2025 Illinois Main Street Conference

The annual Illinois Main Street State Conference is an event celebrating historic Main Streets, downtown districts and neighborhood commercial areas. Powered by dedicated professionals, volunteers, and civic leaders, the conference 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 2025 Illinois Main Street State Conference will be November 12-14 in Dixon, 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, and Dixon Chamber of Commerce & Main Street.

Agenda

Day 1 | Evening Welcome Reception

Day 2 | Educational Workshops and Awards

Day 3 | Educational Workshops and Closing Project

Visit www.ilmainstreet.org/2025-conference for conference updates and full schedule.

Attend the Illinois Main Street Conference if you:

• Are interested in a healthy, thriving commercial district;
• Are a current staff member, board member, or volunteer with a downtown or neighborhood commercial district revitalization program;
• Hold a position in city or county government in leadership, economic development, planning, tourism, or other related fields;
• Hold an elected position as an official in city, county, or state government;
• Work in a related industry such as non-profit development, community development, historic preservation and design;
• Want to learn about the combination community development, historic preservation, and economic development that creates lasting impact in downtowns.

What will you learn?

Engaging with experts in community revitalization, and with a special appearance by Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, you will learn about:

• The Main Street Approach, a national model for downtown development with a 45-year track record of success.
• In-depth topics such as: Downtown Development Finance; Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion; Importance of Public Arts; Equitable Community Engagement; Creating a Cultural Destination and more!
• Find time to meet with Illinois Main Street staff on the onboarding and application process for your community to become a member of the Illinois Main Street program.

Become an Illinois Main Street member and save!

Revitalization works better with a group of active participants in your community. Illinois Main Street Members receive one (1) complimentary registration per community and will receive a promo code in advance. Other IMS Members receive 50% off of the General Admission price of $150.

Join the IMS Network to receive ticket discounts, invitations to special events, educational trainings, and so much more throughout the year!

Contact Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street by email at ereader@mainstreet.org to learn more.

Hotel Accommodations & Rates

Tru Hilton Dixon 1806 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021 (779) 251-1093

No shuttle provided