March 10–12, 2027 • Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Illinois
The Illinois Head Start Association (IHSA) Annual Conference brings together Head Start and Early Head Start staff, program leaders, educators, family service staff, and community partners from across Illinois.
Over three days, participants share ideas, strengthen their practice, and learn from one another. The conference provides an opportunity for organizations and companies to connect with professionals who support young children and families every day.
Sponsorship and exhibitor participation help make this statewide event possible and affordable for programs. Participation also provides a way to share useful products, services, and information with early childhood professionals from across Illinois.
Participants represent Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving communities throughout Illinois.
| Package | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Exhibitor | Includes one skirted 6’ or 8-foot tables. Each table will include stnadard linen & skirting, two chairs, one waste basket, and logo on event signage. | $1,500 |
| Premium Exhibitor | All Standard Exhibitor benefits, plus your logo on the conference landing page, one social media post, one mention in The Scoop newsletter, and one mention in the conference e-newsletter blast. | $1,800 |
Meal passes are available as an add-on and do not include access to sessions unless separately registered.
Packages should be addressed as follows:Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center3000 South Dirksen ParkwaySpringfield, IL 62703Attn: Person Claiming ShipmentAttn: Name of EventDate of EventBox 1 of 1 (1 of 2, etc.)When should I ship my exhibit materials? Due to limited storage, the Hotel will not accept packages more than three (3) business days, prior to the start of a function. Our receiving department is on the ground level and THERE IS A LOADING DOCK AT THE HOTEL.
Can I send pallets or large items? Special arrangements must be made for all palletized shipments. The Hotel will accept no shipment weighing more than fifteen hundred (1500) pounds.
How do I handle return shipping? All outbound packages must have prepaid labels and a pickup scheduled with your carrier. At the conclusion of the event, Crowne Plaza will be glad to help you ship your boxes. We will pick up, store, and send any sealed and labeled box, using the vendor of your choice. The hotel will not assume responsibility for any boxes/packages/miscellaneous items left on property in unattended function space. All shipping costs will be the responsibility of the group.
Anything else I neeed to keep in mind? The Hotel is not responsible for storage of materials. Please ensure that prior arrangements for storage have been made before making any shipment of materials to the Hotel. Arrangements must be made with the Crowne Meetings Director. All materials should be clearly labeled with the function name, function date, function room and CMD’s name.
| Schedule | Time |
|---|---|
| Setup | Tuesday, March 9 — 7:00 PM–9::00 PM; Wednesday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Open Hours | Tuesday 12:00–7:00 PM; Wednesday 8:00–5:00; Thursday 8:00–12:00 |
| Tear Down | Thursday, March 19 — on or before 1:00 PM |
When is payment due? You will receive an IHSA invoice. Payment must be received before the event. Space confirmed once payment is complete.
What if I need to cancel? IHSA has a no-cancellation, no-refund policy. Once your submit your registration as an exhibitor, payment is required in full.
Can I receive a contact list of attendees? IHSA does not distribute attendee contact information. You may collect contacts directly from your booth of attendees at the conference who choose to share.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
3000 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703
IHSA conference room block available. Details available HERE.
Conference inquiries: info@ilheadstart.org