Wednesday, March 10, 2027 - Friday, March 12, 2027
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, IL
(Please note: Event details, fees, and schedules may change as planning continues.)
49th Annual Illinois Head Start Association Conference
The Illinois Head Start Association's 48th Annual Conference brings together Head Start and Early Head Start professionals, parents, and partners from across Illinois. This year's theme, "The Power of Us" celebrates what happens when our community comes together - to connect, create, and cultivate the future of Head Start.
Join us as we come together in extraordinary times to share knowledge, inspire one another, and deepen our collective impact for children, families, and communities.
Conference Details
Full Conference Registration Pass Includes:
We’re shaping a strong mix of sessions across roles and program areas.
Coming Soon
Check back as new sessions are added.
Make a big impact with just a raffle basket contribution! Your contribution—whether a themed basket, gift card, or unique item—will add excitement and fun for attendees while supporting our efforts.
Every donation counts! To contribute, please contact IHSA. Thank you for your generosity!
**subject to change**
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 - (Exhibit Hall o pens 1:00 pm) | |
| 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Opening; Keynote Speaker |
| 2:15 pm - 3:45pm | Breakout Session |
| 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Component Meetings & Election |
| 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Welcome Reception - networking; Dollar Per Child Campaign Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle |
Thursday, March11, 2027 - (Exhibit Hall open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) | |
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Networking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle |
| 8:30 am - 9:00 am | Business meeting |
| 9:00 am - 10:30 am | Breakout Session |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Breakout Session |
| 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm | Luncheon; Annual Awards & Scholarship Recognition |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Breakout Session |
| 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Breakout Session |
Friday, March 12, 2027 - (Exhibit Hall open 8:00 am - 1:30 pm) | |
| 8:00 am - 8:45 am | Networking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle |
| 8:45 am - 10:15 am | Breakout Session |
| 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Breakout Session |
| 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm | Closing Luncheon; Keynote Speaker; Raffle Announcement |
For more information, contact cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.
Showcase - Connect - PartnerSponsors, exhibitors, and vendors are all welcome to be part of this year’s conference.
Join this year’s Illinois Head Start Conference as a sponsor, exhibitor, or vendor. It’s a great opportunity to connect with early childhood leaders and showcase your products or services that support Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Illinois.
Questions? Reach out to: info@ilheadstart.org or call 217-241-3511
Can't be in person? Learn about other ways to participate, please reach out to us
Hotel InformationThe IHSA Annual Conference will take place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, IL, 3000 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703
Deadline to book your room to take advantage of the special conference pricing is on or before Tuesday, February 16 , 2027. Guest room rate is $110.00 per night. **Please note, at check in a credit card is required for hotel incidental charges. This is separate from your conference
registration fee and is refunded after checkout if no additional charges apply.Price is subject to change once the room block is sold out.
CONFERENCE HOTEL GUEST BOOKING PAGE
*stay dates will auto-populate 3/10/2027 arrival for 2 nights (if arriving on 3/9/2027, simply modify the arrival date)
Or Call 217.529.7777 - Option #1 for reservations over the phone
Group Code: S9H