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IHSA Annual Conference



Click on the link above to open a new window to see the sessions scheduled for the conference.


Conference Overview

Every year the Illinois Head Start Association gathers professionals and parents from across the state of Illinois to attend our Annual Conference. The conference  will provide deep, innovative training and professional development opportunities and an excellent forum for exploring best practices and connecting with your colleagues.

These professional development opportunities allow Directors, Staff, Parents and Head Start Friends to get the most current approaches to materials in their respective areas. Join us for our Annual Training Conference that houses the IHSA Component Meetings & Elections, IHSA Business Meeting, Directors Forum, Awards Luncheon, Trade Show and Exhibit Hall and Powerful Inspiring Keynote Presentations.

Don’t miss this time to come together to reflect, network, learn, and discuss solutions for the success of young children and families during this critical and challenging time in early learning education.

Conference General Schedule-At-A-Glance
Monday, March 27, 2023
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Pre-conference Session Check In
1:00 am - 5:00 pmPre-conference Sessions
**PM Refreshment Break offered


Tuesday, March 28, 2023
8:00 am - 5:00 pmPre-conference Session All Day
**AM & PM Refreshment Break offered; Lunch included


Wednesday, March 29, 2023
8:00 am - 12:00 pmPre-conference Session
**AM Refreshment offered
10:00 am - 5:00 pmConference Service Desk Open
1:00 pm - 2:15 pmOpening Remarks & Opening Keynote
2:30 pm - 4:30 pmConcurrent Sessions
5:00 pm - 6:00 pmWelcome Reception

**PM Refreshment offered
Thursday, March 30, 2023
8:00 am - 5:00 pmConference Service Desk Open
8:30 am - 5:00 pmExhibit Hall Open
8:30 am - 11:45 amConcurrent Sessions
12:00 pm - 1:30 pmRemarks/Annual Award/Luncheon
1:45 pm - 3:15 pmConcurrent Sessions

**AM & PM & Lunch Refreshment offered
3:30 pm - 5:00 pmAnnual Component Meetings &

Annual Business Meeting
Friday, March 31, 2023
8:00 am - 10:00 amConference Service Desk Open
8:00 am -  8: 20 amSpecial Event - A morning of light stretching, breathing, and laughing w/Ron Shuali
8:30 am - 10:30 amConcurrent Sessions
10:45 pm - 12:00 pmClosing Remarks & Keynote Speakers

**AM Refreshment offered

  

***Tentative Schedule - Times and activities subject to change***


Conference Information 

This year's conference will provide high-quality educational sessions for Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Directors, Managers, staff, and parents! Attendees will have opportunities to engage in a variety of in-depth educational sessions that focus on various subjects of interest to the Head Start and Early Head Start community.

Full Conference Registration Fee Includes:

  • All sessions including general and  keynotes
  • Entry to the IHSA 2023 Exhibit Hall
  • Opening Welcome Reception on Wednesday afternoon
  • Thursday Awards Luncheon
  • Refreshment Breaks and Beverages

Registration Information 

Pricing

There are many options to attend and pay for the conference. Discover the rate that best fits your or your groups needs.  Registration rates are as follows:

Registration Fees w/Daily Rates


WedThursFri
Late Registration Passes
ALL registrations received ON & AFTER March 12th
Member$550.00$200.00$240.00$200.00
Group**$500.00$175.00$215.00$175.00
Non Member$600.00$225.00$265.00$225.00











*Note - Pre-conference and the regular Conference cost separately.

**Group Rates - Applies to member agencies registering 5+ individual at the same time from the same program.


Hotel Information

The IHSA Annual Conference will take place in the Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center at East Peoria, Illinois.

Individuals and/or teams can book their hotel reservation by going to the link provided to us by the hotel.

Deadline to book your room to take advantage of the special conference pricing is Friday, March 10, 2023.


SPACE IS LIMITED - BOOK EARLY

Exhibitor/Sponsor Sign-up form


2023 Exhibitor-Sponsor Sign-up form

Any questions about the vendor tables or trade show space? 

Need to forward your logo to Mitch?  Send your specific inquiries to mwood@ilheadstart.org 



Tee-Shirt Pre-Order form


2023 Annual Conference Tee-Shirts.. "There's no place like Head Start!"  ..limited quantities

Select your design and size (use this pre-order form) & then pick-up at the conference!