Event Registration - Illinois Head Start Association

49th Annual IHSA Conference

03/10/2027 - 03/12/2027

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel
3000 South Dirksen Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62703

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49th Annual Conference

Wednesday, March 10 through Friday, March 12, 2027

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Illinois

About the conference

Every year the Illinois Head Start Association gathers professionals and parents from across the state for our Annual Conference.

The conference runs three days and offers hands-on training and professional development, along with real opportunities to compare notes on what is working and connect with colleagues. Sessions are built for Directors, Staff, Parents, and Head Start Friends who want current, practical approaches in their own areas of work.

Come together to reflect, network, learn, and work through solutions for the success of young children and families.

What the program includes

  • IHSA Component Meetings and Elections
  • IHSA Business Meeting
  • Directors Forum
  • Awards Luncheon
  • Exhibit Hall

Event details

Daily schedule
  • Wednesday, March 10 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 11 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Friday, March 12 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration
Registration opens December 2026.
Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703
$110.00 plus tax per night. Room block ends Tuesday, February 16, 2027. At check in the hotel requires a credit card for incidental charges. This is separate from the conference registration fee and is refunded after checkout if no additional charges apply.
Meals
Select meals are included. The full meal schedule will be shared before the event.
Gateways to Opportunity Registry approved training.

More information and registration coming soon

For the most current information on professional development and events, visit ilheadstart.org.

Details are subject to change. Illinois Head Start Association.



Three days of training, professional development, and connection for Directors, Staff, Parents, and Head Start Friends. The program includes IHSA Component Meetings and Elections, IHSA Business Meeting, Awards Luncheon, breakout sessions, and the Exhibit Hall.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62703. Room rate is $110.00 plus tax per night. Room block closes February 16, 2027. Booking instructions are included in your confirmation email. Select meals are included; full meal schedule will be shared before the event.

Registration Policy: All prices are per registrant. Once submitted, there are no cancellations, refunds, or credits. Name changes are accepted up to 72 hours before the event. Dates, times, and pricing are subject to change. Questions? Contact Cathy Welsh at 217.381.5007 or cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.


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