|
Get Inspired. Get Connected. Get Ready. Sometimes the best ideas come from stepping away from the day-to-day, connecting with colleagues, and seeing your work from a fresh perspective. This fall, IACO is bringing county officials from across Illinois together for a conference designed to do just that. We’re excited to welcome nationally recognized motivational speaker Sam Glenn for The Art of Inspiration, an engaging and energizing presentation that blends humor, storytelling, art, and practical lessons about the power of attitude. Sam’s message is simple but powerful: when people get better, organizations get better. His unforgettable approach will challenge us to recharge, reconnect with what motivates us, and bring renewed energy to the work we do every day. The Fall Conference will also tackle timely, practical topics county officials can put to work immediately, including Speak with Confidence: Tips for Powerful Presentations, Conflict Resolution, De-Escalation, and Sovereign Citizens, with another session still to be announced. Not to mention the exceptional day of education presented by our Affiliate organizations. And, of course, a great IACO Conference is about more than what happens in the meeting room. Connect with colleagues and industry partners in our lively Exhibit Hall, catch up during networking receptions, take part in the Annual Membership Meeting, and join us for one of the highlights of the conference, Presidential Honors Night. This special reception and dinner will celebrate the people and ideas making a difference in county government as we recognize this year’s Outstanding New County Official, Outstanding Innovation in County Government, and the County Official of the Year honorees. Come for the ideas. Leave inspired, connected, and ready for what’s next.
Tuesday Affiliate Meeting Agendas
Playbook for Success: Game On! Get ready to tackle the Exhibit Hall and compete for prizes in our Playbook for Success challenge! Visit exhibitors, collect marks on your game card, test your knowledge with trivia questions, and snap photos along the way. The more you participate, the better your chances of scoring a win! When you've completed your plays, turn in your game card to IACO staff for your chance to win prizes in the Regular Season, Divisional Playoffs, Conference Championship, Super Bowl, and 2027 Draft Picks categories. Don't sit on the sidelines! Meet our exhibitors, make valuable connections, and see if you've got what it takes to bring home a championship! Presidential Honors Night Join us for Presidential Honors Night, a special evening celebrating the people who make our association exceptional. We will present our annual awards, recognize members celebrating service milestones, and honor the volunteer leaders whose dedication and contributions help our association thrive. We look forward to an evening of recognition, celebration, and camaraderie. Guests are encouraged to dress for this special occasion. Appropriate attire includes suits or dress pants with a dress shirt (ties are optional) for men, and cocktail dresses, dressy pantsuits, or elegant separates for women. County Official, Staff, and Guest Registration County Official and Staff Registration includes course materials, meal functions on Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday, networking receptions, and exceptional programming. Please register by clicking on the button below. Guest Registration is reserved for the spouse/significant others of a county official and includes meal functions only. Please register by clicking on the button below.
 Registration Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made in writing on or before October 15, 2026 to receive a refund. All refunds (less a $300 processing fee) will be made via a check mailed after the conference. Cancellations should be sent to IACO Executive Director Sandra Wulf at [email protected]. Industry Representative Registration 2026 IACO FALL CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL SOLD OUT! New or returning vendors: You're invited to attend as a Non-Sponsoring/Non-Exhibiting Vendor.
Please only reserve the rooms you need - IACO is financially penalized when reserved rooms are cancelled after the block expires if we fall below our contractual room block commitment.
PLEASE NOTE: Our room blocks expire October 26 at the Marriott; November 1 at the Hyatt Place; and November 2 at the Hampton Inn. After these dates, the hotels will release all rooms and reservation requests will be accepted on a space available basis, at the higher of the government rate or rate available at that time. Exhibit Hall We are thrilled to announce that our Exhibit Hall is at capacity for the Fall Conference. Our many exhibitors are looking forward to meeting and networking with IACO Members. |
