2025 IACO Fall Conference
November 17-19, 2025
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Please make plans to join us the 2025 IACO Fall Conference in Bloomington-Normal. We are excited to offer lively discussions, a vibrant exhibit hall, and fantastic networking opportunities.

Download Event Brochure  |  Register Today!

Monday, November 17, 2025
7:30 a.m. Registration Open
8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Exhibits Open
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • Erin Cartwright Weinstein, 2025 IACO President, Lake County Circuit Court Clerk

Wellness Strategies to Build Resilience

  • Featured Speaker: Anjali Nandi

This session explores practical wellness strategies and evidence-based approaches to managing stress, protecting against burnout, and fostering resilience in high-pressure environments. We will focus on strategies that are realistic and sustainable, and participants will leave with actionable steps they can integrate immediately into their daily work.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

IMRF Presentation

  • Featured Speaker: Randy Stevens, IMRF
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Buffet
1:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Threats, Security, and How You Can Respond

  • Facilitator: Chris Marsh, Coroner, White County
  • Panelists: Christopher Covelli, Deputy Chief, Court Security Division, Lake County, and Steve Lyddon, Protective Security Advisor, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Public officials and their offices face a wide range of security challenges, from threatening mail and disruptive behavior to active shooter incidents and mass attacks. This session will provide a practical overview of the risks county leaders may encounter and the steps they can take to strengthen personal and physical security.

Speakers will also highlight resources for funding security measures, strategies for behavioral assessment, and considerations for both physical and cyber threats. Participants will leave with a clearer picture of today’s threat landscape and actionable approaches for protecting themselves, their staff, and their communities.

3:00 p.m.

Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association Board Meting

4:45 p.m.  Reception
Evening Hospitality Suites Open
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
7:30 a.m.  Registration Open
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 1:30 p.m. Exhibits Open
8:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

Affiliate Organization Meetings:

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch Buffet
4:45 – 5:45 p.m.  IACO Annual Membership Meeting
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

President’s Banquet & COTY Award Presentation

 Swing Into the President’s Banquet!

Step back into the Roaring 20s at the President’s Banquet! A live band will fill the night with swing music from across the decades, while dancers set the floor in motion and share a few steps to get everyone moving. Dress in your best 1920s themed style—think flapper dresses, feathers, fedoras, and pinstripes—for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration.

Evening Hospitality Suites Open
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
8:00 a.m. Closing Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 p.m.  Affiliate Organization Meetings

Register Today!


Featured Speakers

Chris Covelli Christopher Covelli began his law enforcement career in 2004 with the Village of Lincolnshire before joining the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2010, where he now serves as deputy chief of the Court Security Division overseeing more than 50 employees. Since 2015, he has also been the lead Public Information Officer (PIO) for both the Sheriff’s office and the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, handling communications during hundreds of high-profile incidents, including mass shootings, homicides, hazardous situations, and other emergencies. Beyond his law enforcement role, Chris instructs media relations at Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, teaches for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute, and consults nationally with Julie Parker Communications. He chairs the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police PIO Section and frequently speaks at conferences across North America.
Steve Lyddon Steve Lyddon is the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Protective Security Advisor for Illinois south of I-80. CISA is the Nation’s risk advisor, working with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborating to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. Lyddon began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and joined the Illinois State Police in 1994, serving in roles from Patrol and Narcotics Investigations to SWAT, the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center, and ultimately as Chief of Staff before retiring in 2019. A Navy veteran, Steve served on active duty at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay following 9/11. He holds a B.A. from Southern Illinois University and an M.A. in Homeland Security from American Military University, along with multiple cybersecurity certifications. A graduate and past Illinois Chapter president of the FBI National Academy, he is active with the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and serves on the Board of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation.
Chris Marsh Chris Marsh is the Coroner of White County.  He is currently in his fourth term as Coroner.  Chris is also a deputy sheriff for the White County Sheriff's Office.  He worked 20 years as court security for the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court of White County until leaving the courtroom to be a full-time pastor of Ditney Ridge Baptist Church.  Chris still works part time as a deputy teaching a school program called "We Care" in the counties three school districts 5th grade classrooms.  He is an Adjunct Instructor at Southeastern Illinois College teaching Introduction to Forensic Investigations.  Chris has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University.  Chris is the current Vice President of IACO and past President of the Illinois Coroners Medical Examiners Association as well as its current Chaplin.
Dr Anjali Nandi Dr. Anjali Nandi is an organizational consultant, trainer, and author with deep expertise in criminal justice, behavioral health, and evidence-based practices. Anjali is known for transforming research into practical tools that support leadership development, program evaluation, skill building, and staff wellness across justice agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. A national trainer and conference speaker, she has co-authored nine books and is committed to igniting curiosity, advancing innovation, and helping organizations thrive.
Randy Stevens Randy Stevens began his career with IMRF in the summer of 2013 as a Field Representative and now is the Team Lead for Employer Services. He enjoys working with members and employers to understand IMRF benefits.  

 


Hotel Information

Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway, Normal, IL

IACO secured a block of rooms at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway, Normal, IL for the evenings of Sunday, November 16, Monday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 18 at the standard government rate. It is our understanding that as of September 23, there are a limited number of guestrooms remaining in our block. Please use this link to make a reservation. If the block is full, the hotel suggests you use www.marriott.com to book a room (which may not be at the government rate). If you are unable to book at the Marriott, please book your room at the Hyatt Place (see below). 

Hyatt Place, 200 Broadway, Normal, IL

We have a small block of rooms at the property directly across the street from the Marriott, at the Hyatt Place, 200 Broadway, Normal, for the evenings of Sunday, November 16, Monday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 18. Guestrooms are $110 and $134. Our room block expires on October 26, 2025. After this date, the hotel will release all rooms and reservation requests will be accepted on a space available basis, at the hotel's prevailing rates.

Guestrooms may be reserved by:

- By Calling 1-888 HYATT HP (1-888-492-8847)
- By going online here (be sure our group/corporate number, G-ICO4, is used)

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.


 Registration

Registration for the 2025 IACO Fall Conference includes course materials, meal functions on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday, networking receptions, and exceptional programming.

Conference Attendance Registration Fee
Full Registration | Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, November 17-19, 2025 $300
Monday-Only Registration | November 17, 2025 $175
Tuesday-Only Registration | November 18, 2025 $175
Retired County Official Registration | November 19, 2025 $175
Guest Registration $175

 


 Exhibitor & Sponsorship Information

We are pleased to invite your company to participate in the upcoming IACO Fall Conference, a premier gathering of elected and appointed county officials from across Illinois. These key decision-makers look to trusted partners like you for solutions that support their vital work - and they are eager to connect. By sponsoring, exhibiting, or donating a prize (or all three!), your company will gain meaningful exposure and direct access to officials actively seeking partnerships and resources.

Take a look at our Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities and let us know if you have any questions. When you’re ready to secure your spot, simply follow this link to register.

With expanded branding opportunities and a highly engaged audience, this conference offers a prime platform to showcase your products and services to the people who shape purchasing decisions at the county level. Don’t miss the chance to connect, build relationships, and grow your business statewide.

Randy Stevens began his career with IMRF in the summer of 2013 as a Field Representative and now is the Team Lead for Employer Services. He enjoys working with members and employers to understand IMRF benefits.