About us
Sports Illinois Huddle is an educational conference for Sports Illinois, a niche committee of the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. It is comprised of CVBs and Sports Commissions with designated personnel that actively attract sport tournaments and events to their region. Each year, tournament directors and events rights holders are issued invitations to take part in this two-day conference to connect with over twenty Illinois CVBs and Sports Commissions.
Each year’s Sports Illinois Huddle will feature an appointment-based trade show for sports directors and CVB representatives to discuss upcoming events and tournaments. The Huddle will also offer exciting guest speakers from the sports industry, educational sessions for attendees to learn about new trends and ideas, as well as a multitude of networking opportunities.
MAY 12-14, 2025
peoria, il
Join us at this three-day event which offers the opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy sports.
contact
Terry Truman
Terry.Truman@springfield.il.us
(217) 789-2360 x5525
schedule
Monday, May 12th, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Registration
5:15 pm - 6:30 pm: Welcome Dinner
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Keynote Speaker - Chris Chelios
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Late Night Lounge
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025
8:00 am - 8:45 am: Breakfast
8:45 am - 9:45 am: CVB Introductions and Educational Panel
10:00 am - 11:00 am: One-on-One Appointments
11:30 am - 12:45 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: One-on-One Appointments
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm: Educational Panel
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Break
5:00 pm - 5:15 pm: Shuttle to Louisville Slugger Complex
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dinner, Keynote, and Activities
8:30 pm - 8:45 pm: Shuttle to Hotel
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Late Night Lounge
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
8:30 am - 10:00 am: Breakfast and Educational Panel
10:15 am - 11:00 am: One-on-One Appointments (subject to change)
11:00 am: Closing Remarks (Lunch on own)
NHL Hall of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup Champion, Chris Chelios, will be the keynote speaker at the Sports Illinois Huddle this year. With an extraordinary 27-year career in the NHL, Chelios is the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman (1,651) and holds the record for the most games played by an American-born player. His impressive career includes 948 points (185 goals, 763 assists), three Stanley Cups, and three James Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman. Chelios’ journey began at the University of Wisconsin, where he helped secure an NCAA Division I Championship in 1983. He was then drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986 and earned the first of his three James Norris Trophies.
In 1990, he was traded to his hometown team, the Chicago Blackhawks, where he became a cornerstone of the franchise for nine seasons. As team captain, he was the heart of the Blackhawks' defense, leading them to the 1992 Stanley Cup Final and winning two more Norris Trophies in 1993 and 1996. His impact on the organization cemented his legacy as one of the greatest American-born defensemen in NHL history. Chelios later joined the Detroit Red Wings, where he captured two more Stanley Cup titles (2002, 2008) and set multiple records for longevity, including skating in more NHL playoff games than any other player (268).
On the international stage, Chelios proudly represented the United States in four Olympic Winter Games, serving as team captain in both 1998 and 2006 and winning a silver medal in 2002. He also played a key role in Team USA’s historic 1996 World Cup of Hockey victory over Canada.
Join us as Chris Chelios shares stories from his legendary career, offering insights on leadership, perseverance, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
registration
Rights holders are invited to attend the annual Sports Illinois Huddle. The Huddle allows you to meet with several CVB representatives from throughout the State of Illinois. The Sports Illinois Huddle is similar to the TEAMS Conference and the Sports ETA Symposium in regards to having one-on-one appointments, industry seminars, key-note speakers, and off-site entertainment. At the Huddle, sports tourism professionals and industry leaders will convene to share resources, strategies, and more.
Registration for the Sports Illinois Huddle is free for one rights holder per organization to attend, this includes hotel room, meals, and entertainment. There is a $200 refundable deposit by check after full participation in the conference.
There is a travel stipend available for one rights holder per organization of up to $500 (reimbursed after the conference)
*Submitting an application to participate in the Illinois Sports Huddle does not guarantee or confirm your participation in the Huddle. After receiving all applications, the Illinois Sports Huddle planning committee will review applications and confirm registration based on the best interests and market fit for the Illinois communities participating in the Huddle. You will be notified via email after the committee makes final selections. If you have any questions, please email Terry Truman at Terry.Truman@springfield.il.us
location
We’re thrilled to host the Sports Illinois Huddle in Peoria this year! This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share ideas, and showcase the incredible impact sports tourism has across the state. Hosting in Peoria adds a special touch, highlighting the city’s vibrant community and dedication to fostering sports and events. We’re looking forward to meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and celebrating the power of sports together.
history
Previous rights holders
3 Disciplines
A.G.A. Nation
AAU Beach Volleyball
AAU Karate
Adrenaline Sports
Airsoft Republic
Amateur Athletic Union
Amateur Softball Association
American Cornhole
American Junior Golf Association
American Pickleball Association
Archery Tag
Asian Basketball Championships of North America
Cabela’s King Kat / Crappie USA
EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail
Game Day USA
Illinois Boys Lacrosse Association
Illinois Senior Olympics
In the Game Consulting
International Distance Skateboard Association
JP Sports
Kickball 365
Kick It 3v3 Soccer
KRICK Log Rolling
Legacy Global Sports
My Hockey
NAIA
National Beep Baseball Association
National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
National Collegiate Table Tennis Association
National Junior Prospects Hockey League
National Softball Association
NCAA
NJCAA
North American Chinese Basketball Association
NXT Sports
Prairie State Cycling Series
Premier Baseball/Softball Events
Premier Sports/USSSA Baseball
PrimeTime Sports
Professional Disc Golf Association
Professional Pickleball Tour (PPA Tour)
Race Director University, Inc.
Ripkin Baseball
Rugby Illinois
Small Town Baseball
Sparks Softball
Special Olympics Illinois
Stars of Tomorrow Basketball
Twisted Cat
United Darts Alliance
US Youth Bowling – Illinois
USA Curling
USA Pickleball
USA Sports Production
USA Track & Field – Illinois
USA Ultimate
United States Australian Football League
United States Specialty Sports Association – Illinois
Waupaca Boatride/US Open of Grass Volleyball
Wisconsin Sports Services
World Baseball & Softball Association
World Sports League
World Wake Association
