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 2026
Great Rivers and Routes
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
Join us in welcoming our 2026 Keynote Speaker, Mike Singletary!
Mike Singletary, was a second-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1981 NFL Draft and the 38th player selected overall. The only college junior to be selected to the All-SWC Team of the 1970s, Singletary earned All-America honors in both his junior and senior years at Baylor, where he averaged 15 tackles per game and established a team record with 232 tackles in 1978.
Singletary became a starter in the Bears lineup in the seventh game of his rookie season. In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, his third as a starter, Singletary put on a remarkable defensive performance recording 10 tackles and forcing a fumble. A nearly unanimous all-rookie selection, Singletary went on to start 172 games for the Bears during his 12-year career, which is the second most in club history.
An intense player, Mike finished as the Bears’ first or second leading tackler each of his last 11 seasons. He amassed an impressive 1,488 career tackles, 885 of which were solo efforts. A constant force on defense, he missed playing just two games, both in 1986.
In a game against the Denver Broncos in 1990 he had a personal-best performance when he recorded 10 solo tackles and 10 assists. Selected to play in a team record 10 Pro Bowls, Singletary was All-Pro eight times, and All-NFC every year from 1983 until 1991.
The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988, Mike was the cornerstone of the Bears’ innovative 46-defense. In 1985, he led a Bears’ defense that allowed fewer than 11 points per game, as the team posted an impressive 15-1 record. He had 13 tackles and a sack in the playoffs leading up to the Bears’ 46-10 defeat of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. The Bears’ league-leading defense held the Patriots to a record low seven yards rushing, while the hard-charging Singletary contributed with two fumble recoveries.
Mike Singletary Sports Illinois Huddle Welcome Video
schedule
Monday
Registration
Welcome Dinner
Keynote Speaker - Mike Singletary
Late Night Lounge
Tuesday
Breakfast
CVB Introductions and Educational Panel
One-on-One Appointments
Lunch
One-on-One Appointments
Dinner and Activities
Late Night Lounge
Wednesday
Breakfast and Educational Panel
One-on-One Appointments
Closing Remarks (Lunch on own)
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 Great Rivers and Routes in 2026! 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 Collinsville 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
