115th Annual Convention
Celebrating Agriculture 2026
January 16- 18, 2026
Crowne Plaza - Springfield, Illinois
The 115th Annual IAAF Convention will be January 16-18, 2026.
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Tent Talk Newsletter as more details regarding the exciting and informative events happening during the convention will be coming out in the December issue!
- All associates and convention attendees must register and possess an ID badge. Registration is available below.
- Check-in will begin on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
- Hospitality Rooms & Trade Show open at 3 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Queen Pageant will conclude the convention on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- You will not want to miss the Friday afternoon “Let’s Get Acquainted Experience.” This special event is again being planned for all fair and associate people. It will include education and fun.
Sponsors






















Please take a moment to help us thank our wonderful sponsors!
If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor?
2026 IAAF Registration
January 16- 18, 2026
Crowne Plaza - Springfield, Illinois
All associates and convention attendees must register and possess an ID badge. This will cost $25 per person. There are two ways to register for the convention (see below). Convention registration does not include yearly membership dues. To pay member dues, please see the membership page of this website.
For information on hotel rooms, please reach out to Charlyn Fargo Ware at 217-553-1120 or iaafsecretary@gmail.com.
Download and complete the membership application form. Mail the form, and applicable fees (payable to IAAF) to the address below.
Mail to: Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs
15824 North 1650th St
Chrisman, IL 61924
Registration
Advance Sale Only - Register Above For:
Saturday Morning Breakfast
This event is designed for associates and fair boards to mingle and honor the Friends of Illinois Fairs. Our keynote speaker will be Michael Bradley. Only advance-sale tickets for $20 per person for breakfast on Saturday morning are sold, so order yours now! Register for breakfast on the convention registration form above.
Please indicate your ticket needs on the downloadable registration form, or add them to your online registration when registering. See above for details on both.
Dustin Galyon (Pronounced – Galian like Italian)
Energy, Intensity, Passion. These are the words used by peers to describe Dustin Galyon. As a professional speaker, Dustin has presented high-energy, interactive and intentional keynotes and seminars to over 2 million people world-wide.
Dustin is a distinguished author, coach, entrepreneur and presenter who connects with audiences on a variety of topics. As an entrepreneur, Dustin has started several successful businesses all with the intent to serve and lead others. As a coach, Dustin has led his teams to multiple national rankings, championships and helped develop numerous collegiate athletes into professional athletes. As an author, Dustin co-authored the Impactful Coaching Project which helps “Lead Leaders” and elevate teams and organizations to maximize performance. Dustin is a very interactive storyteller that allows his audience to take ownership in every presentation. Most importantly, he inspires others to build better relationships. Seeking to be a catalyst in every single presentation, Dustin combines personal stories, photographs, and foundational steps to create positive change.
Dustin and his wife, Marissa, and their kids, Jackson and Savannah, reside in Hesston, KS.
Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
The 2026 Pageant Concludes
Sunday, January 18, 2026
For more information on the Queen Pageant and contestants, follow our Tent Talk News Blog
IAAF Showcase
Friday, January 16, 2026
There will not be a video showcase of acts.
For all parties interested in participating in the Showcase, please see download the showcase application below and follow the instructions on the form.
2026 Showcase Schedule
Coming Soon
7:00 PM – 7:20 PM Next Thing Smokin’
7:25 PM – 7:45 PM Silver Lake Band
7:50 PM – 8:10 PM Bordertown & Co
8:15 PM – 8:35 PM Will King
8:40 PM – 9:00 PM Rook Richards
9:05 PM – 9:25 PM Bryan Martin
9:30 PM – 10:15 PM Dirty Grass Soul
2026 Junior Winner
Ariel Moreno – McHenry Co.
IAAF State Talent Contest
Saturday, January 17, 2026
2026 Senior Winner
Jaycee Bates – Sangamon Co.
2026 Junior Talent Placings
1st McHenry County – Ariel Moreno
2nd Calhoun County – Ahna York, Braelyn Labby, Adalynn Tarrez and Clancy Dunker
3rd Jersey County – Daphne Slusser
4th Sangamon County – Menai Evans
5th Lake County – April Mahan and Ellie Mahan
6th Scott County – Lillian Gourley, Lily Freeman and Ella Little
7th Iroquois County – Kolbee Shoufler
8th Richland County – Meira Cotteral
2026 Senior Talent Placings
1st Sangamon County – Jaycee Bates
2nd Morgan County – Jaxon Dion
3rd Iroquois County – Isa Pina
4th Perry County – Isaac Goldman
5th Richland County – Molly Fehrenbacher and Ridge Davis
6th McHenry County – Caleb Timlick
7th Effingham County – Cole Burrell
8th Mercer County – Sarah Gibson