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!

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.

1

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

2
Pay online, via credit card, by completing the Online Registration Form below.

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.

IAAF Keynote Speaker

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

The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs held its 113th annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois…

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

IAAF Trade Show

January 16 – 17, 2026

Crowne Plaza – Springfield, Illinois

*Please see the Convention Registration at the top of this page to register.

Friday: 3 PM - 6 PM

Saturday: 11 AM - 4 PM

  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