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District MD-1 Lions of Illinois

Conventions Archive Conventions


Distrit 1A Convention - March 20-22, 2026
Feb-24-2026

?? Join Us for the 57th Annual District 1-A Convention! ??

Mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic weekend of Lionism!

? March 20–22, 2026
? The Westin Chicago Northwest – Itasca, Illinois

Connect with fellow Lions, celebrate service, honor leadership, and enjoy a weekend filled with fellowship and fun!

? Weekend Highlights Include:
? Saturday District Lunch
? Governor’s Banquet
? Sunday District Breakfast
? Convention sessions & networking opportunities

? Special Meal Package Deal – $155
Includes:
? Convention Registration
? District Lunch
? Governor’s Banquet
? District Breakfast
(Save $18 with the package!)

? Individual Registration: $35
? Onsite Registration: $40

? Hotel Information:
Lions Room Rate: $130 + tax
Call (630) 773-4000 to reserve your room.

? Registration & Hotel Cut-Off Date: March 13, 2026
?? No refunds will be issued after March 13, 2026.

? Make checks payable to: District 1-A Lions
Mail registration and payment to:
Lion Harold Burkett, PDG
268 Bay Drive
Itasca, IL 60143

Let’s come together to celebrate our service, strengthen our friendships, and continue making a difference in our communities.

? Don’t wait — register today!

For full details, see the official registration form below.



Lions of Illinois 105th Annual State Convention
Feb-20-2026
The MD1 Council of Governors of the Lions of Illinois cordially invite you to attend the 105th State Convention and Lions of Illinois Foundation Annual Membership Meeting ?
? We are proud to welcome PIP Brian Sheehan as our keynote speaker and honored guest
? Early Bird Convention Pass:
Register by March 10 for the discounted rate of $130 (includes registration and all meals). Rates increase after that date—don’t wait!  See Registration Form below.
Mark your calendars for May 15–17, 2026 and join fellow Lions from across Illinois for a weekend of service, fellowship, and fun at the:
? Bloomington–Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
201 Broadway, Normal, IL
? Special Highlights Include: Inspiring sessions and workshops
State Awards Luncheon & State Banquet, Red Carpet Bingo & Hospitality Rooms, Exhibitors, Pin Trading, and Silent and LIve Auction!!
LIF Breakfast & Annual Membership Meeting 
Convention Voting and Introduction of your 2026–2027 Council of Governors & GAT Team
? Hotel Rate: $149/night (+ tax)
? 309-862-9000 (mention Lions of Illinois for the rate)
Come for the learning, stay for the fellowship, and leave inspired to serve. You won’t want to miss it. 
Share the Ad Book form below with businesses in your District! Help get the word out!
Plan to attend Bingo Bonanza on Friday, May 15th beginning at 6:00 PM and help with the Membership Drive! See Bingo Bonanza Below! 
Want to showcase your business?  We want you to be a Vendor!  See Exhibitor Registration below! 
Stay for the fun on Saturday, May 16th, as a Live Auction of items donated to the State Convention takes place!  Don't miss out!  
Questions?  Contact the State Office at sst@illinoislionsmd1.org or
call 217-299-9113!
See you at the Convention! 


District 1CS Convention
Jan-27-2026

Hello Fellow Lions:

You are invited to our 1CS District Convention to be held at The Pavilion in Marion Il., on April17th & 18th. 

The attached forms include the Convention Information Letter, Registration and Agenda. 

Our Keynote Speaker is ID Bert & Lion Pam Nelson from New York Mills, MN. The attire Friday night is casual. Saturday is Business Casual. Banquet Head Table-Men: White Dinner Jacket Black Tie and Women: Formal Dress.                     

The Theme is SUPERHEROES IN SERVICE. TOGETHER WE SERVE AS ONE.

There will be presenters from Lions of Illinois Foundation, the Global Leadership Team and Leader Dog. There will be a Meet & Greet Friday night at 7:00 pm and 10:00 Saturday night in a Suite at the Drury Inn. You are all welcome to bring your Club activity Banners to be displayed. We will be decorating on Friday from 8:00 am– 5:00pm. We are looking forward to having a great time. Hope you will be able to make it.

 

Yours in Service,

Lion Retha Eurales, DG

And the 1CS Convention Committee



District 1BK Convention - March 6-7, 2026
Jan-27-2026
? NO TIE DAY is happening at the District 1-BK Convention! ?
Leave the tie behind and bring the Lion spirit!
Join your fellow Lions for No Tie Day during the District 1-BK Annual Convention—a relaxed, fun way to connect, celebrate fellowship, and enjoy the weekend.
? March 6–7, 2026
? Quality Inn | Bradley, IL
? Wear whatever makes you comfortable — NO TIE REQUIRED!
? Caught wearing a tie? A $5 donation will go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation.
? Convention Registration Info:
? Registration due by February 20, 2026
? First-time Lions, Leos, non-Lion guests & children under 18 register FREE
? Late registration after Feb. 20 is $30
? All attendees must register and wear name badges
? No meal tickets sold at the convention
? Hotel Info:
? Quality Inn, Bradley, IL
? $94/night + tax (guaranteed until February 28, 2026)
? Be sure to say you’re with the “Lions Convention” when booking to receive the discounted rate and help the district secure future discounts
? Share the fun!
Post your no-tie photos and tag:
? Why No Tie Day?
? Celebrate fellowship & fun
? Encourage approachability
? Promote a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere
Let’s Lead to Serve—comfortably! ???


District 1F Convention Invitation and Registration - March 14, 2026
Jan-21-2026

?2026 District 1-F Lions Convention ?
“A Celebration of Lions”
? Saturday, March 14, 2026
? Hilton Chicago / Northbrook
2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL
Join Lions from across District 1-F for a day of education sessions, fellowship, voting, auctions, awards, and fun, capped off with our Governor’s Reception and Banquet. This year’s hospitality theme is “Hong Kong Nights” — don’t miss it!
? Registration Information
?? Early Bird Registration available before February 15, 2026
?? Regular registration accepted through March 7, 2026
?? Late/on-site registration available (meal availability not guaranteed)
? Hotel Reservations
• Hilton Chicago/Northbrook
• Special Lions rate: $129 per night
• Reservations must be made by February 17, 2026
• Call 847-480-7500 and mention District 1-F Convention or book at Hilton.com
? Payment Options
• Check payable to District 1-F Lions
• Zelle available: LIONSD1F@YAHOO.COM
(Please note “D1F Conv” in the memo)
? Registration forms must be completed for each attendee, even if paying electronically.
Submit forms by email or mail to:
PDG Barb Lahtinen
? Lionbarbara@comcast.net
? Whether you’re a new Lion or a seasoned leader, this convention is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible service of Lions.
? Mark your calendar and register early! ???


District 1D Convention Announcement and Registration - April 24 & 25 2026
Jan-21-2026

LIONS DISTRICT 1-D CONVENTION 

Join us for a fun-filled and inspiring weekend with Lions from across District 1-D!

April 24–25, 2026
Farm Bureau Center
210 W. Spring St., Freeport, IL 61032

Registration Options:
$50 – Convention Registration & Luncheon
$25 – Luncheon Only (Non-Lions)

Lodging Information:
Hampton Inn – Freeport
109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, IL 61032(815) 232-7100
Lions 1-D Block Rate: $139/night
Available through March 25, 2026

Friday Evening – April 24
7:00 PM | Lions Got Talent
A great opportunity to share your talent with fellow Lions!
Celebrity judges

Prizes awarded

 Saturday – April 25
 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Convention
• Seminars & Education
• Lunch with International Director Chris Carlone
• Awards & Memorials

This is a weekend you won’t want to miss—fellowship, fun, learning, and celebration of Lions service!

Registration details coming soon—spread the word!



District 1G Convention Invitation and Registration - March 27 & 28 2026
Jan-20-2026

DG Rob Wirth and Denise would like to invite you to attend the 2026 District 1-G Convention to be held on March 27 & 28, 2026. This year the convention will be at The Great River Ascend Hotel, 3559 College Avenue, Alton IL 62002.  The Registration Form is provided here for you to print and mail.  

1. Registration: The registration opens at 4pm Friday. There is a night dinner followed by a Lions Trivia game night. The Saturday morning meeting starts at 9 a.m. with a short business meeting, nominations and voting. The lunch will start at noon followed by the necrology ceremony and then informational seminars. The Saturday night banquet will feature the Landolfi String Quartet with District Awards and ending with a special and enjoyable speech from our International Director Dave Wineman

2. Hotel: The Hotel is The Great River Ascend Hotel. Room block will close on February 26th but if rooms are still available, the hotel will honor the $132 plus tax if told that you are with the Lions Convention. Reservations can be made with the hotel at 618-462-1220. Breakfast is included for those staying overnight.

3. Silent Auction: To help in keeping the cost of the convention down, it is very much appreciated when the Clubs and Lions members donate silent auction items. This is aways a fun event.

4. Delegates: A delegate form is attached and needs to be filled out and mailed to Lion Nila Hemming, Cabinet Secretary by March 15, 2026. Voting for District Governor, First and Second Vice Governor and Trustee will be on Saturday morning.

5. Necrology: There will be a necrology service for the deceased members of 1-G after lunch on Saturday. Please fill out the form and return it to PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson by March 1, 2026.

6. Ads: The ads for the Program Book is an important part of the convention. We are asking that each Club submits an ad for the book. If there is any Lion who would like to advertise their business, we are encouraging them to put in an ad to let other Lions know what you do, Lions helping Lions. Full page $75; half page $50; quarter page $35 and business card $25. Make checks out to District 1-G.

All convention information is attached, included in the monthly newsletter and will be mailed to the Club secretary.

Thank you for being a Lion in One Great District.

PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson



District 1H Convention Invitation and Registration - May 1 & 2, 2026
Jan-20-2026

Lions District 1H Convention at Embassy Suites

May 1 and 2, 2026

With District Governor Bill Jeffries

 

Embassy Suites, 100 Conference Center Dr. E. Peoria, IL  61611

Welcome!

On behalf of District Governor Bill Jeffries, we welcome you to District 1H Lions at the Embassy Suites.  Come celebrate with great food and learning sessions, see old friends and make new ones. 

The events will kick off on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with a “Meet and Greet” and games especially prepared for your fun and enjoyment in Room Lydia C.

Come back Saturday morning for a busy day that will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a silent auction and vendors available and the Welcome & Introductions by our Master of Ceremonies Dave Russell at 9:00 a.m..  After the Welcome, there will be 4 breakout sessions available where you can choose between topics of interest to you.  Also, you will have beverages available all day, 2 breaks with special snacks and a Buffett lunch. 

The dress code for the weekend is to be Lions casual.  Show off your club shirts or vests and be comfortable for this fun event.  You can register by filling out the next page and mailing that and a check payable to Lions District 1-H.  Mail to:  Lion Deanna Bruce, 283 Herman St., Pekin, IL  61554.  To book your hotel room at the special Lions rate of $129.00, you can call the hotel directly at the number on the next page.  The room reservation guarantee deadline is April 10, 2026.

We hope you will join us for this weekend of our great district!

Sincerely,

District 1-H Convention Team  


 



District 1M January 2026 Newsletter & Convention Registration
Jan-06-2026
See all the news from District 1M and register to attend the District Convention to be held Janaury 23 & 24, 2026.

District 1M Convention Information and Registration
Dec-02-2025
The District 1M Convention will be held January 23-24, 2026, in Champaign, Illinois.  See the attached materials for more information and registration materials.  

SAVE THE DATE! MAY 14-17, 2026
Oct-15-2025
Attention Lions!
The 105th Annual State Convention and LIF Annual Membership meeting has been scheduled for May 14-17, 2026.
Location:  Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 201 Broadway, Normal, IL
More information, registration and details to follow!


Hong Kong 2026 - Be There. Be Loud!
Sep-18-2025

An epic adventure awaits you!

Don’t miss the chance to illuminate Hong Kong with the spirit of service! Join us for a time of fun, fellowship and the opportunity to learn from your fellow Lions and Leos. Register today and get ready to experience everything Hong Kong has to offer!

Register for Hong Kong - 2026!!    



District 1CN Convention Information
Sep-17-2025
Please mark your calendar to attend the upcoming District Convention to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Mt. Vernon, IL.  We are planning a one-day event on Saturday, beginning with a service project to put together some packets for the Midwest Distribution Agency.  We have a Lions International Director lined up to speak to us. There will also be additional Lions-flavored sessions and a Celebration of Life Service to honor the valued service of recently deceased members of our District.  If your Club has a member who has passed away and needs to be honored, please reach out to me, Lydia Ellis, or Mo Ritzel with the information.  We will also be holding our District officer elections for 2026.  
Your attendance and that of your fellow Club members are important and appreciated.  Lunch is included in your registration of $65.00.  Spouse lunch cost of $25.00

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR CLUB MEMBERS!

We hope to see you at the convention - Doubletree by Hilton Hotels, 222 Potomac Blvd, Mt. Vernon, IL on Saturday, October 18, 2025.  This will be a one-day convention. We start at 8:00 in the morning with a short service project on-site, and we’re done by 6:00 in the evening.  Please feel free to invite your spouse to come along as there are opportunities for shopping and exploring the Cedarhurst Art Museum in Mt. Vernon.  

Click here to register for the event. Credit/debit cards, Apple/Google pay, and EChecks
Contact the hotel for rooms, 618-244-7100. $129 for a standard room.
There will be a small hospitality suite for out-of-town guests,


You're Invited: Midwest Breakfast at the International Convention – Orlando 2025! Please share!!
Jun-22-2025
Lions:
You're cordially invited to join fellow Lions from across the Midwest for a special Midwest Breakfast during the Lions International Convention in Orlando, Florida!
? MIDWEST BREAKFAST – Orlando
Hosted by MD-5 Lions

? Tuesday, July 15, 2025

? 6:30 A.M. Eastern Time

? Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
Enjoy a delicious Cypress Buffet, including fresh juices, baked mini muffins, Danish pastries, croissants, sliced seasonal fruit and berries, bagels with Philadelphia cream cheese, preserves, Nutella, whole grain cereals with a variety of milk options, and individual yogurts.
Cost: $45 per person – includes breakfast, tax, and gratuity.
RSVP before: June 1, 2025
Online registration for Midwest Breakfast - Orlando starts on May 15th 2025. Online registration ends June 3rd 2025.
lionsofillinois.regfox.com
If you have any questions, please contact our International Convention Chair  PDG Tom Elsey @  thomas.elsey@gmail.com
Let’s share great food, fellowship, and Lion spirit before the day’s events begin. 
We look forward to seeing you all in Orlando!