SST Cecilia Wesselman
2026 Lions of Illinois State Convention Agenda Now Available
The 2026 Lions of Illinois State Convention will be held May 15–17, 2026, with special pre-convention events beginning Thursday, May 14, at the Bloomington–Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
This year’s agenda includes Council meetings, LIF activities, convention registration, educational workshops, vendor tables, silent auction, Bingo, hospitality, plenary sessions, the State Luncheon, State Banquet, delegate voting, and the Lions of Illinois Foundation Breakfast.
Highlights include:
Friday, May 15 Convention registration opens, along with the Council of Governors Meeting, LIF Board of Trustees Meeting, workshops, the LIF Ambassador Dinner, Silent Auction, and Bingo presented by the St. Jacob Lions.
Saturday, May 16 The day includes registration, vendor tables, opening plenary session, multiple workshops, State Luncheon, Remembrance Ceremony, Town Hall Meeting with PIP Brian Sheehan, State Banquet, awards, and keynote address.
Sunday, May 17 The convention concludes with registration, delegate certification and voting, the Lions of Illinois Foundation Breakfast, closing plenary session, final committee reports, and announcement of the 2027 Convention dates and location.
Please note that times, locations, and content are subject to change.
? Good Afternoon Lions!!! ?
As we continue preparations for the 105th Annual Lions of Illinois State Convention, I’m excited to share a quick progress update!
? Momentum is Building! We currently have 128 total registrations and 26 Lions registered for the Leadership Dinner. The excitement is growing, and we can’t wait to welcome Lions from across the state for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship, learning, and celebration!
? Featured Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss: ? Past International President Brian Sheehan – delivering an inspiring keynote AND hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, May 16 ?? Lion Lori Sheehan – featured presenter on Friday afternoon, May 15 ? Engaging workshops including Lion Portal Training and Membership ? New partners joining us: Illinois Assistive Technology Program & Midwest Mission
? Convention Events in the Works: ? Red Carpet Bingo (now OPEN TO THE PUBLIC + Membership Drive!) ? State Awards Luncheon ? State Banquet ?? Vendors, raffles, and auction fun
? Call to Action – District Governors! Only 2 of 10 districts have submitted the $100 Bingo Sponsorship… Let’s go DGs — step up to the plate! ? Bingo was a HUGE hit last year, and this year we’re expanding it to grow membership across Illinois!
? 7 Weeks to Go! Now is the time to: ?? Promote registration in your district ?? Encourage sponsorships ?? Help recruit vendors ?? Build excitement!
? Thank you all for your continued leadership, support, and dedication. Together, we will make this convention a tremendous success!
Let’s make it happen, Lions! ??
State Convention Chair - Lori Taylor-Smi8les
?? 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 – $155Includes:? 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 + taxCall (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 LionsMail registration and payment to:Lion Harold Burkett, PDG268 Bay DriveItasca, 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.
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
LIONS DISTRICT 1-D CONVENTION
Join us for a fun-filled and inspiring weekend with Lions from across District 1-D!
April 24–25, 2026Farm 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) 232-7100Lions 1-D Block Rate: $139/nightAvailable through March 25, 2026
Friday Evening – April 247:00 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!
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
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
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!!
