The Illinois FFA State Convention will have a new home in 2028 as the organization prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Illinois FFA officials announced the annual convention will relocate from Springfield to Peoria beginning in 2028. The event, which draws thousands of FFA members from across the state each year, has outgrown its longtime venue at the Bank of Springfield Center.
Illinois Association FFA Executive Director Mindy Bunselmeyer said attendance is expected to increase significantly during the organization’s centennial year, making additional space a necessity.
Bunselmeyer told the RFD Radio Network that the Peoria Civic Center offers the capacity needed to accommodate more students while allowing convention activities to be held under one roof. She noted the facility also provides advantages in parking and event logistics.
While the move will require longer travel times for some members, particularly those in Southern Illinois, Bunselmeyer said Peoria was the only location that met the organization’s space, facility, and cost requirements.
Illinois FFA will continue to hold its state conventions in Springfield in 2026 and 2027 before making the transition to Peoria for its historic 100th State Convention in 2028.