UPDATES and information on the status of the Commanders Guidance Symposium:

02 FEB 2026 - 1100 CST - EVENT CANCELLED

I will contact each vendor to discuss refunds. If you have questions, call John Harris at 504-388-5423.

02 FEB 2026 - 0900 CST - Update

Spoke with the event planner for the Illinois National Guard, and they stated that they have a meeting with The Adjutant General at 0900 hrs CST, and then another meeting at 1600 hrs CST.

As of the time of this writing, the Commanders Guidance Symposium is still on.

28 JAN 2026 - Update

Monday morning will be the final decision if we need to cancel the event. There are two variables that could happen this weekend:

Possibility of a Government Shutdown
Possibility of a Significant Weather Event

BACKUP PLAN: Illinois has a request in at the highest levels of the Army, to consider this Guidance Symposium as a significant event that should be allowed to continue even if there is a Government Shutdown. We do not have approval on that….yet.

IF the government shuts down over the weekend, AND if the request to have the event anyway is denied, then a decision to cancel will be discussed on Monday. IF the decision is made to cancel the event, NGAI will refund your registration fees.

IF a significant weather event happens that requires the Illinois National Guard to cancel the event, NGAI will refund your registration fees.

IF weather permits and the shutdown does not happen or if a shutdown does not apply to us, then we will be having the event as planned.

Questions can be directed to John Harris at 504-388-5423 or Barb Kia at execdir@ngai.com.

Commanders Guidance Symposium

This event will be taking place February 4-6, 2026.

Over 200 Senior Officer and Enlisted Leaders will be in attendance, with the potential for local law enforcement and State Police attendees. Break times are spaced throughout the event for attendees to visit the exhibitors. The evening of February 4, 2026 at 5:30 pm will have a social event attended by everyone and your primary opportunity to meet with the Leadership of the units that your company wants to get to know.

Shipping Questions can be directed to Ashley Mason at ashley@theboscenter.com or call 217-788-8800.

Exhibit QUESTIONS? Contact John Harris at 504-388-5423 or treasurer@ngai.com
Barb Kia at execdir@ngai.com

Exhibitor space is limited. This event will result in a return on investment, whether you are looking for potential students, marketing a product or service, or a solution provider. The National Guard Association of Illinois has many contacts and relationships throughout the United States, and we can help your company do business with the National Guard, local, and State agencies.

Event Dates and Location:

Arrival: 03 FEB 2026
Event Dates: 04 – 06 FEB 2026
Departure: 06 FEB 2026 – likely on or before noon.

Event Location: Bank of Springfield Event Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
217-788-8800

Exhibit Booths are now Sold Out

NGAI W-9

Hotel Information

Preferred Hotel is the President Abraham Lincoln Doubletree by Hilton.

701 E Adams Street
Springfield, Illinois, 62701
217-544-8800

President Abraham Lincoln - Reservations - Code RNG

Directions

Room Rates are $110.00 plus tax. Wi-Fi is complimentary. Restaurant inside the Hotel. Food available at own cost. Parking is $7.00 per day.

Overflow Hotel is the State House Inn by Wyndham

101 East Adams Street
Springfield,Illinois, 62701

217-718-3003

State House Inn by Wyndham - 1 mile away - Code - 020326ILA

Directions

Room Rates are between $84.00 and $106.00 per night plus tax. Mention that you are there for the National Guard Event at the Bank of Springfield Conference Center. Parking available for free. Wi-Fi is free. Complimentary Breakfast.