Big Table Greater Peoria is where bold ideas meet regional collaboration. This year’s event takes place October 17–18, 2025, at the Four Points Sheraton Peoria, and we’re inviting community members from across the region to join the conversation.

The theme for 2025 is Innovation as a Regional Growth Strategy. Together, we’ll explore how innovation is driving growth across industries, communities, and careers—and how we can ensure that momentum reaches every corner of Greater Peoria.

The Big Table is designed to bring together residents, business leaders, educators, public officials, and community builders for candid, productive conversations about the future of our region. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning to continue the work, your voice matters.

This year’s table conversations will center on four action-driven topics:

• Build a Talent Pipeline – Preparing people for the jobs of today and tomorrow
• Foster and Accelerate Startups – Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses
• Ensure and Accentuate Livability – Investing in quality of life and place
• Expand Access to Opportunity – Removing barriers to economic participation

When registering, you’ll be able to select which sessions you’d like to attend. Each includes a panel and small-group conversation:

Friday, October 17

• 9:30–10:45 AM – Expand Access to Opportunity
• 11:00 AM–12:15 PM – Build a Talent Pipeline
• 12:30–1:45 PM – Keynote Lunch with Victor W. Hwang (optional, RSVP required)
• 2:00–3:15 PM – Foster and Accelerate Startups
• 3:30–4:45 PM – Ensure and Accentuate Livability

Saturday, October 18

• 9:45–11:00 AM – Topical workshops aligned with each focus area
• 11:15–12:30 PM – Collaborative Action Session
• 12:30–1:00 PM – Closing & Call to Action

Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Any updates will be posted here as they become available.

If you’re here to register for the event, simply fill out the form below to reserve your seat at the table.

We’re also recruiting table facilitators—volunteers who will help guide discussions and ensure all voices are heard. If you’d like to serve in that role, you’ll be asked to select the topic area you’re most passionate about in the form below.

Let’s build something bold, together.

The Big Table promotes regional community building through conversations designed to strengthen and connect communities. Through open, thoughtful conversations that focus on how we can strengthen our region, we will spark new relationships and new ways for working together by deepening our understanding of each other and what our region needs.

October 20, 2022 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thanks for joining us at The Big Table 2022! Please find the recap video and the full keynote address videos below.
The 2022 Final Report is available for download below.

If you missed last year’s event, we got you covered! Check out this recap of The Big Table 2022 event.

One of the highlights of 2022’s event is the Keynote from Bob Ross of the Greater Topeka Partnership. Bob shared their success with talent attraction and how Greater Peoria can maximize it’s assets to attract talent. Watch the full keynote.

Thanks for joining us at The (Virtual) Big Table 2020! Please find the session videos below.
The 2020 Final Report is available for download below.

These conversations resulted in The Big Table: Greater Peoria Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a regional planning document. The CEDS is a tool for organizing and coordinating economic development goals for the Central Illinois region that includes Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. You can learn more about the strategy, progress being made and download a copy of the strategy below.