From premier networking nights to beloved community traditions, our signature events bring East Peoria businesses and residents together all year long.
It's more than just a dinner - it's a celebration of the past year of business in our community. The event recaps programs and events, highlights member achievement, and awards the East Peoria Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year. Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, and Green Company of the Year.
Awards presented
The Annual Dinner is the Chamber's premier event — a chance to honor the businesses and individuals who make East Peoria thrive. Don't miss your chance to nominate a deserving member.
Hit the links for a good time and a good cause! Held each September, the annual Chamber Golf Outing raises money in order to support the Terry Brewer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to an East Peoria High School student.
Join fellow Chamber members for a day of fun, networking and relationship building. Invite potential clients to join your foursome, sponsor a hole for a bit of extra visibility, or come play with other Chamber members!
Ways to participate
OktoberFest is East Peoria's premiere business expo!
Hosted annually at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino, OktoberFest Business Expo brings together Chamber member businesses for an evening of networking, community connection, and local discovery.
Explore booths from more than 50 businesses, enjoy free food samples, enter raffle giveaways, and connect with the people and organizations that help our region thrive. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Chamber promotes multiple networking events throughout the year. Serving as host/sponsor for one of our events is a great way to expose your company and brand to potential clients as well as network with other area businesses.
Business After Hours time-frame are generally scheduled on Tuesdays or Thursdays (Thursday being preferred) from 4:30-6pm. Depending on the size of the location, the host member can choose to hold the event at their location, choose a different location, or co-sponsor with another member at their location. The host member provides food, with the option to supply drinks or offer a cash bar (business must obtain a liquor license or hire a caterer with one). The Chamber will promote the event to all the Chamber members as well as posting it on the Calendar of Events, on our Facebook page, and in our newsletters.
As host, you can
Eggs & Issues is a series of forums that features guest speakers talking about local, state and federal issues that matter to business. This program gives you an exclusive opportunity to sit down to breakfast with leading community figures and offers time for Q&A.
Opening a new location, recently remodeled or celebrating a milestone anniversary? Show off your business! Pick the date and time and we'll promote it on our website, on our calendar, in our newsletter, and to our social media sites. Photos are uploaded to our Facebook page to offer greater exposure for your business.
What is included in a Ribbon cutting?
We've been lighting the town for 41 years! Come celebrate a million sparkles of excitement at the 41st Annual East Peoria Festival of Lights!
Marking 41 years of holiday cheer, the festival begins with the Parade of Lights and continues through the early January with the Folepi’s Winter Wonderland drive-through display.
The Festival's mascot is the wooden soldier Folepi — whose name is an acronym for Festival of Lights, East Peoria, Illinois.
Get involved with Chamber events
Host, sponsor, or attend — there's a role for every member.