On October 17–18, residents, business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders from across Greater Peoria will gather in downtown Peoria for Big Table Greater Peoria 2025, a two-day forum designed to spark solutions and drive progress across the region.

This isn’t just another meeting. The Big Table is an action-oriented conversation where participants share what’s working, identify challenges, and propose concrete, achievable steps to strengthen our communities. The discussions will directly inform the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)—just as the 2019 Big Table did, informing initiatives like Choose Greater Peoria and Distillery Labs.

The event’s keynote address—delivered during the lunch program on October 17—will feature Victor W. Hwang, founder of Right to Start and a nationally recognized leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. His message will focus on how communities can unleash innovation to drive growth and opportunity.

In addition to the keynote, participants will take part in small-group discussions on four focus areas critical to the region’s future:

• Build Our Talent Pipeline – Strengthening education, training, and career pathways to ensure a skilled workforce.
• Foster and Accelerate Startups – Expanding support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Ensure and Accentuate Livability – Investing in housing, transportation, recreation, and safety.
• Expand Access to Opportunity – Removing barriers so all residents can share in economic progress.

Each session begins with a short panel discussion featuring local leaders, followed by guided table conversations led by trained facilitators. The goal: to leave with a list of specific, measurable actions that communities can take forward.

Big Table conversations don’t begin and end in Peoria. This year will also include Rural Big Table sessions—October 28 in Woodford County, November 13 in Mason County, and December 10 in Tazewell County—bringing the dialogue to towns, villages, and rural communities.

“The Big Table is about more than ideas—it’s about building momentum toward real solutions that improve economic opportunity and quality of life in Greater Peoria,” said Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. “We know that the best solutions come from the people who live and work here.”

“We’re proud to sponsor the keynote this year because we believe innovation is the heartbeat of regional growth,” said Jessica Linder Gallo, President and CEO of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. “Victor Hwang’s insights will inspire us to think boldly about what’s possible for our businesses and our communities.”

Don’t just come to listen—come ready to contribute. Bring your best ideas, examples of success, and the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can create solutions for a stronger, more vibrant Greater Peoria.

Register today at www.thebigtablegp.com.