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2026 Annual Dinner
DATE
November 18, 2026
4:30 – 8:00 PM
LOCATION
Holiday Inn Convention Center
800 S IL Rt 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
 TICKETS
On Sale Now!
 SPONSORSHIPS
Still Available!

About the Event

Now in its 16th year, the MCEDC Annual Dinner is a signature event bringing together 400+ business and community leaders for an evening of connection, recognition, and forward momentum. It’s a celebration of the people and partnerships driving McHenry County’s economic success.

This year’s keynote presentation will explore how quality of life has become one of the most important factors in attracting and retaining talent.

The evening will honor outstanding achievements in economic development, workforce advancement, and community impact, while inspiring the next chapter of growth for our region.

Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief, Livability.com

Keynote Speaker
Amanda Ellis,
Editor in Chief, Livability.com

Amanda Ellis is Editor in Chief of Livability.com, a relocation and places resource reaching millions of people every year with content about our nation’s best small and mid-sized cities. She’s also a thought leader in talent attraction, workforce and place marketing, traveling the country to speak on related trends and tell the stories of what communities are doing to become talent magnets. Previously, Amanda spent eight years leading communications and promoting Chattanooga for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and she is still based in Chattanooga, TN.

Livability.com

Event Agenda

4:30 PM
Registration & Networking
6:00 PM
Dinner Service Begins
6:30 PM
Awards & Recognition
7:00 PM
Keynote Speaker
8:00 PM
Closing Remarks

Tickets

Tickets Available Now

Don’t miss out—seating is limited!

(*multiple ticket purchase available)
Get Tickets

Business Recognition Awards

Business Recognition 2024

Each year, MCEDC proudly honors businesses and individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to McHenry County’s economic growth. These awards celebrate the impact of those who are helping shape our region into a premier place to live, work, and invest.

We recognize three outstanding organizations whose achievements reflect MCEDC’s mission to attract, retain, and expand economic opportunity:

Welcome to McHenry County Award 

Honors a new business that chose McHenry County as home, bringing significant job growth to the region.

To Be Announced

Community Partner Award


Celebrates bold, out-of-the-box contributions to economic growth through risk-taking and expansion.

To Be Announced

Business Cornerstone Award


Recognizes a long-standing MCEDC Investor whose sustained impact supports a thriving, resilient economy in McHenry County.

To Be Announced

Who will be our 2026 winners?
Join us at the Annual Dinner to find out—and cheer them on!