The Illinois Lakes Management Association (ILMA) is gearing up for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place February 16–18, 2026 at the iHotel & Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois. This event is one of the Midwest’s most robust gatherings focused on lake, watershed, and fisheries management, and it offers an excellent opportunity for Wisconsin lake advocates, professionals, and volunteers to connect with regional peers.
👉 Conference Details & Registration
Location: iHotel, 1900 S. 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Dates: February 16–18, 2026
Learn more: ILMA Conference Page
Register: Conference Registration
With 30+ expert presenters, multiple concurrent sessions, and workshops, ILMA 2026 offers practical, science‑based programming relevant to lake groups and water resource professionals across the region. [ilma-lakes.org]
Highlighted Topic Areas
ILMA’s call for presenters reveals a strong lineup of topics shaping today’s inland lake management landscape, including:
- Stormwater impacts on lakes and streams
- Lake and stream restoration planning
- Fisheries management and aquatic conservation
- Watershed land‑use impacts on fish populations
- Nutrient cycling and internal loading
- Shoreline protection and enhancement
- Invasive species monitoring and treatment
- Harmful algal blooms
- Emerging lake science & management innovations
🙌 Why Wisconsin Should Care
Although hosted in Illinois, ILMA’s conference consistently draws attendees from across the Midwest. Many of the lake management challenges addressed—nutrient loading, aquatic plants, shoreline resilience, invasive species—mirror those faced by Wisconsin lakes. Participating offers valuable cross‑state learning, new partnerships, and fresh tools that local lake associations can bring home.
Wisconsin Lakes.net 