FY27 TWE & TOY Awards Banquet

The Illinois State Board of Education is requesting quotes for venue and catering services for the FY27 Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet scheduled for April 24, 2027, with quotes due August 19, 2026.

The event accommodates 700 to 1,050 attendees from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with setup beginning at 5 p.m. the evening prior. The venue must be a hotel or within walking distance of one in Central Illinois, with preferred locations in Bloomington, Normal, Peoria, Champaign, or Springfield. Required spaces include three small meeting rooms for staff and volunteers, a large hallway for check-in with nine registration tables and a cash bar, and a ballroom configured for seated dinner service at ten per round table with floor space for student performances, a wheelchair-accessible stage, and staging areas.

Audiovisual scope includes four projectors, four drop-down screens, wireless microphones, video and audio mixing equipment, and lighting with dedicated AV staff for technical direction throughout the event. Catering must provide plated dinners with meat, salad, starch, vegetables, bread, and dessert for 700 to 1,050 attendees; vegetarian and gluten-free options; sandwiches for 30 student performers and 30 staff or volunteers; a cash bar; and complimentary soda and water bottles. The vendor must arrange a 230-room block at attendee cost and provide 30 rooms on the master account for ISBE staff. Pricing must be all-inclusive and itemized per plate for attendance exceeding 1,050; quotes must remain valid for 180 days. ISBE is tax-exempt; no third-party vendors are permitted. Award is based on lowest total price meeting all requirements. Standard Illinois certifications and State of Illinois Standard Terms and Conditions apply, including $1,000,000 general liability insurance per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate and State of Illinois named as additionally insured.