Join Us This Economic Development Week:
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Distillery Labs | Free Admission | Registration Required
Part of Economic Development Week 2026 — 100 Years of Impact
Greater Peoria is positioning itself at the forefront of American energy and manufacturing — and you’re invited to be in the room.
Join the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Distillery Labs for Powering the Heartland, a full-day innovation summit that brings together regional leaders, energy innovators, and community builders for conversation, connection, and commitment to what comes next for central Illinois.
THE DAY INCLUDES:
Big Table Community Report Release — Regional leaders publicly release findings and recommendations gathered from community engagement events across Greater Peoria. This report will directly inform the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region.
Panel Discussions — Conversations on building the regional innovation ecosystem and the future of Industry 5.0 in central Illinois, featuring local and state leaders.
Virtual Keynotes — Dr. Jacopo Buongiorno, MIT professor and member of the National Academy of Engineering, on advanced nuclear energy. Randy Freer, former CEO of Hulu, on marketing and public engagement for the future of energy.
Startup Showcase — Local startups from gener8tor gBeta cohorts in the Distillery Labs maker space.
Networking Reception — Open networking to close the day.
Doors open at 9:30 AM. Lunch provided.
Welcome to distillery laBS
Stay in the know of everything happening at Distillery Labs and Join Proximity today as a virtual member.
At Distillery Labs, we put founders first. No gatekeeping, no ego - just the support, connections, and resources you need to launch and scale (or maybe even just to overcome that doubt you have that you can’t do this). Whether you’re drafting your first business plan or preparing for Series A, you’ll find a community committed to removing barriers and creating entrepreneurs at every stage.
Read the Illinois Startup Manifesto below for our vision for a more porous, connected ecosystem that will turn not just our own community, but our entire state into the model startup ecosystem of the future.
Looking for a Coworking Membership?
Coworking at distillery labs starts at just $100 monthly for individuals. Create a free account on proximity to see all of our coworking plans and find the right package to fit your needs.
BULLETIN BOARD
volunteer opportunities at Distillery Labs
Distillery Labs has immediate opportunities for volunteers of all facets of our community including:
Teaching Classes (Sewing, Photography, Podcasting, Cooking, 3D Printing, Electronics Prototyping, Robotics)
Community Engagement + Reception
Building Maintenance + Concierge
Entrepreneurial Advisement
Legal Assistance (IP, Patent, Immigration)
Event Hosts: Winning Wednesday Workshops, Fail Club, Slices + Startups
Girls Who Code Facilitators
Robotics Club Facilitators
Social Media + Content Creation
Community Ambassadors
Event Staff
Much, Much More
Host a Winning Wednesday Workshop
Contact us to be considered as a potential Guest Speaker at future FAIL CLUB gatherings!
join our community
Follow us on social media
connect with our staff on linkedin:
Doug Cruitt | Executive Director
Jeffrey Inman | Director of Programs
Jennifer Rosa | Events Producer
Rajeev Kumar | MakerSpace Manager
Join Proximity
Become a Virtual Member of Distillery Labs today and get instant access to the ecosystem, updates, newsletters, and special access to events.
Networks of Innovative Communities + Ecosystems
(NICE) | Ramenlife Portal
Join a regional digital startup platform for free and get connected to founders, resources, mentors, and potential customers and new hires.
Come See Us
Mon - Fri | 8:00a - 5:00p
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Note: Coworking Members and Tenants have badge access permitting entry outside of normal business hours.
Greater Peoria innovation ecosystem map
Great startups are built on great connections. Our region is home to dozens of organizations and leaders dedicated to founder success. Explore the map to find the support you need, right when you need it.
Our Partners
“No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.”
