Illinois BidBuy #27-406AGR-ADMIN-B-54026

Illinois State Fair Entertainment, Event Services, and Equipment Procurement

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking a broad range of entertainment, event services, and equipment for the Illinois State Fair. - Government Buyer: - Illinois Department of Agriculture (Illinois State Fairgrounds) - OEMs and Vendors: - Audio Technical Services - Brent Theatrical Lighting - Fun Fairs & Festivals - Ticketmaster Inc. - Mason Sound Inc. - Shawnee Services - Turasky's Catering LLC - Watershow Productions - Mellowship Entertainment - Additional entertainment acts and service providers - Products and Services Requested: - Stage sound and lighting equipment/services for grandstand and free entertainment stages - Booking agent and production management services - Catering for grandstand and pre-party events - Stagehands and event personnel - Digital and physical ticketing platforms (including a 10-year digital ticketing sales platform contract) - Security equipment and event security personnel - Competitive events software - Awards and recognition items (plaques, trophies, ribbons, banners) - Sensory inclusion training and certification - Overflow parking management - Campers rental/services - Space rental tracking system - Backline equipment expenditures - Stage loading dock services - Temporary staffing services - Large roster of entertainment acts and performances (free and grandstand events) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Multi-year contract terms and renewal options for several services - Mix of free and grandstand entertainment acts with high volume (over 59,000 performances/acts) - Specialized services such as sensory inclusion training, overflow parking, and competitive events software - Digital ticketing platform contract with three 3-year renewal periods - Detailed line items and contract terms provided in attached Excel file

Description

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is issuing an exempt procurement notice for the 2026 Illinois State Fair. The procurement involves reporting musical and other entertainment acts as required by state law (30 ILCS 500/1-12). The solicitation is open with a bid due date of September 23, 2026. The procurement is classified under NIGP code 91502 for advertising services including notice of bid solicitation and statutory notices. The primary contact for this solicitation is Abigail Bailey.

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