The 2026 Illinois Paranormal Conference
October 10th 10am-5pm
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Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum for a 3-day spooky extravaganza celebrating haunted history, paranormal research, and supernatural storytelling.
The 2026 Illinois Paranormal Conference takes place on Saturday, October 10th from 10am-5pm. Enjoy a full day of fascinating speakers, vendors, and paranormal exploration. Extend the adventure with optional events on Friday night, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning. Whether you're a seasoned investigator or simply intrigued by the unexplained, this immersive weekend offers the perfect chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and explore the strange and supernatural together. Come for the conference... stay for the mysteries that linger after dark. *Tickets will NOT be mailed. Please bring your receipt with you to the event. *Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are non-transferable. *Please note: There are no physical tickets. Once you purchase your seat, you will be placed onto a reservation form and will need to check in at the Barn upon arrival. |
Conference Itinerary
9:30 am Vendor Room Opens & Check-in Begins
10:00 am Welcome from the Tinker Cottage Crew
10:15-11:00 am Tim Jones , "Let's GhOst! From Curiosity to Communication: A Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigating"
11:00-11:15 am Break
11:15am-12:00pm Jenny Wagner, "Animal Communication from the Other Side"
12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break & Visit with Vendors
1:00-1:45pm Jessiy Hawthorne, "Reiki: What Is It and How It's Helped Me"
1:45-2:00pm Break
2:00-3:00pm Chad Lewis, "Mysterious Cryptids of the Midwest"
3:00-3:15pm Break
3:15-4:30pm Chris Fleming, "Ghosts Are Real: Evidence & Communication in the Digital Age"
4:30pm Closing Remarks from the Tinker Cottage Crew
To learn more about our Conference Speakers and their presentations, check out our Conference Speaker page HERE!
To apply for a Vendor spot, please submit a Vendor Application HERE!
10:00 am Welcome from the Tinker Cottage Crew
10:15-11:00 am Tim Jones , "Let's GhOst! From Curiosity to Communication: A Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigating"
11:00-11:15 am Break
11:15am-12:00pm Jenny Wagner, "Animal Communication from the Other Side"
12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break & Visit with Vendors
1:00-1:45pm Jessiy Hawthorne, "Reiki: What Is It and How It's Helped Me"
1:45-2:00pm Break
2:00-3:00pm Chad Lewis, "Mysterious Cryptids of the Midwest"
3:00-3:15pm Break
3:15-4:30pm Chris Fleming, "Ghosts Are Real: Evidence & Communication in the Digital Age"
4:30pm Closing Remarks from the Tinker Cottage Crew
To learn more about our Conference Speakers and their presentations, check out our Conference Speaker page HERE!
To apply for a Vendor spot, please submit a Vendor Application HERE!
Conference Location
Attend the 2026 IL Paranormal Conference at:
Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront 416 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61101 |
The 2026 Illinois Paranormal Conference will take place at the Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront!
The Conference and Vendor rooms are all located on the hotel's lower level overlooking the Rock River. The hotel has a restaurant down the hallway called Culinary Underground. The Rockford Roasting Company is also located on the hotel's main level. For lodging, you can book your room HERE! You can also make reservations over the phone by calling 815-668-7878 and mention the group PARANORMAL CONFERENCE or group code CES91U. Reservations can be made until 9/10/26 within the group discounted block. |
Additional Spooky Fun
Join us for pre- and post-Conference fun!
Friday Night - 10/09:
Tipsy History: Spirits with the Spirits, 6-8pm
Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff at the historic Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, October 9th from 6-8pm as we dive into crazy stories from our local history!
Participants will receive 3 drink tickets for this two-hour, 21+ event. A walk through of the historic Greenwood Cemetery Chapel will be included. All Conference attendees will also receive a limited-edition souvenir shot glass.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets available HERE!
Tipsy History: Spirits with the Spirits, 6-8pm
Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff at the historic Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, October 9th from 6-8pm as we dive into crazy stories from our local history!
Participants will receive 3 drink tickets for this two-hour, 21+ event. A walk through of the historic Greenwood Cemetery Chapel will be included. All Conference attendees will also receive a limited-edition souvenir shot glass.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets available HERE!
Saturday Night - 10/10:
Paranormal Investigation of the Tinker Swiss Cottage, 7-10pm
Join us for a post-Conference investigation of the infamous Tinker Swiss Cottage with special guest investigators. This exclusive after-hours ghost hunt inside Rockford's most haunted historic home is limited to a small group.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets are available HERE!
Paranormal Investigation of the Tinker Swiss Cottage, 7-10pm
Join us for a post-Conference investigation of the infamous Tinker Swiss Cottage with special guest investigators. This exclusive after-hours ghost hunt inside Rockford's most haunted historic home is limited to a small group.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets are available HERE!
Sunday Morning - 10/11:
History & Haunts Downtown Walking Tour, 10-11:30am
Wrap up your spooky weekend with a downtown guided walking tour. Learn the history and hauntings of downtown Rockford, enjoy some tasty sips from Inzombia coffee, and peruse some local shops.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets are available HERE!
History & Haunts Downtown Walking Tour, 10-11:30am
Wrap up your spooky weekend with a downtown guided walking tour. Learn the history and hauntings of downtown Rockford, enjoy some tasty sips from Inzombia coffee, and peruse some local shops.
Tickets can only be purchased after you purchase your Conference ticket. Tickets are available HERE!
**Tickets will NOT be mailed**
Upon arrival, please have your PayPal receipt ready and give the name of the purchaser at check in. All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are not transferable unless done through the museum's office.
Upon arrival, please have your PayPal receipt ready and give the name of the purchaser at check in. All tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are not transferable unless done through the museum's office.
