In October 2026 from the 6th – 11th the Illinois Valley Leather Guild NFP (IVLG) will be hosting the International Federation of Leather Guilds (IFoLG) annual show in East Peoria, IL @ The Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention center.

Leathercraft is a timeless tradition that bridges the gap between historical utility and modern artistry. IVLG is preparing to host the upcoming IFoLG Show, we are reaching out to everyone who shares our passion for preserving this craft and fostering the next generation of makers. IVLG last hosted the IFoLG show in 1968, so this is a special honor for our guild to host the 2026 show!

This years IFoLG show will mark the 60th year of the show. IFoLG provides a place for crafters from across the country and around the world to gather, socialize, learn from each other through workshops and fellowship, acquire tools, materials, and other crafting supplies that they may otherwise not have access to throughout the year, and compete with their peers for recognition and advancement of their skills through the annual competition and receive valuable feedback from Master Leathersmiths to further hone and progress their skills.

To keep this tradition thriving and as accessible and affordable to everyone, we are raising funds to support the core programs that make this show possible.

Your donation helps us provide the space, tools, and expertise needed to educate and inspire.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Whether it’s $5 or $500 no donation is too small!

• Share: Sharing this information with your friends, family, and crafting communities helps promote the show and brings in more donations so that we are able to host the show!

• Join Us: Come see the results of your support at the show! The competition room will be available for free public viewing on Saturday, October 10th from 10am – 5pm.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward the operational costs of the show and our educational initiatives:

• Free Youth Classes: We are dedicated to the future of the craft. Donations allow us to provide materials and instruction to young creators at no cost to them, sparking a lifelong interest in leatherworking.

• Professional Workshops: Funding helps us provide the venue to host world-renowned instructors, providing attendees with access to advanced techniques in carving, construction, and design.

• International Competition: We host a prestigious competition that challenges artisans to push the boundaries of the medium, with categories ranging from traditional to modern art.

• Guild & Exhibitor Showcases: Our show floor provides a vital marketplace for vendors and a platform for IFoLG member guilds to display their collaborative works.

We celebrate the smell of natural leather, the precision of a hand-stitch, and the dedication it takes to master a heritage trade. By supporting this GoFundMe, you aren’t just funding an event – you are investing in the artisans of today and the makers of tomorrow.

Thank you for considering a contribution to the International Federation of Leather Guilds Show. Together, we can ensure that the heritage of leathercraft continues to thrive.

For more information on the show please visit Illinois Valley Leather Guild to REGISTER for the sho, view the full lineup of WORKSHOPS available for the 2026 IFoLG show, make HOTEL RESERVATIONS, learn more about the Illinois Valley Leather Guild NFP, or to find out how to join a guild!

We thank you for your time and hope you will support our cause and help us spread the word about this fantastic event that we have the opportunity to bring to the Mid-West and promote the arts and skilled craftsmanship!