Spring Hunting Expo
Spring Hunting Expo
Spring Hunting Expo
The Illinois Deer Classic is the oldest and most successful Hunting Exposition in Illinois history! In it's beginning in 1990, it began in Decatur, IL as the "Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo". It found a home in Bloomington, IL for a long period of time, moved to Springfield, IL and now Peoria, IL. The exposition features a family oriented hu
The Illinois Deer Classic is the oldest and most successful Hunting Exposition in Illinois history! In it's beginning in 1990, it began in Decatur, IL as the "Illinois Deer & Turkey Expo". It found a home in Bloomington, IL for a long period of time, moved to Springfield, IL and now Peoria, IL. The exposition features a family oriented hunting tradition, attracting thousands of sportsman from hundreds of miles to gather and celebrate the hunt! Lured Events acquired this show in 2025.
Spring Fishing Expo
Spring Hunting Expo
Spring Hunting Expo
The Illinois Fishing Expo will debut alongside the Illinois Deer Classic in Peoria, IL 2026. The Peoria Civic Center is a 100,000' facility and we believe both of these show's will compliment each other to create an environment for outdoorsmen beyond what either show could do independently. With a mission to focus on the traditions of the
The Illinois Fishing Expo will debut alongside the Illinois Deer Classic in Peoria, IL 2026. The Peoria Civic Center is a 100,000' facility and we believe both of these show's will compliment each other to create an environment for outdoorsmen beyond what either show could do independently. With a mission to focus on the traditions of the outdoors, and raising the next generation stewards, this show be a must attend expo for Illinoisians for years to come!
Fall Hunting Expo
Spring Hunting Expo
Fall Hunting Expo
Illinois Deer & Beer Fest was founded by Lured Events in 2019 in Bloomington, IL at the Mclean County Fairgrounds. This hunting show was planned in August, Just before the Illinois Deer Season begins to take off when demand for outdoor products and services is at it's highest as well as the excitement of the hunting season! This show has
Illinois Deer & Beer Fest was founded by Lured Events in 2019 in Bloomington, IL at the Mclean County Fairgrounds. This hunting show was planned in August, Just before the Illinois Deer Season begins to take off when demand for outdoor products and services is at it's highest as well as the excitement of the hunting season! This show has by far superseded everyone's expectations in it's fast growth over the years! Even catching the attention of Michael Waddell and many other major hunting manufacturers!
CEO/ PRESIDENT
EXHIBITOR SPECIALIST
EVENT COORDINATOR
Cole Thompson the Owner/Founder Lured Events. Cole is entrepreneur in the Outdoor Industry. He first purchased "Hunters Haven" an archery/outdoor store based in Champaign, IL from his father in 2008 and still operates it today. Outside of the Hunting Industry he purchased Slot & Wing Hobbies a retail Hobby shop his family has owned since
Cole Thompson the Owner/Founder Lured Events. Cole is entrepreneur in the Outdoor Industry. He first purchased "Hunters Haven" an archery/outdoor store based in Champaign, IL from his father in 2008 and still operates it today. Outside of the Hunting Industry he purchased Slot & Wing Hobbies a retail Hobby shop his family has owned since 1965 from his father. He founded Illini Pubcycle in 2016, an outdoor entertainment company based in Champaign, IL. In 2020, at the beginning of the COVID epidemic he was a co-founder in Bargain Bins, a general merchandise retail operation that grew to 3 stores. He has had great success in marketing businesses and events through ever changing practices and technology.
EVENT COORDINATOR
EXHIBITOR SPECIALIST
EVENT COORDINATOR
Zach Milt has been with Lured Events from it's beginning, planning, structuring and maintaining everything that happens inside the event space. Aside from being an expert planner Zach loves hunting. Currently hunting whitetail deer, turkey and going out west annually to hunt Elk, his passion is the outdoors and being involved in the outdoor industry.
EXHIBITOR SPECIALIST
EXHIBITOR SPECIALIST
EXHIBITOR SPECIALIST
James Sullivan has been with Lured Events from it's beginning. James is always on his toes during an event helping, fixing and doing what it takes to keep exhibitors happy and the show rolling! If you're an exhibitor at any of our shows, and you see this man, just tell him thank you! Because chances are he has already solved twelve issues and is rushing to solve another!