Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority

The Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (SMEAA) is the elected board that governs the Prairie Capital Convention Center in downtown Springfield, Illinois.

History and Composition

SMEAA was created pursuant to state statute, in which the General Assembly granted the board the following rights and powers:

(a) To purchase, own, construct, lease as lessee or in any other way acquire, improve, extend, repair, reconstruct, regulate, operate, equip and maintain fair and exposition grounds, convention or exhibition centers and civic auditoriums, including sites and parking areas and facilities therefor located within the metropolitan area;

(b) To plan for such grounds, centers and auditoriums and to plan, sponsor, hold, arrange and finance fairs, industrial, cultural, educational, trade and scientific exhibits, shows and events and to use or allow the use of such grounds, centers and auditoriums for the holding of fairs, exhibits, shows and events whether conducted by the Authority or some other person or governmental agency;