Trade Show News

A strike by approximately 1,200 parking garage workers in Chicago began on November 3, 2026, with pickets at O'Hare International Airport, McCormick Place, and the Hyatt Regency. While McCormick Place garages operated as usual, the strike could impact hotel valet and self-park services downtown, affecting convention attendees.

Chicago is a significant center for exhibition activity in the United States, with 57 events scheduled for 2026-2027. The city anticipates peak exhibition activity in November 2026 and April 2027, with major venues including McCormick Place, theMART, and Navy Pier hosting key events.

AMT and McCormick Place have extended their agreement for IMTS through 2034, ensuring the show's continued significant economic impact on the region. This partnership also includes a $101,000 investment in Chicago Public Schools' STEM education, aiming to foster the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Chicago's hotel sector is entering 2027 with significant momentum, driven by near-record room nights and strong convention demand. The upcoming Chicago Hospitality Summit in December will gather industry leaders to discuss new hotel developments, conversions, and renovations across the city.

The Hospitality Show: Illinois invites hoteliers from across Illinois to Chicago for an afternoon of networking and learning about the latest policy issues impacting their hotels. The event includes a special networking reception and an expo floor with vendors providing services and products tailored to the hospitality industry.

Choose Chicago, the city's official sales and marketing organization for visitors, is seeking an AI Enablement Specialist. This newly created role will focus on integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into the organization's operations, including sales, marketing, and client services, and will provide executive-level administrative support to sales and client services leadership.

GES, a global leader in exhibition and experiential marketing services, has acquired CSG Creative, a marketing and creative services agency specializing in the association and exhibitions industries. This acquisition expands GES's marketing capabilities, which will benefit event organizers and exhibitors, including those in Chicago.

IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) and McCormick Place have extended their partnership to include the 2032 and 2034 shows, ensuring IMTS remains in Chicago. This agreement continues a long-standing collaboration that brings significant economic impact to the region. The announcement also includes a $101,000 investment in Chicago Public Schools STEM education.

The EDPA Great Lakes Chapter announced that its 2026 Kingpin recipient is industry veteran Reid Sherwood, with funds benefiting him due to significant health challenges.

Several Chicagoland Chamber members were honored among Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Leaders in Communications 2026, including Lisa Nucci from Choose Chicago. These leaders are recognized for their efforts in strengthening organizational reputations and effectively connecting with their audiences.

FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas attracted 32,530 attendees, and the event is set to return to Chicago's McCormick Place from September 13-16, 2027, with 92% of its planned exhibit space already sold.

The AAAE Airports Going Green Conference is scheduled for November 8-10, 2026, at Swissotel Chicago. This event focuses on sustainability within the airport industry.

AAMP 2026 Chicago is set to be held from November 7-10, 2026, at Swissotel Chicago. This event will gather professionals for industry-specific discussions.

The Leadership & Management Conference (ECLM) is set for November 6, 2026, in Chicago. This conference will delve into various topics related to leadership and management.

The Private Label Manufacturers Association's (PLMA) 2026 Private Label Trade Show will take place from November 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. The event will feature expanded education, a new product showcase, and opportunities for retailer-supplier connections, with nearly 1,900 suppliers filling over 3,000 booths.

Chicago's McCormick Place selected Watts Water Technologies' Dead Level modular trench drain system to replace its broken parking deck drainage. This upgrade ensures durability and efficient installation, allowing repairs to be scheduled around the convention center's busy event calendar without disrupting operations.

Published on November 2, 2026, this article provides a comprehensive overview of McCormick Place in Chicago, highlighting its status as one of North America's largest convention centers with over 3.5 million square feet across four buildings. It details the venue's capacity to host over 100 annual events, including major trade shows and conferences, and mentions its most recent expansion in 2012.

EXHIBITOR magazine recognized the Pennsylvania Convention Center as one of North America's best, alongside other top venues including a convention center in Chicago. This recognition highlights operational excellence, outstanding service, and modern solutions provided by these facilities for exhibitors and show organizers.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center was named one of the best convention centers in North America by EXHIBITOR magazine, with Chicago convention centers also receiving recognition. Convention centers were evaluated on operational and service criteria, including amenities, exhibitor support, and innovation. This acknowledgment highlights the strong performance of leading venues, including those in Chicago, in the trade show industry.