Trade Show News

Chicago has made an official bid to host the Democratic National Conventions in 2028 and 2032, with Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker presenting their case to DNC leadership. The city is leveraging the success of the 2024 DNC, which generated $371 million for the local economy, the largest economic impact in the convention's history. Site visits include tours of the United Center and discussions on Chicago's readiness as a host city.

The Choose Chicago Sales Team, in collaboration with city and state partners, has secured the NAACP 127th Annual Convention for Chicago in 2026. This achievement is part of Choose Chicago's ongoing efforts to advance community impact and make the city more accessible.

Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center was recognized as one of the world's top convention centers, reinforcing the city's appeal for meetings and events. The city is also preparing for significant new civic and cultural destinations, including the Obama Presidential Center opening in summer 2026.

The Summit Chicago, an annual conference for the business, tourism, and events community in Illinois, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026 with continued expansion. The event focuses on local impact with global reach, connecting venues, planners, service providers, and tourism partners to drive economic success in Chicago.

NexGen Hotels acquired the boutique hotel Claridge House Chicago. This acquisition is part of broader hotel sector news, though the article primarily discusses the underwhelming World Cup booking outlook.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has released its "2026 CEIR Index Report," providing a comprehensive analysis of the 2025 business-to-business exhibition industry. The report forecasts a 2.1% growth for the CEIR Total Index in 2026, offering insights into the industry's future trajectory.

Lisa Shanahan has joined Louisville Tourism as director of Midwest sales, with a specific focus on the Chicagoland area. This personnel move reflects ongoing efforts within the trade show and events industry to strengthen sales and market presence in key regions.

Orbus, a company specializing in exhibit and display products with operations in Chicago, earned the 2026 Counselor Best Places to Work Honor. This recognition reflects the company's commitment to its team, fostering innovation, growth, and excellence.

Chicago-based trade show industry veteran Larry Kulchawik published new books, "Trade Shows from One Country to the Next" and "The Invisible Industry," highlighting the economic and strategic significance of global trade show marketing. His work examines how exhibitions contribute to global commerce and business development.

Marketplace Events acquired the Travel & Adventure Shows, a series that includes a long-running event in Chicago. This acquisition significantly expands MPE's reach into the travel, adventure, and outdoor experiential category, strengthening its position as a dominant organizer in North American consumer and trade events.

The world's first 7th-generation fully automated robot café is set to debut at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. This innovative technology will be showcased at the major foodservice and hospitality trade event. The debut highlights advancements in automation within the restaurant industry.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) will present its largest 'A Taste of the States: Chicago' pavilion at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show, held at McCormick Place. The pavilion will span 17,900 square feet, featuring 21 states and connecting U.S. producers with international buyers.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2026, in a Chicago convention center ballroom. This event marks a significant phase of the offseason for NBA teams, as they await the reshaping of their rosters for the upcoming season. The lottery draws attention to Chicago as a host city for major national events.

The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place at McCormick Place in Chicago. This event is a significant gathering for the food science and technology industry.

McCormick Place will host a diverse array of conventions and trade shows in 2026, including The Inspired Home Show (March 10–12), Digestive Disease Week (May 3–5), and IMTS (Sept. 14–19). This calendar highlights Chicago's continued role as a major destination for various industry events throughout the year.

A proposed "megaprojects bill" in Illinois could facilitate new developments, including the "One Central project" near McCormick Place, potentially impacting the convention center's surrounding infrastructure and future growth.

McCormick Place, North America's largest convention center, has achieved Gold Level Certification to the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards. Additionally, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is undergoing a full renovation of all guest rooms, enhancing the experience for convention attendees.

McCormick Place, North America's largest convention center, was recently named among the top 25 convention centers globally and recognized for its sustainable event standards with Gold Level Certification. On-site improvements continue across the campus, including a full renovation of all guest rooms at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. These enhancements further elevate the experience for convention attendees and planners.

The Hyatt Regency Chicago has completed a $200 million renovation, culminating in a reimagined Grand Ballroom featuring LED ceiling panels and updated finishes. This multi-phase investment, totaling over $368 million since 2013, also modernized 2,032 guest rooms. The upgrades aim to attract more conferences and large gatherings.