Trade Show News

Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds discussed the approval of a Tourism Improvement District (TID) by the Chicago City Council, providing a stable funding source for the destination marketing organization. This investment aims to amplify marketing efforts and attract more conventions and events to the city.

Chicago is implementing higher hotel taxes to fund destination marketing and incentives, a move that could push costs towards a tipping point for trade shows. This strategy aims to better fund Choose Chicago and attract more events.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, directly connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center, has completed a full meeting space renovation in 2026. The hotel offers 1,258 guestrooms and direct booking of McCormick Place meeting space, enhancing its appeal for event planners.

Chicago is reportedly considering implementing higher hotel taxes to better fund destination marketing and offer cash incentives for events. This move aims to boost the city's competitiveness in attracting conventions and meetings, though it raises concerns about potential cost increases.

Chicago is implementing a new lodging tax for hotels with over 100 rooms, aiming to generate revenue for tourism marketing and attract major events. This initiative includes the creation of a Tourism Improvement District to support long-term travel growth and boost local businesses.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform that includes scans of McCormick Place in Chicago, allowing event planners to interactively design and visualize event layouts. The platform aims to enhance event planning and client engagement.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform for event planners, and has scanned McCormick Place in Chicago as one of 25 convention centers included in the platform. This technology aims to help clients interactively design and plan events.

PCMA announced the finalists for its 2026 Visionary Awards, recognizing professionals elevating the business events industry. Lori Adlesick, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Events at Choose Chicago, was named a finalist for Supplier of the Year.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform for event planners, which includes McCormick Place in Chicago among the 25 convention centers already scanned for interactive design and planning.

The EDPA Midwest Chapter is offering 2026 sponsorship opportunities to support its mission of advancing the interests of experiential designers and producers. These sponsorships enable the chapter to provide valuable educational speakers, networking events, support industry advocacy efforts, and contribute to community initiatives. The sponsorship period runs from January to December 2026.

Mars Snacking is expanding its global headquarters in Chicago, creating 600 new jobs. The article notes that the Sweets and Snacks Expo, long supported by Mars, has relocated from McCormick Place to Indianapolis and Las Vegas.

Artemin Gallery will participate in EXPO CHICAGO from April 9-12 at Navy Pier, presenting Juli Baker and Summer's solo exhibition. The exhibition explores themes of womanhood, memory, and literature through painting and sculpture.

Mars Snacking's expansion in Chicago was announced, but the article also notes the Sweets and Snacks Expo, previously held at McCormick Place, has transferred its staging to Indianapolis and Las Vegas, indicating a show relocation from Chicago.

The Sweets and Snacks Expo, which was previously held for many years at McCormick Place in Chicago, has transferred its staging to Indianapolis and Las Vegas. This relocation is noted in an article discussing Mars Snacking's headquarters expansion in Chicago.

Registration is now open for PASS Summit East 2026, a data training event scheduled for May 7-8 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. The summit offers an immersive experience with insights from leading experts and networking opportunities.

McCormick Place has been recognized with two prestigious 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards from EXHIBITOR magazine, ranking among the world's top 25 convention centers and as a premier venue over 1 million sq. ft. The center is also highlighting its culinary innovations and sustainable event practices, including campus composting and green certifications.

McCormick Place has been recognized with two prestigious honors from EXHIBITOR magazine's 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards, naming it one of the world's top 25 convention centers and the best facility over 1 million sq. ft. The venue is also focusing on culinary innovations for 2026, offering sustainable and locally inspired options, and continues its commitment to sustainable event practices.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, directly connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center, has completed a full meeting space renovation. The hotel features 1,258 guestrooms and offers 457,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space, with renovations inspired by the World's Fair.

The ASCO Annual Meeting is returning to Chicago, and McCormick Place is reimagining its lobbies and public spaces. These areas are being transformed into warm, functioning spaces designed to enhance attendee interaction. This initiative aims to foster human connection at large-scale events.

McCormick Place has been recognized with two 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards from EXHIBITOR magazine, naming it among the world's top 25 convention centers and a premier venue for large-scale events. The center is also highlighting its sustainable initiatives, including food rescue and renewable energy, and culinary innovations for 2026 events.