Trade Show News

A 2026 report on exhibition industry statistics, implicitly including major hubs like Chicago, forecasts a 2.1% growth in the U.S. B2B exhibition index for 2026. The report also noted that global exhibitions generated $443.6 billion in total economic output in 2025.

Fitch Ratings revised its outlook on the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) to Positive and rated the McCormick Place Expansion Project Refunding Bonds, Series 2026, as 'BBB+'. The bonds are supported by broad, stable pledged sales tax revenues, highlighting the financial stability and state support for McCormick Place, a key asset for Chicago's convention business.

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, held from September 14-19, generated an estimated $250 million in economic impact for Chicago and Illinois. The event attracted over 90,000 attendees and nearly 1,800 exhibitors to McCormick Place.

Over 7,000 Chicago hotel workers have authorized a strike at 46 hotels located downtown and near McCormick Place, demanding higher wages and improved benefits. This potential strike could lead to significant disruptions in housekeeping and food services during major events, including the upcoming Chicago Marathon.

IMTS 2026, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, generated an estimated $250 million in economic impact for Chicago and Illinois. The event, held from September 14-19, attracted over 90,000 attendees and nearly 1,800 exhibitors across 1.2 million square feet of space at McCormick Place.

The San Diego Tourism Authority is actively seeking a National Sales Director to be based in Chicago. This role is crucial for marketing and selling meeting space for the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and assisting hotels in contracting room blocks, highlighting Chicago's importance as a market for convention business.

The Tradeshow Network, a Chicago-based company, has launched a redesigned website to assist exhibitors in finding creative and affordable rental exhibit solutions. The new site highlights inline and island rental exhibits designed to help brands achieve a high-impact presence in crowded exhibition halls without the cost of a custom build.

Trade Show Executive's 'Women to Watch' program, which identifies and encourages emerging leaders in the trade show industry, will be celebrated at the Gold 100 Awards & Summit from September 22-24. Recipients will be featured in the November 2026 issue of Trade Show Executive Magazine, a publication based in Chicago.

Good Time Creative (GTC), a Chicago-based experiential agency, has expanded its staff by adding three new employees across its show services, accounting, and creative teams. The company, which specializes in custom tradeshow exhibits and experiential activations, continues to build its Chicago operations with plans for further growth.

Legacy Marketing, the Chicago-based, independent brand experience agency, today announced the appointment of Amanda Turnbull as President and April Quealy as Chief Creative Officer and Partner. The agency has served more than 100 clients across 150 markets over two decades.

EXPOSALE.net published an overview on September 25, 2026, detailing 12 exhibition events scheduled for Chicago in 2026–2027, with peak activity expected in April 2027 and October 2026. The article highlights McCormick Place, The Westin Chicago North Shore, and Donald E Stephens Convention Center as key venues.

The Chicago Fall Market for Makers will take place on October 24-25, 2026, in the Ravenswood neighborhood, celebrating independent artists and makers specializing in home decor, fashion, art, design, and food.

The NAEC Chicago Convention is scheduled to take place at McCormick Place Convention Centre from September 28th to October 1st. The event will feature an expo floor with cutting-edge technology and educational sessions for the vertical transportation industry.

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has announced nine finalists for the 2026 Technology Excellence Awards. These awards will be decided by attendee votes during PACK EXPO International, taking place October 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago, recognizing innovative packaging and processing technologies.

IMTS 2026, held in Chicago, concluded with record-breaking attendance, drawing over 90,000 registrants and 1,788 exhibiting companies. The event showcased a strong concentration of prospective customers and partners, with a floor-density ratio of 1.65, marking an IMTS record.

Clark Construction is highlighting the redevelopment of Chicago's Thompson Center, a landmark downtown building being reimagined for future commercial use. The project aims to transform the 1980s-era building while retaining its architectural significance, balancing modernization with existing architecture. This redevelopment reflects continued investment in Chicago's downtown building stock and could indirectly affect the broader event and hospitality business environment.

For the first time, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place in Chicago utilized 100% recyclable carpet across its entire campus. The carpeting, provided by GES and Emerald Carpets, represents a significant sustainability achievement for the event industry, with over 1 million square feet to be reused and 900,000 square feet recycled.

The Trade Show Executive (TSE) Pardon Our Dust report indicates that the pace of convention center construction is reaching equilibrium, with 15 projects currently underway and 21 proposed. This report, published by the Chicago-based TSE, provides crucial data on the construction landscape for trade show organizers and industry partners.

Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook on the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) project bonds to positive from stable, citing stronger operating performance and higher revenue projections from McCormick Place events. The positive outlook reflects a resurgence in bookings at North America's largest convention center and a gradual recovery in Chicago's tourism and business travel sectors.

McCormick Place in Chicago is highlighted as the largest convention center in North America, boasting 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space across four interconnected buildings. The facility, which functions more like a district, hosts major trade shows, medical conventions, and corporate meetings, reflecting the demand for flexible, multifunctional event space.