In the present scenario, Chicago hosts major trade shows due to its central US location, extensive infrastructure, excellent transportation hubs (rail/air), historical significance in commerce, and a strong local economy that supports trade shows. This makes it accessible for national and global visitors and a hub for diverse industries from tech to healthcare.
Chicago’s McCormick Place also makes it favorable for exhibitors to hold their exhibitions here. To place your brand in the spotlight at Chicago’s premier shows, you need an eye-catching trade show booth design that ensures you stand out from the crowd.
Let’s now have a look at the top upcoming exhibitions in Chicago in 2026.
This major trade show in Chicago at McCormick highlights the latest in advancements packaging and processing. From October 18 to 21st, over 30,000 packaging professionals gather for this important show. More than 40 markets showcase their best packaging, with 5,000+ visitors from outside the United States. In recent years, the show’s logo turned green to support sustainable solutions.
It is Chicago’s premier international contemporary and modern art show. It’s held annually from April 24–27, 2025, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall in Chicago, Illinois. It is a one-of-a-kind show that gathers leading galleries, artists, and collectors to display and sell art, alongside public art, installations, and educational information about the art world.
The National Restaurant Association Show will take place from May 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. As the largest foodservice show in the Western Hemisphere, it offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, innovation, and culinary insights.
It is North America’s largest annual trade show wholly dedicated to the home goods and housewares industry. It will be held from March 10 to Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the McCormick Place Convention Centre in Chicago, Illinois. The show connects buyers, sellers, brands, and professionals in Chicago to showcase new products, trends, and innovations in home decor, kitchenware, cleaning, tech, and more, featuring keynotes, awards, and networking opportunities.
It is North America’s largest manufacturing technology show, held every two years at McCormick Place. The show features innovations in CNC machining, automation, robotics, software, and digital technology, with the next major show slated for September 14-19, 2026.
It is North America’s longest-running auto exposition, showcasing a vast array of new production cars, trucks, SUVs, concept vehicles, and future tech from global manufacturers. The show features interactive exhibits, test drives, and special themed days for families, the military, and beer enthusiasts, all centred around connecting the public with automotive innovation. This show will take place from February 7 to 16, 2026, at McCormick Place Convention Centre, Chicago, IL.
Connect Exhibit is one of the leading trade show booth builders in Chicago. It has been in the design-and-build stand industry for more than a decade. Over the years, we have built a reputation for delivering innovative, functional, and visually striking exhibition stands for clients across Chicago. Our team collaborates closely with each client to understand their specific goals, brand identity, and target audience, ensuring that every stand we create not only meets but exceeds expectations.
From initial concept and design to on-site construction and post-show support, we provides a seamless, end-to-end service that transforms ideas into engaging, memorable experiences on the show floor. Our extensive experience in Chicago’s dynamic trade show environment allows us to anticipate challenges and deliver stands that capture attention, drive engagement, and help our clients achieve their show objectives.
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