| TOP 100 EVENTS 07.07.08 9:00 AM |
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| Chicago's Top Trade Shows & Conventions 2008 |
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 | Celebrity chef Cat Cora hosted a demonstration at the International Home & Housewares Show.
Photo: Courtesy of the International Housewares Association
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1. Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been producing the nation’s largest auto show since 1935, and with more than one million visitors, it gets bigger each year. With close to 1,000 different makes and models, the 2008 event, which ran February 8 to 17, had something for everyone, such as domestic cars and imports from manufacturers from BMW to Mitsubishi. There was also a group of antique and collector cars, as well as experimental and concept cars. The 2009 show will be held February 13 to 22 at McCormick Place.
2. Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show
With its extensive collection of the latest fishing, hunting, and camping gear, the 2008 Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show, which took place January 16 to 20, sprawled over 350,000 square feet of exhibits and brought in more than 75,000 attendees. Hundreds of the latest boats and model RVs were showcased, and activities included remote-control boat races, canoe rides on the river, and “off-roading” on the ATV demo course. National Marine Manufacturers Association show manager Keith Ogulnick oversees the event. The 2009 show will be held January 14 to 18 at McCormick Place.
3. Pack Expo International
A must for anyone in the packaging industry, the Pack Expo, hosted by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, will be held November 9 to 13 at McCormick Place. Showcasing the latest in packaging trends, the expo brings together more than 75,000 people from more than 125 countries, including suppliers and buyers of packaging machinery, materials, and services. Expo highlights include a series of conferences scheduled for November 10 to 12 for those looking to learn more about package coding, automatic identification, and packaging security.
4. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
Open only to food-service and hospitality professionals, this year’s event, held May 17 to 20 at McCormick Place, attracted more than 75,000 guests. The show exhibited demonstrations of the newest restaurant equipment, in addition to offering tips and advice on going green. There were free educational sessions, as well as celebrity book signings featuring Mario Batali, Rick Bayless, and Ellie Krieger. The event is overseen by National Restaurant Association Convention senior vice president Mary Pat Heftman.
5. Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference
The largest trade show in the kitchen and bath industry gave Chicago a taste of the most innovative products and designs in 2008, when it filled three halls of McCormick Place. The four-day conference, held April 10 to 13, also featured demonstrations, professional development courses, and countless networking opportunities. More than 60,000 people attended, including designers, architects, and industry retailers, who flocked to see exhibits from Sears, Kohler, Viking, and GE Appliances. The National Kitchen & Bath Association hosts the show.
6. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
The Radiological Society of North America expects 62,000 attendees at this year’s annual meeting, scheduled for November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place. The 2008 meeting will offer courses in diagnostic radiology, applied science presentations, and hands-on workshops, as well as focus sessions covering everything from new concepts in molecular imaging to the hottest topics in radiology.
7. International Home & Housewares Show
The world’s largest home goods and housewares event showcased more than 2,000 exhibitors from 30 countries at McCormick Place in 2008. More than 60,000 professionals discovered thousands of new products and design trends. The show is scheduled for 2009 from March 22 to 24. International Housewares Association vice president Mia Rampersad oversees it.
8. Graph Expo
The expo is billed as the most comprehensive prepress, printing, and digital equipment trade show in the Americas, with more than 600 exhibitors and 400,000 square feet of exhibits. In addition to the latest product displays, the show offers more than 70 educational programs. The event is scheduled for October 26 to 29 at McCormick Place, and about 40,000 people are expected to attend. The Graphic Arts Show Company produces the event.
9. National Association of Convenience Stores Show
This year, the National Association of Convenience Stores will host more than 25 workshops at McCormick Place from October 4 to 7. The event unveils the latest products from more than 1,300 exhibitors ranging from 3M to Tootsie Roll Industries Inc. Last year’s Best New Product winners included Wedgee’s cheesecake on a stick, General Mills’ Sweet & Salty Caramel Bugles, and the Black & Mild Wine Cigar by John Middleton Inc. More than 35,000 guests are expected to attend this year.
10. American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
Regarded as the premier educational and scientific event in the oncology community, the ASCO annual meeting draws in more than 30,000 people each year. The 2008 meeting took place May 30 to June 3 at McCormick Place and focused on challenges and opportunities facing cancer professionals. Programs addressed ways to improve cancer care and prevention.
RELATED TOPICS
Chicago's Top 100 Events, Chicago Auto Show, Chicago Automobile Trade Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, National Restaurant Association Convention, American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Association of Convenience Stores, International Housewares Association, Radiological Society of North America, National Kitchen & Bath Association
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