1. The Chicago Auto Show
Each year, the Chicago Auto Show—the nation’s largest—occupies roughly 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space in McCormick Place. The 2009 event took place from February 13 to 22. On February 12, the First Look for Charity gala kicked off the show, offering a sneak peek of the vehicles to a crowd of 9,000.
2. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
The world’s largest gathering of restaurant, food-service, and lodging professionals, this event typically boasts 1,800 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees. The 2009 show hit McCormick Place from May 16 to 19 and offered sessions such as “How to Stand Out in a Tough Economy.”
3. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
Billed as the world’s largest international medical meeting, the Radiological Society’s annual gathering will take over McCormick Place this year from November 29 to December 4. In 2008, the event drew 59,181 guests; similar attendance is expected in 2009.
4. International Home and Housewares Show
Another world’s-largest, this show features thousands of products that range from pet supplies to teakettles. Organizers expect to see 60,000 attendees at this year’s event, which will be held at McCormick Place March 22 to 24.
5. The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show
The Midwest’s largest event of its kind, this trade show for outdoorsy types took place this year from January 14 to 18. The event drew 54,000 guests and included new features such as an Affordability Pavilion that showcased budget-friendly boats.
6. Graph Expo
Every fourth year—including 2009—the annual Graph Expo is replaced with a Global Print show, which is nearly twice the size of the regular event. The 2009 show, dubbed “MyPrint,” will occur at McCormick Place September 11 to 16 and will feature 800 exhibitors. The event attracts graphic-industry communication professionals from more than 25 countries.
