1. Chicago Auto Show
#1 Trade Show & Convention
The largest and longest-running auto show in North America has 1.3 million square feet of exhibits. Next: February 9-18, 2013
The largest and longest-running auto show in North America has 1.3 million square feet of exhibits. Next: February 9-18, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Auto Show
2. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
Colocated with the International Wine, Spirits, and Beer event, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show had more than 1,800 exhibitors and a keynote address from Bill Clinton in 2012. Next: May 18-21, 2013
Colocated with the International Wine, Spirits, and Beer event, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show had more than 1,800 exhibitors and a keynote address from Bill Clinton in 2012. Next: May 18-21, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of National Restaurant Association
3. International Home and Housewares Show
#3 Trade Show & Convention (up from #4)
With several celebrity chefs in attendance and an extended four-day run, this year's International Home and Housewares Show drew 60,000 buyers and 2,100 exhibitors. Next: March 2-5, 2013
With several celebrity chefs in attendance and an extended four-day run, this year's International Home and Housewares Show drew 60,000 buyers and 2,100 exhibitors. Next: March 2-5, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of International Housewares Association
4. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The scientific event, held at McCormick Place each November, has nearly 700 exhibitors and 60,000 international attendees. Next: November 25-30, 2012
The scientific event, held at McCormick Place each November, has nearly 700 exhibitors and 60,000 international attendees. Next: November 25-30, 2012
Photo: RSNA
5. America’s Beauty Show
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #6)
This year the beauty-focused show drew 50,000 industry pros and included appearances by industry stars like Tabatha Coffey. Next: March 9-11, 2013
This year the beauty-focused show drew 50,000 industry pros and included appearances by industry stars like Tabatha Coffey. Next: March 9-11, 2013
Photo: BABAK for 2012 America's Beauty Show
6. Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
#6 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
In its first year, 2010, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo had 27,500 attendees; 34,000 people made it out in 2011, and this year’s attendance soared to 41,000. Next: April 26-28, 2013
In its first year, 2010, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo had 27,500 attendees; 34,000 people made it out in 2011, and this year’s attendance soared to 41,000. Next: April 26-28, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
7. Sweets & Snacks Expo
#7 Trade Show & Convention
Covered by consumer and industry publications alike, the Sweets & Snacks Expo shows signs of continued growth, with 570 booths and 15,000 guests this year. Next: May 21-23, 2013
Covered by consumer and industry publications alike, the Sweets & Snacks Expo shows signs of continued growth, with 570 booths and 15,000 guests this year. Next: May 21-23, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Jelly Belly Candy Company
8. Graph Expo
#8 Trade Show & Convention
The Americas’ largest exhibition and conference for the graphic communications industry drew 20,450 attendees in 2011. Next: October 7-10, 2012
The Americas’ largest exhibition and conference for the graphic communications industry drew 20,450 attendees in 2011. Next: October 7-10, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Graph Expo
9. Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show
#9 Trade Show & Convention
The Midwest’s largest show of its kind, Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show, drew 35,400 attendees and was sponsored by Progressive insurance this year. Attractions included scuba demos and a catch-and-release trout pond for kids. Next: January 9-13, 2013
The Midwest’s largest show of its kind, Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show, drew 35,400 attendees and was sponsored by Progressive insurance this year. Attractions included scuba demos and a catch-and-release trout pond for kids. Next: January 9-13, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show
