#1 Art & Architecture Event
North America’s largest commercial-furnishings trade show and conference takes place at the Merchandise Mart. It draws more than 40,000 architecture and design pros and offers 100 seminars, forums, and keynote addresses. The trade show features wares from more than 700 showrooms and exhibitors. Next: June 9-11, 2014
#2 Art & Architecture Event
An acronym for Sculptural Objects and Functional Art, the expo is Chicago’s longest continuously running art fair. The event, which typically attracts some 30,000 visitors, was purchased by Urban Expositions in June. The show management company plans to develop a new art-and-design-fair division, which will have SOFA as its flagship. Connect, a student-design exhibition and competition, was new to the fair this year. Next: October 31-November 2, 2014
#3 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
This year the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art featured works from 125 leading art galleries from 17 countries. The event, held on Navy Pier, drew 30,000 visitors. The highly stylish exhibition is designed by star architect Jeanne Gang. Next: September 18-21, 2014
#4 Art & Architecture Event
Dubbed “Beauty and the Feast,” this year’s showcase of tabletop design included detailed vignettes from prominent architects, artists, and interior designers. The three-day event includes an opening cocktail party that draws 1,000 guests; there’s also a popular public viewing, a tasting event, and a glamorous closing-night gala. Proceeds from Dining by Design benefit the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Next: November 2014
#5 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
Billed as one of the country’s top art fairs, the event draws 40,000 art lovers to Old Town each year. It showcases works from about 250 artists from across the country. The event also includes a garden walk, a children’s corner, and a music stage. Next: June 14-15, 2014
#6 Art & Architecture Event
Always bursting with innovative ideas, the gala has an edgy, artsy vibe that matches its moniker. This year’s event in February took place at the museum’s warehouse for the first time and had a factory theme. The event drew 500 guests—including Mayor Rahm Emanuel—and raised $900,000. Next: September 20, 2014
#7 Art & Architecture Event
The museum’s largest annual fund-raiser always corresponds with the opening of a major exhibition. Sponsored by Graff, this year’s June affair marked the arrival of "Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity" and had an appropriately Parisian vibe. About 575 guests attended, and tickets sold for $1,000. Next year’s event will celebrate the Magritte exhibition. Next: June 20, 2014
#8 Art & Architecture Event
The 58th iteration of the prestigious award ceremony took place at Navy Pier in late October. With big-name sponsors such as Benjamin Moore and Gensler, the evening presented awards in categories such as “Divine Detail” and “Sustainability” in front of an audience of 800 industry pros. Next: Fall 2014
#9 Art & Architecture Event
Held during NeoCon, this year's black-tie gala honored the winners of two highly prestigious industry awards: the 40th annual Interior Design Competition and the 21st annual Will Ching Design Competition. The splashy affair took place at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago and drew interior designers and design manufacturers from around the world. Next: June 8, 2014
#10 Art & Architecture Event
The Illinois Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council hosts the popular industry function to honor eco-minded business leaders, government officials, and building practitioners. Held in May, the 2013 event took over the National Hellenic Museum and doled out Emerald Awards in categories such as “Green Innovation: Green School.” Next: Spring 2014
