#1 Trade Show & Convention
North America’s largest and longest-running auto show spans 1.3 million square feet. Nearly 1,000 total vehicles are on display, and the show also has events including the massive First Look for Charity bash, held the night before its official opening. Next: February 8-17, 2014
#2 Trade Show & Convention
Each year, more than 1,800 exhibitors and thousands of buyers converge at McCormick Place for the event designed to drive profitability and forge industry connections. The show is co-located with the International Wine, Spirits & Beer event, which will expand into the Lakeside Ballroom next year. Next: May 17-20, 2014
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Billed as the world’s premier housewares marketplace, the convention features 2,100 exhibitors and draws more than 20,000 buyers. There are international pavilions and display areas divided into themes such as “Dine and Design” and “Clean, Contain, and Sustain.” Next: March 15-18, 2014
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The scientific event is held at McCormick Place and showcases new technology from nearly 700 exhibitors. This year, Condoleezza Rice will deliver a special lecture; some 50,000 attendees are expected. Next: December 1-6, 2013
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #6)
The show began in 2010 with 27,500 attendees; now, it draws around 41,000 guests, including an average of 900 members of the press. The buzzy show garners two million media impressions each year. Next: April 25-27, 2014
#6 Trade Show & Convention
Owned and produced by the salon professionals of Cosmetologists Chicago, the show draws around 50,000 industry pros. It also offers appearances by industry stars like Tabatha Coffey. Next: March 22-24, 2014
#7 Trade Show & Convention
This year’s sold-out show had 600 exhibitors, demonstrating double-digit growth, and there were more than 15,000 qualified industry professionals in attendance. The new Shopper Solutions Theater had standing-room-only learning labs. Next: May 20-22, 2014
#8 Trade Show & Convention
One of the graphic communications industry’s foremost trade shows, the event explores print, online, and mobile realms. The event is co-located with the Converting & Package Printing Expo, so it offers two buyer audiences at one show. Next: September 28-October 1, 2014
#9 Trade Show & Convention
Held over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the family-friendly show offers bargains on boats, R.V.s, marine accessories, and more—including a life-size pirate ship and other attractions for kids. The attendance in 2013 was about 35,400, which marked a seven percent increase from previous years despite inclement weather. Next: January 16-20, 2014
