#1 Art & Architecture Event
North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors drew more than 50,000 international attendees this year. Held at the sprawling Merchandise Mart, the event had new features including a NeoCon app and new educational programming. As the unofficial kickoff to the weekend event, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS hosts its "Imagine" gala at Navy Pier. Next: June 13-15, 2016
#2 Art & Architecture Event
The kickoff to the fall art season in Chicago, the expo is held at Navy Pier. In 2015, it showcased works from 140 international galleries and had a record attendance of 35,000 guests. New this year was the Greater Midwest Curatorial Forum, which drew participation from 25 of the region’s top curators. Next: September 22-25, 2016
#3 Art & Architecture Event
An acronym for Sculptural Objects and Functional Art, the event showcases jewelry, textiles, glass, and more from some 70 galleries. It takes place annually at Navy Pier; this year, the fair had an updated floor plan. It drew some 36,000 guests and had a number of special exhibits. Next: November 4-6, 2016
#4 Art & Architecture Event
Hosted by Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, the showcase of tabletop trends is held at the Merchandise Mart. The event features work by big-name interior designers, event designers, architecture firms, and more. This year, communal dining was the theme. Next: November 2016
#5 Art & Architecture Event
Some 30,000 art enthusiasts attend the fair, which is held in the historic Old Town Triangle district. This year’s event showcased some 250 artists; guests perused paintings, jewelry, photography, and more. The event also features a garden walk through 60 home gardens. Next: June 11-12, 2016
#6 Art & Architecture Event (new to the list)
Established by a silversmith in 1948, the event is known as the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest. With an annual attendance of 20,000 guests, the fair features the work of 200 artists from all over North America. Each year, 50 to 75 of the exhibitors are new. In 2015, there was a new People’s Choice Award. Next: June 4-5, 2016
#7 Art & Architecture Event (up from #8)
In October, the event celebrated its 60th anniversary with a sold-out celebration at Navy Pier. Some 1,000 guests attended the gathering, which included the presentation of the first-ever "Ten-Year Award" to the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance (which has been open for 10 years). The event’s attendance was approximately 10 percent higher than in 2014. Next: Fall 2016
#8 Art & Architecture Event (up from #9)
Held at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, the event takes place each June during NeoCon. In 2015, the black-tie affair honored the winners of two prestigious competitions: the annual Interior Design Competition and the 22nd annual Will Ching Design Competition. Next: June 12, 2016
#9 Art & Architecture Event (up from #10)
At the industry function, the Illinois chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council celebrates environmentally friendly business leaders, government officials, and building practitioners. In 2015, the event returned to the Museum of Broadcast Communications and its theme was “Celebrating Achievements in Sustainability.” Next: Spring 2016
