1. Chicago Auto Show
#1 Trade Show & Convention
Billed as North America’s largest auto show, and featuring over one million square feet of exhibit space, the event impacts the auto industry nationwide. Highlights included an appearance from actor Jim Belushi, who joined a presentation with Ford Motor Company. Additionally, $2.5 million was raised for Chicago organizations at the “First Look for Charity” event. Next: February 9-18, 2019
Billed as North America’s largest auto show, and featuring over one million square feet of exhibit space, the event impacts the auto industry nationwide. Highlights included an appearance from actor Jim Belushi, who joined a presentation with Ford Motor Company. Additionally, $2.5 million was raised for Chicago organizations at the “First Look for Charity” event. Next: February 9-18, 2019
Photo:Â Courtesy of Chicago Auto Show
2. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
This year’s event for industry pros drew more than 65,000 attendees. Held at McCormick Place, it was the largest show ever with over 715,000 square feet of exhibits. Highlights included a private concert with Grammy winner Keith Urban at Wintrust Arena. Next: May 18-21, 2019
This year’s event for industry pros drew more than 65,000 attendees. Held at McCormick Place, it was the largest show ever with over 715,000 square feet of exhibits. Highlights included a private concert with Grammy winner Keith Urban at Wintrust Arena. Next: May 18-21, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of National Restaurant Association
3. International Home & Housewares Show
#3 Trade Show & Convention
The trade show has been an important voice for the homewares industry for 80 years. In 2018, the sold-out show featured 2,244 exhibitors and some 60,000 attendees at McCormick Place. This year, a new pre-show event was added, the IHA Smart Home Pavilion was expanded, and college students enjoyed two days of the Experience Day program. Next: March 2-5, 2019
The trade show has been an important voice for the homewares industry for 80 years. In 2018, the sold-out show featured 2,244 exhibitors and some 60,000 attendees at McCormick Place. This year, a new pre-show event was added, the IHA Smart Home Pavilion was expanded, and college students enjoyed two days of the Experience Day program. Next: March 2-5, 2019
Photo:Â Christina BeDell
4. Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
#4 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
Held at McCormick Place, this is the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, with 82,500 attendees in 2018. Fans of cosplay, comic books, and video games joined some major headliners this year. Author Veronica Roth of the Divergent series, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff from Guardians of the Galaxy, and Justin Roiland from Rick and Morty made appearances. Next: March 22-24, 2019
Held at McCormick Place, this is the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, with 82,500 attendees in 2018. Fans of cosplay, comic books, and video games joined some major headliners this year. Author Veronica Roth of the Divergent series, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff from Guardians of the Galaxy, and Justin Roiland from Rick and Morty made appearances. Next: March 22-24, 2019
Photo:Â Christopher Lazzaro
5. Sweets & Snacks Expo
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #6)
This year’s expo sold out the fastest in the show’s 21-year history. The event featured products from 25 countries—another record for the show. There were seven international pavilions, more than 850 exhibitors, and 18,000 attendees who came to the expo that was held at McCormick Place. Next: May 21-23, 2019
This year’s expo sold out the fastest in the show’s 21-year history. The event featured products from 25 countries—another record for the show. There were seven international pavilions, more than 850 exhibitors, and 18,000 attendees who came to the expo that was held at McCormick Place. Next: May 21-23, 2019
Photo:Â John Hanson
6. America's Beauty Show
#6 Trade Show & Convention
Some 58,000 beauty professionals ventured to McCormick Place to learn and get inspiration for unique looks, colors, tools, and techniques. More than 400 exhibitors participated in this year’s show, which sees attendees from around the world who work as colorists, nail technicians, stylists, and other jobs in the industry. Next: March 30-April 1, 2019
Some 58,000 beauty professionals ventured to McCormick Place to learn and get inspiration for unique looks, colors, tools, and techniques. More than 400 exhibitors participated in this year’s show, which sees attendees from around the world who work as colorists, nail technicians, stylists, and other jobs in the industry. Next: March 30-April 1, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of America's Beauty Show
7. Radiological Society of North America Scientific Assembly & Annual Meeting
#7 Trade Show & Convention
The society’s meeting, held annually at McCormick Place, drew an increased registration of 52,657 in 2017 and boasts an estimated economic impact of $130 million. In 2018, the theme is “Tomorrow’s Radiology Today” and will feature cutting-edge technology from artificial intelligence to virtual reality. Next: November 25-30, 2018
The society’s meeting, held annually at McCormick Place, drew an increased registration of 52,657 in 2017 and boasts an estimated economic impact of $130 million. In 2018, the theme is “Tomorrow’s Radiology Today” and will feature cutting-edge technology from artificial intelligence to virtual reality. Next: November 25-30, 2018
Photo:Â David J Babb
8. Chicago Boat, R.V., & Strictly Sail Show
#8 Trade Show & Convention
One of Chicago’s largest expos features 600 boats and 100 RVs in more than 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. Sponsored by Progressive Insurance and held at McCormick Place, guests could partake in boating and sailing seminars with the industry’s well-known sailors. Next: January 9-13, 2019
One of Chicago’s largest expos features 600 boats and 100 RVs in more than 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. Sponsored by Progressive Insurance and held at McCormick Place, guests could partake in boating and sailing seminars with the industry’s well-known sailors. Next: January 9-13, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Boat, R.V., & Strictly Sail Show
