Trade Show News

Chicago has approved a new surcharge on downtown hotel stays, increasing the overall tax rate on rooms to 19 percent, reportedly the highest in the United States. This measure aims to significantly expand funding for tourism promotion and large-scale events, though critics express concerns about competitiveness.

Kristen Reynolds, CEO of Choose Chicago, discussed the city's new $4 million advertising campaign, 'Never Done, Never Outdone,' and the recent approval of a Tourism Improvement District (TID). The TID will provide dedicated funding to amplify marketing efforts and attract more conventions and events to Chicago.

Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds discussed the approval of a Tourism Improvement District (TID) by the Chicago City Council, providing a stable funding source for the destination marketing organization. This investment aims to amplify marketing efforts and attract more conventions and events to the city.

Chicago is implementing higher hotel taxes to fund destination marketing and incentives, a move that could push costs towards a tipping point for trade shows. This strategy aims to better fund Choose Chicago and attract more events.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, directly connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center, has completed a full meeting space renovation in 2026. The hotel offers 1,258 guestrooms and direct booking of McCormick Place meeting space, enhancing its appeal for event planners.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform that includes scans of McCormick Place in Chicago, allowing event planners to interactively design and visualize event layouts. The platform aims to enhance event planning and client engagement.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform for event planners, and has scanned McCormick Place in Chicago as one of 25 convention centers included in the platform. This technology aims to help clients interactively design and plan events.

PCMA announced the finalists for its 2026 Visionary Awards, recognizing professionals elevating the business events industry. Lori Adlesick, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Events at Choose Chicago, was named a finalist for Supplier of the Year.

Freeman has launched Blue Echo, a 3D visualization platform for event planners, which includes McCormick Place in Chicago among the 25 convention centers already scanned for interactive design and planning.

The EDPA Midwest Chapter is offering 2026 sponsorship opportunities to support its mission of advancing the interests of experiential designers and producers. These sponsorships enable the chapter to provide valuable educational speakers, networking events, support industry advocacy efforts, and contribute to community initiatives. The sponsorship period runs from January to December 2026.

CHAMPS Trade Shows announced its return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Chicago, from June 23-25, 2026. The event will feature hundreds of vendors and thousands of brands in the counterculture marketplace.

McCormick Place's convention calendar highlights several major events for early 2026, including Workday 2026 SKO (March 2-4), The Inspired Home Show (March 15-17), SCCM 2026 Annual Congress (March 22-25), ABA TECHSHOW 2026 (March 25-28), Adidas Windy City National Qualifier 2026 (April 3-5), Heart Rhythm 2026 (April 24-26), and Digestive Disease Week (May 3-5).

EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair is set to return to Navy Pier from April 9–12, 2026, for its 13th edition. The event will showcase over 130 leading galleries globally and feature a dynamic program of talks, on-site installations, and special events.

CHAMPS Trade Shows announced its return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Chicago, from June 23-25, 2026. The event is described as the premier counterculture marketplace, featuring hundreds of vendors and thousands of brands. Hotel deals are also highlighted for attendees and exhibitors.

CHAMPS Trade Shows has announced its 2026 Chicago event, taking place from June 23-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. This premier business-to-business counterculture marketplace will offer opportunities to connect with hundreds of vendors and thousands of brands.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, directly connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center, is undergoing a full meeting space renovation, with completion noted for 2026. The hotel will also feature four newly renovated dining outlets.

McCormick Place has been recognized with two prestigious 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards from EXHIBITOR magazine, ranking among the world's top 25 convention centers and as a premier venue over 1 million sq. ft. The center is also highlighting its culinary innovations and sustainable event practices, including campus composting and green certifications.

McCormick Place has been recognized with two prestigious honors from EXHIBITOR magazine's 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards, naming it one of the world's top 25 convention centers and the best facility over 1 million sq. ft. The venue is also focusing on culinary innovations for 2026, offering sustainable and locally inspired options, and continues its commitment to sustainable event practices.

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, directly connected to the McCormick Place Convention Center, has completed a full meeting space renovation. The hotel features 1,258 guestrooms and offers 457,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space, with renovations inspired by the World's Fair.

Freeman launched an AI spatial intelligence platform across major U.S. convention centers, including Chicago's McCormick Place. This technology provides precise, photorealistic digital versions of venues, allowing event planners and designers to accelerate design iterations, streamline approvals, and eliminate on-site surprises, ultimately making smarter investments.