Chicago’s convention calendar is packed in 2026 with world-class expos across many industries. From home goods and beauty to energy and hospitality, the city hosts events where thousands of professionals gather to network and see the latest innovations.
| Date | 10–12 March 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
Formerly the International Home + Housewares Show, The Inspired Home Show is North America’s largest home and housewares trade fair. It runs March 10–12, 2026 (Tuesday–Thursday) at McCormick Place. Every year over 1,600 exhibition stand builders and thousands of buyers from 120+ countries converge here to discover cookware, kitchen gadgets, tabletop, decor and lifestyle products. The Show is organized into four “Expos” (Clean + Contain; Dine + Decor; Travel Gear + Luggage; Wired + Well, etc.), making it easy to find specific product categories. In 2026 the event has shifted to Tuesday–Thursday, reflecting a trend toward mid-week scheduling. For any company in housewares, kitchen or home-goods retail, this is the year’s single most important expo in Chicago.
| Date | 18–20 April 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
America’s Beauty Show (ABS) is the premier expo for salon and beauty professionals. The 2026 show runs April 18–20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (near O’Hare). It attracts thousands of cosmetologists, hair stylists and salon owners for three days of education. ABS bills itself as the nation’s largest beauty show, with an “unbelievable lineup” of top educators and trendsamericasbeautyshow.com americasbeautyshow.com. You’ll find exhibit design companies in Chicago for hair care, skincare, makeup and salon equipment, plus live demos on styling, barber competitions and the latest product launches. In short, any business in beauty or personal care (from product manufacturers to salon owners) will see key innovations and new suppliers at America’s Beauty Show.
| Date | 2–5 May 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the world’s largest gastroenterology conference and custom exhibition stand design. In 2026 it takes place May 2–5 at McCormick Place. DDW brings together physicians, researchers and suppliers focused on digestive health, hepatology and GI surgery. Each year thousands of gastroenterology professionals attend to present research and explore new treatments, medical devices and diagnostic tools. For medical-device companies, pharmaceutical firms or innovators in GI diagnostics, DDW is a prime platform to meet leading clinicians and showcase the latest digestive-health solutions.
| Date | 4–7 May 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
The IEEE Power & Energy Society Transmission & Distribution Conference (PES T&D) is North America’s top event for the electricity transmission and distribution industry. In 2026 it runs May 4–7 at McCormick Place. Utilities, system planners, equipment manufacturers and researchers all gather here to tackle grid challenges. The conference features technical sessions on grid resilience, renewable integration, smart-grid technology and more. It’s a must-attend for companies in electrical engineering, utility software, power-grid equipment and energy consultancy. According to the organizers, IEEE PES T&D “is the leading event for the transmission & distribution industry”, uniting thousands of energy professionals to explore innovations in grid infrastructure.
| Date | 16–19 May 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
The NRA Show is the largest annual expo for the food-service and hospitality industry in the Western Hemisphere. It runs May 16–19, 2026 at McCormick Place. Over 2,000 exhibitors cover 900+ product categories, making it a one-stop showcase of kitchen equipment, restaurant technology, food supplies and more. It’s especially known for highlighting trends like AI and robotics in kitchens, plant-based foods and sustainable packaging. With 70+ expert speakers on foodservice innovation, the NRA Show is essential for restaurant owners, chefs, suppliers and equipment vendors. Expect live cooking demos, new product debuts and networking with the full spectrum of the hospitality industry.
| Date | 22–25 June 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
Automate is North America’s largest robotics and automation expo, returning to McCormick Place June 22–25, 2026. The International Federation of Robotics notes that Automate “delivers the latest innovations in manufacturing automation technology from more than 1,000 leading exhibitors and more than 50,000 registrants”. Attendees (engineers, integrators and executives) see robots, machine vision systems, motion controls, AI and other Industry 4.0 tech in action. The show floor is highly interactive – visitors can watch demonstrations of collaborative robots, smart sensors, autonomous guided vehicles and more. Any firm in industrial automation, robotics manufacturing or AI solutions will find Automate invaluable for spotting emerging trends and meeting potential partners.
| Date | 21–23 July 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
ASI Show Chicago is a major trade fair for the promotional products industry. It takes place July 21–23, 2026 (West Building, McCormick Place). The show brings together distributors and suppliers of corporate gifts, branded merchandise, marketing items and corporate apparel. Organizers call ASI Chicago the “last large-scale promo event of 2026”. It attracts mostly decision-makers – about 90% of attendees are final purchasers looking for new promotional items. If your business provides logo’d merchandise, custom branding solutions or corporate giveaways, this concentrated expo offers the chance to meet dozens of potential buyers in one place. (Many vendors use it as a mid-year boost to line up orders for Q4.)
| Date | 18–21 October 2026 |
| Venue | Chicago | United States |
PACK EXPO International 2026 (Oct 18–21 at McCormick Place) is the year’s most comprehensive packaging and processing show. Each year it features over 2,600 exhibitors and about 48,000 attendees from more than 40 industry verticals. You’ll see full-scale packaging machines, robotics, automation systems and live processing demonstrations covering food, beverage, pharmaceutical, consumer goods and more. Organisers say Pack Expo “is set to be the most expansive, most dynamic packaging and processing show of the year”. For companies seeking new packaging lines or processing partners, or looking to upgrade manufacturing workflows, this event is the global hub for innovation (including sustainable packaging materials and advanced automation).
