Chicago is one of the busiest convention cities in North America. Home to McCormick Place — the largest convention center on the continent — the city hosts hundreds of major conferences, trade shows, and expositions every year across industries ranging from healthcare and technology to foodservice, manufacturing, and design. Companies use convention and trade show advertising in Chicago to reach tens of thousands of highly targeted attendees before, during, and after their events.

Out-of-home advertising is one of the most effective ways to connect with convention attendees because it meets them exactly where they are: at O'Hare or Midway upon arrival, on the CTA buses and L train heading to McCormick Place, on the streets surrounding downtown hotels, and on mobile billboard trucks driving targeted routes along the lakefront corridor. Unlike digital ads, OOH advertising cannot be blocked or scrolled past — it is always on and always visible to every attendee who comes through the city.

Advertising Formats for Chicago Conventions

Chicago Convention Advertising Examples

Popular Conferences, Conventions and Trade Shows in Chicago

Chicago hosts some of the largest and most prestigious events in the world, anchored by McCormick Place and supported by a dense network of hotels and specialized venues including Navy Pier, The Mart (Merchandise Mart), the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Marriott Marquis Chicago, Hilton Chicago, and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in nearby Rosemont. The table below lists popular annual events held in the Chicago area — type any keyword to search by event name, venue, or month.

Event locations and months reflect typical scheduling and are subject to change year to year.