Award-Winning Excellence, Record Attendance and What’s Ahead in 2026

The year is already shaping up to be an exciting one at McCormick Place. In recognition of our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and scale, we were honored as the 2026 Best Facility Exceeding 1 Million Square Feet by EXHIBITOR magazine, while Chicago earned a spot on Frommer's list of Best Places to go in 2026.

As attendance records continue to be set and new events join our calendar, we remain focused on creating meaningful, memorable experiences for organizers and attendees alike. We’re proud to partner with our clients to bring bold ideas to life–and we’re just getting started.



See what’s shaping the year ahead →

These numbers would not be possible without the efforts of our amazing campus teams and the event organizers and partners who work with us to elevate sustainability efforts at campus meetings and conferences.

Are you interested in adding increased sustainability opportunities to your next McCormick Place event?

Whether you are planning a convention, tradeshow, corporate meeting, or consumer show, McCormick Place will work with your team to promote sustainability at any type of event function. Contact your Event Manager or submit an RPF today and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible about booking your event.

Campus News: Record-Breaking Event Attendance in 2025

Multiple 2025 events at McCormick Place boasted record-breaking attendance numbers.

2025 was a banner year for new records in Chicago, including eight meetings & conventions at McCormick Place that broke attendance records:

• C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) 2025
• MHI's PROMAT Show 2025
• Destinations International 2025 Annual Convention
• The Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025 Abbott Health & Fitness Expo
• The NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) Show 2025
• NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Convention and Trade Show
• The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST 2025 Annual Meeting
• WEFTEC (Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference) 2025

Numerous other events celebrated records in sustainability, leadership, fundraising, expansion, and more, and we celebrate every victory. We look forward to sharing even more award-winning news as 2026 continues!

City News: Mark Your Calendars for Chicago Restaurant Week

Banner photo for Restaurant Week 2026 featuring Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar. (Credit: Choose Chicago)

It's almost time for the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, returning January 23-February 8, 2026!

This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year. If you are visiting McCormick Place during this window, Chicago Restaurant Week is a great addition to your travel itinerary.

Not sure where to begin?

Explore Restaurant Week dining options:

📍 Restaurants near McCormick Place

🌆 All participating restaurants

Entertainment Updates: Wintrust Arena & Arie Crown Theater Events

Chicago winters are known for amazing entertainment options, and the Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place are no exception. Whether you'll be on campus for a scientific convention, a sporting competition, or one of the largest auto shows in North America, check out these upcoming entertainment events on campus, and enjoy world-class performances without ever having to go outside!

Upcoming entertainment events on campus.

Explore what is happening at our venues:

🎟 Upcoming Events at Wintrust Arena

🎭 Upcoming Events at Arie Crown Theater

There is something for everyone to enjoy this season on the McCormick Place campus.

Upcoming McCormick Place Events 📆

NOTE: The above list comprises events that have elected to be listed publicly on the McCormick Place online events calendar. This is not a complete list of every event occurring on campus through the end of Q2 2026.

Take Your Corporate Event to the Next Level at McCormick Place ✨

The South Building's Vista Ballroom offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a highly-customizable space.

Whether for a meeting of ten or a general session for 10,000, McCormick Place offers flexible space solutions, turnkey production capabilities, and a dedicated team ready to bring your vision to life.

Event organizers at McCormick Place benefit from:

• 4 ballrooms, ranging from 21,000–600,000 sq. ft.
• 148,000–1.2M sq. ft. of exhibit hall space
• 173 meeting rooms
• Easy access to 5,800 parking spaces
• In-house culinary expertise and sustainability support

Ready to get started?

Contact the McCormick Place Sales team today:

Join Our Community

If someone forwarded this newsletter to you, be sure to sign up below to receive monthly updates:

Thank you for being part of the McCormick Place community. We look forward to sharing more news and events in the months ahead.

Follow us online: