As we look ahead to 2026, Chicago will continue to play a pivotal role as a commercial and cultural hub in the Midwest, attracting enterprises and professionals from all over the world. With its strong industrial base, diversified economy and rich convention infrastructure, the city is further strengthening its position as a key destination for large-scale trade shows. For companies seeking to expand into the North American market or deepen their presence in specific industries, participating in Chicago’s exhibitions in 2026 will remain an important way to understand market dynamics, meet high‑quality partners and explore new business opportunities.
On the basis of the experience accumulated in 2024 and 2025, many trade shows in 2026 are expected to place greater emphasis on topics such as digital transformation, sustainability and cross‑industry collaboration. Whether in automobiles, catering, design, manufacturing or packaging, exhibitors and organizers are increasing their focus on smart technologies, green solutions and user experience. Through live demonstrations, themed forums and technical seminars, participants can not only see the latest products and technologies, but also gain deeper insights into industrial upgrading and future development directions.
By combining the key events already planned in 2024 and 2025—such as the Chicago International Auto Show, NRA Show, NeoCon, IMTS and Pack Expo International—companies can better plan their 2026 exhibition strategies and form a more continuous business layout. In the following sections, this article will continue to introduce the must‑attend trade shows in Chicago for 2024 and 2025, providing a practical reference framework as you evaluate which events to prioritize and how to maximize the value of each visit.
As the commercial and cultural center of the Midwest of the United States, Chicago attracts businesses and professionals from all over the world with its rich history and diverse economic activities. Every year, Chicago hosts numerous high-profile trade shows that not only showcase the latest industry trends and technological innovations, but also provide companies with valuable opportunities for communication and cooperation. This article will introduce several major trade shows that cannot be missed in Chicago in 2024 and 2025, helping companies to better plan their itinerary for the conference and enhance business development.
Must-attend trade shows in 2024
1. Chicago International Auto Show
Date: February 2024
Highlights: The Chicago International Auto Show is one of the largest auto shows in North America, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. At the show, major automakers will showcase their latest models, technological innovations, and future concept cars. Visitors can not only witness the latest car designs with their own eyes, but also experience test drives in person. In addition, the show also features various interactive display areas where visitors can get up close and personal with the latest automotive technology.
For: Automakers, dealers, car enthusiasts
Official website: https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/
2. NRA Show (National Restaurant Association Show)
Date: May 2024
Highlights: NRA Show is one of the most important exhibitions in the global catering industry, bringing together catering companies and professionals from all over the world. During the exhibition, exhibitors will showcase the latest catering equipment, food and beverage products, and industry innovation trends. On-site cooking demonstrations and technical seminars provide attendees with rich learning and communication opportunities. The exhibition also has a dedicated innovation area to showcase the latest catering technology and service models.
For: Catering industry practitioners, chefs, catering suppliers
Official website: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/
3. NeoCon
Date: June 2024
Highlights: NeoCon is the top exhibition in the commercial interior design and furniture industry, showcasing the latest design trends, innovative materials and furniture products. The exhibition attracted a large number of interior designers, architects and furniture manufacturers, and became an important platform for communication and cooperation within the industry. During the exhibition, many design seminars and lectures were also held to share the latest design concepts and practical experience.
For: Interior designers, architects, furniture manufacturers
Official website: https://neocon.com/
4. Graph Expo
Date: September 2024
Highlights: Graph Expo is an important exhibition for the printing and graphic communication industry, showcasing the latest printing technologies, equipment and solutions. During the exhibition, industry experts will share the latest market trends and technological innovations, providing exhibitors and visitors with rich communication and learning opportunities. The exhibition also has a technical demonstration area where visitors can experience the latest printing technologies and equipment firsthand.
For: Printing industry practitioners, advertising companies, publishers
Official website: https://xplor.org/whats-happened-to-graph-expo/
Must-attend trade shows in 2025
1. International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago
Date: March 2025
Highlights: The International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago is one of the largest homewares and appliance shows in the world, showcasing the latest homewares, appliances and lifestyle trends. During the exhibition, exhibitors will show visitors the latest home innovations and design concepts through product demonstrations and interactive displays. The exhibition also has a dedicated trend display area to showcase future lifestyles and home trends.
For: Home furnishings manufacturers, retailers, designers
Official website: https://www.theinspiredhomeshow.com/
2. IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show)
Date: September 2025
Highlights: IMTS is one of the world's largest manufacturing technology shows, showcasing the latest manufacturing technologies, equipment and solutions. During the show, exhibitors will showcase robotics, automation technology, 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing technologies. The show also features technical seminars and innovation display areas, providing attendees with abundant learning and communication opportunities.
For: Manufacturing practitioners, engineers, technical experts
Official website: https://www.imts.com/
3. Pack Expo International
Date: October 2025
Highlights: Pack Expo International is the top exhibition for the packaging industry, showcasing the latest packaging technologies, materials and equipment. During the show, exhibitors will showcase innovative packaging solutions and sustainable development technologies. The show also features technical demonstration areas and seminars, providing attendees with abundant learning and communication opportunities.
For: Packaging industry practitioners, manufacturers, retailers
Official website: https://www.packexpointernational.com/
FAQS
1. What is the Chicago Auto Show?
The Chicago International Auto Show is one of the largest auto shows in North America, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. At the show, major automakers showcase their latest models, technological innovations, and future concept cars, and visitors can experience test drives firsthand. In addition to showcasing the latest automotive technology and design, the show also offers interactive exhibition areas where visitors can get up close and personal with the latest automotive technology and participate in various automotive-related activities and seminars.
2. How do I get tickets for these shows?
You can purchase tickets through the official websites of each show, which usually provide online registration and ticket purchase services. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to ensure a place at the show and check if there are early bird discounts or group ticket purchase discounts. Some shows may also offer VIP tickets to enjoy additional services and privileges.
3. Where can I find more information about these shows?
A: You can visit the official websites of each show for detailed show information, schedules, exhibitor lists, and registration information. In addition, you can also follow the reports of relevant industry associations and media to get the latest show dynamics and industry information.
Conclusion
Chicago's trade shows provide a wealth of communication and learning opportunities for professionals from all walks of life. By participating in these exhibitions, companies can learn about the latest industry trends and technological innovations, expand their business networks, and enhance their market competitiveness. Whether in the automotive, catering, design, printing, home furnishing, manufacturing or packaging industries, these exhibitions will become an important boost to corporate development. Plan your itinerary for the exhibitions, seize these valuable opportunities, and inject new impetus into the development of your business.
