Explore the Top 10 Potential Upcoming Shows in Chicago

Chicago is a premier destination for exhibitions, with an evolving landscape that attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the world. The city’s world-class venues, strategic location, and diverse audience make it an unmissable hub for displaying innovation, art, and business. Whether you’re launching new products, seeking strategic partnerships, or looking to expand your brand visibility, exhibiting in Chicago connects you with industry leaders and trendsetters.

Each year, the city hosts a whole new, fresh wave of trade shows and exhibitions that embody its creative pulse and business energy, ensuring relevance and impact for every participant. This blog highlights the top 10 upcoming shows in the Chicago that might interest you in your field of business.

Top 10 Upcoming Trade Shows in Chicago 2026 You Must Attend

If you are a travel lover, a comic and entertainment fan, or a professional from sectors such as manufacturing, packaging, or healthcare, Chicago has something special lined up. Key shows include the Chicago Boat Show, Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, NRA Show, The Automate Trade Show, IMTS, LABELEXPO Americas, PACK Expo, RSNA, and The Midwest Clinic. Each of the shows serves its niche with high-level networking opportunities.

Let’s know about each one in detail:

1. Chicago Boat Show 2026

• When: January 28 - February 1, 2026
• Industry: Recreational

The Chicago Boat Show 2026 is set to return as one of the largest recreational marine events in the Midwest, uniting boating enthusiasts, manufacturers, and industry professionals under one roof. Taking place in January 2026 at the McCormick Place, Chicago, the event will showcase the latest boats, marine accessories, water sport gear, and innovative solutions shaping the boating lifestyle. As a major networking and buying platform for the marine and outdoor recreation industry, the show offers product launches, demos, and exciting experiences for attendees.

Exhibitors aiming to make a powerful impact can partner with Exhibits Studio, offering premium modular and hybrid trade show booths tailored to boost engagement, drive sales, and elevate brand visibility at the Chicago Boat Show.

2. Chicago Travel & Adventure Show 2026

• When: February 21 - 22, 2026
• Industry: Travel & Adventure

If you are an enthusiast of the adventure tourism industry, this is the place for you. The Travel & Adventure Shows has a legacy of over 20 years and 125 completed events. It has brought together over 2.7 million travel enthusiasts and 16,500 unique travel advisors. Over 5,800 exhibitors have come together from around the world, facilitating a whopping $7 billion in travel bookings.

Therefore, you will need more than the Chicago Travel & Adventure show. You will come across thousands of opportunities to satisfy your globetrotter instincts. Meet industry experts who will help you plan the perfect travel experience. Grab this opportunity to learn about the latest travel trends and tips from the best in the industry and get to meet your favorite travel celebrities. Need more? You will also have the chance to win trip giveaways, exclusive show-only deals, thousands of dollars of travel savings, and exclusive show-only deals, which will be included in your ticket!

3. Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2026 (C2E2)

• When: March 27 - 29, 2026
• Industry: Culture and Entertainment

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is the Midwest’s premier pop-culture trade and fan-convention, bringing together comics, manga, animation, gaming, toys, movies and TV. It’s held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois — the next edition is scheduled for March 27-29, 2026.

As a major industry event, C2E2 invites exhibitors ranging from creators and publishers to merchandisers and tech/gaming companies to present their latest innovations, meet thousands of attendees, and build meaningful connections. For exhibitors looking to stand out, Exhibits Studio offers specialized trade-show booth design and rental services tailored to C2E2’s dynamic environment — helping brands attract attention, maximize engagement, and make a memorable impact on the show floor.

4. NRA Show 2026 - National Restaurant Association

• When: May 16 to 19
• Industry: Foodservice and Hospitality

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show 2026 in Chicago is one of the most influential trade events for the foodservice and hospitality industry. Each year, the show gathers restaurant owners, chefs, food manufacturers, and technology providers to explore the latest trends, equipment, and solutions shaping the future of dining. The prestigious event will take place in May 2026 at the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago. It offers unmatched opportunities for networking, product discovery, and industry education across global culinary markets. Exhibiting at the NRA Show helps brands stay competitive and visible.

Exhibits Studio supports exhibitors with high-quality modular and hybrid trade show booths for NRA show 2026 Chicago, tailored to elevate brand presence and attract decision-makers on the show floor.

5. The Automate Trade Show 2026

• When: June 22-25, 2026
• Industry: Automation, Robotics, and Manufacturing

The Automate Trade Show 2026 in Chicago is the leading event for automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions. Held at McCormick Place, Chicago, from May 4–7, 2026, the show brings together global innovators, technology providers, and industry buyers who are shaping the future of automation. Exhibitors will showcase advanced robotics, AI-driven systems, motion control, machine vision, and cutting-edge industrial technologies designed to improve productivity and operational efficiency. As a must-attend event for manufacturers, engineers, and automation professionals, Automate 2026 offers unmatched networking, live demos, and educational sessions.

Exhibits Studio supports exhibitors with eye-catching modular and hybrid trade show booths, helping brands stand out and create impactful engagement on the show floor.

6. IMTS 2026 - International Manufacturing Technology Show

• When: September 14 to 19
• Industry: Digital technology and Manufacturing 

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is a premier global event showcasing the future of manufacturing. Focused on innovation and transformation, IMTS highlights cutting-edge advancements across traditional and modern manufacturing, robotics, automation, and digital technology. The show attracts professionals from every sector of the industry, proving its versatility and high value.

In the previous edition, IMTS welcomed 89,020+ attendees, including 1,737+ exhibitors, 3,059+ conference participants, and 14,713+ students. Impressively, over 70% of professionals influenced purchasing decisions, while more than 40% secured business deals during the event. Whether you're a student, an expert, or a curious innovator, IMTS is your gateway to limitless opportunities.

And to stand out at such a powerful platform, Exhibits Studio delivers cutting-edge custom, modular, and hybrid trade show booths for IMTS 2026 Chicago designed to maximize attention, engagement, and business growth on the show floor.

7. LABELEXPO Americas 2026

• When: October 15-17, 2026
• Industry: Label and Package Printing

Are you passionate about the label and package printing industry? If so, Labelexpo Americas 2026 is the perfect platform to explore innovation and growth. This premier trade show will feature product launches, live machinery demonstrations, masterclasses, conferences, and hands-on workshops designed to elevate your industry expertise. The event attracts highly influential buyers — with over 85% of attendees involved in purchasing decisions, 48% representing flexible packaging, and 18% converting folding cartons. In 2025, the show welcomed more than 12,215 visitors and 450 top-tier exhibitors.

With participation from attendees across 77 countries and a remarkable 96% exhibitor rebook rate, Labelexpo Americas 2026 promises exceptional business opportunities. Exhibits Studio ensures your brand stands out with captivating trade show booth designs for Label Expo America 2026 Chicago that boost visibility, drive engagement, and convert prospects into lasting partnerships.

8. PACK Expo 2026

• When: October 18-21, 2026
• Industry: Packaging and Processing

Pack Expo is the largest international platform for the packaging and processing industry. With over 32,000 participants and 2,300 exhibitors utilizing one million net square feet of exhibit space, Pack Expo 2026 promises an even bigger and better stage for packaging and processing professionals. As a trade visitor, the show allows you to witness live machinery demonstrations, helping you evaluate performance and quality before making investment decisions. You’ll also discover breakthrough technologies that can transform production efficiency—solutions you won’t find online. With such a massive gathering of industry leaders, Pack Expo enables powerful networking opportunities to connect with suppliers and advance your upcoming projects.

Exhibits Studio ensures your brand stands out by delivering engaging and high-impact trade show booth solutions for Pack Expo International 2026 Chicago tailored to drive visibility, interaction, and business growth at this packaging event.

9. RSNA 2026

• When: Nov 29 to December 3, 2026
• Industry: Radiology

RSNA 2026 stands as one of the world’s leading forums in radiology, bringing together the brightest minds and cutting-edge technologies under one roof. This premier event focuses on advancing medical imaging, fostering professional dialogue, and creating unparalleled opportunities for education and career growth. With diversity, equity, and inclusion at its core, RSNA continues to drive meaningful progress in healthcare worldwide — a milestone event for anyone invested in the future of radiology.

Annually, RSNA attracts more than 40,000 attendees and over 600 exhibitors, offering direct access to key decision-makers and industry innovators. With over 80% of visitors involved in ongoing development and 78% influencing purchasing decisions, RSNA delivers extraordinary business potential. To ensure your brand truly stands out, Exhibits Studio provides high-impact modular and custom trade show booths designed for RSNA 2026 Chicago to captivate audiences and generate valuable leads at this radiology event.

10. The Midwest Clinic 2026

• When: December 16-19, 2026
• Where: McCormick Place West, Chicago, IL

The Midwest Clinic is a junction for all music enthusiasts. An international band, orchestra, and music conference with a legacy of 79 years, the Midwest Clinic started with a bunch of around 120 plus music directors and has become a pavilion that has hosted over 18,000 attendees from over 40 countries and all 50 states of the US.

The 79th edition of the Midwest Clinic will be filled with clinics that are an information hub, from tuning a guitar to knowing about future innovations in music performance and education. The reading sessions will give you an insight into the highlights of the new music pieces of the year. You can elevate and improvise your group’s performance by listening to them. At rehearsal labs, you can witness live group rehearsals for the attendees to observe and learn about the best music practices, techniques and strategies worldwide. And, of course, you cannot miss the glorious adult ensembles. Professional musicians, community bands, college and university bands, grade school and high school students, orchestras, and jazz bands! Therefore, regardless of your background, your passion for music and its future is prominent in the Midwest Clinic 2026.

Choose Exhibits Studio - We Understand What your Business Needs

Exhibits studio is a leading player in the exhibit booth contractor industry. With nearly a decade of experience, we create trade show designs that keep you remembered by your audience. Here, we believe in creating experiences which leave a significant mark. With seasoned designers and professional staff, we curate a personalized experience that quenches your thirst for perfection. With services such as experiential marketing and brand activation, we are the ones you need. By partnering with us, you are working with the experts in this field. Steal the spotlight with Exhibits Studio at your next trade show in the Chicago.