IMEX Buzz

Chicago Skyline

1,200+

Daily Direct Flights

(Including 130+ to 75 International Destinations) Among 2 Airports

2.6M

Square Feet of Exhibit Space

at the Most Flexible Convention Center in the Western Hemisphere

154

Hotels

Representing 45K Guest Rooms

77

Diverse Communities

100+ Hotels with Multilingual Staff, and a Dedicated EDI Team

36

Fortune 500 companies

Universities, hospitals, tech incubators and More

100%

Renewable Energy Goal

by 2035 for city buildings and by 2040 for Chicago Transit Authority Buses

600+ Parks And 8,800+ Acres of Green Space

Owned by the Chicago Park District

4

Seasons of Activities

Beaches, River Cruises, Skyscraper Tours, Museums, and More

IMEX Buzz

Top 7 Reasons

7 Years as the ‘Best Big City in the U.S.’

7 Reasons to Choose Chicago Meetings

2 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS | 85M PEOPLE WITHIN A DAY’S DRIVE
Whether attendees fly or drive in, or take a train, Chicago’s airlift, transportation infrastructure, and central location ensure a smooth and speedy journey.
MORE BRAINPOWER FOR MEETINGS AND CREATIVITY
Chicago’s prominent industries enhance the value of your meeting with local expertise and exceptional thought leadership. The Connecting to Chicago program helps you connect with the city’s civic and corporate communities to increase attendance and extend value to you and your attendees.
AN URBAN OASIS
A city of true contrasts, Chicago’s architectural wonders and urban vibes mix with beautiful waterfronts (Lake Michigan and Chicago River), sprawling parks, sandy beaches, and an 18-mile Lakefront Trail.
A MULTIFACETED CHICAGO
With two globally connected airports, 77 diverse communities, 100+ hotels with multilingual staff, and a dedicated EDI team to connect with women- and minority-owned businesses, Chicago is one of the most inclusive meeting destinations in the country.
UNIQUE, IMAGINATIVE AND FLEXIBLE
From spaces that skirt the water to rooftops that reach the sky, Chicago’s venues help you make imaginative use of your gathering space. Take your pick from hundreds of venues and settings as diverse as the experiences they create.
MEETINGS IN EVERY SEASON
Live music, food festivals, and sporting events fill the spring, summer, and fall months. And when the temperature dips, this is where magic goes to spend the winter.
A WORLD WITHIN A CITY
From luxury and charm to heritage and culture, our neighborhoods have bottled up their own charisma. Attendees can visit an authentic taqueria in Pilsen, sip a cocktail in an Uptown jazz club, or explore the luxe life in the Gold Coast.

Community Initiatives

Men biking

Sustainability

People taking selfie

Corporate Social Responsibility

Woman on wheelchair ramp

Accessibility

New In Chicago

HOTELS
St. Regis Hotel

The St. Regis Chicago

  • Rooms: 192
  • Event Space: 13,400 Square Feet
  • In the Loop
citizenM

citizenM Chicago Downtown

  • Rooms: 280 
  • 3 societyM meeting rooms
  • Near the Chicago Riverwalk
VENUES
Salt Shed

The Salt Shed

  • 31,000-Square-Foot Entertainment Venue 
  • Located on the Site of the Historic Morton Salt Complex
  • 7,000 Square Feet of F&B Outlets 
  • In Wicker Park / Bucktown
V Collective Rooftop

V. Collective Rooftop

  • Spacious Setting with Panoramic Views
  • 2,400-Square-Foot Penthouse 
  • 4,600-Square-Foot Rooftop Deck 
  • In the West Loop
DINING
Guiness Open Gate Brewery

Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago

  • Taproom, Restaurant, and Bakery in a Former 15,000-Square-Foot Railroad Depot
  • In the West Loop
Chicago Winery

Chicago Winery

  • Working Winery, Restaurant, and Glam Event Space 
  • In River North

Clients Discuss 10 Reasons to Meet in Chicago

“It can just be an overwhelming moment to walk through the premier convention center in the world. What people need to realize is that McCormick Place is really a one-size-fits-all meetings [solution].”

Clients Discuss 10 Reasons to Meet in Chicago

“It can just be an overwhelming moment to walk through the premier convention center in the world. What people need to realize is that McCormick Place is really a one-size-fits-all meetings [solution].”