(Attendees at PACK EXPO International 2024 interact with exhibitors during the four-day event at McCormick Place in Chicago. The tradeshow featured 2,700 exhibitors, drew 77,500 participants, and emphasized innovation and sustainability in packaging and processing. Photo courtesy of PACK EXPO.)
From groundbreaking events like the Chicago Architecture Biennial to farewells and new opportunities, the Windy City continues to lead in innovation, collaboration, and legacy-building
by Exhibit City News Staff
Chicago remains a focal point for architecture, business, and culture. The Chicago Architecture Biennial returns to examine pressing global challenges, while tradeshows like the Private Label Trade Show and PACK EXPO spotlight innovation and sustainability. At the same time, the Pitchfork Music Festival’s departure marks a significant transition in the city’s cultural calendar. Here’s what’s happening across Chicago.
Chicago Architecture Biennial 2025-26: Architecture in Times of Radical Change
The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) returns for its 6th edition, running from September 12, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The event, themed “Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change,” will focus on how architecture responds to cultural, ecological, and social transformations.
Led by Florencia Rodriguez, the first Latina Artistic Director in CAB’s history, this year’s Biennial will explore topics like collective housing, migration’s impact on urban spaces, and sustainable material culture. The hub of the Biennial will be the Chicago Cultural Center, with additional installations and programming across the city.
2024 Private Label Trade Show Sets Records
The 2024 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago saw record-breaking attendance with approximately 14,000 participants and 1,821 exhibitors from 60 countries, including 700 first-time exhibitors. Keynote speaker Dave Rinaldo, President of Aldi, discussed industry growth, supplier collaboration, and strategies to build consumer trust in private label products.
Organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), the show highlighted innovation across categories, including food, beverages, health products, household goods, and pet care. The event underscored private label’s role in driving retail growth globally.
Farewell to Pitchfork Music Festival
The Pitchfork Music Festival has announced it will not return to Chicago in 2025, ending its 19-year run at Union Park. Since its debut in 2006, the festival has been a defining moment in Chicago’s music calendar, showcasing a mix of emerging and established artists across genres like indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
While Pitchfork’s departure marks the end of an era, its influence on the city’s arts and music scene is undeniable. The festival’s emphasis on community and inclusivity has inspired other events, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond its stages.
it will not return to Chicago in 2025, marking the end of a 19-year era at Union Park. Since its debut, the festival has been a cultural highlight, showcasing diverse musical talent and drawing fans from around the world.
While its departure leaves a void, the festival’s legacy remains. Its emphasis on innovation, community, and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on Chicago’s arts scene. Looking forward, the city anticipates opportunities for new festivals and events to take root, ensuring Chicago remains a global hub for music and culture.
PACK EXPO Highlighted Sustainability
PACK EXPO International 2024, held at McCormick Place in Chicago from November 3–6, drew a total of 77,500 participants, including 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel. The event featured 2,700 exhibitors across 1.32 million net square feet, making it the largest PACK EXPO International in its history.
Sustainability took center stage with new initiatives like Sustainability Central, which explored eco-friendly packaging solutions through interactive exhibits and expert presentations. The Sustainability Solutions Finder and the PACK EXPO Green program highlighted exhibitors offering sustainable technologies and products.
Over 20 educational sessions led by experts from companies like Amazon, Conagra, Clorox, and Nestlé focused on strategies for reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and achieving circularity in packaging design. These programs reflected the industry’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
The event, produced by PMMI, reinforced its position as a leading platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable advancements in packaging and processing.
Top Tradeshows in Chicago for 2025: A Summary
According to a blog by ExpoMarketing, Chicago will host some of the most influential tradeshows in 2025, including IMTS, the Midwest Clinic, and NeoCon, which are among the year’s top events. These shows offer businesses invaluable opportunities to network, showcase innovations, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Notable upcoming events include:
- MRO Americas (April 9-11, 2025, McCormick Place): Focused on aerospace maintenance and repair.
- NeoCon (June 9-11, 2025, Merchandise Mart): North America’s largest commercial interiors expo.
- IMTS (September 9-14, 2025, McCormick Place): A premier manufacturing technology showcase.
- Pack Expo International (November 3-6, 2025, McCormick Place): Highlighting cutting-edge packaging solutions.
- Midwest Clinic (December 17-20, 2025, McCormick Place): An international conference for music educators.
Illinois Awards Grants to Boost International Tourism and Conventions
On November 19, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker announced $857,000 in grants to 11 local tourism and convention bureaus as part of the International Tourism Grant Program. The initiative aims to increase international travel to Illinois, supporting industries like tradeshows and conventions that benefit from global audiences.
Key details:
- Funding Distribution: Grants were awarded to convention bureaus statewide, including Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau ($52,500) and DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau ($30,000).
- Target Markets: Marketing efforts focus on Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., India, and Australia.
- Economic Impact: Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international visitors in 2023, a 39 percent increase from 2022. These visitors spent $2.7 billion, marking a 47 percent rise in economic contributions.
