(The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, which recently secured a $10 million grant for restoration efforts, will enhance accessibility and public spaces by 2027. Photo courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.)
From a $1.7B casino project to a fast-growing PACK EXPO, March is shaping up to be a key month for Chicago’s industries
by Exhibit City News Staff
Chicago is set for a high-energy March, with major tradeshows, multimillion-dollar investments, and city-shaping developments making headlines. Bally’s Chicago casino clears a key hurdle, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry secures $10 million for restoration, and five major tradeshows will draw thousands of professionals to McCormick Place and beyond—reinforcing Chicago’s status as a top destination for business, innovation, and events.
Bally’s Chicago Casino Moves Forward with Site Plan Approval
Bally’s Chicago Casino has secured formal site plan approval from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, clearing the way for its $1.7 billion development at 777 W. Chicago Ave. With demolition of the former Chicago Tribune printing plant nearly complete, the project will feature a 500-room, 34-story hotel tower, a 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, and a two-acre public park along the riverfront. The casino, expected to open in late 2026, will house 3,300 slots and 173 table games, with a riverwalk extension connecting the site to the city’s waterfront.
Griffin Museum Secures $10 Million for Restoration
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has received a $10 million grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to restore its historic south portico. The project, set to begin in spring 2025, will enhance accessibility with a new entrance, elevator, and public spaces. Once completed in 2027, visitors will enjoy improved access from Jackson Park, along with a café and terrace overlooking the nearby Obama Presidential Center, opening in 2026.
Aspen Ideas: Climate Conference Moves to Chicago
The Aspen Ideas: Climate conference will relocate from Miami to Chicago this year, with McCormick Place hosting the event from July 21-22. Organized by the Aspen Institute in partnership with the Chicago Climate Corps (C3), the conference will bring together global and local experts to explore climate solutions. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker emphasized the state’s leadership in clean energy, citing initiatives like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which has created over 8,000 green energy jobs. The move positions Chicago as a key player in environmental innovation and sustainability discussions.
PACK EXPO Shows Recognized Among Fastest-Growing Trade Events
PACK EXPO East and PACK EXPO International have been named to Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50 and Next 50 lists for their rapid growth in 2024. PACK EXPO East, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, set records with nearly 8,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors. Meanwhile, PACK EXPO International at McCormick Place in Chicago was the largest packaging and processing show of the year, drawing 77,500 participants and 2,700 exhibitors across 1.32 million square feet. Organizers credit the expansion to industry advancements in AI, robotics, and sustainability, with momentum continuing into 2025 as PACK EXPO Southeast debuts in Atlanta this March.
NWRA to Launch Its Own Industry Conference in 2026
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced plans to launch a standalone industry conference in 2026, shifting away from its annual participation in WasteExpo. The new biennial event will include networking, training sessions, and an awards gala tailored to NWRA members and waste industry professionals. Rising travel and exhibition costs, along with longer product innovation cycles, were cited as reasons for the change. The inaugural event is expected to take place in either Chicago or Washington, D.C., with NWRA exploring partnerships for a separate tradeshow in alternating years.
Major Tradeshows Coming to Chicago in March
Chicago is set to welcome several major tradeshows this month, drawing professionals from industries ranging from home goods and logistics to medicine and international affairs. Here are five of the biggest events taking place:
- ProMat
Dates: March 17–20, 2025
Location: McCormick Place
Description: A premier event for the supply chain and logistics industry, ProMat attracts over 50,000 attendees and 1,051 exhibitors focused on warehouse automation, robotics, and AI-driven logistics solutions. - American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Meeting
Dates: March 29–31, 2025
Location: McCormick Place
Description: Bringing together more than 16,000 cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals, ACC’s annual meeting highlights advancements in cardiovascular care, including new treatments and medical technologies. - Midwest Podiatry Conference (MPC)
Dates: March 6–9, 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago
Description: This leading conference for podiatric medicine features educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and a tradeshow with 275 exhibitors, drawing 2,200 attendees focused on advancements in foot and ankle healthcare.
Spike Lee and CC Sabathia to Appear at the 45th National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago
The 45th National Sports Collectors Convention, set for July 30–August 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, will welcome filmmaker Spike Lee and newly inducted Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia for autograph signings and photo opportunities.
Lee, known for his deep connection to basketball and pop culture, will appear in the Tristar Autograph Pavilion. Collectors who own a 1995-96 Stadium Club Patrick Ewing card featuring Lee will have the rare chance to have both stars sign it.
Sabathia, fresh off his Hall of Fame induction, will make his first collectors convention appearance as an inductee, joining a lineup of sports legends such as Johnny Bench, Ozzie Smith, and Charles Haley.
The 2025 National is expected to be the largest in its 45-year history, with a 30% larger footprint and over 100,000 attendees. For tickets and details, visit www.nsccshow.com.
Blackhawks Organist Frank Pellico Retires After 33 Seasons
Longtime Chicago Blackhawks organist Frank Pellico played his final game on February 23, closing out a 33-season tenure with the team. Pellico, who joined the Blackhawks in 1991, received a heartfelt sendoff during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, including a tribute video and a standing ovation from fans and players. As he played his final song, the crowd erupted in cheers. His longtime partner, Carrie Marcotte, will continue as the team’s organist.
Zen del Sur Brings Acrobatic Flamenco to Chicago Flamenco Festival
The 2025 Chicago Flamenco Festival, celebrating its 23rd year at Instituto Cervantes Chicago, will feature the multi-dimensional group Zen del Sur and their latest performance, Órbita. Blending flamenco with acrobatic dance, urban movement, Cyr wheel, and live music, Órbita is a poetic and emotionally charged exploration of artistic fusion. Performers Carlos López and Noemí Pareja guide audiences on a dreamlike journey rooted in Andalucía and flamenco, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.
New River North Restaurant Blends Culinary Art with Jackson Pollock’s Influence
Chicago’s River North will welcome LIA, a new restaurant inspired by Jackson Pollock’s abstract artistry, this spring. Led by chef Justin Vaiciunas and business partner Michael Mauro, LIA will transform dining into an immersive experience, featuring artful presentations and a rotating menu influenced by local artists.
