Award Show
ExSys Awards Returns to Chicago July 28
The second annual ExSys Awards will take place July 28 at Moss Inc. headquarters in Franklin Park, Illinois. Presented by Exhibit City News (ECN) and The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA), the program will recognize system-based exhibit design and execution from more than 200 entries across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by networking, an industry panel, dinner, and the awards presentation. The evening will also include live jazz by Skinny Williams, People’s Choice and Lifetime Achievement awards, and $4,000 in prizes for student design finalists. Tickets are available at exsysawards2026.eventbrite.com.
Industry Events
Chicago Randy Charity Golf Outing Returns July 27
The 23rd annual Chicago Randy Charity Golf Outing will take place July 27 at Itasca Country Club in Itasca, Illinois. Proceeds will benefit the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC), which supports exhibition industry families facing severe tragedies or major medical expenses. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a noon shotgun start and a dinner reception at 6 p.m. Registration costs $275 for a single golfer, $1,100 for a foursome, and $75 for the dinner reception only. Register here
Tradeshows & Conventions
ALA Reports 14,801 Participants in Chicago
The American Library Association (ALA) recorded 14,801 participants for its Annual Conference and Exhibition at McCormick Place from June 25 to 29. The total included onsite and virtual attendees, along with exhibitors. The Chicago gathering exceeded the 14,250 participants reported for the association’s 2025 conference in Philadelphia.
Upcoming Shows
NAACP National Convention Heads to McCormick Place
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will hold its 117th National Convention July 18 to 22 at McCormick Place’s West Building. Programming will include policy discussions, workshops, youth activities, networking, and The HUB exhibit marketplace. The national gathering will focus on civil rights, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
NCSL Sells Out Chicago Exhibit Hall
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) will hold its Legislative Summit July 27 to 29 at McCormick Place’s West Building. The gathering will bring together state legislators, legislative staff, and other participants from across the country. Meanwhile, the exhibit hall and Learning Hubs are sold out. The program will include education, policy discussions, networking, and bipartisan dialogue.
GBTA Expects More Than 5,000 Professionals
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention will bring more than 5,000 business travel professionals to McCormick Place August 3 to 5. The program includes more than 100 expert-led sessions, keynote presentations, networking, and 10 hours of expo-floor access. Attendees will include corporate travel buyers, suppliers, technology providers, hotels, airlines, and travel management companies.
Fan Expo Chicago Expects 75,000-Plus Fans
Fan Expo Chicago will run August 14 to 16 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Organizers expect more than 75,000 fans for programming focused on comics, science fiction, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay. The consumer convention will also include celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, photo opportunities, exhibitors, panels, and special events.
ACS Fall Expects More Than 13,000 Attendees
American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2026 will run August 23 to 27 at McCormick Place and online. The meeting is expected to draw 13,313 attendees and 500 exhibitors. Thousands of scientific presentations will cover chemistry research, education, technology, and industry applications. In addition, the expo will connect attendees with laboratory equipment, instruments, software, publications, and other products and services.
Tourism & Economic Impact
Chicago Visitor Spending Reaches Record $21.5 Billion
Chicago welcomed 56.8 million visitors in 2025, nearly 1.5 million more than the previous year. Choose Chicago reported that visitors generated a record $21.5 billion in direct spending and supported 135,360 local jobs. The results show the economic reach of the city’s conventions, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues.
Chicago Featured in Amazon Travel Partnership
Choose Chicago and Amazon made Chicago the exclusive bookable destination in Amazon’s first Prime Day travel partnership. Participating hotels offered discounts of 20 percent from June 23 to 26, with Expedia handling reservations. Bookings made through the promotion covered stays through the first quarter of 2027. Selected hotels also offered 10 percent early-booking discounts.
Transportation & Visitor Access
Chicago Launches South Side Visitor Shuttle
Choose Chicago and Big Bus Tours launched the Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle on June 19. The seasonal route connects downtown with the Obama Presidential Center and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Service will operate through October 18, with a possible extension based on demand. Tickets cost $10 one way or $17 for an all-day pass.
EgyptAir Launches O’Hare-to-Cairo Service
EgyptAir launched nonstop service between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Cairo on June 21. The three-times-weekly route uses a 340-seat Airbus A350-900 and marks the first nonstop service between O’Hare and Cairo. As of July, O’Hare listed about 1,154 daily direct flights to 197 U.S. cities and 150 daily flights to 69 international destinations.
Sports & Major Events
WNBA Live Expands to Three Days at McCormick Place
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Live will run July 23 to 25 at McCormick Place during All-Star Weekend. The fan festival will feature 34 league partners and licensees, along with player appearances, panels, merchandise, contests, and interactive activities. Additional events include competitions at Wintrust Arena on July 24 and the All-Star Game at the United Center on July 25.
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Chicago Briefs: ExSys Awards, Major Shows, and Summer Openings
