(Rendering of Bally’s Chicago, located at the 30-acre Chicago Tribune Publishing Center site near Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. This development aims to transform the area into a major economic hub, just steps from Michigan Avenue’s shopping, cultural attractions, and a wide range of hotels. Image courtesy of Bally’s.)
by Exhibit City News Staff
As summer winds down, Chicago remains a city of constant change, with major developments and projects transforming its landscape. From demolitions to marathon milestones, here’s what’s shaping up across the Windy City.
Chicago October Tradeshows
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) will take place from October 5-9, 2024, at McCormick Place. This major event for the neuroscience community will attract over 30,000 attendees and feature 573 exhibitors, offering opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the field of neuroscience.
The Utility Analytics Week (UA Week) will be held from October 15-17, 2024, in Chicago, IL. This event will focus on data analytics in the utility sector, providing insights into the latest tools and innovations for improving utility operations and customer experiences.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Annual Conference will run from October 24-26, 2024, at McCormick Place. With 14,000 attendees and 356 exhibitors, this event will focus on career development, networking, and the advancement of women in engineering and technology.
The Chicago Build Expo will take place from October 22-23, 2024, at McCormick Place. This leading construction and building event will feature over 250 exhibitors and expects to welcome 25,000 attendees from the industry, covering topics like construction technology and sustainable building.
The Chicagoland’s Cooperator’s Condo, HOA, Co-op & Apt. Expo is set for October 17, 2024, at Navy Pier. Catering to professionals involved in property management, this event will host 150 exhibitors and attract 1,000 attendees, providing resources and solutions for managing residential properties.
Bally’s Casino: A New Chapter on the River
The demolition of the iconic Chicago Tribune Freedom Center has officially begun, paving the way for Bally’s $1.7 billion riverfront casino. The new project, which includes a 500-room hotel, a theater, and a riverwalk, will transform the site and bring 3,000 jobs to the city. Bally’s, which has been operating from a temporary casino in Medinah Temple, expects the permanent location to open by 2026. This project promises to add even more excitement to Chicago’s rapidly evolving downtown.
Red Line Extension Finally Moves Forward
After more than 50 years of promises, the Red Line Extension project is finally gaining traction. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has awarded a $2.9 billion contract to extend the Red Line by 5.6 miles, from 95th Street to 130th Street. The extension will provide faster connections from the Far South Side and generate more than 25,000 jobs. With construction slated to begin in late 2025, this long-awaited improvement will bring better access and transit equity to the city.
Record-Breaking Chicago Marathon Boosts Economy
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon once again proved its value to the city’s economy, contributing a record $547 million in 2023. Attracting 48,472 participants, the race not only drew crowds from all over the world but also created nearly 3,700 full-time jobs. The marathon remains one of Chicago’s premier events, spotlighting the city’s ability to host world-class gatherings while boosting local businesses and tourism.
Wild Mile: A Greener Future for the River
On the quieter side of development, the Wild Mile project continues to bring nature back to an industrialized stretch of the Chicago River. This floating eco-park is transforming the river into a wildlife corridor, offering an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. With floating habitats and kayak docks, the project is designed to connect Chicagoans to their local environment and encourage sustainable urban planning. More phases are planned for the coming years, making this a long-term addition to the city’s green spaces.
For more information on upcoming trade shows and events, visit our Tradeshow Calendar.
