(Photo courtesy of the National Restaurant Show 2025.)
Conventions, festivals, and new openings drive visitor traffic and reinforce Chicago’s role as a leading event destination
Chicago is heading into summer with momentum from a record-setting year in tourism and a packed calendar of conventions and festivals. From medical and travel industry shows to high-profile concerts and new venue openings, the city continues to demonstrate its role as a top-tier destination for business and leisure alike.
Choose Chicago reports record tourism impact
Chicago welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors in 2024, generating $20.6 billion in economic impact, according to Choose Chicago’s annual report. The city hosted 1,891 meetings and conventions and booked 2.65 million future hotel room nights.
National Restaurant Show draws 53,000 to McCormick Place
The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show wrapped May 20 at McCormick Place with more than 53,000 attendees and 2,300 exhibiting companies. The event covered 717,000 square feet and included education sessions, product demonstrations, and global suppliers from 44 countries. Organizers confirmed the show will remain in Chicago through 2032, with next year’s dates set for May 16–19, 2026.
Medical, Travel, and Energy Events Anchor Chicago’s June Tradeshow Calendar
Chicago’s June tradeshow lineup features some major events drawing industry professionals from around the world to McCormick Place and other venues.
IPW (June 14–18), the U.S. Travel Association’s flagship international tradeshow, returns to McCormick Place for the first time since 2014. More than 5,000 attendees and 760 exhibitors are expected, including travel buyers, media, and destination marketing organizations from over 60 countries.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions (June 20–23) will also take place at McCormick Place, bringing nearly 18,000 professionals and 171 exhibitors to explore the latest in diabetes research, technology, and treatment.
NCSHA’s Housing Credit Connect (June 24–27) will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, drawing affordable housing professionals for policy updates, compliance training, and networking opportunities.
‘Chicago Design Week’ gets official city recognition
The City of Chicago has issued a two-year proclamation naming the second week of June as “Chicago Design Week.” The designation coincides with the annual timing of NeoCon and Fulton Market Design Days. Officials say the move reflects the city’s design industry activity and may encourage coordination between the events.
The Alston opens in Chicago’s Gold Coast
The Alston, a new steakhouse from Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, is now open in the One Chicago tower on State Street. Chef Jenner Tomaska, known for his work at Esmé, leads the kitchen with a menu that mixes classic steakhouse dishes and French techniques. Offerings include dry-aged steaks, a duck press, seafood towers, and handmade pastas. The space features a digital art ceiling, a wine cellar, and a terrace expected to open later this summer. A private club room offers a separate menu and more intimate setting.
Electric Shuffle adds new energy to River North
Electric Shuffle has opened its first Chicago location at 488 N. LaSalle Drive, bringing tech-enhanced shuffleboard, craft cocktails, and group-friendly games to River North. The UK-based brand combines classic bar games with immersive visuals and hospitality-focused design. Led by Gene Ball, the venue features multiple game tables, elevated food and drink options, and flexible social spaces for after-work hangouts or weekend brunch.
Beyoncé concert sets Chicago hotel record
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour stop at Soldier Field helped drive a record 46,450 hotel rooms booked in one night, the highest single-day total in Chicago’s history. During the week of May 11–17, which also included part of the National Restaurant Association Show, nearly 280,000 rooms were filled, generating $84.7 million in hotel revenue and $14.7 million in taxes. Average occupancy reached 85 percent.
Sueños returns to Chicago
The Sueños music festival brought thousands to Grant Park for its fourth edition over Memorial Day weekend. The Latin music event featured performances by Shakira—who delivered the festival’s longest set to date—Peso Pluma, El Malilla, and others. The two-day lineup spanned reggaeton, regional Mexican, and Latin trap artists, continuing the festival’s run as a major draw in the city’s summer calendar.
Talbott Hotel reopens after renovation
The Talbott Hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast has reopened following a full renovation and is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. All 178 guestrooms and public spaces were redesigned by Studio 11 Design, with new event areas, a fitness center, and the Mediterranean restaurant Laurel. The updates incorporate Chicago-inspired details and artwork by local illustrator Nicole Cicak.
Turkish Festival returns to Rosemont
The Turkish Festival returned to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont for its second year, drawing visitors with traditional crafts, music, food, and performances. The three-day event featured a cultural showcase including an Ottoman military band, costume displays, and artisanal goods. Organized with support from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate and Anadolu Agency, the festival concluded May 25.
Work resumes at Bally’s casino site after vendor review
Construction has restarted at the Bally’s Chicago casino site in River West after a two-week stop-work order issued by the Illinois Gaming Board. The pause followed concerns over an undisclosed waste hauler with alleged ties to organized crime. Bally’s has since updated its vendor disclosures and agreed to increased oversight. The investigation remains ongoing.
