Architecture, trade shows and cultural landmarks » Exhibitions

(Attendees at PACK EXPO International 2024 interact with exhibitors during the four-day event at McCormick Center in Chicago. The show has 2,700 exhibitors, attracts 77,500 attendees, and emphasizes packaging and Innovation and sustainability in 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 the way in innovation, collaboration, and legacy buildinggram

Author: Exhibition City News Staff

Chicago remains a focal point for architecture, commerce and culture. The Chicago Architecture Biennial returns to examine pressing global challenges, while trade shows like Private Label Trade Show and PACK EXPO focus on innovation and sustainability. Meanwhile, Pitchfork Music Festival’s departure marks a major shift in the city’s cultural calendar. This is what’s happening across Chicago.

Chicago Architecture Biennial 2025-26: Architecture in an Age of Radical Change

The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) will hold its sixth edition from September 12, 2025 to February 28, 2026. The event’s theme is “Transformation: Architecture in an Age of Radical Change” and will focus on how architecture responds to cultural, ecological and social change.

This year’s biennial, led by Florencia Rodriguez, the first Latina artistic director in CAB’s history, will explore themes such as collective housing, the impact of immigration on urban space, and sustainable material culture. The centerpiece of the Biennial will be the Chicago Cultural Center, with additional facilities and programming throughout the city.

Private label trade show sets record in 2024

The 2024 Chicago Private Label Trade Show saw record attendance, with approximately 14,000 attendees 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 for building consumer trust in private label products.

Organized by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), the show highlights innovation across categories including food, beverages, supplements, household products and pet care. The campaign highlights the role of private label brands in driving global retail growth.

Farewell Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork Music Festival has announced it will not return to Chicago in 2025, ending a 19-year run at Union Park. Since its first inception in 2006, the festival has been a defining moment in Chicago’s music calendar, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists in genres such as indie rock, hip-hop and electronic music.

While Pitchfork’s departure marks the end of an era, its impact 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 far beyond its stage.

It will not return to Chicago in 2025, marking the end of a 19-year era at Union Park. Since its first inception, the festival has been a cultural highlight, showcasing diverse musical talent and attracting fans from around the world.

While its departure leaves a void, the festival’s legacy lives on. Its emphasis on innovation, community, and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on Chicago’s arts scene. Going forward, the city anticipates opportunities to host new festivals and events, ensuring Chicago continues to be a global center for music and culture.

PACK EXPO emphasizes sustainable development

PACK EXPO International 2024, held November 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, attracted 77,500 attendees, including 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitors. The event attracted 2,700 exhibitors and covered 1.32 million square feet, making it the largest international packaging expo in its history.

Sustainability takes center stage, with initiatives such as Sustainability Centerexplore environmentally friendly packaging solutions through interactive exhibits and expert talks. this Sustainability Solution Finder and PACK EXPO Green Plan Highlight exhibitors offering sustainable technologies and products.

More than 20 educational sessions led by experts from companies such as Amazon, Conagra, Clorox and Nestlé focused on strategies to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste and enable circularity in packaging design. These plans reflect the industry’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges.

The event is hosted by PMMI, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the packaging and processing sector.

Chicago’s Top Trade Shows in 2025: Summary

According to blog Expo MarketingChicago will host some of the most influential trade shows in 2025, including Intelligent transportation systemthis Midwest Clinicand neoconservativesthese are the top events of the year. These shows provide companies with valuable networking opportunities, showcase innovation and stay ahead of industry trends.

Noteworthy upcoming events include:

• Americas Maintenance and Overhaul (April 9-11, 2025, McCormick Place): Focused on aerospace maintenance and repair.
• neoconservatives (June 9-11, 2025, Merchandise Mart): North America’s largest commercial interiors expo.
• Intelligent transportation system (September 9-14, 2025, McCormick Center): A state-of-the-art demonstration of manufacturing technology.
• International Packaging Expo (November 3-6, 2025, McCormick Center): Highlighting cutting-edge packaging solutions.
• Midwest Clinic (December 17-20, 2025, McCormick Place): International Conference for Music Educators.

Illinois grants to promote international tourism and conferences

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 is designed to increase international travel to Illinois and support industries such as trade shows and conferences that benefit from global audiences.

Key details:

• Fund allocation: Provided grants to convention bureaus across the state, including the Chicago North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau ($52,500) and the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau ($30,000).
• target market: Marketing efforts are concentrated in Canada, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.
• economic impact: In 2023, Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international visitors, a 39% increase from 2022. These tourists spent $2.7 billion, marking a 47% increase in economic contribution.