June 11–13, 2027
Schaumburg, IL
Abilities Expo Chicago 2027 is a trade show in Schaumburg, IL.
More detailed information about this show will be added soon.
Signature features and zones include:
Recent editions have featured the Runway of Dreams Fashion Show, the GAMUT Village, an Accessible Travel Hub, an AbilityLab Sports Zone, an Artist Market, an AT Showcase and film screenings. 2026 headliners included Squirmy & Grubs (Hannah and Shane Burcaw), self-advocate Sarah Todd Hammer, Stephanie Kanter and service dog expert Kristin Hartness.
Admission is free. To attend, simply register online — admission is free.
Key points:
The co-located Abilities International Accessibility Conference for rehab professionals requires separate paid registration at AbilitiesConference.com.
Abilities Expo is a long-running series of free events for the disability community, staged annually in multiple U.S. markets. In addition to Chicago, the series travels to cities including Houston, Phoenix, New York Metro, Orlando and Los Angeles (Long Beach). The Chicago edition is held in suburban Schaumburg at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The event is produced by Raccoon Media Group.
1551 North Thoreau Drive
The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center is part of a combined hotel-and-convention-center complex in suburban Schaumburg, northwest of Chicago. The property is set alongside tranquil wetlands and greenery, and connects directly from the parking center into the hotel lobby, dining and the convention center in every season. The attached Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel is a full-service property; it was built in 2006, renovated in 2014, has 15 floors and 500 rooms. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, complimentary Wi-Fi, business center, convenience store and room service. The convention center entrance is located on the east end of the complex.
Self-parking is free at the complex. To reach complimentary parking, enter the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center and proceed to the convention center entrance on the east end of the complex following posted signage. Valet parking is available at $20 for daytime and $24 overnight.
The complex opened a parking garage in 2026 adding over 900 additional parking spaces, and there is no fee to use the parking garage. The garage height limit is 7'6"; vehicles exceeding this must use alternative parking. Passenger drop-off is available at the entrance facing north, just east of the ballroom entrance. Accessible parking is located at the front of the hotel and near the convention center entrance.
By air: The venue is located about 12 miles from O'Hare International Airport and 26 miles from downtown Chicago. From O'Hare, take I-90 (Northwest Tollway) east, exit on Route 53 North, take the first exit (Algonquin Road) and turn right/west, then turn left on Thoreau Drive or Meacham Road.
Free shuttle: An accessible, round-trip shuttle from the Arlington Park Metra Station to the expo is provided free of charge during show hours, with shuttles that can seat up to three wheelchairs each. The closest train station to the convention center is the Arlington Park station on the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line.
Local transit: The Village of Schaumburg provides free accessible Woodfield Trolley service from Woodfield Mall to the convention center, running every 20 minutes on Saturday and every 30 minutes on Friday and Sunday. Pace Suburban Bus, Schaumburg Dial-a-Ride (DART) and Pace ADA Paratransit also serve the area. Rideshare drop-off is available at the convention center entrance.
The most convenient option is the on-site Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel (1551 N. Thoreau Dr.), attached to the convention center. On-site parking is available, self-parking is complimentary for guests, and valet parking is available for $24.00 per day.
Connections Housing is the only official housing company for Abilities Expo; to secure the official negotiated rates, attendees should book only through Connections Housing. Because accessible rooms are limited, attendees are advised to make reservations early. The Woodfield Mall area of Schaumburg offers additional hotels within a short drive.
The next Chicago edition is scheduled for June 11-13, 2027, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Yes. Admission is free; you can register in advance online or register on-site, which takes only about two minutes.
The expo serves people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, along with seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Attendees find adaptive products, assistive technology, services, resources, free workshops and adaptive activities.
Abilities Expo offers an early access hour for individuals with sensory disabilities who may find the typical environment overwhelming. This quiet hour features dimmed lighting, reduced noise and fewer crowds before general admission begins.
Yes. Self-parking is free at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, including a parking garage that added over 900 spaces with no fee. Valet parking is available for $20 daytime or $24 overnight, and a free accessible shuttle runs from the Arlington Park Metra Station during show hours.
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