
Chicago Build Expo 2026
Event Date
October 28–29, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
Expected Exhibitors
350
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryChicago Build Expo is billed as the Midwest's largest construction and design show, serving the entire architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The event features 30,000+ attendees, 450+ speakers, 350+ exhibitors, networking parties, a Government Hub, an Architect's Hub, live music, entertainment, DJs and more.
The show draws a senior, high-value audience. Chicago Build offers a platform to network with 30,000+ senior-level decision-makers and buyers from across the Midwest's entire AEC industry, including architects, BIM managers, brokers, contractors, developers, engineers, government, manufacturers and suppliers, and sustainability professionals.
What makes it worth attending is the combination of free access, deep content and business opportunity. Registration to the show provides access to all conference sessions, AIA workshops and networking events, running on a first-come, first-served basis. Chicago Build is part of the award-winning US Build portfolio, which also includes New York Build Expo and the newly launched Miami Build Expo.
Show Highlights
Key features of Chicago Build 2026 include:
- Conference and AIA workshop program — nine conference and AIA workshop tracks and dedicated hubs, covering Architecture & Design, AI & Digital Construction, Future of Midwest & Real Estate, Sustainability, Fire Safety & Security, and HVACR.
- New feature zones for 2026 — the AI & Digital Construction Zone, a hub for digital construction and innovation offering live demos, panel discussions and real-world case studies; a Fire Safety & Security Zone focused on fire prevention, security innovation and integrated safety solutions; and an HVACR Zone powered by InstallerSHOW, the UK's leading HVACR trade event, bringing interactive product showcases and expert-led live content to Chicago.
- Dedicated hubs — a Government Hub and an Architect's Hub.
- Networking and entertainment — networking parties, live music, entertainment and DJs.
- Speakers from leading firms — confirmed speakers include senior representatives from AECOM, Burns & McDonnell, CannonDesign, CBRE, the Chicago Department of Transportation, Clayco, Gilbane Building Company, HDR, HNTB, JLL, Lendlease, Pepper Construction, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Stantec, Sterling Bay, The Walsh Group, Turner Construction and WSP.
Attendance
Chicago Build reports 30,000+ senior-level decision-makers and buyers from across the Midwest's AEC industry. The organizer also cites 350+ exhibitors and 450+ speakers. No further demographic breakdown is published on the official site.
Registration
Registration is free and handled online.
- Tickets for Chicago Build 2026 are available, and the event is free to attend.
- The registration system allows you to register multiple tickets for colleagues.
- Print-at-home badges are available for download when you register online, allowing fast-track entry.
- Your free ticket is valid for both days of the show and all feature areas, conference stages and networking events.
A single registration gives access to all conferences, AIA workshops and networking events, which run on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving a few minutes ahead of sessions is recommended. On-the-day registration is available at the show, though registering in advance is advised to avoid queues.
History
Chicago Build is part of the award-winning US Build portfolio, which also includes New York Build Expo — the largest construction and design show for the Tri-State area — and the newly launched Miami Build Expo, the Southeast's largest construction and design show. The show is produced by Oliver Kinross (part of the Nineteen Group). Exhibitor testimonials reference the 2025 edition, indicating the show is a recurring annual event, though the official site does not state a specific founding year.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
McCormick Place
2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
McCormick Place is a flagship convention center on Chicago's lakefront, purpose-built for large-scale conferences and exhibitions, offering expansive exhibit halls, versatile meeting spaces, advanced technical infrastructure, and on-site services, with convenient access to downtown hotels, airports, and public transportation. It is the largest convention center in North America. The Metra Electric line deposits riders directly on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse; internal walkways and shuttles help attendees move between the West Building and Lakeside Center; and food courts are available in each building. ENDO 2026 is held in the West Building.
Parking
McCormick Place operates several cashless parking lots:
- Lot A: $27 for up to 16 hours and $40 from 16 to 24 hours. Lot A is a six-level garage with 2,100 spaces adjacent to the West Building, and overnight parking is available in Lot A only.
- Lot B: a flat fee of $18 per day, with no in-and-out privileges.
- A limited number of prepaid guaranteed parking spaces are available at $40 per day via an Attendee & Exhibitor Parking Permit, which allows in-and-out privileges and guarantees a space even if lots fill.
Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, Marriott Marquis, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
Getting There
The nearest major hub is Midway International Airport (MDW), about 20 minutes southwest, while O'Hare (ORD) is the primary international gateway roughly 45 minutes away.
Public transit:
- CTA Green Line (Cermak-McCormick Place station) exits onto a pedestrian bridge to the Grand Concourse, about a 5-minute walk to the West Building.
- Metra Electric from Millennium Station arrives at McCormick's South Building in about 7 minutes for $4.25.
Rideshare: Rideshare pickup zones (Gate 4 for South, Gate 40 for West) become congested when the show floor closes, so walking to the nearby Hyatt or Marriott to call a car can save time.
Nearby Hotels
Several hotels are within walking distance of McCormick Place, many connected by climate-controlled skybridges:
- Hyatt Regency McCormick Place — the closest hotel at about 0.1 miles, with a skybridge to the convention buildings.
- Marriott Marquis Chicago (about 0.4 miles) and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place (about 0.5 miles).
- The Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Home2 Suites tri-plex are linked directly to the convention buildings via climate-controlled skybridges.
Additional downtown/South Loop options include the Hilton Chicago, Palmer House, and other hotels along Michigan Avenue. From Michigan Avenue hotels, riders can take the Green Line one stop south from Roosevelt to Cermak-McCormick Place or the Metra Electric directly to McCormick's South Building, each under 15 minutes. Official housing is arranged through Maritz.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Chicago Build Expo 2026?
Chicago Build 2026 takes place Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, 2026. It is held in Hall F2, West Building, Level 3 at McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616.
How much does it cost to attend, and how do I register?
The event is free to attend. You register online for a free ticket, and print-at-home badges are available for download once you register, giving you fast-track entry for both days.
Who should attend Chicago Build?
The show is aimed at the entire Midwest AEC industry, including architects, engineers, contractors, developers, BIM managers, government, manufacturers, suppliers and sustainability professionals. It reports 30,000+ senior-level decision-makers and buyers.
What is included with my ticket?
One free registration provides access to all conference sessions, AIA workshops, feature zones and networking events across both days. Sessions run on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended.
What parking and transport options are available at the venue?
McCormick Place has an underground garage with 1,900 spaces at a flat rate of about $21 per day with no in-and-out privileges. The venue is served by the CTA Green Line at Cermak-McCormick Place station, and it is roughly 9 miles from Midway (MDW) and 21 miles from O'Hare (ORD).
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