When and where is the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit?

The 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit takes place July 27-29, 2026, in Chicago. The majority of the conference is held in the McCormick Place West Building.

Who should attend the Legislative Summit?

The Summit is designed for state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and U.S. territories. It also draws attendees from corporations, government agencies, trade associations, special interest groups and consulting firms, with an expected 5,500 to 6,000 attendees.

How do I register and what does it cost?

Register online through the NCSL Summit portal using a credit card, check or money order. Early bird legislator and legislative staff rates were $755, with attendee rates at $1,365; prices increase after June 5, 2026, and daily passes are available. Registration includes all sessions, the Exhibit Hall, social events and several luncheons.

Can I still exhibit at the 2026 Summit?

No, the 2026 Exhibit Hall is sold out. The 2027 Legislative Summit will be in Atlanta, August 9-11, where returning exhibitors select booth space first and first-time exhibitor contracts open online in September 2026.

How do I get to McCormick Place and where can I stay?

McCormick Place West is about 45 minutes by car from O'Hare (ORD) and 25 minutes from Midway (MDW). Official block hotels ranged from $239-$300 per night, with several connected to the West Building by skybridge and others served by shuttle; rooms are booked via the housing link in your registration confirmation.

NCSL Legislative Summit 2026 Chicago | Trade Show Event Directory

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NCSL Legislative Summit 2026 Chicago | Trade Show Event Directory | Trade Show Directory

Attendance

NCSL expects between 5,500 and 6,000 attendees at the 2026 Legislative Summit. The audience is drawn from state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states and U.S. territories, along with representatives of corporations, government agencies, trade associations, special interest groups and consulting firms.

Booth Pricing

The 2026 Exhibit Hall is sold out, but published booth fees were:

$2,200 per 10-by-10-foot booth for corporations and associations.
$2,000 per 10-by-10-foot booth for nonprofits, government agencies and Foundation sponsors (proof of nonprofit status required).
$200 per corner (endcap unit).

Each 10-by-10-foot booth includes three exhibit-staff badges, a draped 8-foot back wall with 3-foot side walls, a booth ID sign, and a company listing with logo and 25-word description in the meeting app. Flooring is required and is not included. Exhibitor registration was priced at $290. The 2027 Summit in Atlanta will open first-time exhibitor contracts online in September.

Registration

Register online through the official NCSL Summit registration portal. Payment is accepted by credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), personal or business check, or money order.

2026 pricing (Early Bird / After June 5, 2026 / Daily):

Attendee (business, government, university, charitable and all others): $1,365 / $1,630 / $950
Legislator, Legislative Staff: $755 / $895 / $550
NCSL Foundation Sponsor: $1,150 / $1,365 / $700
International: $945 / $1,260 / $650
Exhibitor: $290 (flat)
Guest 18-Plus: $210 (flat)
Continuing Legal Education (CLE): $99 administrative fee, paid with registration.

Registration includes admission to all sessions, the Exhibit Hall, Summit social events, luncheons Monday through Wednesday, and Wednesday breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. Make dietary and accommodation requests by July 6, 2026. Badge pickup begins July 26, 2026 in the West Center Lobby on the third level of McCormick Place West; a photo ID is required. For questions, email registration or call 303-856-1539.

History

The Legislative Summit is the annual national meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures and is described as the largest and most substantive meeting of its kind in the nation. The 2025 Summit was held in Boston, and the 2026 Summit is in Chicago (July 27-29). The 2027 Legislative Summit will take place in Atlanta, August 9-11.