Chicago stands as one of North America’s most dynamic hubs for industrial innovation, making it a prime destination for industrial equipment trade shows and expos. Every year, the city hosts a diverse range of events that bring together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and industry experts from across the globe. Whether you’re looking to discover cutting-edge machinery, strengthen supplier relationships, or gain deep market insights, attending an industrial equipment trade show in Chicago is an excellent investment. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top industrial equipment trade events & expos in Chicago that you should consider attending.
Fabtech Chicago
Industry Focus: Metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: Welding equipment, cutting machines, additive manufacturing, forming & fabricating equipment, finishing products, and automation technologies.
Visitor Count: Over 40,000 industry professionals.
Exhibitor Count: Approximately 1,300 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis Chicago, Hilton Garden Inn McCormick Place.
Event Details: Fabtech is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. It provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find tools to improve productivity and increase profits. The show typically takes place in September and runs for four days, offering a series of live demos and keynote presentations.
Benefits of Attending: Attendees benefit from free educational sessions, networking opportunities, and access to new technologies that can transform their manufacturing processes.
IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show
Industry Focus: Advanced manufacturing technology, industrial automation, and machinery.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: CNC equipment, robotics, industrial IoT solutions, additive manufacturing, and digital factory solutions.
Visitor Count: More than 100,000 visitors from 117 countries.
Exhibitor Count: Over 2,400 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency Chicago, Swissôtel Chicago, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.
Event Details: Held every two years, IMTS is one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world. It spans multiple buildings and features thousands of machines in operation. It’s the ideal platform for manufacturers and industry leaders to discover emerging trends, attend workshops, and foster B2B relationships.
Benefits of Attending: IMTS offers unmatched exposure to technological advancements and practical solutions that can help businesses remain competitive.
Pack Expo International
Industry Focus: Packaging and processing equipment.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: Packaging machinery, automation solutions, materials, containers, and supply chain solutions.
Visitor Count: Around 45,000 attendees.
Exhibitor Count: More than 2,500 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Marriott Marquis Chicago, Home2 Suites by Hilton, The Wheeler Mansion.
Event Details: This premier event brings together packaging and processing professionals. Visitors can see new technology in action, discuss challenges with experts, and discover sustainable packaging innovations.
Benefits of Attending: The show offers pavilions dedicated to specific sectors, from food & beverage to pharmaceuticals, making it highly targeted for visitors.
ProMat
Industry Focus: Material handling and logistics equipment.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: Conveyors, storage equipment, lifting equipment, robotics, and software solutions.
Visitor Count: 50,000+ supply chain professionals.
Exhibitor Count: Over 1,000 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, The Blackstone Hotel.
Event Details: Organized by MHI, ProMat is North America’s largest material handling and logistics trade show. It’s held every other year, alternating with MODEX in Atlanta. Attendees can connect with industry leaders and participate in educational sessions on the latest trends in supply chain automation and sustainability.
Benefits of Attending: Ideal for supply chain professionals aiming to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and adopt emerging technologies.
AHR Expo
Industry Focus: HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) equipment.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: HVACR systems, smart controls, energy-efficient technologies, and building automation solutions.
Visitor Count: Over 50,000 industry professionals.
Exhibitor Count: Around 2,000 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown.
Event Details: The AHR Expo is a massive annual gathering of HVACR manufacturers and service providers. It runs in conjunction with the ASHRAE Winter Conference and provides a comprehensive showcase of industry trends, emerging technologies, and energy solutions.
Benefits of Attending: The event offers seminars, new product presentations, and networking opportunities with top experts.
The Assembly Show
Industry Focus: Assembly technology and equipment.
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (near Chicago).
Product Category: Fasteners, robotics, adhesives, conveyors, testing equipment, and quality control solutions.
Visitor Count: Approximately 5,000 attendees.
Exhibitor Count: Around 300 exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Rosemont, DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport.
Event Details: This annual show focuses on assembly technology and is ideal for design and manufacturing engineers seeking to improve their assembly processes.
Benefits of Attending: Live equipment demonstrations, workshops, and networking events help professionals discover solutions to streamline production.
Manufacturing & Technology Show Chicago
Industry Focus: Advanced manufacturing solutions, operational excellence, and smart factory technologies.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Product Category: Industrial automation, robotics, process improvement tools, and AI solutions for manufacturing.
Visitor Count: Over 3,000 industry decision-makers.
Exhibitor Count: 200+ exhibitors.
Nearby Hotels: Hyatt Regency Chicago, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown.
Event Details: This growing show highlights the latest in smart manufacturing and operational excellence, with multiple conference tracks, workshops, and case studies from leading manufacturers.
Benefits of Attending: Attendees can learn about real-world applications of Industry 4.0 technologies and gain valuable insights into scaling their operations.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
When attending any of these top industrial equipment trade events & expo in Chicago, plan ahead by booking your accommodation early—especially if the event coincides with peak tourism season. McCormick Place, in particular, is near dozens of excellent hotels with easy access to dining, entertainment, and transportation.
Before attending, register online to take advantage of early bird discounts or free entry passes where applicable. Some shows may have minimal fees for conference sessions or workshops, so review the agenda and plan your budget accordingly.
Make sure to download the event app (if available) for floor plans, session schedules, and exhibitor directories. This will help you maximize your time at the show and ensure you don’t miss key demonstrations or networking opportunities.
Why Attend Industrial Equipment Trade Shows in Chicago
Chicago’s industrial expos offer unmatched opportunities to:
- See the latest machinery and equipment in action.
- Discover solutions to improve operational efficiency.
- Network with global suppliers, partners, and thought leaders.
- Gain insights through educational seminars and live demonstrations.
- Compare products and negotiate deals directly on the show floor.
Whether you’re a business owner, engineer, procurement manager, or industry consultant, attending these events can drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage for your organization.
Plan Your Next Industrial Event
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore these events and secure your tickets by visiting their official websites. You’ll find full exhibitor lists, registration details, and travel information to make your trip seamless.
Visit https://www.mccormickplace.com/events/ to get started with the best top industrial equipment trade events & expo in Chicago.