McCormick Place is both the biggest convention center in Chicago and the biggest one anywhere in the U.S. This vast, sprawling complex is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that was founded well over half a century ago. Attend an event here to get a sense of its incredible scale.
The convention center opened in 1960 after several decades that had seen Chicago host a few large-scale events without having ideal facilities. These included the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition (World's Fair) and a large railroad expo in 1948. When you visit today you will see a convention center that has been expanded multiple times since it was established. However, it still bears the name of “Colonel” Robert R. McCormick, the Chicago Tribune editor and publisher who led the campaign for the city of Chicago to build an exhibition hall. McCormick was a fascinating figure, known for, among other things, his opposition to the U.S. involvement in World War II.
Join the almost 3 million visitors who come to McCormick Place each year. Explore the four interconnected buildings that make up the convention center. Between them they provide an area of an astonishing 2.6 million square feet (240,000 square meters) of exhibition space. Other facilities include six grand ballrooms, more than 170 meeting rooms and a vast 4,249-seat theater. Stop at the stores scattered around the convention center and its outdoor spaces as you walk the connecting passageways and sky bridges between the buildings.
Stay in the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, conveniently located at the convention center, to be close to the event or conference you are attending. Many of the rooms in this hotel offer beautiful views of the famous and striking Lake Michigan.
Find McCormick Place a short drive from downtown Chicago, near the western bank of Lake Michigan. Trade fairs, conferences, summits and exhibitions are among the events held here. Visit other attractions within walking distance including the city’s Chinatown and the huge waterside Shedd Aquarium.
