Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
ABA TECHSHOW 2027 is where lawyers, legal professionals, and technology converge. Over four days, attendees will engage in educational sessions and explore the latest innovations in legal technology.
The conference features a dynamic schedule of sessions, networking opportunities, and an EXPO Hall with over 100 vendors showcasing their products and services. American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW takes place in Chicago, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: March 3-6, 2027, McCormick Place, Chicago.
- 2Organiser: American Bar Association Law Practice Division.
- 3Who Attends: Legal professionals, law firm decision-makers, legal technologists and practice operations staff.
- 4Entry: Registration is open through techshow.com; early registration offers the best available rates.
- 5Programme: Education sessions and an expo hall built around law firm technology selection and operations.
Why visit
ABA TECHSHOW is most useful when your firm is choosing or replacing core legal systems: practice management, client intake, document assembly, time and billing, e-discovery or legal research. Focus: Legal technology and law practice management, spanning practice management software, client intake, document automation, e-discovery, cybersecurity, billing and legal AI. Who Attends: Legal professionals, law firm.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of legal professionals, gain visibility in the legal tech market, and connect with potential clients and partners. This premier legal technology conference features over 100 exhibitors and numerous educational sessions. Attendees include legal professionals, technology experts, and law firm decision-makers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Lawyers seeking to enhance their practice with technology
Legal professionals interested in the latest tech trends
Law firm decision-makers looking for innovative solutions
Legal educators and students exploring technology in law
Consultants and analysts in the legal tech sector
Technology vendors targeting the legal market
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Legal technology companies showcasing software solutions
Service providers offering consulting and support for law firms
Startups presenting innovative legal tech products
Established firms providing traditional legal services
Educational institutions offering legal tech training
Media and publishing companies focused on legal technology
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Legal practice management software
E-discovery tools and services
Document automation solutions
Cybersecurity products for law firms
Legal research and analytics tools
Client relationship management systems
Location & Facilities
Venue
McCormick Place
2233 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Facilities
Parking
McCormick Place in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: McCormick Place in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at McCormick Place for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
American Bar Association Law Practice Division
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-03-03 to 2027-03-06, American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago covering Legal practice management software, E-discovery tools and services, Document automation solutions, Cybersecurity product gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International
Primary international gateway for ABA TECHSHOW; transfer to McCormick Place by CTA Blue Line plus downtown connection, taxi or rideshare
to venue
45-60 min by road or CTA rail to McCormick Place
by car
Chicago Midway International
Closer secondary gateway; useful for domestic US connections into Chicago for the show
to venue
25-40 min by road, or CTA Orange Line plus transfer
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago
4-star
McCormick Place (0.1 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking (paid), Air conditioning, Fitness center, Bar, Restaurant, Room service
Marriott Marquis Chicago
4-star
McCormick Place (0.3 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), Parking (paid), Air conditioning, Fitness center, Restaurant, Room service, Accessible
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place
3-star
McCormick Place (0.4 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking (paid), Indoor pool, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center, Bar
Swissotel Chicago
4-star
Downtown Chicago (2.4 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking (paid), Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center, Spa, Bar
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
2-star
Grant Park / South Loop (1.2 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking (paid), Air conditioning, Fitness center, Restaurant, Accessible, Business center
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
3-star
South Loop (1.2 mi from venue)Breakfast (paid), Free Wi-Fi, Parking, Indoor pool, Hot tub, Air conditioning, Pet-friendly, Fitness center
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to McCormick Place area
CTA rail from ORD into downtown Chicago is the standard rail option; travel time typically 45-60 min depending on line and transfer. Hotel-to-venue shuttles and Metra/CTA bus connections also serve McCormick Place.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to McCormick Place area
CTA Orange Line connects MDW to the Loop, with onward bus or rail to McCormick Place; allow 45-60 min total.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ORD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to McCormick Place
Road journey from ORD to McCormick Place is roughly 45-60 min depending on traffic; rideshare pick-up is at designated terminal zones.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MDW to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to McCormick Place
MDW is closer to McCormick Place than ORD; road time typically 25-40 min depending on traffic.
Weather
Early March in Chicago is late winter: cold, windy and changeable, with daytime highs typically in the single digits Celsius (roughly 40-50 F) and overnight lows near or below freezing. Lake-effect wind off Lake Michigan makes it feel colder near McCormick Place. Pack layers, a warm waterproof coat and comfortable walking shoes; indoor halls are heated but the walk between venue buildings and parking is exposed.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Legal profession dress
Business attire is common among law firm leaders and in-house counsel, while legal technology vendors often wear branded business casual. A jacket is useful for client meetings and evening events.
Conference etiquette
Ask before recording demos or photographing slides. Law firm buyers may discuss confidential workflows, so avoid attributing firm-specific problems in public sessions or social posts.
Tipping and payments
US restaurants and bars expect tips of roughly 18-20%. Taxis and rideshares usually offer in-app tipping; card payment is widely accepted.
Late-winter weather
Early March in Chicago is late winter, with cold wind off Lake Michigan, daytime highs near 4-10 C (40-50 F) and overnight lows near or below freezing. Bring a warm coat, layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Venue scale
McCormick Place is a large campus, so leave buffer between sessions and the expo hall. Indoor halls are heated, but walks between buildings, parking and transport can be exposed.
Transit and timing
Chicago is on Central Time. On CTA trains, keep bags close and let passengers exit before boarding; contactless or Ventra fare payment is standard, but confirm current fares before travel.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Google Flights price insights for the 3-7 March 2027 window show the cheapest booking window is usually later, 19 November to 17 February, for New York JFK to Chicago ORD. London LHR to ORD and Tokyo NRT to ORD both showed prices as currently typical, while the JFK search flagged prices as currently high. Nonstop New York to Chicago itineraries in the capture ran about 2 hours 46 minutes to 3 hours 3 minutes.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): 45-60 min by road or CTA rail to McCormick Place; Chicago Midway International (MDW): 25-40 min by road, or CTA Orange Line plus transfer. Allow road or rail time to McCormick Place; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near McCormick Place: McCormick Place (0.1 mi from venue): Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago; McCormick Place (0.3 mi from venue): Marriott Marquis Chicago; McCormick Place (0.4 mi from venue): Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chicago; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Search captures list O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) as the two Chicago gateways to plan transfers from; specific Chicago Transit Authority rail or bus routes and fares to McCormick Place were not rendered in the captured pages, so confirm the current CTA option and fare on arrival.
Parking: On-site parking is available at McCormick Place; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. 40-50 F (4-10 C) daytime highs in early March; overnight lows near or below freezing (estimate; confirm forecast ahead of travel).
Seasonality: Late winter in Chicago: mixed rain and occasional snow, gusty lake winds, and sharp temperature swings; indoor conference sessions are unaffected but outdoor transfers should allow extra time.
Packing: Pack thermal layers, a windproof/waterproof coat, gloves and comfortable shoes for the McCormick Place campus; bring a light indoor layer for heated session rooms.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm registration and badge details
T-2
Book or reconfirm hotel
T-3
Plan airport transfer
T-4
Shortlist exhibitors
T-5
Review the programme
T-6
Prepare vendor questions
T-7
Pack for late-winter Chicago
T-8
Download agenda and venue maps
T-9
Confirm meetings and client coverage
T-10
Travel to Chicago
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at McCormick Place
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW registration concourse
McCormick Place
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
McCormick Place
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Legal practice management software and E-discovery tools and services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago.
Min. budget
$520.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Legal practice management software and E-discovery tools and services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,340.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Chicago show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is ABA TECHSHOW?
ABA TECHSHOW is the American Bar Association Law Practice Division's annual legal technology and law practice management conference. The 2027 edition is scheduled for March 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Who should attend ABA TECHSHOW?
Solo and small-firm lawyers, law firm administrators, legal technologists, in-house counsel and legal operations staff who select, implement or manage legal systems. Vendors and consultants also attend to meet law firm buyers.
What product categories are shown in the expo hall?
Expect legal software and services around practice management, client intake, document automation, e-discovery, time and billing, legal research, cybersecurity and legal AI. Use the official exhibitor list on techshow.com to confirm which vendors are exhibiting in 2027.
How do I register for ABA TECHSHOW 2027?
Register through techshow.com. The listing notes that registration is open and early registration offers the best rates; confirm current categories, fees and attendee eligibility on the official registration page before booking travel.
Is ABA TECHSHOW open only to ABA members?
The event is organised by the ABA Law Practice Division and is aimed at legal professionals and law firm decision-makers. Captured planning sources do not state that ABA membership is required; check techshow.com for registration eligibility and any member or non-member rates.
Where is ABA TECHSHOW held and how do I get there?
McCormick Place, Chicago. From O'Hare (ORD), allow 45-60 min by road or CTA rail; from Midway (MDW), allow 25-40 min by road or the CTA Orange Line plus transfer. Confirm live CTA and taxi fares before travel.
Can I earn CLE credit at ABA TECHSHOW?
CLE accreditation and credit hours for 2027 were not confirmed in the captured planning sources. Check the programme and registration pages on techshow.com for accredited sessions, state reporting and attendance verification.
Is there a virtual attendance option?
A virtual pass for the 2027 edition was not confirmed in the captured sources. Check techshow.com for live-stream, on-demand or hybrid options before planning travel.
Where should I stay for ABA TECHSHOW?
Walkable options include Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place. Downtown hotels such as Swissotel Chicago are a short ride away; compare live rates for March 3-6, 2027 and check cancellation terms.
Who exhibits at ABA TECHSHOW?
Legal software vendors, e-discovery providers, cybersecurity firms, document automation and billing platforms, legal research services and legal AI companies that sell to law firms and legal departments.
Glossary
- Legal technology
- Software and systems used by law firms, in-house legal teams and courts to manage matters, documents, billing, research and client communication.
- Practice management software
- A platform that combines matter intake, contacts, calendars, tasks, documents and time capture for a law practice.
- Document automation
- Template-driven tools that assemble contracts, pleadings and client letters from structured data to reduce manual drafting.
- E-discovery
- The process and software used to identify, preserve, collect, review and produce electronically stored information in litigation or investigations.
- Matter management
- A system for tracking legal matters, ownership, budgets, deadlines and outside counsel activity across a legal department or firm.
- Time and billing
- Tools that capture billable time, expense entries, invoicing and trust accounting for legal services.
- Client intake
- The structured process of screening, conflict-checking and onboarding a new client or matter.
- Legal AI
- Machine learning or generative AI applied to legal tasks such as research, document review, drafting support and knowledge management, subject to confidentiality and verification controls.
- E-filing
- Electronic submission of court documents through approved court or portal systems.
- Legal research platform
- A search and analytics service for statutes, case law, regulations, secondary sources and citators.
- Legal operations
- The business management discipline for in-house legal teams, covering spend, vendors, technology, metrics and process design.
- Cybersecurity
- Controls and practices for protecting client data, systems and communications from unauthorized access, loss or attack.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- legal technology conference Chicago
- law practice technology
- legal tech expo 2027
- American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW 2027
- American Bar Association - ABA TECHSHOW Chicago 2027
- American Bar Association 2027
- American Bar Association Chicago 2027
- ABA 2027
- ABA Chicago 2027
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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American Bar Association
- event_website
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