American Chemical Society Fall ACS

ACS Exhibitor & Sponsor Services

Exhibitor & Sponsor Contact

ACS Registration Customer Service Center (Maritz)

Registration Support

Email Call Website

ACS Member Services

ACS ID & Membership Support

Email Call Website

ACS Newsroom

Media & Press Inquiries

ACS Meetings Programming Support

Presenter & Abstract Support

ACS Expo Team

Expo Hall & Logistics

What's on

Programme

Exhibition

Keynote

TBA

Event days

08:00–22:00

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Prof. Carolyn R. Bertozzi

2022 Chemistry Nobel Laureate; Editor-in-Chief, ACS Central Science @ Stanford University

Bioorthogonal chemistry

Prof. Stefan W. Hell

2014 Chemistry Nobel Laureate @ Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen & Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy

Prof. Jack W. Szostak

2009 Physiology or Medicine Nobel Laureate @ The University of Chicago

Origins of genetic information

Prof. M. Stanley Whittingham

2019 Chemistry Nobel Laureate @ Binghamton University (SUNY)

Future of lithium battery chemistry

Connor W. Coley

Associate Professor @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology

AI and the Expanding Computational Toolbox for Chemistry (Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecture)

John C. Warner

CTO & CEO @ Technology Greenhouse

Green Chemistry: The Missing Elements (Fred Kavli Innovations in Chemistry Lecture)

08:00 – 13:00

ACS150 JACS Symposium: Chemistry is Everything

Keynote

Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place Convention Center, Skyline Ballroom

08:00 – 17:43

Rock Stars of Regenerative Engineering Symposium

Technical

W196b

08:00 – 12:30

Sustainable Recovery of Critical Minerals and Materials

Technical

W196a

08:30 – 14:00

Deep Learning Co-Folding Models versus Computational Physics Based Models of Protein-Ligand Interactions

Technical

W192b

08:30 – 17:05

Advancing a Circular Water Economy

Technical

W192b

10:00 – 14:00

Expo Hall featuring ACS Career Fair

Exhibition

Exhibit Hall F1, Level 3, West Building

11:00 – 17:00

Expo Hall featuring ACS Career Fair

Exhibition

Exhibit Hall F1, Level 3, West Building

11:00 – 17:00

Expo Hall featuring ACS Career Fair

Exhibition

Exhibit Hall F1, Level 3, West Building

13:00 – 14:00

In-Person First Time Attendee Orientation

Orientation

McCormick Place Convention Center

13:30 – 14:20

How to Start a Start-Up

Workshop

Periodic Talks Expo TheaterExpo Hall

16:00 – 18:30

ACS Board of Directors Open Meeting and ChemLuminary Awards

Keynote

Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place Convention Center, Skyline Ballroom

17:00 – 18:00

The Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecture

Keynote

Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place Convention Center, Skyline Ballroom

17:00 – 18:00

The Fred Kavli Innovations in Chemistry Lecture: Green Chemistry: The Missing Elements

Keynote

Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place Convention Center, Skyline Ballroom

17:00 – 18:00

ACS150 Keynote Lecture: Prof. M. Stanley Whittingham

Keynote

Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place Convention Center, Skyline Ballroom, W375ab

18:30 – 20:30

ACS Connect Reception

Networking

McCormick Place Convention Center

20:00 – 22:00

Sci-Mix Poster Session

Poster

McCormick Place Convention Center

Topic tracks

Pharma Community ProgramSustainability Community ProgramData Science & AI Community ProgramStart-Up Community ProgramACS Division Technical ProgrammingGreen Chemistry & Sustainability TrackStudent & PostDoc Programming

Awards

ACS Division of Computers in Chemistry (COMP) Awards

Annual

The ACS COMP Division recognizes outstanding contributions in computational chemistry at ACS Fall 2026, including the OpenEye Cadence Molecular Sciences Outstanding Junior Faculty Award and the Wiley Outstanding Postdoc Award. Recipients include Henrik Larsson (University of California, Merced) and Joonho Lee (Harvard University)

Outstanding Junior Faculty Award in Computational ChemistryWiley Outstanding Postdoc Award

ACS PHYS Division Awards

Annual

The ACS Physical Chemistry Division celebrates its 2026 awardees at ACS Fall 2026 with a special awards ceremony and Awards Symposium during the national meeting. The PHYS Awards Ceremony was held Monday, August 24, 2026 at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

PHYS Young Investigator Awards in Physical ChemistryPHYS Division Awards

ACS Fellows Program

Annual

The ACS Fellows Program recognizes society members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and made substantial contributions to science, the chemical profession, and ACS. New Fellows are recognized and celebrated during a ceremony and reception at ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago

ACS Fellow

ACS Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

Annual

The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards recognize innovations in green chemistry that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. The 2026 winners were honored at a ceremony on August 26, 2026 at ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago, recognizing advances in recyclable polyurethanes, greener pharmaceutical manufacturing, sustainable crop protection, and PFAS-free semiconductor cooling

AcademicSmall BusinessIndustry

ACS Talented 12 Award

Annual

The Talented 12 program recognizes early-career researchers who are solving some of the world's most challenging problems. The 2026 class was honored during ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago with a symposium and networking events

Early Career Researcher

Government supporters

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science

Government Participant (Harriet Kung, Acting Director, featured speaker at CME-NASA Symposium)

Government of Canada, Office of the Chief Science Advisor

Government Participant (Mathieu Denis, Special Advisor, featured panelist at C&EN Future of Chemistry events)

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 11,700 visitors · 160 exhibitors

ACS Fall 2026 was held in person in Chicago, IL and digitally, August 23, 2026, at McCormick Place Convention Center, and marked the ACS 150th anniversary. Organiser-published reach figures on the ACS Fall 2026 exhibitor page state 11,700+ attendees and 160+ exhibitors for ACS Meetings & Expos, while the Fall 2026 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus cites 'over 10,000 attendees.' The organiser did not publish final audited registration or exhibitor counts for the 2026 edition as of September 16, 2026.

Forecast — not final

Visitors

11,786

Exhibitors

167

Visitor countries

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Pharma Zone
A dedicated Expo Floor hub showcasing pharmaceutical research, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions driving drug discovery and development. Confirmed participants include AiFChem, Ambeed, Benchling, Buchiglas USA, ChemScene, Medicilon, Onepot AI, SOTAX, and Technobis
Source
2
Data Science & AI Community Programming
Curated programming on generative AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and advanced computational chemistry, exploring how these technologies are redefining chemical research and innovation
Source
3
ACS150 JACS Symposium Series: Chemistry is Everything
A special symposium hosted by ACS Publications in partnership with ACS Fall 2026, featuring Nobel Laureates Carolyn Bertozzi, Stefan Hell, Jack Szostak, and Stanley Whittingham, plus a panel of Priestley Medalists. Held August 25, 2026 at the Skyline Ballroom
Source
4
Sustainability Community Programming
Focused sessions on green chemistry, circular water economy, sustainable recovery of critical minerals, greener solvent selection, and integrating sustainability into chemistry education, reflecting ACS's commitment to sustainability leadership
Source

Next edition outlook

2027

confirmed

ACS Fall 2027 will be held August 22, 2027 in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. The meeting will continue the American Chemical Society's fall National Meeting & Exposition format, which was reimagined in 2025 with a 3.5-day technical program beginning Monday and concluding Thursday. Programming is expected to maintain the multidisciplinary scope spanning pharmaceutical sciences, green chemistry, materials science, AI and data science, and sustainability, building on the community programming concept introduced in 2025 and expanded at ACS Fall 2026

Location moves from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA Dates shift to August 22, 2027 Continued emphasis on AI, green chemistry, and pharmaceutical innovation based on 2025 to 2026 programming trends Expansion of community programming model introduced in 2025

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

ACS Fall 2025 in Washington, D.C., welcomed nearly 11,800 registrants, including more than 3,900 first-time attendees from 80 countries. The fall program delivered nearly 10,000 abstracts, 592 sessions, and 3,361 posters, with a reimagined schedule and 97 global digital sessions. The meeting rolled out the new fall format developed through the Future of Meetings project, featuring 3.5 days of programming with core oral and poster sessions starting Monday instead of Sunday, and a new Sunday opening plenary combining the ACS Board Open Session and ChemLuminary Awards. The ACS Kids Zone set an attendance record with more than 500 participants. An onsite survey indicated that all attendees learned something new or interesting during the event

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

ACS Fall attendees represent a highly qualified and decision-ready scientific audience. According to organiser-published meeting demographics, 52% of attendees hold a doctorate degree, 69% work in research and development, and 54% are involved in the purchasing process. Among Fall 2025 attendees specifically, 93% visited the Expo floor and 86% attended expos to discover new products and technologies. The geographic distribution for Fall meetings shows 83% from North America, with notable representation from Asia & Oceania (10%) and Europe (5%). By professional discipline, attendees include academia (36%), graduate students (23%), industry (16%), government (7%), and undergraduate students (7%). The 2025 edition drew 30% students among its 11,679 attendees, and the meeting attracted 3,907 first-time registrants from 80 countries, demonstrating strong appeal to emerging talent and international scientists

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

ACS Fall exhibitors achieve measurable returns through direct access to a high-intent scientific audience with purchasing influence. Organiser data shows that booth traffic increases by up to 104% when a sponsorship is added, and exhibitors who invest in sponsorships can see booth traffic more than double. For ACS Fall 2025, the organiser recorded 17,454 total lead scans, averaging 144 scans per exhibiting company, with an attendee-to-exhibiting-company ratio of 71:1. The VIP Expo Networking Breakfast pilot at ACS Fall 2025 brought exhibitors together with key decision-makers and industry leaders before show hours, creating a focused environment for lead generation and relationship-building. Exhibitors gain access to a community of more than 11,700 scientists, many with purchasing power, positioning the expo as a platform for product launches, market intelligence, and pipeline development

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Global / North America

Why it matters

ACS Fall 2026 matters for buyers and exhibitors because it sits at the intersection of scientific discovery and industrial strategy in a chemical industry undergoing structural transformation. With global chemical production growth forecast at just 0.6% to 2.9% in 2026 amid supply-chain disruptions and overcapacity, the event provided a critical platform for companies to showcase innovations that deliver both sustainability and commercial returns. The strong emphasis on green chemistry, AI-driven R&D, critical minerals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing reflects the industry's most pressing priorities: reducing environmental impact while improving process economics, securing raw material supply chains, and accelerating drug development. Exhibitors gained access to more than 11,700 attendees—73% in R&D and 61% influencing purchasing decisions—making ACS Fall 2026 an efficient venue for lead generation, partnership development, and market intelligence in a consolidating competitive landscape

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Green Chemistry Becomes a Commercial Capability

Green chemistry is transitioning from a research objective to a core commercial capability, with the strongest innovations simultaneously reducing environmental impact and lowering manufacturing costs through fewer steps, lower solvent consumption, and improved yields. The 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards highlighted advances in greener pharmaceutical manufacturing, recyclable polyurethanes, and PFAS-free semiconductor cooling, signaling that sustainability and business performance are increasingly aligned

AI and Agentic Systems Reshape Chemical R&D

Artificial intelligence is moving from predictive models to autonomous, closed-loop research infrastructure, with agentic AI systems for computational chemistry growing from half a dozen in 2024 to nearly fifty by August 2026. AI-driven material discovery, polymer design, and self-driving laboratories are accelerating innovation cycles and enabling measurable operational improvements in manufacturing and supply chains

Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security Drive Strategic Investment

Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have elevated critical minerals and raw material security to a strategic priority. Japan's successful recovery of rare-earth-rich mud from approximately 6,000 meters below sea level represents an unconventional attempt to diversify supply away from concentrated sources, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz temporarily removed an estimated 15%–20% of global petrochemical feedstock availability, pushing formulators toward resilient and diversified sourcing strategies

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Shifts Toward Biologics and Sustainable Processes

The pharmaceutical market is shifting away from small molecules toward complex biologics, with antibody-drug conjugates growing more than 30% over the 2025–2026 period. Cost of goods reduction has become the defining priority in 2026 amid intensifying pricing pressures, driving adoption of greener synthetic pathways, biocatalysis, and continuous manufacturing to reduce waste and improve efficiency

Chemical Industry Consolidation and Portfolio Realignment

The global chemical industry is undergoing significant consolidation amid structural oversupply and margin pressure. High-profile 2026 activity includes the Olin-Huntsman all-stock merger to form OlinHuntsman with approximately $12.5 billion in annual revenue, and Shell's exploration of an $8 billion sale of US chemical assets, reflecting a broader trend of strategic realignment and asset rationalization

Circular Economy and Recyclable Materials Gain Momentum

The chemical industry is accelerating efforts to develop recyclable polymers and circular material flows, with the 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge recognizing work involving Northwestern University and BASF on recycling cross-linked polyurethane materials. Circular cracker feedstock has emerged as a diversification strategy for producers facing feedstock constraints, and EU regulations are anticipated to boost circular feedstock demand

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

ACS Fall 2026 Storylines: Green Chemistry and Rare Earths Lead Industry Conversations

Analysis of ACS Fall 2026 identified green chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing and Japan's deep-sea rare-earth strategy as the most commercially consequential storylines, alongside recyclable polymers and the commercialization of green chemistry. The meeting connected laboratory research to industrial strategy and supply-chain security

Sustainable Innovators Honored at ACS Fall 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

C&EN reported on the 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards winners, highlighting advances in recyclable polyurethanes, greener pharmaceutical manufacturing, and PFAS-free cooling technologies. The awards reflect the chemical industry's growing focus on sustainability as a driver of innovation

Olin-Huntsman Merger Approved Amid Chemical Industry Consolidation Wave

Shareholders approved the all-stock merger of Olin and Huntsman to form OlinHuntsman, creating a North American chemical giant with approximately $12.5 billion in annual revenue. The deal reflects broader consolidation pressures in the global chemical industry

Shell Explores Sale of $8 Billion US Chemical Assets as Industry Restructures

Shell is reportedly exploring the sale of US chemical assets valued at approximately $8 billion, with ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Apollo, and Kuwait Petroleum's chemical arm expressing interest. The potential sale is part of a broader trend of portfolio optimization in the chemical sector

ACS Fall 2026 Kavli Lecture Calls for Rigorous Scrutiny of AI Drug Discovery Hype

The Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecture at ACS Fall 2026 emphasized that AI-driven drug discovery requires rigorous validation and high-quality experimental data, cautioning against overhyped claims. The lecture underscored the need for hybrid physics-ML models and uncertainty-aware prospective validation

Chemical Industry to Bet on Agentic AI

C&EN reported that chemical companies are beginning to adopt agentic artificial intelligence, which is more autonomous than other forms of AI. Industry experts say current agentic AI forms cannot yet replace human scientists, but adoption is expected to increase significantly in 2026

ACS Fall 2026 Brings Nearly 11,000 Scientists to Chicago for 150th Anniversary Meeting

ACS Fall 2026 convened nearly 11,000 scientists and innovators in Chicago under the theme 'Chemists Making History. Be Part of It.' The meeting marked the American Chemical Society's 150th anniversary with a JACS Symposium Series featuring four Nobel Laureates

North American and Global Chemistry Event Circuit: September 2026 – August 2027

September 2026 – August 2027

The chemistry event circuit over the next 12 months spans society meetings, analytical science expos, pharmaceutical manufacturing summits, and process industry world forums. ACS Fall 2026 anchors the North American circuit in August, followed by ACS Spring 2027 in New Orleans and ACS Fall 2027 in San Diego. Pittcon returns to Pittsburgh for the first time in 60 years in April 2027, while ACHEMA in Frankfurt and CPHI Americas in Miami serve distinct international and pharmaceutical-focused audiences. Exhibitors targeting the chemical sciences should plan a multi-event strategy that balances broad-reach society meetings with specialized technical expos

Spring 2027 US Chemistry Window

ACS Spring 2027Pittcon 2027

ACS Spring 2027 (March 21–25, New Orleans) and Pittcon 2027 (April 24–28, Pittsburgh) offer complementary spring opportunities for exhibitors targeting the US chemistry market

Global Process Industry Window

ACHEMA 2027CPHI Americas 2027

ACHEMA 2027 (June 14–18, Frankfurt) serves the global process industries, while CPHI Americas 2027 (May 25–26, Miami) targets the pharmaceutical supply chain. Both are relevant for companies with international scope

Fall 2027 US Chemistry Window

ACS Fall 2027

ACS Fall 2027 (August 22–26, San Diego) is the primary fall gathering for the US chemical sciences community, offering broad reach across academia, industry, and government

Event dates and locations sourced from official organiser websites including acs.org, pittcon.org, cphi.com, and achema.de. All dates are organiser-published and subject to change

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

MDW

Midway International Airport

Located 20 minutes (11 miles) from McCormick Place. Airport phone: +1 (800) 897. Served by major airlines including Southwest, Delta, and Frontier. CTA Orange Line connects Midway to downtown, with a transfer to the Green Line for McCormick Place

11 miles

to venue

20 minutes

by car

ORD

O'Hare International Airport

Located 30 minutes (18 miles) from McCormick Place and close to surrounding hotels. Airport phone: +1 (800) 897. Served by major airlines including American, United, Delta, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. CTA Blue Line connects O'Hare to downtown, with a transfer to the Green Line for McCormick Place

18 miles

to venue

30 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Grant Park / South Loop

USD 185–224 / night

Best Western Grant Park at $185 per night (1.6 miles from McCormick Place), Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Southloop at $199-$214 (1.7 miles), and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Southloop at $224-$254 (1.7 miles). Rates listed do not include 19% sales tax per room night. Book before July 31, 2026 to guarantee the ACS discounted rate

Mid-Range

Downtown / South Loop

USD 229–269 / night

Hilton Chicago at $229-$269 (1.8 miles), Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Riverwalk at $249 (2.9 miles), Le Meridien Essex at $249 (1.8 miles), Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago at $249 (3 miles), Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown at $249 (3 miles), Hyatt Regency Chicago at $259 (3 miles), and Swissotel Chicago at $259 (3 miles). Rates listed do not include 19% sales tax per room night

Premium

Near McCormick Place / Downtown

USD 255–301 / night

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park at $255 (2.9 miles), Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place at $266 (0.5 miles), Home 2 Suites Chicago McCormick Place at $266 (0.5 miles, 2-night minimum), Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place at $278 (0.5 miles), The Blackstone Marriott Autograph Collection at $279 (1.9 miles), Hyatt Regency McCormick Place at $285 (0.2 miles), and Marriott Marquis Chicago at $301 (0.4 miles, governance hotel). Rates listed do not include 19% sales tax per room night

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

ACS Shuttle Bus

Estimated costComplimentary

Best forBetween ACS hotels and McCormick Place Convention Center

A complimentary shuttle bus is provided between ACS hotels and the conference center. Shuttle service is limited as most hotels are within walking distance of McCormick Place. ACS does not provide shuttles to or from the airport. Hotels located within the McCormick Place complex (Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis) are not served by the shuttle. The ACS Campus Shuttle Map provides schedules and a walking distance map. https://www.acs.org/events/fall/attend/travel.html

CTA 'L' Train (Green Line)

Estimated cost$2.75 per ride (as of Feb 2026)

Best forGreen Line to Cermak-McCormick Place station

The Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station is a 7-minute walk from McCormick Place West Building. Connect to the Green Line via multiple rail lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Brown, and Pink lines) with free transfers at multiple locations. A 1-day pass costs $6; a 30-day pass costs $85. Ventra single-ride tickets cost $3.50. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cta-announces-fare-pass-hike-2026/

Metra Commuter Rail (Electric District)

Estimated costZone 2 fare: approximately $4.25 one-way; $8.00 weekend pass

Best forMetra Electric District from Millennium Station to McCormick Place station

The Metra Electric District provides a 7-minute direct route from downtown Chicago's Millennium Station to the McCormick Place station, located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in McCormick Place South. Ticket vending machines are available at McCormick Place Station. https://www.acs.org/events/fall/attend/travel.html

CTA Bus

Estimated cost$2.50 per ride (as of Feb 2026)

Best for#1 Bronzeville/Union Station, #3 King Drive, #4 Cottage Grove, #21 Cermak

Convenient CTA buses travel throughout the city, with more than 100 different routes. The #21 Cermak bus provides eastbound service towards McCormick Place from the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station. The #1 route operates during weekday morning and evening rush hours only. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cta-announces-fare-pass-hike-2026/

Taxi / Rideshare

Estimated costVaries by distance and demand; approximately $9-$26 from downtown hotels

Best forDoor-to-door from anywhere in Chicago

Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available. A $5 surcharge applies to trips starting or ending at McCormick Place, Navy Pier, or Chicago airports (O'Hare and Midway). Credit cards are accepted in all taxis. CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB can be used to e-Hail and e-Pay. Gate 40 on S. Indiana Ave. is the designated drop-off and pick-up area for taxis and cars. https://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Chicago&from=Chicago+Union+Station%2C+225+S+Canal+St%2C+Chicago%2C+Illinois+60606%2C+United+States&to=McCormick+Place%2C+2301+S+Lake+Shore+Dr%2C+Chicago%2C+Illinois+60616

Driving / Parking

Estimated costLot A: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16 to 24 hours; Lot B: $18 flat daily; Lot C: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16 to 24 hours

Best forMcCormick Place Lots A, B, and C

McCormick Place has multiple onsite parking lots. Lot A is adjacent to the North & South Buildings (8-foot height clearance); Lot B is an outdoor surface lot (6-foot-4-inch height clearance, no in-and-out privileges); Lot C is underground in Lakeside Center. Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, Marriott Marquis, and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. Overnight parking is available in Lot A only. Credit cards are accepted at parking pay stations and exit lanes. Prepaid parking spaces are guaranteed even if lots are at capacity. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/c2e2-chicago-2026-mccormick-place/

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to enter the United States temporarily to attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, consult with business associates, or negotiate contracts	$185.00	Varies significantly by U.S. embassy or consulate; wait times for interview appointments can range from days to several months depending on location, season, and visa category. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)	Citizens or nationals of designated Visa Waiver Program countries who plan to travel to the United States for business or tourism for 90 days or less	$40.27	Most applications are approved within minutes; a small percentage may require manual processing taking up to 72 hours. CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure
B-1/B-2 Combination Visa	Foreign nationals who need to travel to the United States for a combination of business (B-1) and tourism/pleasure (B-2) purposes during the same trip	$185.00	Same as B-1 visa; varies by embassy or consulate

Citizens and nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA authorization prior to travel and meet all VWP eligibility requirements, including holding an e-Passport. As of 2026, the VWP includes approximately 40 designated countries. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas to conduct temporary business, though some purposes of travel may still require a visa. Taiwan is treated as a VWP country under the Taiwan Relations Act. Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or who are also nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, North Korea, or Sudan, are no longer eligible for VWP travel without a waiver and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary duty-free and tax-free importation of goods for up to one year, including ordinary business goods, professional equipment, and items for use at trade shows and exhibitions. USCIB (United States Council for International Business) administers the ATA Carnet system in the United States through two appointed service providers: Boomerang Carnets and Roanoke Insurance Group. The basic ATA Carnet processing fee ranges from $255 (for goods valued up to $9,999) to $545 (for goods valued over $1,000,000), plus a security deposit calculated as a percentage of the goods' value. The global transition to digital ATA Carnets (eATA) commenced on June 1, 2026, with all European Union member states, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom going live. The United States plans to transition to digital carnets in the fourth quarter of 2026; until then, U.S. ATA Carnet holders should continue to travel with their paper Carnet. Foreign ATA Carnet holders bringing goods into the United States should note that the U.S. does not allow replacement carnets; goods must instead be placed under a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) before the original carnet expires. CBP is increasing enforcement of certain prohibited drone manufacturers and models under Federal Communications Commission regulations

Official visa page

Weather

Chicago in late August has an average high of about 81.6°F and an average low of about 66.8°F, with a monthly mean around 74.2°F. August 2026 recorded 5.02 inches of liquid precipitation, which is 0.77 inches above normal. Expect warm, sometimes humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms. Bring layers for air-conditioned indoor venues and an umbrella for rain

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

McCormick Place is well connected to Chicago's transport network. The CTA Green Line serves the Cermak-McCormick Place station, a 7-minute walk from the West Building. The Metra Electric District provides a 7-minute direct route from Millennium Station to the McCormick Place station on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse. CTA bus routes #1, #3, #4, and #21 also serve the area. Taxi and rideshare services are widely available, with fares from downtown typically $10–$25. Shared-ride taxis from O'Hare cost $30 per person and from Midway cost $22 per person to McCormick Place. A complimentary ACS shuttle bus runs between ACS hotels and the convention center, but does not serve airports. The venue is also accessible via the Lakefront Trail and is near the Museum Campus

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping Culture in Chicago

Tipping is an expected part of service culture in Chicago. For full-service sit-down restaurants, a tip of 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for satisfactory service. For hotel housekeeping, $2–$5 per night is customary. For bartenders, $1–$2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab is appropriate. For taxi and rideshare drivers, 15–20% is typical. Do not tip counter staff at fast-casual restaurants or coffee shops unless a tip jar is present

Chicago Food Etiquette

Chicago has strong local food traditions. Never ask for ketchup on a Chicago-style hot dog — it is considered a faux pas. Do try the deep-dish pizza, but also explore the city's diverse neighborhoods for Italian beef sandwiches, tavern-style thin-crust pizza, and ethnic cuisines. Chicago's restaurant scene spans from Michelin-starred dining to iconic neighborhood spots

Public Transit Etiquette

On Chicago's 'L' trains and buses, keep noise levels low, offer seats to elderly or disabled passengers, and avoid blocking doors. When boarding the L, sit in a vacant seat rather than standing in front of one — Chicago locals consider it impolite to hover when seats are available. Keep belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night

Weather and Dress

Chicago weather in late August is warm and can be humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s°F. Layering is recommended for air-conditioned convention spaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as McCormick Place is a large campus with significant walking distances between buildings and sessions

Chicago Sports Culture

Chicago is a passionate sports city. Wearing a Green Bay Packers jersey in Bears territory may draw attention. The city's sports teams include the Bears (NFL), Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Bulls (NBA), and Blackhawks (NHL). If visiting during baseball season, a game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field is a quintessential Chicago experience

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: ORD

ACS has negotiated special travel discounts with Delta Airlines (Meeting Event Code: NY4SS, phone +1 800 328 1111) and United Airlines (Z Code: ZRCM, Agreement Code: 328842, phone +1 800 426 1122). Booking fees are waived for meeting reservations. ACS recommends making reservations online to get the best rates and avoid service fees

Book flights

Visa

Most foreign nationals traveling to the United States to attend ACS Fall 2026 will need either a B-1 business visitor visa or, for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, an approved ESTA authorization. The B-1 visa is the appropriate category for attending a scientific or professional convention or conference. VWP travelers can enter for business for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a U.S. bound airplane or vessel. ACS provides visa letter support for presenters and attendees to assist with visa applications

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: B-1 visa processing time varies by U.S. embassy or consulate and can take from a few days to several months depending on interview wait times. ESTA is typically processed within minutes, though a small percentage may take up to 72 hours

ACS Fall 2026 presenters can download personalized visa letters through MAPS (https://acsmaps.abstractcentral.com/members/client/acs.jsp) once their abstract is accepted. Attendees who are not presenters can access a general visa letter in the ACS Registration Resource Center. For personalized letters, contact ACS Member & Subscriber Services at service@acs.org or +1 (800) 333-9511 (U.S. & Canada) / +1 (614) 447-3776 (International). Presenters who are denied visas or face processing delays may receive a full refund with no administrative fee; proof of denial is required. ACS recommends checking for travel bans before making arrangements and ensuring all travel documents are in order well in advance of departure

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Check-in (recommended)

2026-08-23

Check-out (recommended)

2026-08-27

Areas to stay

McCormick Place / Near South Side · South Loop · Downtown / Magnificent Mile

Budget

$185 - $224

Book

Mid-Range

$229 - $269

Book

Premium

$255 - $301

Book

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: From O'Hare International Airport (ORD, 18 miles, ~30 min drive): take the CTA Blue Line to downtown, then transfer to the Green Line toward Cermak-McCormick Place station, a 7-minute walk from McCormick Place West. From Midway International Airport (MDW, 11 miles, ~20 min drive): take the CTA Orange Line to downtown, then transfer to the Green Line. Shared-ride taxis from O'Hare cost $30 per person and from Midway $22 per person to McCormick Place

Hotel → venue: A complimentary ACS shuttle bus runs between official ACS hotels and McCormick Place Convention Center, though service is limited as most hotels are within walking distance. Hotels within the McCormick Place complex (Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis) are not served by the shuttle. The CTA Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place station is a 7-minute walk from the West Building. Metra Electric District provides a 7-minute direct route from Millennium Station to McCormick Place station on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse

Ride-hail: Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available throughout Chicago. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis. CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB can be used to e-Hail and e-Pay. Gate 40 on S. Indiana Ave. is the designated drop-off and pick-up area for taxis and cars

Public transit: CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place station ($2.50 per ride as of 2026). CTA bus routes #1, #3, #4, and #21 serve McCormick Place ($2.25 per ride). Metra Electric District from Millennium Station to McCormick Place station (Zone 2 fare, approximately $4.25 one-way). CTA/Pace 1-day pass is $5; 30-day pass is $75

Parking: McCormick Place has more than 5,500 parking spaces. Lot A: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16 to 24 hours; prepaid $40 per day. Lot B: flat $18 per day (no in-and-out privileges). Lot C: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16 to 24 hours. Overnight parking is available in Lot A only. Credit cards are accepted at parking pay stations and exit lanes

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: August

Temperature: 66.8°F – 81.6°F (average low – average high)

Seasonality: August 2026 recorded 5.02 inches of liquid precipitation, which is 0.77 inches above normal. Expect warm, sometimes humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms. The monthly mean temperature was 74.2°F

Packing: Bring light, breathable clothing for warm days, a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned indoor venues, comfortable walking shoes for the large McCormick Place campus, and an umbrella or rain jacket for occasional showers. Layers are recommended as indoor temperatures can vary significantly

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

Saturday, August 22, 7:00 AM:00 PMPick up your badge and registration credentials
Sunday, August 23, 1:00 PM:00 PMAttend the First-Time Attendee Orientation
Sunday, August 23, 4:00 PM:30 PMACS Board of Directors Open Meeting and ChemLuminary Awards
Monday, August 24, 11:00 AM:00 PMExplore the Expo Hall and visit exhibitors
Monday, August 24, 12:00 PM:00 PMPosters and Refresh & Connect Coffee Break
Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 AM:00 PMACS150 JACS Symposium Series: Chemistry is Everything
Tuesday, August 25, 5:00 PM:00 PMFred Kavli Innovations in Chemistry Lecture
Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 AM:00 PMFinal Expo Hall day; visit the ACS Career Fair and Pharma Zone

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Monday, August 24

Monday is the Expo Hall's opening day with the full schedule of exhibitors, opening entertainment from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, posters and Refresh & Connect Coffee Break from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, and the Kavli Foundation Emerging Leader in Chemistry Lecture in the evening. The Expo Hall is open 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving visitors the maximum time to explore all exhibits and networking opportunities

Register for the meeting and book your hotel through the ACS housing block — Advance registration ends July 23, 2026. Book hotel through SPARGO by July 31, 2026 to guarantee ACS discounted rates. (Guidance synthesized from official registration and hotel pages.)

Book flights and arrange ground transportation — ACS has negotiated discounts with Delta (Meeting Event Code: NY4SS) and United (Z Code: ZRCM, Agreement Code: 328842). Chicago has two airports: O'Hare (ORD, 18 miles) and Midway (MDW, 11 miles). (Guidance from official ACS travel page.)

Plan your session schedule using the ACS Meetings & Events Mobile App — The full meeting program is available in late June 2026. Use filters by division, date, session type, and location to build your onsite schedule. (Guidance from official ACS FAQ page.)

Pre-register for childcare if needed — Complimentary childcare is available for children aged 3. The deadline to pre-register is August 14, 2026. (Official deadline from ACS FAQ page.)

Review venue maps and plan your route to McCormick Place — The CTA Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place station is a 7-minute walk from McCormick Place West. Metra Electric District provides a 7-minute direct route from Millennium Station. Complimentary ACS shuttle runs between official hotels and the venue. (Guidance from official ACS travel and attendee resources pages.)

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for air-conditioned venues, and an umbrella — Late August in Chicago averages 66.8°F to 81.6°F with occasional thunderstorms. McCormick Place is a large campus with significant walking distances. (Guidance from National Weather Service climate data and venue information.)

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

09:00 to 10:30

Keynote Address and Opening Ceremony

Main Auditorium

10:45 to 12:30

Exhibition Hall Floor Tour and B2B Meetings

Exhibition Halls

13:30 to 15:00

Technical Innovation Stream and Case Studies

Conference Room A

15:30 to 17:00

Industry Networking Reception

Networking Lounge

Monday, August 24, 12:00 PM:00 PM

Posters and Refresh & Connect Coffee Break

Expo Hall, Exhibit Hall F1

Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 AM:00 PM

ACS150 JACS Symposium Series: Chemistry is Everything

McCormick Place, Skyline Ballroom

Tuesday, August 25, 5:00 PM:00 PM

Fred Kavli Innovations in Chemistry Lecture

McCormick Place, Skyline Ballroom

Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 AM:00 PM

Final Expo Hall day; visit the ACS Career Fair and Pharma Zone

Exhibit Hall F1, Level 3, West Building

Side trips

Field Museum

Museum

World-renowned natural history museum featuring the largest and most complete T. rex fossil, 'Sue.' A top Chicago attraction just minutes from the convention center

Located on the Museum Campus, near McCormick Place

Adler Planetarium

Museum

America's first planetarium, offering immersive space science exhibits and stunning views of the Chicago skyline from its lakefront location

Located on the Museum Campus, near McCormick Place

Shedd Aquarium

Museum

One of the first inland aquariums in the world, home to more than 32,000 animals including belugas, dolphins, and sea otters

Located on the Museum Campus, near McCormick Place

Glessner House

Historic House

A National Historic Landmark and architectural masterpiece by Henry Hobson Richardson, offering guided tours of 19th-century Chicago life

Near McCormick Place

Ping Tom Park

Park

A scenic park along the Chicago River in Chinatown, featuring a pagoda, boat house, and views of the skyline. Great for a relaxing walk

Near McCormick Place

Prairie Avenue District

Historic District

Chicago's first Gold Coast, once home to prominent families including the Armours and Pullmans. Features historic architecture and the Clarke House Museum

Near McCormick Place

Lakefront Trail

Outdoor Recreation

An 18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan, ideal for walking, running, or biking with stunning water and skyline views

Adjacent to McCormick Place

Grant Park

Park

Chicago's 'front yard,' home to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Buckingham Fountain

Near McCormick Place

Soldier Field

Stadium

Historic home of the Chicago Bears and a venue for concerts and events, located on the lakefront Museum Campus

Near McCormick Place

Chinese American Museum of Chicago

Museum

Preserves and promotes the history, culture, and heritage of Chinese Americans in the Midwest through exhibitions and programs

Near McCormick Place in Chinatown

Networking spots

ACS Connect Reception

Networking Reception

Held Sunday, August 23, 6:30 PM:30 PM at McCormick Place. A prime opportunity to network with fellow chemists, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Drink tickets available for $15 each

Refresh & Connect Coffee Break

Networking Break

Daily from Monday to Wednesday, 12:00 PM:00 PM in the Expo Hall. A relaxed setting to meet attendees and exhibitors over coffee

Exhibitors' Lounge

Exhibitor Networking

Exclusive access for exhibitors to network and recharge during the show

C&EN Future of Chemistry Events

Community Networking

Includes a community trivia event at Fatpour on August 23 (3-5 PM) and the Talented 12 Symposium on August 24 (2-5 PM, Room W190b)

ACS Kids Zone

Family Event

Held Saturday, August 22, 11:00 AM:00 PM at Navy Pier (next to the Children's Museum), 600 E. Grand Ave. A fun science outreach event for families

Budget

Costs & budget

Public booth pricing is not published on the ACS Fall 2026 website. Booth options include standard booths, Pharma Zone booths, Career Fair tables, and dedicated kiosk spaces for small businesses and non-profits. Full pricing is available by downloading the ACS Fall 2026 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus via the official form (https://www.acs.org/events/fall/exhibitor-sponsor-prospectus.html). The standard booth size is 10'x10' (approximately 9.29 sqm), as stated in the official exhibitor FAQ: 'Two (2) Exhibitor Full Conference badges are included with each 10'x10' booth space' (https://connect.discoveracs.org/ACSFall2026ExpoFAQs)