October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    13–21 Feb 2027

    City / country

    Chicago, USA

    Venue

    McCormick Place

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Chicago Auto Show, taking place from February 13 to 21, 2027, at McCormick Place, is a premier automotive event showcasing the latest vehicles and innovations in the industry.

    Attendees can expect a variety of attractions, including test drives and special events, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Edition Dates: The Chicago Auto Show runs February 13-21, 2027 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
    2. 2Venue: McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois hosts the nine-day show.
    3. 3Product Focus: The show presents the latest vehicles and automotive technology.
    4. 4Special Programme: The show includes Automotive Career Day and First Responders Day.
    5. 5Tickets: Tickets are available online in advance of the show.

    Why visit

    Visitors will have the opportunity to see the latest automotive innovations, participate in test drives, and engage with industry experts. Edition Dates: The Chicago Auto Show runs February 13-21, 2027 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Venue: McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois hosts the nine-day show.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors gain visibility among a diverse audience, access to potential customers, and the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies in a competitive environment. The Chicago Auto Show is a significant event in the automotive industry, attracting manufacturers, media, and consumers. It provides a platform for showcasing new technologies and vehicles, fostering connections between industry players and the public.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Automotive enthusiasts
    Industry professionals
    Families looking for entertainment
    Students interested in automotive careers
    Media representatives
    Local community members

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Automobile manufacturers
    Parts suppliers
    Automotive technology companies
    Dealerships
    Accessory manufacturers
    Service providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Electric vehicles and hybrids
    Luxury cars
    SUVs and trucks
    Motorcycles and recreational vehicles
    Automotive accessories
    Aftermarket parts

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    McCormick Place

    Chicago, IL, USA

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    1,000,000

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The Chicago Auto Show, taking place from February 13 to 21, 2027, at McCormick Place, is a premier automotive event showcasing the latest vehicles and innovations in the industry. Attendees can expect a variety of attractions, including test drives and special events, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts. The Chicago Auto Show is a significant event in the automotive industry, attracting manufacturers, media, and consumers. It provides a platform for showcasing.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Automotive enthusiasts, Industry professionals, Families looking for entertainment, Students interested in automotive careers. Dates: February 13-21, 2027. Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Showcasing the latest vehicles and automotive technology. Special events including Automotive Career Day and First Responders Day. Chicago Auto Show attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors gain visibility among a diverse audience, access to potential customers, and the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies in a competitive environment. The Chicago Auto Show is a significant event in the automotive industry, attracting manufacturers, media, and consumers. It provides a platform for showcasing new technologies and vehicles, fostering connections between industry players and the public. Exhibitor categories include Automobile manufacturers, Parts suppliers, Automotive.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    Midwest USA — Chicago metropolitan area, Illinois (McCormick Place convention campus, South Loop / lakefront)

    Why it matters

    The Chicago Auto Show is the largest consumer auto show in North America, staged at McCormick Place across nine days in February. For brands it is a mass-reach consumer and dealer touchpoint rather than a pure trade fair: OEMs use it for model debuts, indoor test drives and incentive messaging aimed at Midwest buyers, while the surrounding media/preview window reaches national automotive press. For suppliers and service providers the show is a route to Midwest dealer groups, fleet buyers and their purchasing decisions, concentrated in one city over one week.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    North American auto show and automotive trade circuit

    Space and launch decisions for the following season are usually locked 6–9 months ahead, with reveal scheduling clustered in the northern-hemisphere autumn and winter.

    The Chicago show sits inside a calendar of US consumer and trade automotive events; exhibitors typically plan stand budgets and launch windows across the whole circuit rather than in isolation.

    Mid-winter (January–February)

    Detroit, Chicago

    Consumer-facing North American show season concentrated in the Midwest.

    Spring (March–April)

    New York International Auto Show

    East-coast consumer show, often used for spring product news.

    Autumn (November–January)

    SEMA ShowLos Angeles Auto ShowCES

    Aftermarket and technology-led circuit.

    Peer events and websites are listed from public event-circuit knowledge; verify dates and formats on each organiser site before planning.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

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

    Hotel tiers

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

    Budget
    Bronzeville / South Loop (Cermak-McCormick Place)

    Not yet confirmed

    Chicago South Loop Hotel and similar properties ~0.8 mi from McCormick Place; Green Line at Cermak-McCormick Place.

    source
    Mid-range
    McCormick Square / South Loop (skybridge hotels)

    Not yet confirmed

    Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites at 123 E Cermak — skybridge to McCormick Place West Building.

    source
    Premium
    South Loop / Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

    Not yet confirmed

    Hyatt Regency McCormick Place skybridge to North Building; Marriott Marquis Chicago on Prairie Avenue.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    train

    Estimated costUSD 5.00 CTA premium fare from O'Hare plus USD 2.50 Green Line ride (roughly USD 5.00–7.50 total, off-peak estimate)
    Best forCTA Blue Line from O'Hare (ORD) to Clark/Lake, transfer to Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place

    About 50–60 minutes door-to-door; Cermak-McCormick Place station is a short walk from the West Building. Ventra card or contactless payment required.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 55–75 taxi estimate / USD 45–70 rideshare estimate
    Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to McCormick Place

    About 20 mi (32 km); 30–50 minutes off-peak, up to 75 minutes in rush hour or snow.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–50 taxi estimate / USD 28–45 rideshare estimate
    Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to McCormick Place

    About 12 mi (19 km); 20–35 minutes off-peak. Midway is the shorter transfer of the two Chicago airports.

    train

    Estimated costUSD 4.00–5.50 one way (Metra zone fare estimate)
    Best forMetra Electric District: Millennium Station (downtown) to McCormick Place station

    Direct 10-minute ride to the convention campus; the most practical downtown-hotel-to-venue option on show days.

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 2.50 Ventra fare per ride (estimate)
    Best forCTA buses #3 (King Drive) and #21 (Cermak) to McCormick Place

    Useful from South Loop and Michigan Avenue hotels; slower than rail during peak traffic.

    car_parking

    Estimated costEUR 15–30 / USD 18–35 daily venue parking
    Best forOn-site facility parking at McCormick Place (Lots A/B/C and Economy Lot)

    Pre-purchase parking online during show week; lots fill early on weekend days and gate rates may differ for event days.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business Visitor VisaForeign nationals traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business, including attending a business convention or conference, unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.$185.00Apply in advance at a U.S. embassy or consulate before travel; an interview is typically required.
    Visa Waiver Program (visa not required)Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the United States for temporary business, including attending a business convention or conference.$21.00ESTA approval usually within 72 hours online.

    Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for temporary business, including attending a convention or trade show, without a visa; most other nationalities must obtain a B-1 visitor visa.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    February is Chicago's deep-winter month: typical highs of 33–38°F (1–3°C) and overnight lows of 19–24°F (-7 to -4°C), with lakefront wind chill making it feel colder, and February averaging around 10 in (25 cm) of snow. Expect a snow/rain mix, icy sidewalks and possible flight or road delays — build buffer time into arrival and departure days.

    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.

    Tipping and service charges

    Tipping is expected in the USA: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, USD 1–2 per drink at bars, and 15–20% for taxis/rideshare. Chicago adds a combined sales tax of roughly 10.25% on retail, restaurant and hotel bills, which is additional to the listed price.

    Business dress for a February show

    Business casual is standard on the show floor, but February in Chicago demands a heavy coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant footwear; connected hotels and the halls have interior walkways but outdoor transfers are cold and often icy.

    Business etiquette

    Punctuality is expected for meetings, first-name greetings are normal and business cards are exchanged freely at stands. Alcohol service requires photo ID for anyone who may appear under 21, and legal drinking age is 21.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: ORD

    Book flights to ORD when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare MDW only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Foreign nationals traveling to the United States for temporary business, including attending a convention or trade show, generally require a visitor (B) visa unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for temporary business, including attending a convention or trade show, without a visa; most other nationalities must obtain a B-1 visitor visa.

    Official

    Hotels

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

    Areas to stay

    Bronzeville / South Loop (Cermak-McCormick Place) · McCormick Square / South Loop (skybridge hotels) · South Loop / Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

    budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    mid range

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    premium

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: ORD or MDW to McCormick Place: CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place, or Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near McCormick Place: Bronzeville / South Loop (Cermak-McCormick Place); McCormick Square / South Loop (skybridge hotels); South Loop / Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chicago; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place; Metra Electric to convention campus; Loop hotels require transit (~15 min).

    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: February 2027

    Temperature: Highs 33–38°F (1–3°C); lows 19–24°F (-7 to -4°C); lakefront wind chill regularly pushes the felt temperature well below freezing

    Seasonality: February is one of Chicago's snowiest months (average around 10 in / 25 cm of snow) with a mix of snow, sleet and rain, occasional multi-day cold snaps and strong lakefront winds. Pack a heavy coat, gloves and waterproof boots and allow buffer time for flight and road delays.

    Packing: February is one of Chicago's snowiest months (average around 10 in / 25 cm of snow) with a mix of snow, sleet and rain, occasional multi-day cold snaps and strong lakefront winds. Pack a heavy coat, gloves and waterproof boots and allow buffer time for flight and road delays.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 February 2027 (midweek days in the middle of the run)

    The 2027 show runs Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 February, spanning two weekends. Opening weekend and the closing weekend carry the heaviest consumer traffic and the longest test-drive and feature-queue waits; midweek days in between (typically Tuesday–Thursday) draw thinner crowds, give better access to brand staff for questions and demonstrations, and leave evenings free for downtown networking. Midweek also gives better hotel availability and lower South Loop rates than the weekends.

    12

    Confirm passport and US entry requirements — Check passport validity and determine whether you need a US B-1 visitor visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program before booking for the February 2027 show.

    11

    Book flights to Chicago — Compare fares into Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) or Chicago Midway International (MDW); book early for the February 13-21, 2027 dates.

    10

    Reserve a hotel near McCormick Place — Choose a downtown Chicago or McCormick Place area hotel and check cancellation terms for show week.

    9

    Register and secure your visitor badge — Complete online registration at chicagoautoshow.com and keep the confirmation for badge pickup.

    8

    Download the hall plan and show programme — Review the McCormick Place floor plan and session schedule to prioritise exhibits.

    7

    Pre-schedule B2B and exhibitor meetings — Email exhibitors of interest to lock in meeting slots before the show opens.

    6

    Shortlist exhibits, sessions and special days — Note Automotive Career Day, First Responders Day and any vehicle debuts you want to see.

    5

    Plan local transport to the venue — Compare taxi, rideshare and Chicago Transit options from your hotel to McCormick Place.

    4

    Prepare meeting documents and business cards — Print or save brochures, spec sheets and a contact list for on-site meetings.

    3

    Confirm packing for long show days — Wear comfortable shoes and carry a light layer for long days walking the McCormick Place halls.

    2

    Confirm tickets, badge QR and meeting times — Have your ticket or badge QR and a printed meeting schedule ready for arrival.

    1

    Arrive in Chicago and collect your badge — Allow extra time on Day 1 for badge collection and an initial walk of the halls.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00–10:30

    Arrive at McCormick Place West Building, clear badge/security, collect a floor plan and walk the main OEM halls before crowds build.

    McCormick Place West / Grand Concourse
    10:30–12:30

    Target-brand deep dive: full-size trucks, three-row SUVs and electrified line-ups; book any indoor test-drive or ride-along slot early to avoid queues.

    North and South exhibition halls
    12:30–13:30

    Lunch and networking with dealer principals, fleet buyers and supplier contacts; capture contacts while the halls are still active.

    Venue concessions or a connected hotel restaurant (Hyatt Regency / Marriott Marquis)
    13:30–16:30

    Second pass on accessories/aftermarket, EV charging and tech exhibits, plus any scheduled speaker or campfire sessions; finish with competitor pricing and incentive notes.

    McCormick Place halls and feature stages

    Side trips

    2

    Downtown Chicago: Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile and the Riverwalk

     

     

     

    Oak Park: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

     

     

     

    Networking spots

    3

    Hyatt Regency McCormick Place lobby and bar

     

     

     

    Marriott Marquis Chicago public areas

     

     

     

    Chinatown (Cermak Rd / Wentworth Ave)

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 Business Visitor Visa

    USD 185 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Visa Waiver Program (visa not required)

    USD 21 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You need hands-on product comparison, dealer/fleet conversations and market intel from the largest US consumer auto show; a single midweek day covers the main halls.

    Best for

    Dealers, fleet buyers, enthusiasts and product/market researchers who want to compare new models, EVs, trucks and accessories in person and capture Midwest consumer sentiment.

    Min. budget

    $720.00

    Timeline

    Domestic: 4–8 weeks (book hotel as soon as show-week rates open). International: 3–5 months to allow for a B-1 visa interview slot.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    February weather in Chicago can delay flights and road transfers (snow/ice).

    Show-week hotel rates near McCormick Place spike; downtown South Loop inventory sells out first.

    exhibit

    You have an active US Midwest sales channel or a launch/model-debut objective and can staff a stand for all public days, including two weekends.

    Best for

    OEMs, EV/charging brands, aftermarket, accessories, dealer services and mobility tech targeting Midwest dealers plus roughly a million consumer visitors across the run.

    Min. budget

    $3,600.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months: space application and hall allocation, stand design/build, freight and customs, staff travel, plus badge/lead-capture setup.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Large-display consumer shows carry high build/logistics cost per square foot; raw space is only part of the spend.

    Consumer-heavy traffic needs strong lead qualification and dealer follow-up to convert.

    skip

    February travel budget or calendar is already committed; use Detroit, Los Angeles, New York or SEMA/CES as lower-cost alternatives for US market contact.

    Best for

    Teams with no US or Midwest sales channel, no dealer/fleet interest and no launch objective in the North American market.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Not applicable.

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Chicago Auto Show
    Official imagery from Chicago Auto Show

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    Sources

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