CHICAGO COLLECTIVE - MEN'S EDITION 2026

Name: CHICAGO COLLECTIVE - MEN'S EDITION 2026
Start: 2026-08-01
End: 2026-08-04
Location: The Mart

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at CHICAGO COLLECTIVE - MEN'S EDITION 2026 include 04651, 34 Heritage, 40 Colori, 7 Diamonds and 7 Downie St.

04651
34 Heritage
40 Colori
7 Diamonds
7 Downie St.

Event overview

Overview

CHICAGO COLLECTIVE - MEN'S EDITION 2026 is North America's premier trade show for fine men's classic and contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Convening at The Mart in Chicago from August 1 to 4, 2026, the exhibition features over 500 top international brands displaying tailored clothing, sportswear, furnishings, leather goods, and custom made-to-measure solutions.

Spanning the entire 7th Floor and expanded space on the 4th Floor of the historic Merchandise Mart, the show utilizes a modern open-booth layout that facilitates efficient buyer-vendor interactions and order placement.

TL;DR

1Features 500+ premier international menswear brands across classic, contemporary, tailored, sportswear, and footwear categories.
2Covers the massive 7th floor footprint plus 33,000 square feet on the 4th floor at The Mart in Chicago.
3Open exclusively to verified independent retail buyers, specialty store owners, and department store merchandisers.
4Offers a Buyer Travel Reimbursement Program providing up to $150 back for qualified buyers booking through official hotel partners.
5Features high-touch hospitality, specialty espresso bars, happy hours, network receptions, and national pavilion showcases like the Italian Trade Agency.

Why visit

Attending Chicago Collective provides menswear buyers and store owners with a comprehensive one-stop sourcing destination featuring more than 500 premier brands. Buyers benefit from the Buyer Travel Reimbursement Program, complimentary floor hospitality, and convenient access in downtown Chicago.

Why exhibit

Exhibiting at the Chicago Collective Men's Edition connects brand owners directly with qualified, decision-making buyers from leading independent specialty stores and major retail chains across North America. The show's open-booth format creates maximum visual visibility and foot traffic, while curated amenities keep buyers on the show floor for all four days.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Specialty Store Retailers & Boutique Owners

Department Store Apparel Buyers

E-commerce Retail Merchandisers

Made-To-Measure & Tailoring Specialists

Retail Executives & Fashion Directors

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Menswear Brands & Apparel Manufacturers

Tailored Suiting & Made-To-Measure Vendors

Footwear & Leather Goods Designers

Men's Accessory & Furnishings Companies

Outerwear & Sportswear Labels

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Men's Tailored Clothing & Suits

Contemporary & Casual Sportswear

Men's Footwear & Leather Shoes

Furnishings, Ties & Pocket Squares

Outerwear, Jackets & Knitwear

Men's Accessories, Belts & Leather Goods

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

7th Floor4th Floor

The Mart

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 60654 Chicago, USA

Entrances & gates

Main Lobby Entrance

4th Floor7th Floor

Primary entrance from Merchandise Mart Plaza with elevator access to all show floors.

Floor plans & maps

Floor plan (PDF)Floor plan Official venue page

Facilities

Parking

Discounted validated parking for registered buyers is available at the MartParc Kinzie/Wells garage for $15/day; bring your parking ticket to the registration desk for validation. The MartParc Orleans Garage is no longer included in the discounted validation.

$15.00/day

Parking: The Mart offers on-site parking via an attached garage with direct building access; public parking rates and details are provided on the venue’s website.

Gate: Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition 2026 occupies the full 7th Floor and expanded space on the 4th Floor of The Mart; buyers access the show via The Mart’s main lobby and elevators.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Event daysDetailed buyer hours for each show day are not yet published

Event daysrefer to the Chicago Collective Men’s Edition homepage and FAQs for updated hours closer to the event

Qualified Retail Buyer
Requires pre-registration or on-site credential verification (business license, tax ID, payroll stub/W-2). Returning buyers receive badges automatically.
Buyer Guest Pass
Each registered buyer is allowed one (1) guest badge for a non-employee (family, friend, or consultant) registered online or on-site.

Ticket info

Badge collection

Chicago Collective is open to the trade only and requires pre-registration for buyers. Returning buyers who have attended previous editions do not need to register again; their badges are sent by email and should be printed before arrival. New buyers must complete the online registration form and submit required credentials. Badges are required to enter the show and are checked at the entrance. Each registered buyer is allowed one guest, but valid store employees should be registered as buyers rather than guests. Guests do not receive complimentary buyer amenities such as lunch and happy hours.

Ticket notes

There is no public ticket sale; admission is free for qualified trade buyers who meet credential requirements. Buyers must provide photo identification, business credentials (such as a business license, tax ID, or lease), and employment identification (such as a payroll stub or business card). Registration includes acceptance of event rules and guidelines and consent to receive event-related communications.

Registration deadline

Qualified buyers are encouraged to pre-register online before August 1, 2026; returning buyers should confirm badge receipt by the date specified in the organiser’s email, while new buyers must submit credentials in advance for approval.

Build-up & tear-down

Setup starts30 Jul 2026

Setup ends1 Aug 2026

Teardown starts4 Aug 2026

Teardown ends5 Aug 2026

Who runs the show

Organisers

Chicago Collective

Event Organiser

Website

Chicago Collective Show Office

Buyer & Exhibitor Inquiries

Email Call Website

Exhibitor Relations – Chicago Collective Men’s Edition

Exhibitor Applications

Email Website

What's on

Programme

Government supporters

Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

National Trade Promotion Agency supporting Italian menswear pavilion

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2025

Completed

Visitors: 10,000

Exhibitors: 400

This edition

2026

Next edition

2026

Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition 2026 will run August 1–4 at The Mart in Chicago, occupying Floors 4 and 7 and positioning itself again as North America’s premier menswear trade show. Organiser messaging highlights over 500 exhibitors representing hundreds of brands across classic and contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories, suggesting continued growth beyond the 400+ exhibitors reported for Summer 2025.

Further expansion of exhibitor count toward 500+ brands across Floors 4 and 7. Stronger integration of lifestyle, footwear, and accessories alongside core apparel. Continued emphasis on open-booth layouts to improve visibility and traffic flow. Potentially more international pavilions and curated brand showcases.

Growth over time

Edition recap

The Chicago Collective Men’s Summer 2025 edition continued its evolution as North America’s premier menswear trade show, bringing together over 400 exhibitors representing the finest brands in classic and contemporary apparel, accessories, and footwear. Hosted at The Mart in Chicago, the show’s open-booth layout across multiple floors provided strong visibility and sustained traffic, with buyers from specialty stores, department chains, and e-commerce platforms actively writing orders and discovering new lines. External data sources and organiser messaging indicate an estimated turnout of around 10,000 trade visitors, underscoring the show’s role as a key seasonal buying destination for the menswear market.

New this edition

1
Expanded Floors 4 & 7 Layout
Recent editions have expanded the show footprint across both the 4th and 7th floors at The Mart, creating larger open-booth layouts and improved traffic flow for buyers and exhibitors.
Source
2
Italian Trade Agency Pavilion
Chicago Collective partners with the Italian Trade Agency to host a dedicated pavilion spotlighting over 60 ‘Made in Italy’ menswear and accessories brands on the show floor.
Source

Photos

Summer edition buyers viewing collections in open-booth layouts at Chicago Collective.

Wide-angle shot of the Chicago Collective menswear hall at The Mart showing strong exhibitor presence.

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Chicago Collective Men’s Summer 2025 reinforced the show’s position as North America’s premier menswear market by assembling over 400 exhibitors across classic tailoring, contemporary sportswear, footwear, and accessories in one location. The event delivered a true one-stop sourcing experience for specialty stores, department buyers, and international retailers, combining established labels such as Ralph Lauren, Gran Sasso, and Crockett & Jones with newer contemporary brands. The open-booth format and multi-floor layout at The Mart created strong visibility and efficient traffic patterns, allowing buyers to discover new lines and deepen existing relationships within a concentrated four-day window.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Chicago Collective attracts a curated trade-only audience of menswear buyers from independent specialty stores, major department stores, and select international retailers. The Summer 2025 edition drew decision-makers focused on apparel, accessories, and footwear, many of whom treat the show as their primary seasonal market. Organiser messaging and buyer registration rules emphasize credentialed attendance, which keeps the floor focused on professional purchasing rather than casual visitors.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors at the 2025 show benefited from concentrated access to high-value buyers who came specifically to place orders and review upcoming collections. The mix of classic and contemporary brands and the multi-floor layout encouraged cross-shopping, increasing the chances that new labels would be noticed alongside established names. Organiser communications describe the event as a one-stop shop for menswear and lifestyle, underlining its importance as a key investment in North American market coverage for brands seeking sustained store relationships and reorder potential.

Intelligence

Exhibitors

Top exhibitor countries

Top 9 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.

United States
11
Germany
3
Italy
3
Canada
3
Portugal
1
Netherlands
1
Monaco
1
France
1
United Kingdom
1

Category breakdown

25Exhibitors

1~7

estimate

2~6

estimate

3~3

estimate

National pavilions

United States

~11 stands

estimate

Germany

~3 stands

estimate

Italy

~3 stands

estimate

Canada

~3 stands

estimate

Portugal

~1 stands

estimate

Netherlands

~1 stands

estimate

Monaco

~1 stands

estimate

France

~1 stands

estimate

United Kingdom

~1 stands

estimate

Official pavilions

Italian Trade Agency Pavilion

Officially Confirmed

Hall Floor 7 · Coord. Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

Buyer targets

High priority

Buyers sourcing

Apparel and Fashion

Buyers sourcing

Tailoring and Bespoke Menswear

Buyers sourcing

Other Menswear Suppliers

Buyers sourcing

Outerwear

Buyers sourcing

Footwear

Medium priority

Buyers sourcing

Textiles and Fabrics

Buyers sourcing

Menswear Suppliers (profile Pending)

Buyers sourcing

Accessories

Intelligence

Market context

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

North America (menswear wholesale market), with global sourcing and circuit context

Why it matters

Chicago Collective Men's sits at a moment when North American menswear buying is being reshaped by two forces at once: a style pivot toward relaxed, heritage-driven tailoring and premium positioning, and a sourcing environment still recalibrating after a year of sharp US tariff swings. For the 500+ brands and specialty, department-store and e-commerce buyers who use the show, that combination raises the value of face-to-face buying in the room, since retailers need to assess both design direction and a brand's sourcing resilience before committing to orders for the season ahead. As one of the only large-scale, dedicated menswear markets in the US Midwest, Chicago Collective functions as a checkpoint between the summer Las Vegas and New York wholesale weeks and the following January's European shows, letting buyers calibrate orders around tariff-driven cost changes before the bigger commitments made at Pitti Uomo and the New York fall markets.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Relaxed tailoring replaces rigid suiting

Trend data shows a sharp swing away from stiff, structured suiting toward fluid, drape-forward tailoring, with search interest in relaxed-fit tailoring up several hundred percent year over year. Heritage houses are leading with softer shoulders, darted trousers and oversized lapels, a direction directly relevant to Chicago Collective's tailored-clothing and made-to-measure exhibitor base.

Source

Premiumization over volume growth

Menswear growth is increasingly coming from higher price points rather than unit volume, with heritage and craftsmanship positioning outperforming mass basics. Analysts point to strong organic growth in menswear categories at major luxury groups in 2025, driven by heritage-inspired collections and limited editions rather than discounting.

Source

Tariff volatility is reshaping sourcing strategy

2026 tariff swings (from IEEPA-era rates as high as 37-49% down to a uniform 10% Section 122 rate, with further changes pending) have made diversified, multi-country sourcing a top priority for brands and buyers, ahead of factory efficiency. Buyers attending North American wholesale shows are increasingly screening exhibitors on sourcing-country exposure rather than price alone.

Source

Wholesale platforms and digitized buying gain ground

Even as sourcing fragments, wholesale channels are seeing renewed emphasis versus pure direct-to-consumer strategies, aided by digital ordering platforms and AI-driven inventory forecasting that let retail buyers place and manage orders more efficiently around in-person market weeks like Chicago Collective.

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Supreme Court strikes down IEEPA reciprocal tariffs on apparel

Read

Uniform 10% Section 122 tariff takes effect on apparel imports

Read

EU-US trade deal changes tariff treatment for European apparel

Read

US apparel tariff rate hit decade high before easing

Read

North American and transatlantic menswear market circuit, August 2026 - January 2027

August 2026 - January 2027

Chicago Collective Men's opens a run of wholesale markets and sourcing shows that carry buyers and brands through the rest of 2026 and into the next European season. MAGIC Las Vegas and the Javits Center's Coterie/MAGIC New York shows are the closest same-season US alternatives for menswear-adjacent wholesale buying, while MICAM Milano and Munich Fabric Start's reVIEW give footwear and textile sourcing counterparts in Europe. Pitti Uomo 111 in January 2027 is the marquee international menswear event that follows, where Fall/Winter 2027-28 collections are set and many US buyers who attend Chicago Collective also travel.

10–12 Aug 2026

MAGIC Las Vegas

Las Vegas, USA

Fall edition covers Spring/Summer 2027 collections; largest concentrated US buying period of the two annual editions.

website

23–25 Aug 2026

Chicago Collective - Women's Edition

Chicago, USA

Shares venue (The Mart) and buyer base with Chicago Collective Men's; useful for cross-category retail buyers.

website

1–2 Sep 2026

Munich Fabric Start reVIEW

Munich, Germany

Companion 'VIEW Premium Selection' date to the main July Munich Fabric Start edition; sourcing-focused rather than a buyer wholesale show.

website

9–11 Sep 2026

COTERIE New York

New York, USA

Primarily contemporary womenswear-led, but co-located with Informa's broader MAGIC sourcing and apparel programming that overlaps with menswear buyers.

website

13–15 Sep 2026

MICAM Milano

Milan (Rho), Italy

Runs in parallel with MIPEL leather-goods fair at Fiera Milano; over 1,000 footwear brands expected.

website

12–15 Jan 2027

Pitti Immagine Uomo 111

Florence, Italy

Many US specialty buyers and international brands who show at Chicago Collective Men's also travel to Pitti Uomo; over 700 brands expected across five sections.

website

Summer 2026 US wholesale window

Chicago Collective - Men's EditionMAGIC Las VegasChicago Collective - Women's Edition

Concentrated three-week span in August 2026 covering the bulk of US menswear and cross-category wholesale buying for Spring/Summer 2027.

Early autumn sourcing and adjacent-category window

Munich Fabric Start reVIEWCOTERIE New YorkMICAM Milano

Early September 2026 cluster of textile sourcing, contemporary apparel and footwear-focused events that complement Chicago Collective's product categories.

Next-season European anchor event

Pitti Immagine Uomo 111

January 2027 marks the start of the Fall/Winter 2027-28 buying season and the next major international menswear showcase after Chicago Collective Men's 2026.

Event dates drawn from each organiser's official site or primary trade-show calendar as of July 2026; MAGIC Las Vegas, COTERIE, MICAM Milano and Pitti Uomo dates are organiser-confirmed. Munich Fabric Start's main July 2026 date has already passed as of the current edition scope, so only its September reVIEW companion date is listed.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

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

ORD

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago's primary international gateway with the most global connections; CTA Blue Line 'L' train runs directly to Clark/Lake station near The Mart in about 40-45 minutes.

approx. 17-18 miles (27-29 km) from The Mart

to venue

approx. 20-45 min by car/taxi depending on traffic (up to 90 min during rush hour)

by car

MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport

Closer, mainly domestic airport (heavily served by Southwest Airlines); CTA Orange Line 'L' train connects to Clark/Lake near The Mart in about 30-35 minutes.

approx. 11-12 miles (18-19 km) from The Mart

to venue

approx. 16-20 min by car/taxi

by car

Hotel tiers

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

budget

River North / Merchandise Mart Station area, walkable to The Mart

USD 100–150 / night

Estimate based on third-party travel-site listings (not official pricing); examples include Moxy Chicago Downtown and Aloft Chicago Downtown River North, both about 0.2 mi from Merchandise Mart Station.

mid range

River North, within walking distance of The Mart

USD 150–250 / night

Estimate based on third-party travel-site listings (not official pricing); examples include Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North and Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North.

premium

River North / Streeterville, short walk or ride to The Mart

USD 250–450 / night

Estimate based on third-party travel-site listings (not official pricing); examples include The Langham, Chicago and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, both upscale properties near the venue.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

walking

Estimated costFree

Best forFrom River North hotels to The Mart

Chicago Collective's official hotel partner onPeak lists hotels that are all within walking distance of the show, per the show's own FAQ page.

self-parking (discounted)

Estimated cost$14/day (valid 8am-8pm only; does not include overnight parking), per the show's official FAQ

Best forMartParc Wells garage, for registered buyers

Discounted parking is available for buyers only at the MartParc Wells garage; get your ticket validated at buyer registration. A separate Plan Your Trip page lists a MartParc Kinzie/Wells garage at $15/day, so confirm current pricing directly with the show closer to the date.

rideshare/taxi

Estimated costAirport trips typically $30-70 depending on airport and traffic; short downtown trips are usually low-cost

Best forFrom O'Hare or Midway airports, or between downtown hotels and The Mart

Rideshare and taxi are common for airport transfers and for hotels further from the venue; costs are third-party route estimates rather than official show pricing.

public transit (CTA 'L')

Estimated cost$2-5 per ride

Best forO'Hare (Blue Line) or Midway (Orange Line) to Clark/Lake station, near The Mart

The CTA 'L' train connects both Chicago airports directly to Clark/Lake, a short walk from The Mart; journey time is roughly 30-45 minutes depending on the airport.

wheelchair/mobility assistance

Estimated costFree

Best forOn-site at The Mart

Manual wheelchairs can be requested at no charge by calling the venue directly; reserving in advance is recommended to guarantee availability, per the show's official FAQ.

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	Non-U.S. citizens who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)/ESTA, or who plan to stay longer than 90 days or engage in activities beyond standard business-visitor rules	$185.00	Varies by consulate/embassy; typically several weeks including interview wait times, so applicants should apply well ahead of travel
ESTA / Visa Waiver Program (Business - WB status)	Citizens/nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for business purposes (including trade shows) for up to 90 days	$21.00	Online application, approval often within minutes to 72 hours; recommended to apply before booking travel
B-1/B-2 combined Visitor Visa	Travelers who plan to combine attending the trade show with tourism/personal travel in the same trip and are not VWP-eligible	$185.00	Same as standard B-1 processing; varies by consulate

Citizens/nationals of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can attend the trade show without a visa by obtaining ESTA authorization for stays up to 90 days. Travelers from all other countries generally need a B-1 (or B-1/B-2) visa. Some individual circumstances (dual nationality, prior travel to certain countries, criminal history, prior visa denials) can affect ESTA/VWP eligibility even for a listed country, so this is genuinely nationality- and case-dependent rather than a single fixed rule.

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of professional equipment, commercial samples, and exhibition/trade-show goods, which can simplify customs clearance for exhibitors bringing sample collections or display materials to The Mart in Chicago instead of paying duties/taxes upfront.

Official visa page

Weather

August is Chicago's warmest stretch of summer, with average highs around 80-82°F (27°C) easing toward the upper 70s°F (26°C) by month's end, and overnight lows in the mid-60s to upper-60s°F (19°C). Humidity is more common early in the month than late. Rain is possible on roughly a quarter to a third of days, sometimes as brief but heavy thunderstorms rather than sustained rain, so light layers plus a compact rain layer are practical.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Venue access connectivity: how the venue connects to airports, railway/metro/bus hubs, hotels, and major city landmarks. Do not describe Wi-Fi/SIM/mobile internet here.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

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

Business dress and tone

Menswear trade show culture at The Mart leans polished but practical: business casual to smart tailored looks are common on the buyer/exhibitor side, and many attendees treat their own outfit as a subtle showcase of the categories they represent.

Tipping norms

Tipping is standard in the US: about 18-20% at restaurants, 10-20% for taxis/rideshare, and a few dollars per bag or per night for hotel staff.

Direct, efficient business style

Chicago's wholesale trade culture tends to be direct and time-conscious; buyers and reps often move quickly between showroom appointments, so concise, well-prepared pitches are valued.

Weather-driven planning

Because Chicago summer weather can shift quickly from sun to sudden storms, locals and regular visitors keep plans flexible and always have a light rain layer on hand even on a sunny morning.

Downtown walkability

The Mart sits in the River North area, a dense, walkable part of downtown Chicago; many attendees walk or take a short rideshare between nearby hotels, restaurants, and the venue rather than driving for every trip.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Visa

Whether a visa is required depends on nationality: travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter for business on ESTA authorization instead of a visa (for stays up to 90 days); travelers from all other countries generally need a B-1 (or B-1/B-2) business visitor visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Processing: ESTA: minutes to 72 hours online; B-1 visa: several weeks depending on consulate wait times and interview scheduling

Because eligibility and required document type vary by nationality and individual travel history, attendees should verify their specific situation directly on the U.S. Department of State or CBP websites well before booking travel.

Official

Transport

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

Airport → venue: Approx. 20-45 min drive from O'Hare (about 17-18 miles, longer in rush-hour traffic); approx. 16-20 min drive from Midway (about 11-12 miles). CTA 'L' trains (Blue Line from O'Hare, Orange Line from Midway) reach Clark/Lake station, a short walk from The Mart, in roughly 30-45 minutes.

Hotel → venue: Most official onPeak-listed hotels are within walking distance of The Mart, per the show's own FAQ; hotels further away can use a short rideshare or taxi ride.

Ride-hail: Widely available throughout downtown Chicago for airport transfers or trips from hotels not within walking distance.

Public transit: CTA 'L' train (Blue and Orange Lines) connects both airports to Clark/Lake station near The Mart; the Merchandise Mart 'L' station itself is directly adjacent to the venue.

Parking: Discounted validated parking for registered buyers only is available at the MartParc Wells garage for $14/day (8am-8pm, no overnight parking), per the show's official FAQ; validate your ticket at buyer registration.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: August

Temperature: approx. 67-82°F (19-27°C), with occasional days into the 90s°F (32°C+)

Seasonality: Chicago's warm, sometimes humid summer continues into August; rain is intermittent, often arriving as brief but heavy thunderstorms rather than sustained rainfall.

Packing: Light, breathable clothing for warm days, a light layer for cooler evenings and heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces, and a compact rain layer or umbrella for sudden storms.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Sunday, August 2, 2026

Per the show's official hours, Saturday is a shortened preview day (12-6pm) and Tuesday closes early (8am-3pm), while Sunday and Monday run the full 8am-6pm schedule. Sunday is the first full day, giving visitors the widest exhibitor availability and appointment flexibility before the week progresses.

T-14

Register and save badge confirmation — Returning buyers get an automatic emailed badge; new buyers should register online for a print-at-home badge, per the show's official FAQ.

T-13

Confirm visa or entry eligibility — Check whether your nationality requires ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a B-1 business visa before booking travel.

T-12

Book flights and hotel through onPeak — Book through onPeak, the show's only endorsed hotel partner, to remain eligible for the Buyer Hotel Reimbursement Program (up to $150/$50 per night, up to 3 nights).

T-10

Shortlist target exhibitors and brands by floor — The show spans the 4th and 7th floors of The Mart; review the brand list by floor to plan an efficient route.

T-9

Prepare meeting requests and follow-up template — The show is appointment-driven, though walk-ins to booths are allowed, per the official FAQ.

T-7

Plan airport-to-venue and hotel-to-venue transport — Most official onPeak hotels are within walking distance of The Mart; otherwise plan CTA 'L' train or rideshare from O'Hare/Midway.

T-3

Confirm show hours for each day you plan to attend — Hours vary: Saturday preview 12-6pm, Sunday and Monday 8am-6pm, Tuesday 8am-3pm.

T-1

Print badge and confirm parking or transit plan — Discounted buyer parking is available at the MartParc Wells garage ($14/day, 8am-8pm only); validate your ticket at buyer registration.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

8:00 AM

Arrive on-site, badge pickup and orientation

The Mart main lobby

9:00 AM

Visit 7th Floor showrooms and open-booth exhibitors

7th Floor, The Mart

11:00 AM

Explore the Italian Trade Agency pavilion

The Mart show floor

12:30 PM

Lunch break in River North

River North neighborhood, near the venue

1:30 PM

Browse 4th Floor exhibitors and expanded categories

4th Floor, The Mart

3:30 PM

Pre-arranged buyer/exhibitor appointments

Showroom appointments across both floors

5:30 PM

Networking or hospitality event (check on-site schedule)

The Mart show floor

7:30 PM

Dinner nearby

River North or Riverwalk dining

Side trips

Chicago Riverwalk

Waterfront Path / Public Art

Adjacent to The Mart, walkable

A 1.25-mile riverfront path with dining, public art, and boat tours right along the Chicago River next to the venue.

River North Gallery District

Art Galleries / Shopping

Short walk from the venue

The largest concentration of art galleries in the US outside Manhattan, plus boutique shopping, good for an evening break between show days.

Magnificent Mile

Shopping District

Short walk or drive from the venue

Chicago's premier shopping street with flagship stores and landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower.

360 Chicago (John Hancock Observatory)

Observation Deck

Short drive from the venue

Panoramic skyline views from the 94th floor, a popular half-day break option near River North hotels.

Art on theMART

Public Art Installation

At the venue itself

A large-scale digital art installation projected onto The Mart's facade after dusk, viewable right from the Riverwalk outside the venue.

Navy Pier

Waterfront Entertainment

Short drive from the venue

Family-friendly attractions, dining, and skyline views along Lake Michigan, a common half-day option for out-of-town buyers.

Networking spots

Chicago Collective on-site hospitality (as scheduled)

Event-hosted networking

Recommendation: check the on-site schedule for hospitality and events during show days, as specifics vary by edition and are not confirmed for 2026 in this section.

Chicago Riverwalk dining and bars

Recommendation, not event-affiliated

Popular after-hours spot for buyers and exhibitors right next to the venue.

River North Gallery District

Recommendation, not event-affiliated

Walkable district with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants often used informally for continued conversations after show hours.

Three Dots and a Dash (tiki bar, River North)

Recommendation, not event-affiliated

A well-known River North bar within walking distance of several official show hotels.

Budget

Costs & budget

Official 2026 exhibitor booth pricing for Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition is not published on the public exhibitor pages or manuals. The show operates primarily with open-booth layouts and showroom-style spaces at The Mart, and prospective exhibitors are asked to contact the organiser directly for space rates and package details. As no current-edition price grid, per-sqm rate, or flat booth fee is available on the public site, all booth cost figures must be obtained directly from Chicago Collective’s exhibitor relations team.

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget$100.00/nightMid-range$175.00/nightPremium$300.00/night

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 3 nights$300.00
Per diem × 3$207.00
Visa$185.00
Insurance$35.00

Estimated total$727.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

hotel_budget

visitor · budget

USD 100–150 / per night

estimateAs of 2026-07-30

hotel_mid_range

visitor · mid

USD 150–250 / per night

estimateAs of 2026-07-30

hotel_premium

visitor · premium

USD 250–450 / per night

estimateAs of 2026-07-30

hotel_reimbursement_program

visitor

USD 50–150 / per stay (up to $50/night, 3 nights max)

officialAs of 2026-07-30

buyer_parking_martparc_wells

visitor

USD 14–15 / per day

officialAs of 2026-07-30

B-1_business_visa_fee

both

USD 185 / per application

officialAs of 2026-07-30

exhibitor_booth_shell_or_space

exhibitor

—

unknown

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status	As of
hotel_budget	visitor	budget	USD 100–150 / per night	estimate	2026-07-30
hotel_mid_range	visitor	mid	USD 150–250 / per night	estimate	2026-07-30
hotel_premium	visitor	premium	USD 250–450 / per night	estimate	2026-07-30
hotel_reimbursement_program	visitor		USD 50–150 / per stay (up to $50/night, 3 nights max)	official	2026-07-30
buyer_parking_martparc_wells	visitor		USD 14–15 / per day	official	2026-07-30
B-1_business_visa_fee	both		USD 185 / per application	official	2026-07-30
exhibitor_booth_shell_or_space	exhibitor		—	unknown

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

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

QUESTION 1 OF 8

Does your business focus on menswear (tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear, or accessories)?

Decision matrix

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

visit

Your buying category matches menswear tailoring, sportswear, footwear, or accessories, and you want a concentrated, one-stop sourcing trip in downtown Chicago.

Best for

Specialty store retailers, boutique owners, department store buyers, and e-commerce merchandisers sourcing menswear (tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear, accessories) from 500+ brands in one trip.

Min. budget

$700.00

Timeline

2-4 weeks to book travel through onPeak and pre-arrange appointments

Risks

Show hours vary by day (Saturday preview, shortened Tuesday close), so misplanned arrival could cut appointment time short

Buyer parking discount and reimbursement require booking through the show's official onPeak partner

exhibit

You have a menswear collection ready to show, want direct access to North American specialty and department store buyers, and can commit to the show's open-booth format.

Best for

Menswear brands, tailored suiting and made-to-measure vendors, footwear/leather goods designers, and accessory companies seeking direct access to specialty and department store buyers across North America.

Timeline

60-90+ days for stand contracting, collection preparation, and staff travel arrangements

Risks

Official 2026 booth/space pricing is not published, so budget must be confirmed directly with the organiser

Open-booth show format favors strong in-person visual merchandising, which may require additional planning versus a closed-stand format

Freight and staff visa lead times can be longer than expected for international exhibitors

skip

Your product category doesn't align with menswear apparel/accessories, or budget/timeline constraints make participation impractical for this edition.

Best for

Businesses with no category fit to menswear apparel, footwear, or accessories, or with very limited budget/lead time this edition.

Timeline

Not applicable

Risks

Missing potential access to a large concentrated menswear buyer base if your category later becomes relevant

Buyer travel reimbursement and Italian Trade Agency pavilion access are tied to attending in person

Book with

Partners

Italian Trade Agency Pavilion

International Pavilion Partner

Curated area on the show floor featuring over 60 Italian menswear and accessories brands, supported and represented by the Italian Trade Agency.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

Official partnership announcement for the Italian Trade Agency pavilion at Chicago Collective.

onPeak

Official Travel Partner

Official hotel booking partner providing discounted rates for Chicago Collective buyers and enabling eligibility for the Buyer Hotel Reimbursement Program.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

FAQs page names onPeak as the only hotel provider endorsed by Chicago Collective.

Recommended providers

Hotels

onPeak

Official Chicago Collective Men's Edition hotel booking partner offering a negotiated discounted rate block; rooms are limited and first-come, first-served. Buyers booking through onPeak are also eligible for up to $150 ($50/night, up to 3 nights) in hotel reimbursement per the show's official terms.

Gallery

Photos

Summer edition buyers viewing collections in open-booth layouts at Chicago Collective.

Wide-angle shot of the Chicago Collective menswear hall at The Mart showing strong exhibitor presence.

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Who organises Chicago Collective – Men’s Edition 2026?

Chicago Collective is produced at The Mart in Chicago, with the show office handling buyer and exhibitor inquiries via chicagocollective@themart.com and (312) 527-7759.

How do buyers receive the hotel reimbursement at Chicago Collective?

Qualified buyers who book their hotel through onPeak can receive $50 per night for up to three nights (up to $150) by completing the reimbursement form in the show office during the event.

Who is the international pavilion partner at Chicago Collective?

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) partners with Chicago Collective to host a dedicated pavilion featuring a curated selection of Italian menswear and accessories brands.

Glossary

Open-Booth Format: An accessible, barrier-free floor layout standard at Chicago Collective that maximizes line-of-sight and encourages effortless buyer walk-ins and discovery.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Chicago Collective

Chicago Collective / MMPI

Informa Markets / MAGIC Fashion Events

MAGIC Las Vegas 2026 | August 10-12

Informa Markets / COTERIE

About COTERIE Show New York

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Notable exhibitors

Overview

Why visit

Why exhibit

Who this event is for

Venue

The Mart

Facilities

Entry & tickets

Organisers

Programme

Sponsors

Government supporters

Previous edition

A bigger and stronger platform

High-value decision-makers

Real business growth

Exhibitors

Top exhibitor countries

Category breakdown

National pavilions

Official pavilions

Buyer targets

Market context

Industry trends

Market news

North American and transatlantic menswear market circuit, August 2026 - January 2027

Travel & logistics

Arrival airports

Hotel tiers

Local transport

Visa & entry documents

Cultural notes

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Visa

Transport

Weather

Planning

Sample visitor itinerary

Side trips

Networking spots

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Cost reference

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Decision matrix

Partners

Photos

Answers

Sources

Digital business cards for the show floor

Exhibiting at this event?

Build your event team

Are you a delegate or visitor at this event?

Digital business cards for the show floor