Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 is set for October 20-21 at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.
This two-day event will bring together senior leaders from sales, marketing, technology, and analytics to share innovative strategies and explore emerging trends in consumer behavior.
Attendees will gain actionable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of consumer goods, making this summit a must-attend for industry professionals.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This summit gathers senior leaders in sales, marketing, and technology to explore innovative strategies in consumer goods.
- 2Organiser: The event is presented by Consumer Goods Technology, a leading source for insights in the consumer goods sector.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Digital Officers, and other senior executives from top consumer goods companies.
- 4Entry: Registration is now open for qualified consumer goods executives.
- 5Location: Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 takes place in Chicago, United States. Venue: The Drake Hotel. Scheduled 2026-10-20 to 2026-10-21.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining insights into the latest consumer behavior trends, and exploring innovative strategies to drive business success. The summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and learn from top experts in the field.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers, showcase their solutions to a targeted audience, and engage in high-impact networking opportunities. This summit is an ideal platform for brands to position themselves at the forefront of emerging trends in the consumer goods sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Chief Marketing Officers from leading consumer goods companies
Senior Sales Executives looking to enhance their strategies
Marketing Technology Leaders focused on innovation
Data Analysts specializing in consumer insights
Brand Managers seeking to understand market trends
Retail Executives interested in sales optimization
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Technology providers for consumer goods
Marketing agencies specializing in consumer engagement
Data analytics firms focused on retail insights
Sales enablement solution providers
E-commerce platforms targeting consumer goods
Supply chain management technology companies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Sales and marketing technology solutions
Consumer insights and analytics tools
E-commerce and digital marketing platforms
Retail media and advertising solutions
Supply chain and logistics technology
Customer relationship management systems
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Drake Hotel
140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Facilities
Parking
The Drake Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Drake Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Drake Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
CGT's team
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, United States
Why it matters
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining insights into the latest consumer behavior trends, and exploring innovative strategies to drive business success. The summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and learn from top experts in the field.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International
Main long-haul gateway for Chicago with nonstops from Europe, Asia and the US West Coast. The Blue Line runs 24 hours from the airport into the Loop; transfer to the Red Line northbound and alight at Chicago/State, two blocks from 140 E Walton Place. Taxi and ride-hail pickups are on the lower level outside Terminals 1-3
Approx. 17 mi (27 km) northwest of The Drake Hotel
to venue
35-60 min by road; 60-75 min door to door by CTA Blue Line and Red Line
by car
Chicago Midway International
Smaller, mostly domestic airport that is closer to downtown than O'Hare. The Orange Line runs to Washington/Wells in the Loop, from where it is a 15-20 minute walk or a short taxi north to The Drake. Allow extra time on weekday afternoons when the Stevenson Expressway backs up
Approx. 12 mi (19 km) southwest of The Drake Hotel
to venue
30-50 min by road; 45-60 min by CTA Orange Line plus walk or short taxi
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Drake Hotel (host venue)
On site, 140 E Walton Place to venue
The simplest option: registration, sessions and any sponsor space are in the same building, so no daily commute is needed. October rates vary with citywide demand.
Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago
701 N Michigan Avenue, approx. 0.2 mi to venue
Closest mid-range option to the venue, on the same stretch of Michigan Avenue.
Park Hyatt Chicago
800 N Michigan Avenue, approx. 0.2 mi to venue
Premium rooms with lake views; useful for senior delegates who want a quiet base near the venue.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
20 E Chestnut Street, approx. 0.3 mi to venue
Contemporary hotel with a business-friendly lobby, one block south of the venue.
The Peninsula Chicago
108 E Superior Street, approx. 0.3 mi to venue
Highest-tier option nearby; rates climb sharply during October citywide events, so book early.
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 N Michigan Avenue, approx. 0.5 mi to venue
Directly opposite the Magnificent Mile shops, with easy taxi access up Michigan Avenue in bad weather.
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 N Michigan Avenue, approx. 0.7 mi to venue
Large conference hotel with more room inventory than the boutique properties closer to The Drake.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costApprox. USD 5.00 one way when boarding at O'Hare (Blue Line surcharge); other 'L' rides approx USD 2.50 - confirm current CTA fares
Best forCTA Blue Line: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Clark/Lake, transfer to Red Line northbound to Chicago/State, then 2 blocks on foot to The Drake Hotel
Roughly 60-75 min door to door. The Blue Line runs 24 hours, which makes it workable for late arrivals; Ventra app or contactless bank card accepted at the turnstiles.
metro
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 one way with Ventra or contactless payment - confirm current CTA fares
Best forCTA Orange Line: Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Washington/Wells, then walk or taxi north to The Drake Hotel
About 45-60 min including the final 15-20 min walk up Michigan Avenue; a short taxi from the Loop is an alternative in rain.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ORD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to The Drake Hotel
35-60 min depending on the Kennedy Expressway and downtown traffic; weekday afternoons and rainy October days are the slowest windows.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from MDW to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to The Drake Hotel
30-45 min by road, usually faster than the train if you are carrying luggage or arriving after dark.
shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 30-40 one way per person; confirm current operator rates and booking requirements
Best forShared airport shuttle van: O'Hare terminals to Magnificent Mile hotels including The Drake
Shared-ride vans make several hotel stops, so allow extra time; pre-booking is advisable when arriving late in the evening.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 per ride with Ventra or contactless payment - confirm current CTA fares
Best forCTA buses 146, 151 and 36 along Michigan Avenue, alighting near Walton Street for The Drake Hotel
Useful for short hops between Loop hotels, restaurants and the venue; buses run frequently along Michigan Avenue through the day.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 70-90 per 24 hours; nearby self-park garages on N Michigan Avenue often approx USD 40-60 per day - confirm current rates
Best forThe Drake Hotel valet parking, 140 E Walton Place
Valet is the simplest option for hotel guests but pricier than self-park; check in/out privileges and oversize-vehicle limits before arrival.
walk
Estimated costNo fare; allow USD 0 for walkable transfers within 15 minutes of the venue
Best forMagnificent Mile hotels and Streeterville dining to The Drake Hotel
Most nearby hotels are a 5-15 min walk, but October lakefront wind makes a warm layer worthwhile even for short distances.
Weather
Chicago in October is mid-autumn on Lake Michigan: daytime highs usually sit around 60-65 F (16-18 C) and overnight lows around 45-50 F (7-10 C), with roughly 8-10 days that see some rain and monthly totals near 2.5-3 in (65-80 mm). The lakefront position of The Drake means gusty wind can make the walk along Walton Place and Michigan Avenue noticeably colder than the forecast number suggests, and strong cold fronts occasionally drop temperatures 15-20 F within a day. Plan layers, a water-resistant outer layer and an umbrella rather than relying on a single heavy coat, and check the forecast again 48 hours before departure since October swings quickly.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Drake Hotel provides guest and meeting-space Wi-Fi; summit-specific network names and passwords are usually shared at the registration desk or in delegate materials rather than published publicly, so ask on arrival. US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) have strong LTE and 5G coverage across the Magnificent Mile and the Loop, but travellers from Europe, the UK or Asia should arrange roaming or an eSIM before departure rather than buying at the airport. The US runs on 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so bring a plug adapter; most laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage but check the label before plugging in. For late-evening work, a mobile hotspot or phone tethering is a sensible backup if hotel Wi-Fi slows under conference load.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Chicago: 18-20 percent on restaurant bills, around USD 2-3 per drink at a bar, and a few dollars for hotel housekeeping or bell staff. Taxi and ride-hail drivers usually receive 15-20 percent.
Taxes on bills
Listed prices in Chicago usually exclude tax, and the combined sales tax on restaurant and retail bills is around 10-11 percent. Budget above menu prices when expense-planning.
Business dress
Business or business casual covers most summit settings at The Drake. Chicago is a major financial and professional-services city, but hotel-based conferences tend to be slightly less formal than consumer trade fairs.
Lakefront weather
Chicagoans dress in layers from October onward. The wind off Lake Michigan can make the two-block walk from Michigan Avenue to The Drake feel considerably colder than the forecast high, so keep a jacket with you through the day.
Getting around
Downtown Chicago is walkable and grid-based, with Michigan Avenue as the main north-south spine. Locals use the CTA 'L' for longer hops and walk or take short ride-hails at night; jaywalking is common but crossing against the light is still ticketed.
Payments
Card and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere, including CTA turnstiles via contactless bank cards. Carry a small amount of cash for tips, coat checks and the occasional cash-only counter.
Smoking and public spaces
Smoking is banned in bars, restaurants and indoor public spaces across Illinois, including hotel lobbies and conference floors. Designated outdoor areas may be limited near The Drake.
Evening safety
The Magnificent Mile and Streeterville are busy and well lit in the evening. As in any large US city, stay aware on quieter side streets after dark and use a ride-hail rather than walking long distances alone late at night.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Fly into O'Hare (ORD) where possible: it has the most nonstops from Europe, Asia and the US West Coast, plus a 24-hour Blue Line link into the Loop and a straightforward transfer to the Red Line for The Drake. Midway (MDW) is mostly domestic but closer to downtown, so compare total transfer time rather than the fare alone. Book 6-10 weeks ahead for October, when Chicago's autumn event calendar, including the Chicago Marathon period, tightens hotel and flight availability. Allow 60-90 minutes between landing at ORD and reaching 140 E Walton Place, and leave a buffer on the return if you are connecting to a transatlantic flight. If you travel frequently to the US, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry shortens security and immigration queues considerably. All fare bands quoted on this page are estimates - confirm live prices with the airline before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): 35-60 min by road; 60-75 min door to door by CTA Blue Line and Red Line; Chicago Midway International (MDW): 30-50 min by road; 45-60 min by CTA Orange Line plus walk or short taxi. Allow road or rail time to The Drake Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Drake Hotel: The Drake Hotel (host venue); Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago; Park Hyatt Chicago.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Chicago and are the default option outside CTA hours. At O'Hare, follow the signs from Terminals 1-3 to the designated ride-share pickup area rather than hailing curbside; at Midway, pickup is outside the terminal near the Orange Line station. Fares surge during weekday rush hours and on rainy October days, so compare the in-app estimate with the taxi stand queue before booking. Expect approx USD 45-60 from ORD to the Magnificent Mile and approx USD 30-45 from Midway, plus tip. For the summit itself, ask the driver to drop you at the E Walton Place entrance of The Drake, which is easier than being dropped on Michigan Avenue.
Public transit: The CTA 'L' is the fastest budget route to The Drake Hotel. From O'Hare, the Blue Line runs 24 hours to Clark/Lake or Washington; transfer to the Red Line northbound and alight at Chicago/State, roughly two blocks from 140 E Walton Place. From Midway, the Orange Line runs to Washington/Wells in the Loop, from where it is a 15-20 minute walk north up Michigan Avenue or a short taxi. Standard rail and bus fares are approx USD 2.50 per ride using a Ventra card, the Ventra app or a contactless bank card at the turnstile; boarding the Blue Line at O'Hare carries a higher fare of approx USD 5.00. One-day, three-day and seven-day Ventra passes pay off if you plan several trips. Buses 146, 151 and 36 run along Michigan Avenue and stop near Walton Street, which is useful for short hops between hotels and downtown restaurants. Confirm current fares and any service changes on the CTA site before travel.
Parking: The Drake Hotel offers valet parking for guests, generally in the approx USD 70-90 per 24-hour band, so confirm the current rate, in/out privileges and any oversize-vehicle restrictions directly with the hotel before arrival. Self-park garages along N Michigan Avenue and around Water Tower Place typically charge approx USD 40-60 per day, with higher rates during citywide events in October. If you are visiting for a single session rather than staying overnight, ride-hail drop-off at the E Walton Place entrance is usually easier than parking, since on-street spaces in Streeterville are metered, time-limited and scarce. Hotel and garage rates are estimates only - verify at the time of booking.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 45-65 F (7-18 C) across the month: daytime highs usually near 60-65 F (16-18 C) and overnight lows near 45-50 F (7-10 C). Lakefront wind near The Drake can make it feel 5-10 F colder, especially in the evening.
Seasonality: Mid-autumn on Lake Michigan brings roughly 8-10 days with some rain in October and monthly totals around 2.5-3 in (65-80 mm), often as short passing showers rather than all-day rain. Gusty winds off the lake are common, and occasional cold fronts can drop temperatures 15-20 F in a day before recovering. Check the forecast 48 hours before departure rather than relying on seasonal averages.
Packing: Pack layers rather than one heavy coat: a light sweater or shirt for session rooms, a water-resistant jacket or trench for lakefront wind and rain, and one warmer coat for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes matter on the Magnificent Mile, and an umbrella plus a small day bag for badge, notebook and charger will cover most days. Bring a Type A/B plug adapter for US outlets at 120 V, and check that chargers are labelled 100-240 V before use. A scarf or light gloves are worth including if you feel the cold on early-morning walks along Walton Place.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Re-check the CGSM Summit schedule at cgsmsummit.com/schedule and confirm your registration is complete; verify the name that will appear on your badge.
T-14
Lock in accommodation at The Drake Hotel or a Magnificent Mile alternative within walking distance of 140 E Walton Place.
T-12
Compare flights into O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW); ORD has the most nonstops and a 24-hour Blue Line link to the Magnificent Mile.
T-10
Confirm ESTA approval or B-1 visa validity, and check that your passport number matches your ESTA record.
T-7
Download the Ventra app for CTA fares and a ride-hail app for late-evening trips; both work across downtown Chicago.
T-7
Book any dinners in Streeterville, River North or the Gold Coast for the evenings you are in town, since October fills up quickly.
T-5
Pack layers, a water-resistant jacket, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes; the lakefront wind near The Drake is stronger than inland forecasts suggest.
T-3
Check CTA service alerts for Blue, Red and Orange line track work that could affect airport transfers.
T-2
Confirm your airport transfer timing; allow 60-75 minutes from ORD and 45-60 minutes from MDW to reach the hotel in traffic.
T-1
Download the schedule and note the registration desk hours at The Drake; pack your confirmation email and photo ID for badge pickup.
T-11
Day of arrival: Collect your badge before the first session rather than on the morning itself, as desks peak in the 30-60 minutes before opening.
T-12
Day after the summit: Keep a note of contact details collected during sessions and send follow-ups within 48 hours while the conversations are fresh.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Drake Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 registration concourse
The Drake Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Drake Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Sales and marketing technology solutions and Consumer insights and analytics too solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 in Chicago.
Min. budget
$520.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Sales and marketing technology solutions and Consumer insights and analytics too products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,340.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Chicago show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- CGSM Summit
- The event hosted at The Drake Hotel in Chicago in October 2026; the programme, session list and any registration links are published on the official site at cgsmsummit.com, with the schedule at cgsmsummit.com/schedule.
- The Drake Hotel
- Historic hotel at 140 E Walton Place, at the north end of the Magnificent Mile in the Streeterville/Gold Coast area. It is the 2026 host venue, so registration, session rooms and catering are all under one roof.
- Magnificent Mile
- The stretch of N Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street, lined with hotels, restaurants and shops. The Drake sits at its northern end, which makes most conference-rate hotels a 5-15 minute walk away.
- CTA 'L'
- Chicago Transit Authority's elevated and subway rail network. The Red Line station at Chicago/State is roughly two blocks from The Drake, and the Blue Line connects O'Hare airport directly to the Loop.
- Ventra
- The CTA and Pace fare system, usable via the Ventra app, a Ventra card or a contactless bank card at the turnstile. Standard rail and bus rides are approx USD 2.50; boarding the Blue Line at O'Hare carries a higher fare of approx USD 5.00.
- Plenary session
- A full-audience session that the whole summit attends, as opposed to concurrent breakouts. Check the schedule page for start times so you can plan arrival at The Drake, as plenaries usually open the day.
- Breakout session
- Smaller concurrent sessions running in parallel tracks. Attendees pick one per time slot, so read the schedule in advance and note room names within The Drake's meeting floors.
- Badge pickup
- Collection of your name badge and delegate materials at the registration desk. Bring photo ID and your registration confirmation; desks are busiest in the 30-60 minutes before the first session.
- ESTA
- The US Visa Waiver Program pre-travel authorisation used by eligible nationalities instead of a visa. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure, and make sure the passport number matches the one you will travel on.
- B-1 visa
- The US business visitor visa used by attendees who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Interview appointments can take weeks or months, so apply well before October 2026 if you need one.
- The Loop
- Chicago's downtown core, ringed by the elevated tracks. It is 1.5-2 mi south of The Drake, about a 15-20 minute taxi ride or a short Red Line hop to Chicago/State.
- Oak Street Beach
- The Lake Michigan beach a few minutes' walk east of The Drake, at the north end of the Magnificent Mile. Useful for a between-sessions walk, but October lakefront wind makes a jacket essential.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- CGSM 2026
- Chicago consumer goods conference
- sales and marketing technology summit 2026
- Consumer Goods Sales & Marketing Tech Summit 2026 Chicago
- Consumer Goods Sales 2026
- Consumer Goods Sales Chicago 2026
- Marketing Tech Summit Chicago 2026
- Chicago United States
- Sales and marketing technology solutions
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.