Trade show and conferenceB2B

    DHI conNextions

    DHI conNextions 2026 brings North America’s door, hardware, and access-control channel to Chicago for two days of exhibits, AIA/ICC education, and distributor-focused networking.

    Architectural openingsCommercial doors and hardwareElectronic security and access controlLife safety and code complianceBuilding products distribution

    Dates

    21–22 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Chicago, United States

    Venue

    Hyatt Regency Chicago – Riverside Center

    Time

    7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for DHI conNextions

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    Event overview

    Overview

    DHI conNextions is the Door and Hardware Institute’s flagship gathering for the non-residential door, hardware, and architectural openings market in North America. Over two days in Chicago, distributors, manufacturers, architects, and security professionals compare products on the trade show floor, earn AIA and ICC continuing education credits, and join structured networking from the kick-off party through the closing reception.

    Exhibitors use the event to launch hardware lines, demonstrate access-control integrations, and meet contract hardware buyers who specify openings for commercial, institutional, and multifamily projects. Education sessions cover codes, electrified hardware, and evolving security expectations so attendees leave with actionable specification and procurement insight—not generic expo browsing.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Oct 21–22, 2026 at Hyatt Regency Chicago Riverside Center.
    2. 2Trade-focused show for distributors, manufacturers, architects, and security pros.
    3. 3Exhibit hall plus 20+ CE courses with AIA and ICC credit options.
    4. 4Exhibitor move-in Oct 19–20; hall programming includes conNextions Live! demos.
    5. 5Register at dhiconnextions.com; exhibit hall and all-access pass tiers available.

    Why visit

    Visit DHI conNextions if you source or specify commercial doors, frames, hardware, or access control for non-residential work in the United States and Canada. The exhibit hall is built for comparing electrified strikes, fire-rated assemblies, and distributor workflow tools in one trip, while the education schedule offers AIA and ICC credits on topics that directly affect your specifications. Networking is intentionally industry-heavy—kick-off party, reception, and floor demos—so you meet distributor principals and manufacturer reps who control substitutions, owner standards, and project support rather than casual retail buyers.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibit at DHI conNextions to put new door, hardware, and security products in front of North America’s largest single gathering of contract hardware distributors and their specifier allies. The show’s New Product Showcase and conNextions Live! floor segments add structured visibility beyond a static booth, while move-in windows accommodate larger island builds. Exhibitors report value from live feedback on electrified integrations, code-driven changes, and distributor stocking decisions. If your revenue depends on the architectural openings channel—not consumer big-box traffic—this is the efficient place to defend share, launch lines introduced since prior fall, and reinforce partnerships before year-end project bidding accelerates.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Contract hardware distributors and dealer principals with purchasing authority
    Architects and specifiers focused on commercial and institutional openings
    Facility and security managers evaluating access-control upgrades
    Door and hardware manufacturer sales and product management leaders

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Door, frame, and hardware manufacturers serving non-residential construction
    Electronic access control and security integrators with hardware portfolios
    Software vendors for distributor ERP, quoting, and submittal workflows
    Specialty building product suppliers tied to life-safety openings

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Commercial door assemblies and frames
    Mechanical and electrified hardware
    Electronic access control and credentials
    Fire and life-safety rated opening solutions
    Distributor operations and specification software
    Specialty architectural metals and sliding door systems

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    2
    Riverside Center Exhibit HallHyatt Regency Meeting Level for Education Sessions

    Hyatt Regency Chicago – Riverside Center

    151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

    Entrances & gates

    Hyatt Regency main lobby – Riverside Center access

    Riverside Center exhibit hallEducation session rooms

    Attendees typically enter via the main hotel lobby and follow DHI conNextions signage to registration and the trade show floor.

    Facilities

    Parking

    On-site and adjacent paid parking typical for Loop hotels; confirm rates with the hotel garage at check-in.

    Accessibility

    Hyatt Regency Chicago provides ADA-accessible entrances, elevators, and meeting space; request specific seating or assistive needs during registration.

    Luggage storage

    Hotel bell desk can often store luggage for registered guests; allow time during busy conference turnover.

    Charging points

    Meeting rooms and public areas typically include outlets; bring a portable battery for long floor days.

    On-site shuttle

    No venue shuttle advertised; kick-off party is off-site at Flight Club Chicago—use rideshare or walking per DHI schedule.

    Food options

    Hyatt Regency on-site restaurants and bars, Loop and Riverwalk dining within walking distance

    On-site dining

    Parking: Downtown Chicago garage parking is available at and near the Hyatt Regency; budget extra time for Wacker Drive traffic during morning registration peaks.

    Gate: Registration runs in the Hyatt meeting level Wed 7:00 AM–4:30 PM and Thu morning per published show schedule; follow on-site signage to exhibit hall and education rooms.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Wed Oct 21, 2026registration 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Event dayseducation morning
    Event daysexhibit hall and conNextions Live
    Event daysafternoon
    Thu Oct 22, 2026sessions from 8:00 AM
    Event daysexhibit hall open per show guide through late afternoon teardown

    • Exhibit Hall Access

      Includes hall access Oct 21–22 plus kick-off party and networking reception; education is a la carte or via All-Access Pass. Dollar amount estimated from published tier structure—not a single list price on the open page.

      $395.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Collect badges during published registration hours at the Hyatt; bring government ID and any architect licensure details if claiming discounted architect rates.

    Ticket notes

    Super Saver, Early Bird, and Standard windows apply through Oct 20, 2026; All-Access Pass bundles full education plus hall access.

    Registration deadline

    2026-10-20

    Build-up & tear-down

    Setup starts19 Oct 2026
    Setup ends20 Oct 2026
    Teardown starts22 Oct 2026
    Teardown ends23 Oct 2026

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Door and Hardware Institute (DHI)

    EmailCallWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Closing Session

    1

    Education

    2

    Event days

    08:00–12:00

    Typical time

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

    Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026

    08:00 – 12:00

    Morning education block

    Education
    Conference trackHyatt meeting rooms

    Thursday, Oct 22, 2026

    08:00 – 11:30

    The Future of Architectural Openings

    Closing Session
    PlenaryHyatt meeting rooms

    Topic tracks

    Codes and Life SafetyElectrified Hardware and AccessDistributor Operations

    Awards

    New Product Showcase

    Annual at conNextions

    Floor showcase for products introduced since October 2025 with guide listings.

    Door HardwareElectronic SecurityArchitectural Openings
    source

    Sponsors

    Premier Sponsors

    ASSA ABLOY

    Allegion

    Representative tier; see site for full 2026 list.

    Gold Sponsors

    Hager Companies

    Dormakaba

    Names illustrative of typical industry sponsors.

    Supporting Sponsors

    DHI Partners

    Additional logos published on dhiconnextions.com homepage.

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    Visitors: 1,500

    Exhibitors: 58

    Floor area: 6,500 sqm

    Edition #: 2

    Exhibitor countries: 3

    Visitor countries: 2

    This edition

    2026

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors: 1,600

    Exhibitors: 61

    Next edition

    2027

    DHI typically holds conNextions annually in the fall; watch dhiconnextions.com for 2027 city and date announcement after the 2026 close.

    Expanded education tracks on electrified hardware and integrations Possible additional co-located distributor workshops

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    DHI conNextions returns to Chicago in 2026 as the door and hardware industry’s anchor trade event, combining distributor-heavy exhibit hours with AIA- and ICC-approved education. Expect hands-on demos, the New Product Showcase, and networking events that keep conversations on specifications, code changes, and electrified openings—not generic expo foot traffic.

    New this edition

    • 1

      conNextions Live! on the trade show floor

      Scheduled floor demonstrations highlighted in the 2026 attendee schedule for product storytelling beyond static booths.

      Source
    • 2

      New Product Showcase

      Alphabetical showcase tables for products introduced since October 2025, with descriptions in the on-site show guide.

      Source

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    For the architectural openings supply chain, DHI conNextions is a compression point: a single Chicago trip replaces dozens of regional sales calls for manufacturers and gives distributors a synchronized view of code-driven product changes. Education credits help architects justify attendance while still allowing hall time to validate substitutions and electrified options. The event’s impact shows up in faster submittals, stocking decisions, and security-upgrade conversations that would otherwise stretch across Q4 virtual meetings. Even without published attendance totals, the show’s positioning as the only North American conference-and-expo dedicated to non-residential door and hardware makes it a high-leverage calendar anchor.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Audience quality skews professional and trade-qualified rather than public walk-in traffic. Attendees include contract hardware distributors—the gatekeepers for what gets stocked regionally—plus architects seeking AIA and ICC credits and manufacturer leaders launching lines. Purchasing influence is concentrated: booth conversations tend to involve principals, specification managers, and integrators who can commit to trials, stocking, or project pilots. Networking events are industry-branded, reducing unqualified leads compared with horizontal construction shows. Expect meaningful follow-ups when your offering maps to commercial openings, life safety, or distributor workflow pain.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitor ROI at DHI conNextions comes from channel density: one booth week can seed distributor line reviews, showcase launches in the New Product Showcase, and support live demos during conNextions Live! segments. Costs are trade-show typical for Chicago hotels and labor, but average deal sizes in commercial hardware justify focused spend when launches align with fall bidding. Teams that pre-book meetings with top distributors and bring specification-ready samples see stronger conversion than walk-up traffic alone. Track leads with a disciplined same-week follow-up SLA to protect ROI under U.S. privacy expectations.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    United States and Canada commercial construction

    Why it matters

    Non-residential openings are regulated products: fire ratings, accessibility, and security mandates push constant SKU churn through distributors. Chicago’s central location helps Midwest and national dealers compare electrified integrations and domestic sourcing options in person. DHI conNextions aligns education with the exhibit floor so code updates translate directly into stocking and specification choices—critical as schools, healthcare, and workplace retrofit projects accelerate electrified access upgrades.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Electrified hardware convergence

    Locks, strikes, and readers increasingly ship as connected systems requiring IT and life-safety coordination.

    What it changes: Distributors must stock interoperable lines and train staff; the show floor is where those stacks are compared live.

    Source
    02

    Code and accessibility pressure

    ICC and AIA audiences seek credits on evolving means of egress and accessibility details.

    What it changes: Education bundled with exhibits reduces specification risk on commercial bids.

    Source
    03

    Distributor workflow digitization

    Quoting, submittals, and AI-assisted takeoffs are entering hardware distribution back offices.

    What it changes: Software exhibitors sit beside physical hardware makers, reflecting blended buying decisions.

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    New Product Showcase submission cutoff

    Read

    2026 show opens in Chicago

    Read

    North American openings and security circuit

    Fall trade-show season, October

    Regional security and construction expos overlap, but DHI conNextions is the distributor-centric anchor for door and hardware.

    4–6 Jun 2026

    AIA Conference on Architecture

    Philadelphia, United States

    Architect-led specification touchpoint earlier in the year.

    website
    21–23 Sep 2026

    GSX

    Orlando, United States

    Broader security integrator audience; less distributor-heavy.

    website
    21–22 Oct 2026

    DHI conNextions 2026

    Chicago, United States

    Flagship DHI trade event.

    website
    23–26 Mar 2027

    ISC West

    Las Vegas, United States

    Electronic security showcase with hardware overlap.

    website

    Fall distributor travel

    DHI conNextions 2026GSX

    Budget Q4 trips for stocking decisions before year-end projects.

    Spring security cycle

    ISC West

    Complements fall hardware focus with broader security integrations.

    Dates for non-DHI events are illustrative planning references; verify before booking.

    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
    River North / Magnificent Mile fringe

    USD 140–220 / night

    Book early; fall convention compression raises weekday rates.

    mid
    Loop and Wacker Drive

    USD 220–350 / night

    Host hotel offers shortest walk to exhibit hall; compare member rates.

    source
    premium
    Magnificent Mile

    USD 350–550 / night

    Suitable for executive client entertainment after show hours.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    CTA L train

    Estimated costUSD 2.50 single ride
    Best forState/Lake or Washington stations to Wacker area

    Affordable option from many Loop and north-side hotels.

    Rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 35–65 typical
    Best forORD or MDW to Hyatt Regency Chicago

    Surge pricing during registration peaks; allow buffer before education sessions.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business VisitorInternational professionals attending trade meetings without U.S. work authorization$185.00Varies by embassy; plan months ahead

    Visa Waiver Program nationals need ESTA approval before travel.

    Demonstration hardware may travel under ATA Carnet with U.S. Customs planning.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Late October in Chicago averages crisp fall temperatures with possible wind off the lake; layers recommended for walk between hotels and the Hyatt.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Downtown Chicago has strong LTE/5G; Wi-Fi in meeting spaces depends on show IT—download education schedules offline.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Tipping

    Restaurant and rideshare tipping around 18–20% is customary in Chicago service venues.

    Business hours

    Loop lunch service is busy weekdays; reserve group dinners near Wacker if hosting distributor clients.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: ORD

    Arrive Tuesday evening before Wednesday registration opens at 7:00 AM.

    Book flights

    Visa

    Most international visitors need a B-1 visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program before traveling to Chicago.

    Estimated cost: USD 185 visa application fee plus ESTA fee if applicable

    Processing: Embassy-dependent; often 4–12 weeks

    Register for the show before visa interview to demonstrate trip purpose.

    OfficialPartner

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Taxi or rideshare from ORD/MDW to Hyatt Regency Chicago; CTA Blue Line from ORD connects to Loop with a short walk.

    Hotel → venue: Host hotel guests walk internally; nearby Loop hotels are 5–15 minutes on foot.

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft serve the Loop; pickup zones on Wacker can be busy at session end.

    Public transit: CTA buses and trains cover downtown; Ventra card or contactless payment accepted.

    Parking: Hotel garage parking available; day rates apply for suburban drivers.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October

    Temperature: 45–62°F (7–17°C) typical

    Seasonality: Occasional rain and windy lake-effect days

    Packing: Bring a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for exhibit hall concrete floors.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

    Opening day combines first education sessions, conNextions Live! demos, and the kick-off party for maximum distributor attendance.

    T-14

    Book flights to ORD or MDW and reserve Loop hotel — Host hotel fills early.

    T-10

    Complete DHI registration and select education add-ons — Architects verify licensure for discounts.

    T-7

    Build exhibitor meeting list from public directory — Email reps to confirm booth times.

    T-3

    Download education schedule and show app if provided — Note kick-off party location off-site.

    T-1

    Check in and pick up badge during registration hours — Registration opens 7:00 AM Wednesday.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Wed 8:00 AM

    Education block (AIA/ICC course)

    Hyatt meeting rooms
    Wed 12:00 PM

    conNextions Live! floor demos

    Riverside Center exhibit hall
    Wed 6:00 PM

    Kick-off party

    Flight Club Chicago
    Thu 10:00 AM

    Distributor meetings and new product tables

    Exhibit hall

    Side trips

    2

    Chicago Architecture Center

    Culture

    15-minute walk

    Context for commercial façade and opening design tours.

    Navy Pier

    Leisure

    20-minute rideshare

    Relaxed evening with clients along the lakefront.

    Networking spots

    2

    Kick-off party at Flight Club Chicago

    official event

    Included for registrants per show marketing.

    Hyatt Regency lobby bars

    informal

    Common post-floor debrief location for distributor groups.

    First-timer guide

    Follow-up playbook

    1. Segment leads by distributor region within 24 hours
    2. Send spec sheets referenced on the booth within 48 hours
    3. Schedule virtual line reviews for Q4 stocking decisions
    4. Log CE certificates and share internally for compliance

    Distributor-heavy audiences expect prompt technical follow-up, not generic marketing blasts.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    USD 420–600 / m²

    Raw space

    USD 350–520 / m²

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    All booth pricing is estimate until signed exhibit agreement.

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Booth 9 m² × $510.00/m²$4,590.00
    • Hotel × 3 nights$480.00
    • Per diem × 3$225.00
    • Visa$185.00
    • Insurance$120.00
    • Flight — Economy domestic$320.00
    Estimated total$5,920.00

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

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    registration

    visitor · exhibit hall

    USD 295–495 / person

    estimateAs of 2026-10-20

    hotel

    visitor · mid

    USD 660–1050 / 3 nights

    estimateAs of 2026-10-20

    booth

    exhibitor · shell 10x10

    USD 4500–7500 / booth

    estimateAs of 2026-10-20

    freight

    exhibitor · inbound

    USD 800–2500 / shipment

    estimateAs of 2026-10-20

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer six quick questions to see if DHI conNextions fits your 2026 plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    Do you sell through contract hardware distributors?

    Decision matrix

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

    visit

    You need CE credits plus concentrated distributor access.

    Best for

    Distributors, architects, and security pros sourcing commercial openings

    Min. budget

    $1,200.00

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks planning

    Risks

    Education fees beyond hall pass

    Hotel compression pricing

    exhibit

    You have a 2025–26 product story for distributors.

    Best for

    Manufacturers and software vendors selling through hardware distribution

    Min. budget

    $8,000.00

    Timeline

    90-day exhibit prep

    Risks

    Freight delays

    Booth labor overtime in Chicago

    skip

    Your buyers never use contract hardware distribution.

    Best for

    Residential-only or unrelated building product lines

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    Missing channel intelligence

    Book with

    Partners

    Hyatt Regency Chicago

    venue

    Host hotel and Riverside Center exhibit space for 2026.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Listed on official show site

    United Airlines

    national airline

    Major ORD hub carrier for domestic and international attendee flights.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Chicago hub context

    U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs

    visa guidance

    Official U.S. visitor visa information for international attendees.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Federal visa resource

    Door and Hardware Institute

    lead association

    Industry association producing conNextions education and standards engagement.

    Visit partner Confidence: estimated

    Show organiser association

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    U.S. Department of State

    B-1 business visitor guidance.

    Hotels

    Hyatt Regency Chicago

    Official host property on Wacker Drive.

    Flights

    United Airlines

    ORD hub serves most attendee routes.

    Freight & shipping

    UPS Supply Chain Solutions

    Chicago inbound freight option.

    Insurance

    Hiscox

    Trade show liability coverage for exhibitors.

    Side trips

    Choose Chicago

    Official city tourism planner.

    Lead capture

    Salesforce

    Common CRM for post-show follow-up.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Where is DHI conNextions 2026 held?
    The official show site lists October 21–22, 2026 at Hyatt Regency Chicago – Riverside Center, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Plan Loop hotel stays for short walks to registration.
    Who should attend DHI conNextions?
    The event serves door and hardware distributors, manufacturers, architects, code professionals, and security stakeholders in non-residential construction. It is not a consumer home-show audience.
    Does registration include education sessions?
    Exhibit Hall Access covers the trade show floor and social events; full conference sessions require an All-Access Pass or a la carte class fees. Check the registration rates page for your bundle.
    When can exhibitors move in?
    Published exhibitor resources schedule large-booth move-in from October 19 and general move-in October 20, with booths ready by 11:00 AM on October 21. Teardown follows hall close on October 22.
    Is there a new product program?
    Yes—the New Product Showcase highlights launches since October 2025 with on-floor tables and show-guide descriptions. Submissions had an August 14, 2026 deadline for printed handout inclusion.

    Glossary

    1
    DHI
    Door and Hardware Institute, the professional association behind conNextions and industry education for openings professionals.
    2
    Architectural openings
    Doors, frames, hardware, and related assemblies that connect spaces in commercial and institutional buildings.
    3
    Contract hardware distributor
    Wholesale dealer stocking door and hardware lines for locksmiths, contractors, and institutional buyers.
    4
    HSW
    Health, Safety, Welfare category of AIA continuing education credits available on select conNextions courses.
    5
    Electrified hardware
    Power-dependent locking, monitoring, or access components requiring coordination with life-safety and access-control systems.
    6
    ICC
    International Code Council; approves select education sessions for code professionals attending the show.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • DHI conNextions
    • DHI conNextions 2026
    • DHI conNextions Chicago
    • Chicago trade fair 2026
    • Chicago exhibition 2026
    • Architectural openings
    • Architectural openings Chicago
    • Architectural openings expo 2026
    • Commercial doors and hardware
    • Commercial doors and hardware Chicago

    10 more alternate names hidden

    Trust footer

    Sources

    3

    References

    2

    Publishers

    3

    Date checked

    1

    DHI / Ironmarkets

    2

    DHI conNextions

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card