Engineering Design Show Chicago, 19–20 August 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont: mechanical, electronic and embedded design.
Dates
19–20 Aug 2026
City / country
Rosemont, United States
Venue
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Engineering Design Show Chicago returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on 19–20 August 2026, bringing mechanical, electronic and embedded design under one roof.
Design engineers, product developers and engineering managers meet US suppliers of components, CAD and simulation software, embedded systems, test equipment, prototyping services and production technology. The two-day programme pairs an exhibition floor with expert-led conference sessions and hands-on workshops, and the show runs alongside the American Manufacturing Solutions Show.
Free visitor registration makes it an efficient trip for teams sourcing parts and partners minutes from O'Hare.
TL;DR
Compare US suppliers of embedded boards, sensors, connectors, CAD and simulation software, test equipment and rapid prototyping in a single hall. Conference sessions focus on integration, standards and emerging design tools, while workshops let engineers test workflows hands-on. Because the show sits beside the American Manufacturing Solutions Show, a single trip covers design and production sourcing, and O'Hare is a short ride away.
EDS Chicago puts design engineers and product-development decision-makers in front of suppliers who can be specified into the next product cycle. The floor is compact enough for substantive technical conversations, and the co-located manufacturing show adds buyers from automotive, defence, aerospace and machinery. Rosemont's airport-adjacent venue keeps travel costs low for Midwest and out-of-state teams.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60173, United States
Entrances & gates
Main River Road entrance
Primary visitor entrance from 5555 North River Road.
William Street Garage and East Parking Garage serve the venue; arrive early on the first morning and keep the ticket for exit.
Food options
Venue concessions and nearby Rosemont restaurants
On-site diningParking: Use the William Street Garage or the East Parking Garage, both adjacent to the convention centre and a short walk from the main River Road entrance.
Gate: Enter through the main River Road entrance and follow show signage to the EDS registration desk.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Visitor pass
Free visitor registration promoted by the organiser.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online before travel and bring the confirmation QR code; badges are scanned at the main entrance.
Ticket notes
Visitor registration is free. Book conference sessions separately once the agenda is published.
Who runs the show
Mark Allen Group
Organiser (MA Exhibitions)
What's on
American Manufacturing Solutions Show
Manufacturing and supply-chain exhibition held at the same venue on the same dates, with joint visitor registration messaging.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Edition #: 1
This edition
2026
Visitors: 2,500
Exhibitors: 150
Next edition
2027
A 2027 Chicago edition has been referenced in industry listings, but dates and venue confirmation were not announced at the time of research.
Edition recap
New this edition
Impact
For a Midwest design team, the show concentrates component, software, test and prototyping suppliers in one hall next to O'Hare. The co-located manufacturing event lets a sourcing group cover design and production in a single two-day trip, which is the practical reason to attend.
Audience quality
Attendance skews towards practising design and embedded engineers plus product-development managers who specify parts and tools. The floor is compact, so conversations tend to be technical rather than broad-market browsing; exhibitors should staff for detailed questions.
Exhibitor outcomes
Best fit for suppliers whose product can be specified into a design cycle: components, development platforms, CAD or simulation software, test equipment and prototyping services. Lead quality depends on staffing engineers rather than general sales staff; no audited ROI or rebooking data was published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The Chicago metro is one of North America's densest engineering and manufacturing corridors, with machinery, automotive supply, aerospace, medical device and consumer-product firms all designing within a day's drive. A design-focused show in Rosemont gives those teams a regional venue to compare suppliers without a coastal trip, and the co-located manufacturing show reflects how closely design and production buying now overlap.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Design and production converge
Buyers increasingly evaluate components and suppliers with production cost, lead time and supply resilience in mind from the first design review.
What it changes: Exhibitors who can show manufacturability data and US lead times win specification earlier.
Embedded intelligence at the edge
Sensors, low-power processors and connectivity modules are moving into more mechanical products, pushing electronics and mechanical teams into the same decisions.
What it changes: A show covering embedded, electronic and mechanical design in one hall mirrors how products are actually built.
Simulation before hardware
Teams are shifting verification into CAD, simulation and digital-twin tools to cut prototype cycles and tooling risk.
What it changes: Software and test vendors can demonstrate workflow value directly to the engineers who specify them.
A Midwest buyer can pair EDS Chicago with the UK edition and the co-located manufacturing show, or with a West Coast design-engineering week, without duplicating supplier conversations.
American Manufacturing Solutions Show
Rosemont, United States
Same venue and dates as EDS Chicago; joint visitor messaging. Dates printed by ExpoFP.
The Engineering Design Show (UK)
Coventry, United Kingdom
UK flagship of the same brand at Coventry Building Society Arena; dates confirmed on the organiser site.
websiteMD&M West
Anaheim, United States
West Coast medtech design and manufacturing week; dates from circuit knowledge, confirm before booking.
Midwest design and manufacturing
One trip, two halls.
Transatlantic design circuit
Chicago in August, Coventry in October.
Venue, dates and co-location from fetched ExpoFP and Marriott listings; adjacencies are editorial.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Closest airport; CTA Blue Line and ride-hail connect to Rosemont.
about 3 miles
to venue
10–15 minutes
by car
Chicago Midway International Airport
Second airport; longer transfer but useful for domestic carriers.
about 20 miles
to venue
35–50 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–170 / night
Airport-area chains with shuttle service; book early for August.
USD 180–260 / night
Walkable or one shuttle stop from the convention centre.
USD 280–420 / night
Full-service options closest to the venue for hosted buyers and speakers.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro
Runs from O'Hare and downtown Chicago; cheapest option.
Ride-hail / taxi
Fastest for arriving delegates with luggage; allow extra time on the first morning.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors from countries without a US visa waiver or ESTA eligibility | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Passport holders of Visa Waiver Program countries | $21.00 | Usually within 72 hours |
No nationality is visa-free without either a waiver programme authorisation or a valid visa.
The US is not a full ATA Carnet member for ordinary exhibition goods; use a customs broker and check temporary import rules for equipment.
Official visa pageWeather
August in Rosemont is warm and humid, with highs around 29°C and lows near 19°C; afternoon thunderstorms are common, so keep a light rain layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is typically available in the convention centre public areas; mobile coverage is strong. Bring a US-compatible charger and a power bank for the show floor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18–20% and bar staff USD 1–2 per drink; taxis and ride-hail tips are customary.
Punctuality and small talk
Meetings start on time; a short personal introduction before technical detail is normal, and business cards or LinkedIn exchanges are both common.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: ORD (Chicago O'Hare)
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for August; O'Hare is the closest arrival point and the venue is a short ride away.
Most European and several Asian visitors travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; others need a B-1 business visa.
Estimated cost: USD 21 (ESTA) or USD 185 (B-1 visa fee)
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 several weeks
Apply before booking non-refundable travel and carry the confirmation.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: ORD to Rosemont: 10–15 minutes by taxi or ride-hail, or the CTA Blue Line to Rosemont station.
Hotel → venue: Most Rosemont hotels are walkable or a short shuttle ride; downtown hotels connect by Blue Line.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate from both airports; use the designated pickup zones.
Public transit: CTA Blue Line serves Rosemont station; buses 303, 330, 332 and 811 also serve the venue area.
Parking: William Street Garage and East Parking Garage are adjacent to the venue; pre-book where possible.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: August
Temperature: 19–29°C
Seasonality: Warm and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Packing: Light business wear, a compact umbrella or rain shell, and comfortable shoes for the hall.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 19 August 2026
Day one carries the opening conference sessions and the freshest supplier teams; returning on day two is worthwhile only for second meetings or a specific workshop.
Register for a free visitor pass and book flights — O'Hare is the closest airport; book refundable until the programme is published.
Shortlist exhibitors and request meetings — Group by embedded, electronic and mechanical design so you can walk the hall efficiently.
Book a Rosemont hotel and confirm the badge QR code — Walking distance beats a daily commute; keep the confirmation on your phone.
Download the floor plan and session list — Mark must-see stands and leave gaps for discovery.
Pack, check the weather and plan the airport transfer — August storms are common; allow extra time on the first morning.
Badge collection and first coffee
Main River Road entranceSupplier meetings: embedded platforms and connectors
Exhibition hallConference session on integration and standards
Conference theatreCAD, test and prototyping supplier follow-ups
Exhibition hallChicago Architecture Center river cruise
City Landmark
About 40 minutes from Rosemont by Blue Line and walk
A one-hour architecture cruise gives a compact view of the city's engineering and design history.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Oak Park
Design Heritage
About 30 minutes by car
A strong half-day option for design-minded visitors interested in early modern architecture.
Hyatt Regency O'Hare lobby bar
Hotel bar
Central Rosemont meeting point within walking distance of the hall.
Parkway Bank Park entertainment district
Dining and entertainment
Concentrated restaurants and bars a short walk from the convention centre.
Design-cycle decisions move slowly, so the follow-up should carry technical content rather than a generic thank-you. Keep the supplier's engineer in the thread.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 350–650 / m²
Raw space
USD 300–550 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative US regional trade-show rates; the organiser had not published a tariff in the reviewed pages.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 3150–5850 / per stand
hotel
visitor · mid
USD 180–260 / per night
per_diem
visitor · standard
USD 60–110 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 3150–5850 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | visitor | mid | USD 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | visitor | standard | USD 60–110 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions on role, goal, budget and travel to see whether EDS Chicago is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for you.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live design project and need to compare suppliers.
Best for
Design engineers and product teams sourcing components, tools or partners
Timeline
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for flights and hotel
Risks
Crowded first morning
Session clashes
exhibit
Your product can be designed into a customer's next cycle and you can staff engineers on the stand.
Best for
Component, software, test and prototyping suppliers with a US specification story
Min. budget
$3,150.00
Timeline
Commit 90 days ahead for stand, freight and staff
Risks
High hotel rates in August
Lead follow-up slips without an SLA
skip
You cannot act on supplier information within the next two quarters.
Best for
Teams with no design project, no booth budget and no travel approval
Timeline
Revisit when a specification or launch is scheduled
Risks
Missing supplier comparisons
Losing a season to competitors
Book with
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The Rosemont convention centre that hosts the show, with two adjacent parking garages and Blue Line access.
Venue named in the event listing; not confirmed as a commercial partner.
Chicago Department of Aviation
Operates O'Hare and Midway, the two arrival points for visitors.
Public body relevant to travel; no partnership claimed.
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center
Manufacturing extension partner supporting Illinois producers with technology and process improvement.
Relevant industry body; no partnership claimed.
Choose Chicago
The city's destination marketing organisation, useful for visitor planning and side trips.
Public-facing resource; not an official show sponsor.
Recommended providers
Official visa guidance; ESTA applications go through CBP.
Compare Rosemont and O'Hare airport hotels; book refundable rates until the programme is confirmed.
O'Hare hub carrier with the widest domestic and transatlantic schedule into ORD.
National exhibition freight contractor; confirm the venue's appointed handler with the organiser before booking.
Compare US travel medical and cancellation cover; exhibitors also need stand liability cover.
Official city guide for architecture tours, museums and neighbourhood dining.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture provider used at US trade shows; confirm compatibility with the show's registration system.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
6
References
4
Publishers
6
Date checked
Marriott International
ExpoFP
Mark Allen Group
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
