Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition, also known as 'The Powder Show', is the only event in the Western Hemisphere dedicated to the powder and bulk solids handling and dry processing sector.
This event brings together OEMs, process engineers, and executives, accounting for a significant portion of the manufacturing lifecycle.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition takes place from April 27 to 29, 2027, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event is North America's largest gathering for the powder and bulk solids handling sector, featuring over 350 exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Informa PLC, a leader in the industry, with more information available at powderandbulkshow.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers and executives responsible for manufacturing processes across various industries.
- 5Entry / Access: Expo admission is free for qualified registrants; a fee applies for non-exhibiting manufacturers.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with thousands of industry professionals, gaining insights into the latest technologies and solutions in powder manufacturing and bulk material handling. The event features free educational sessions, product demonstrations, and a chance to connect with key suppliers and experts in the field.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at The Powder Show provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of decision-makers and industry professionals. Exhibitors can showcase their latest innovations, engage with potential customers, and enhance their visibility in the market, making it a valuable opportunity for business growth.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Process engineers specifying conveying, milling, drying and mixing equipment
Plant and operations managers running dry-material processing lines
Production and manufacturing engineers in food, chemical and pharmaceutical plants
Maintenance and reliability engineers responsible for powder handling assets
Technical buyers and procurement leads sourcing bulk solids equipment
EHS and safety engineers managing dust hazard and material handling compliance
R&D and product development staff working on powder formulation
Integrators and consultants designing bulk material handling systems
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of bulk material handling equipment
Suppliers of powder processing technology
Providers of automation solutions for manufacturing
Companies specializing in safety equipment for processing
Consultants in process engineering
Distributors of packaging and storage solutions
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Dust Collection & Air Pollution Control Equipment
Mechanical Conveyors & Conveying Systems
Instrumentation & Controls for Manufacturing
Pneumatic Conveying Solutions
Weighing Systems & Scales
Mixers & Blenders for Powder Processing
Location & Facilities
Venue
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road, Rosemont (Chicago), IL 60018
Facilities
Parking
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (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: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (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 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Who runs the show
Organisers
Informa PLC
Informa Markets
What's on
Programme
Co-located events
Powder & Bulk Solids
Separate ticket
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Rosemont (Chicago), USA
Why it matters
Attending International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition on 2027-04-27 to 2027-04-29 in Rosemont (Chicago) lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
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.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Latest News Headlines in the Food & Beverage Industry
ReadU.S. Agricultural Trade - Data | Economic Research Service
ReadU.S. Agricultural Trade - U.S. Agricultural Trade at a Glance
ReadMarkets and Trade - National Institute of Food and Agriculture
ReadInternational Powder & Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition
ReadConference Overview - International Powder & Bulk Solids (iPBS)
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest major gateway to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Terminals 1-3 handle most international arrivals; taxis, ride-hail and the CTA Blue Line all run from the airport. Allow extra time on Monday mornings and during afternoon peak
approx. 5 km / 3 mi
to venue
10-15 min by road; CTA Blue Line to Rosemont station also connects
by car
Secondary Chicago gateway dominated by domestic carriers. No direct rail link to Rosemont, so plan a taxi, ride-hail or a CTA Orange Line plus Blue Line transfer. Use MDW only if the fare saving outweighs the extra transfer time
on Chicago's south side, roughly 30-35 km / 19-22 mi
to venue
35-50 min by road, longer in rush hour
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Rosemont skybridge cluster (Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Hilton Rosemont)
4-star
River Road, Rosemont - walkable or skybridge to the convention centerShortest possible commute to the show floor; rates peak when large co-located events run at the Stephens center. Approximate band, confirm at booking.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Chicago O'Hare South, IL
3-star
O'Hare South / Rosemont corridorFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool and hot tub per Google Hotels capture; rate shown in INR in capture, USD band not captured, so the band here is an estimate.
Hyatt Place Chicago/Itasca
3-star
Itasca, northwest of O'HareFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, bar per Google Hotels capture; commute to Rosemont required. Approximate band.
Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore (Skokie) by IHG
4-star
Skokie, north ChicagoPaid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool and hot tub per Google Hotels capture; I-94 drive into Rosemont. Approximate band.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-5.00 one way, with the higher fare applying to boardings at O'Hare; confirm current CTA fares
Best forCTA Blue Line: O'Hare station to Rosemont station
Blue Line runs 24 hours and takes roughly 15-20 min from O'Hare to Rosemont; the station sits a short walk or hotel-shuttle hop from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Buy a Ventra ticket or tap a contactless card.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Roughly a 10-15 min ride outside peak hours; taxis rank at each terminal and drop at the convention center entrance on River Road.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Across the city on the south side, so allow 35-50 min outside rush hour and more during the afternoon peak.
shuttle
Estimated costOften complimentary with the hotel room; confirm with your property
Best forRosemont and O'Hare-corridor hotels to the convention center
Many O'Hare-area properties run scheduled shuttles to the Stephens center during show week; ask at booking and reconfirm the schedule at check-in.
car
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-30 per day; confirm current venue rates
Best forDonald E. Stephens Convention Center on-site lots and East Garage
Pre-book parking via BestParking or SpotHero; the East Garage serves the convention center at 5555 N River Rd and fills up quickly during large shows.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00-2.50 per ride; confirm current fares
Best forPace and CTA bus routes around Rosemont
Local Pace routes serve the Rosemont entertainment and hotel district; useful for reaching hotels that sit outside walking distance of the venue.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Rosemont in April is early spring in the Chicago basin: cold mornings near 4-6 C (40-43 F), afternoon highs around 15-17 C (59-63 F), and changeable days with gusty lake-effect fronts. Rain falls on roughly 10-11 days across the month and a late-season snow flurry is not impossible. Indoor halls are climate-controlled, but the walk between the Rosemont hotels and the Stephens center is exposed - check a short-range forecast two or three days before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) give strong 5G or LTE coverage in Rosemont and inside the O'Hare corridor; a prepaid tourist SIM or an eSIM bought before departure is the usual route for international visitors, since EU/Asia roaming bundles can be expensive. Complimentary venue Wi-Fi is normally available in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center public areas - confirm coverage for exhibitor booths and meeting rooms with the organiser. If you are demoing cloud-connected plant equipment or IIoT dashboards, test your VPN and remote access before you fly.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress on the show floor
Chicago business casual (collared shirt, slacks, optional jacket) is the norm for powder and bulk solids meetings. Closed-toe shoes matter if you are walking a plant-equipment demo or testing material handling hardware.
Tipping and tax
Table service and taxis expect 18-20 percent; card terminals usually prompt for it. Chicago restaurant tax and hotel taxes are steep, so budget above the menu or room rate when planning meals and accommodation.
Cashless venues
The convention center and most Rosemont hotels and bars run card or mobile payments; a small amount of cash helps for tips and for shuttle or airport porter services.
Meeting etiquette
Supplier meetings at Powder & Bulk Solids are direct and technical. Bring a one-page spec sheet with throughput, material bulk density, particle size range and any ATEX or NFPA combustible-dust requirements so the conversation reaches engineering quickly.
Weather and dress layers
April swings from cold mornings to mild afternoons and back. A packable jacket and an umbrella are more useful than a heavy coat inside the climate-controlled halls.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Route through ORD wherever possible: it is 5 km from the venue and has the widest nonstop network among US hubs. Book 6-10 weeks ahead for transatlantic and 3-6 weeks for domestic, and arrive the day before the hall opens so a spring storm delay does not cost you a selling day. Midweek departures on Tuesday-Wednesday are usually cheaper than Sunday returns. If you must use MDW, add 35-50 min of ground transfer and check the return leg leaves enough buffer. Do not book a tight connection on the return if you plan to hold supplier meetings on the closing afternoon.
Visa
International attendees generally need a U.S. B-1 business visitor visa, or ESTA travel authorisation if they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program; confirm nationality-specific rules before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
See the U.S. Department of State B-1 fact sheet for allowable business activities and the ustraveldocs portal to schedule an appointment; processing times vary by consulate.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): 10-15 min by road; CTA Blue Line to Rosemont station also connects; Chicago Midway International (MDW): 35-50 min by road, longer in rush hour. Allow road or rail time to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Donald E. Stephens Convention Center: River Road, Rosemont - walkable or skybridge to the convention center: Rosemont skybridge cluster (Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Hilton Rosemont); O'Hare South / Rosemont corridor: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Chicago O'Hare South, IL; Itasca, northwest of O'Hare: Hyatt Place Chicago/Itasca.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Chicago and serve O'Hare and Midway with designated pick-up zones, and drop at the River Road entrances of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. From ORD expect a short, inexpensive hop (approx. USD 20-40 depending on surge, confirm in-app); from MDW allow 35-50 min and roughly USD 45-75. Surge pricing is likely during the morning hall opening and the late-afternoon exodus, so schedule pickups outside those windows or use the Blue Line instead.
Public transit: The CTA Blue Line is the backbone of a car-free trip: O'Hare station to Rosemont station runs 24 hours in about 15-20 min, and Rosemont station sits close enough to walk or take a hotel shuttle to the convention center. Pay with a Ventra card or contactless tap - the fare is roughly USD 2.50, with a higher O'Hare boarding fare (approx. USD 5.00, confirm current rates). Pace buses cover the Rosemont hotel and entertainment district. From Midway, ride the Orange Line into the Loop and change to the Blue Line for Rosemont, which takes well over an hour with luggage.
Parking: The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is served by surface lots and the East Garage at 5555 N River Rd, both a few minutes from the hall entrances. Day rates are typically in the USD 15-30 range and can spike during large co-located shows - pre-book through SpotHero or BestParking, or take the hotel shuttle and leave the vehicle behind. Rosemont metered and garage parking around River Road works for short stays, but read the enforcement signs carefully.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Approx. 4-17 C (40-63 F): overnight and early-morning lows near 4-6 C, afternoon highs near 15-17 C. Frost is still possible and a single warm spike above 20 C can happen. Confirm a short-range forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Early spring in the Chicago basin means changeable, often windy days. April typically brings around 10-11 days with measurable rain, mostly as passing showers or one-day fronts rather than all-day washouts, plus the occasional late-season snow flurry. Sunshine between fronts is bright but the wind off the lake can make the walk from the Rosemont hotels feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.
Packing: Pack a packable waterproof shell, a warm mid-layer for the early-morning walk to the hall and comfortable walking shoes for long days on concrete floors. Add an umbrella, gloves for cold mornings and a light scarf for wind. The exhibition halls are climate-controlled, so a removable layer is better than a heavy coat; bring a compact bag for catalogues and sample literature from bulk solids handling and powder processing suppliers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14
Register for Powder & Bulk Solids on powderandbulkshow.com and confirm your badge details for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
12
Map the exhibitor list against your plant projects (bulk solids handling, sieving, drying, conveying, dust control, weighing) and book meetings with the suppliers that matter
10
Block the exhibition days plus any conference track you want to sit in, and check whether your badge tier includes the technical programme
8
Book a Rosemont-corridor hotel (River Road skybridge cluster or O'Hare South) while April rates are still mid-week
6
Check your ESTA or B-1 visa status if travelling from outside the United States; ESTA applications should be lodged at least 72 hours before departure
5
Plan the ORD transfer: CTA Blue Line to Rosemont station or a taxi/rideshare for about 10-15 minutes
4
Confirm equipment demo slots and pull NIOSH dust/combustible-dust questions together for the powder-safety suppliers you plan to meet
3
Download the floor plan and pre-book parking at the East Garage or an adjacent lot if you are driving in
2
Check the Rosemont April forecast (cool mornings, mild afternoons, passing fronts) and pack layers plus a light rain jacket
1
Sort your badge, business cards and shipping samples or literature back from the venue; confirm the ORD departure buffer for the return leg
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition registration concourse
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
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$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
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 International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS)?
iPBS, known as The Powder Show, is a North American processing event for powder and bulk solids handling, covering equipment, instrumentation, and conference education for plants that process dry materials.
Where is iPBS held?
The show runs at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, next to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
How do I register as a visitor?
Registration is handled through the official organiser site powderandbulkshow.com and the register.powderandbulkshow.com portal; check the organiser pages for current registration categories.
Is there a conference alongside the exhibition?
Yes - the event pairs an exhibition floor with a conference programme; session listings are published via the mapyourshow sessions page and the conference overview page on powderandbulkshow.com.
Who attends iPBS?
Process engineers, plant and operations managers, and technical buyers from food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and bulk-material processing operations attend to evaluate conveying, milling, drying, and handling equipment.
Can I book a hotel through the organiser?
The organiser publishes a discounted hotels page on powderandbulkshow.com; booking through that page is the official route for show rates.
Glossary
- Bulk solids
- Dry particulate materials such as powders, granules, and pellets that are handled in bulk rather than in packaged units.
- Powder handling
- The conveying, feeding, dosing, and storage of powders in a processing plant, including equipment that controls flow and dust.
- Pneumatic conveying
- Moving powder or granular material through pipes using air pressure or vacuum, a core technology family exhibited at iPBS.
- Segregation
- Separation of particles by size or density during handling and storage, a common powder-processing problem addressed on the show floor.
- Bulk bag (FIBC)
- A flexible intermediate bulk container used to store and transport large quantities of dry material.
- Dust explosion hazard
- The risk of ignition of suspended combustible dust, a safety theme relevant to powder handling equipment and plant design.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- powder show
- powder processing conference
- bulk material handling
- International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition
- International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition 2027
- International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition Rosemont (Chicago)
- Bulk Material Handling Rosemont (Chicago)
- Powder Processing
- Powder Processing Rosemont (Chicago)
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.