Dates

    16–19 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Chicago, United States

    Venue

    McCormick Place

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    Matched booths for SC 2026

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at SC 2026 include 10Gtek, 2CRSi, 5C, A*STAR NSCC Singapore and ABB AB.

    • 10Gtek
    • 2CRSi
    • 5C
    • A*STAR NSCC Singapore
    • ABB AB

    Event overview

    Overview

    SC 2026 will take place from November 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

    This premier event in high-performance computing (HPC) will bring together industry leaders and researchers to explore advancements and innovations in the field.

    Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynotes, panels, and workshops, along with an extensive exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Event Dates: SC26 runs November 16-19, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
    2. 2Sector Focus: The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis.
    3. 3Programme Scope: Technical sessions, exhibits and a Regional Tech Hub cover AI, quantum technologies, high-throughput computing and translational research.
    4. 4Global Community: Attendees, exhibitors, researchers, students and media from the worldwide HPC community gather in one venue.
    5. 5Practical Access: Midway and O'Hare airports, Metra and CTA transit, and on-campus parking connect to the lakefront McCormick Place campus.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain access to leading-edge research, networking opportunities with experts, and insights into the latest advancements in high-performance computing. The event also offers workshops and tutorials for hands-on learning experiences. Event Dates: November 16-19, 2026. Location: McCormick Place, Chicago. SC 2026 will take place from November 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This premier event in high-performance computing (HPC) will bring together.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their innovations to a targeted audience of HPC professionals, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with potential clients and partners. The exhibition provides a platform to demonstrate products and services that drive the future of computing.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Researchers in high-performance computing
    Industry professionals from technology sectors
    Students and early-career professionals in computing
    Government representatives focused on technology
    Academics and educators in computer science
    Business leaders seeking HPC solutions

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Technology providers in supercomputing
    Software developers for HPC applications
    Hardware manufacturers for computing systems
    Research institutions showcasing innovations
    Consultants in high-performance computing
    Startups in the tech and computing space

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Supercomputing hardware and infrastructure
    High-performance computing software solutions
    Data analytics and visualization tools
    Networking technologies for HPC
    Cloud computing services for research
    AI and machine learning applications in HPC

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    McCormick Place

    2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    • Standard Registration

      Standard registration closes on October 14, 2026.

      $850.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Registration deadline

    2026-10-14

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    This edition

    2026

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Photos

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    SC 2026 will take place from November 16 to 19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This premier event in high-performance computing (HPC) will bring together industry leaders and researchers to explore advancements and innovations in the field. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynotes, panels, and workshops, along with an extensive exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies. SC 2026 is vital for the HPC community as it fosters collaboration and innovation among.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Researchers in high-performance computing, Industry professionals from technology sectors, Students and early-career professionals in computing, Government representatives focused on technology. Event Dates: November 16-19, 2026. Location: McCormick Place, Chicago. Focus on high-performance computing advancements. Keynotes and panels featuring industry leaders. SC 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their innovations to a targeted audience of HPC professionals, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with potential clients and partners. The exhibition provides a platform to demonstrate products and services that drive the future of computing. Exhibitor categories include Technology providers in supercomputing, Software developers for HPC applications, Hardware manufacturers for computing systems, Research institutions showcasing innovations.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    Chicago, IL, United States

    Why it matters

    Attending SC 2026 on 2026-11-16 to 2026-11-19 in 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.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Technology trade fair circuit

    Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

    Buyers covering technology often plan SC 2026 alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

    Pre-show

    Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for SC 2026.

    Show week

    Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

    Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website 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.

    ORD

    O'Hare International Airport

    Larger hub; the CTA Blue Line connects O'Hare to downtown, then transfer to the venue. Avoid rush hour.

    About 23 miles (37 km)

    to venue

    35-60 minutes depending on traffic

    by car

    MDW

    Midway International Airport

    Closest airport to McCormick Place and recommended when flight options allow.

    About 9 miles (14 km)

    to venue

    20-30 minutes

    by car

    Hotel tiers

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

    Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

    Connected
    Adjacent to McCormick Place (0.1 mi) to venue

    4-star, restaurant, bar, fitness center, room service

    Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place

    Midscale
    0.4 mi from McCormick Place to venue

    3-star, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, bar

    McCormick Place Guest House

    Budget
    1.7 mi from McCormick Place to venue

    3-star, free Wi-Fi, parking, kitchen in some rooms

    The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

    Official SC26 housing block
    Downtown Chicago to venue

    Listed on the SC26 exhibitor housing page with cancellation terms

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi / rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 45-70
    Best forO'Hare International Airport (ORD) to McCormick Place

    35-60 minutes depending on traffic.

    taxi / rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 30-45
    Best forMidway International Airport (MDW) to McCormick Place

    20-30 minutes.

    public transit

    Estimated costUSD 2.50-5 per ride
    Best forCTA Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, then CTA bus or Metra to McCormick Place

    Plan routes with the RTA trip planner covering CTA, Metra and Pace.

    parking

    Estimated costVaries by event; pre-purchase available
    Best forOn-campus lots at McCormick Place

    Three main lots within walking distance of the campus; pre-purchase at mccormick.parkingguide.com.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business Visitor VisaMost foreign nationals attending business meetings, conventions or conferences in the United States$185.00Apply 90-120 days in advance to allow for the consulate interview and processing
    Visa Waiver Program / ESTACitizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including much of the EU, the UK, Japan, Australia and South Korea$21.00Usually approved within about 72 hours
    B-1 / B-2 combined visaVisitors combining business attendance with tourism around the trip$185.00Same as B-1; schedule the consulate interview early

    Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States on ESTA for business visits without a separate visa. Confirm eligibility with the US Department of State before booking.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Chicago in November is cool and windy with lake-effect weather. Expect average highs around 46-48F (8-9C) and lows around 33-34F (1C), roughly 73 mm of precipitation, and possible snow late in the month. Dress in warm, windproof layers.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    For business travel in the United States, options include a local prepaid SIM, a travel eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi; compare coverage and data allowances before you travel. Major US carriers offer strong nationwide coverage along the Chicago lakefront and downtown.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Business dress

    Business casual is typical; scientific meetings may be less formal than consumer fairs.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on day one for registration and badge pickup.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: ORD

    Book flights to ORD when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare MDW only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most foreign nationals need a US visitor visa (B-1 for business) to attend SC26. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can travel on ESTA. Check the US Department of State for your nationality.

    Estimated cost: Approximate USD 185 for a B-1 visa application fee and about USD 21 for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Confirm current fees on the US Department of State site.

    Processing: SC26 advises starting your visa application 90-120 days before the conference; consulate interview wait times vary by country.

    Request a visa invitation letter through the SC26 visa applications page and carry your registration confirmation and invitation letter to your consulate interview.

    Official

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: O'Hare International Airport (ORD): 35-60 minutes depending on traffic; Midway International Airport (MDW): 20-30 minutes. Allow road or rail time to McCormick Place; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near McCormick Place: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago; Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place; McCormick Place Guest House.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chicago; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Metra commuter rail stops at McCormick Place Station, and CTA buses and Pace serve the campus. Use the RTA trip planner for real-time CTA, Metra and Pace routes and schedules.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at McCormick Place; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: Average high 46-48F (8-9C); average low 33-34F (1C).

    Seasonality: Around 73 mm (about 2.9 in) of precipitation in November; lake-effect wind and rain are common and snowfall becomes possible late in the month.

    Packing: Pack warm layers, a windproof and water-resistant jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for a cold, windy November in Chicago.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    1

    Check passport validity and apply for a US visa or ESTA early. — SC26 recommends starting a visa application 90-120 days before the conference.

    2

    Book flights to Chicago (ORD or Midway MDW). — Midway is closer to McCormick Place; the CTA Blue Line connects O'Hare to downtown.

    3

    Reserve a hotel in the SC26 housing block. — onPeak is the official housing partner; Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is adjacent to the venue.

    4

    Complete online registration and badge request. — Register through sc26.supercomputing.org; a Technical Program badge or event ticket is required for receptions.

    5

    Download the SC26 programme and exhibit floor plan. — Review sessions on AI, quantum technologies, high-throughput computing and translational research.

    6

    Pre-schedule B2B meetings and booth demos. — Use the SC26 programme and exhibit list to book meetings before you travel.

    7

    Shortlist technical sessions and tutorials. — Balance technical papers, panels and exhibit-floor time.

    8

    Plan local transport and airport transfer. — Metra stops at McCormick Place; CTA and Pace serve the campus via the RTA trip planner.

    9

    Arrange travel insurance and emergency contacts. — Keep digital and printed copies of key documents.

    10

    Pack warm layers and business-casual attire. — Chicago November averages around a 46-48F high and 33-34F low with wind and rain.

    11

    Prepare meeting documents, business cards and demos. — Bring copies of proposals and technical materials for on-site meetings.

    12

    Confirm arrival, badge pickup and the Day-1 schedule. — Carry government-issued ID for badge collection at McCormick Place.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    • Visa$185.00
    Estimated total$335.00

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

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Standard Registration

    USD 850 / per person

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 Business Visitor Visa

    USD 185 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Visa Waiver Program / ESTA

    USD 21 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 / B-2 combined visa

    USD 185 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

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

    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

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    HPC researchers, procurement managers and technical buyers evaluating supercomputing, networking and storage products.

    Min. budget

    $1,150.00

    Timeline

    4-6 weeks for flights, hotel and badge; start a US visa or ESTA application 90-120 days ahead.

    Risks

    Peak November hotel pricing near McCormick Place

    US visa consulate interview lead time

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    HPC hardware, software, networking and storage vendors and research institutions targeting a technical buyer audience.

    Min. budget

    $5,175.00

    Timeline

    6-9 months for stand booking, design, build and freight.

    Risks

    Hall and stand allocation on the exhibit floor

    Freight and customs clearance for demo systems

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Teams with no HPC, networking or storage procurement or research remit this cycle.

    Timeline

    None.

    Risks

    Missing the annual gathering of the global HPC community

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from SC 2026
    Official imagery from SC 2026
    Host venue exterior — SC 2026
    Host venue exterior — SC 2026
    Official SC 2026 event branding
    Official SC 2026 event branding

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is SC26?
    SC26 runs November 16-19, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
    Do I need a visa to attend SC26?
    Most foreign nationals need a US visitor visa (B-1 for business) or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. SC26 recommends starting your visa application 90-120 days before the conference.
    How do I book a hotel for SC26?
    SC26 has secured discounted rates through its official housing partner, onPeak, covering hotels near McCormick Place.
    Which airport is best for McCormick Place?
    Midway (MDW) is closest at about 9 miles; O'Hare (ORD) is about 23 miles and connected to downtown by the CTA Blue Line.
    How do I reach McCormick Place by public transit?
    Metra stops at McCormick Place Station, and CTA buses and Pace serve the campus. Use the RTA trip planner for routes and schedules.
    What is the weather like in Chicago in November?
    Expect cool, windy conditions with average highs around 46-48F and lows around 33-34F, about 73 mm of rain and possible late-month snow.
    Can I attend SC26 receptions?
    A Technical Program badge or event ticket plus government-issued ID is required; additional tickets cost USD 125.

    Glossary

    1
    HPC
    High Performance Computing: the use of supercomputers and parallel processing for large-scale scientific and engineering computation.
    2
    SC Conference
    The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis, held annually in the United States.
    3
    Technical Program
    The peer-reviewed papers, panels and tutorials that form the core of the SC26 conference agenda.
    4
    Exhibits
    The trade floor where vendors show HPC hardware, software, networking and storage products.
    5
    Students@SC
    SC26 programming offering students technical training, mentoring and career development in HPC.
    6
    Regional Tech Hub
    An SC26 space showcasing researcher profiles, videos and interactive content across four HPC topic areas.
    7
    AI
    Artificial Intelligence: machine learning and related workloads that increasingly run on HPC systems.
    8
    Quantum technologies
    Quantum computing and related research highlighted among the SC26 Regional Tech Hub topic areas.
    9
    High-throughput computing
    Running many independent computing tasks efficiently, one of the SC26 Regional Tech Hub topic areas.
    10
    Translational research
    Research that moves scientific results into practical applications, a topic area shown at the SC26 Regional Tech Hub.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    1

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    SC26 Organizers

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