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    Dates

    15–19 Nov 2026

    Venue

    McCormick Place

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    SC26 is the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis, held November 15–20, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

    The conference unites the global HPC community to advance technological and research progress through a leading technical program, expansive exhibits, and networking opportunities.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: November 15–20, 2026 (Exhibits: November 17–19, 2026).
    2. 2Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
    3. 3Theme: 'HPC Unites.'
    4. 4Expected attendance: Over 18,000 from around the world.
    5. 5Key programs: Technical Program, Exhibits, Students@SC, SCinet, and more.

    Why visit

    Attend SC26 to explore the latest HPC innovations, attend the leading technical program, and network with thousands of peers. The exhibit floor showcases cutting-edge technologies from industry leaders, research organizations, and startups. Attendees can participate in workshops, tutorials, panels, and the Students@SC program, gaining practical knowledge and connections in high-performance computing.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at SC26 offers access to over 18,000 attendees, including decision-makers with purchasing authority. 74% of attendees have spending authority, 63% have annual budgets exceeding $1 million, and the average planned expenditure is $5.5 million. Exhibitors engage through the exhibit floor, Exhibitor Forum, SCinet, and promotional opportunities, reaching scientists, engineers, software developers, policy makers, and IT administrators from universities, industry, and government.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Scientists
    Engineers
    Software developers
    Policy makers
    Corporate managers
    CIOs
    IT administrators
    Researchers
    Educators
    Programmers
    System administrators
    Students

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers
    Vendors
    Research institutions
    HPC service providers
    Industry leaders
    Startups
    Universities

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    High Performance Computing Systems
    Networking Solutions
    Storage and Data Management
    AI and Machine Learning
    Quantum Computing
    Software and Services

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    1
    West Building

    McCormick Place

    Entrances & gates

    McCormick Place West Building

    West Building

    Main entrance at 2301 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago. Gate 40 is the recommended rideshare pickup location.

    Floor plans & maps

    Floor plan (PDF)Floor planHall & site plansVenue navigation mapOfficial venue page

    Facilities

    Parking

    Lot A: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16-24 hours. Lot B: $18 flat fee. Lot C: $27 for up to 16 hours, $40 for 16-24 hours. Prepaid parking available. No in-and-out privileges unless prepaid.

    6,000 spaces · $27.00/day

    Accessibility

    Wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and elevators. Accessible parking in Lots A and C and Hyatt Regency garage. Wheelchair and scooter rentals available via Scootaround (888-441-7575). Assisted listening devices and TTY access available.

    Prayer rooms

    Prayer Room located in Room W186C. Available during conference hours.

    Cloakroom

    Coat Check available in the Lobby. Hours vary by day; see SC26 convention center page for schedule.

    Luggage storage

    McCormick Place does not have a dedicated permanent public luggage storage facility. Limited options may be available during events; check with the Information Desk.

    On-site shuttle

    Shuttle bus service will be provided to hotels more than one half mile from McCormick Place. Detailed information, including drop-off locations and schedules, will be posted on the SC26 housing page.

    Food options

    Starbucks, Connie's Pizza, The Fine Print Restaurant, West Food Court

    On-site dining

    Parking: Primary parking for events in the West Building is Lot A. McCormick Place offers easy access to 5,800 parking spaces. Handicapped parking is available in Lots A and C and the Hyatt Regency garage.

    Gate: For rideshare pickup, use Gate 40 on the west side of the McCormick Place West Building on S. Indiana Ave for a quick exit.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    ProgramSunday–Friday, 15–20 November 2026
    ExhibitsTuesday–Wednesday, 17–18 November 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Thursday, 19 November 2026,10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • Technical Program In-Person (Member, early)

      On or before Oct 14, 2026; includes workshops and Digital Experience access

      $700.00

    • Technical Program In-Person (Non-Member, early)

      On or before Oct 14, 2026

      $850.00

    • Technical Program In-Person (Member, late)

      Oct 15–Nov 20, 2026

      $900.00

    • Technical Program In-Person (Non-Member, late)

      Oct 15–Nov 20, 2026

      $1,050.00

    • Exhibits Only In-Person

      Jul 8–Nov 20, 2026; for attendees

      $200.00

    • Exhibitor In-Person (Booth Staff)

      Jul 8–Nov 20, 2026

      $200.00

    • Technical Program Digital Experience (Member, early)

      On or before Oct 14, 2026

      $300.00

    • Technical Program Digital Experience (Non-Member, early)

      On or before Oct 14, 2026

      $400.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Badges are not mailed in advance. You’ll pick up your badge at registration upon arrival with your government-issued ID. We recommend picking up your badge the day before your first session so you don’t miss out.

    Ticket notes

    Registration is required for technical sessions, tutorials, workshops, posters, or the exhibition. Early registration is encouraged. Association discounts available for ACM, IEEE, or SIGHPC members.

    Registration deadline

    2026-11-20

    Build-up & tear-down

    Setup starts12 Nov 2026
    Setup ends15 Nov 2026
    Teardown starts19 Nov 2026
    Teardown ends20 Nov 2026

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Angie Asmus

    Exhibits Chair, Colorado State University

    Website

    Swann Perarnau

    SC26 Proceedings Chair

    EmailWebsite

    Kevin Hayden

    General Chair, SC26

    Website

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Invited Talk

    1

    Keynote

    3

    Event days

    10:30–12:00

    Typical time

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

    Speakers

    AA

    Animashree Anandkumar

    Bren Professor @ California Institute of Technology

    AI's next frontier: understanding the physical world to accelerate discovery

    DA

    David Awschalom

    Liew Family Professor of Quantum Engineering and Physics @ University of Chicago

    Quantum & next-Gen computing

    RW

    Robert W. Karr Jr.

    Partner @ Barnes & Thornburg LLP

    Quantum regulation and national security

    JT

    John Towns

    Deputy Director @ National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

    Moderator, Quantum & next-Gen computing

    Monday, Nov 16, 2026

    HPC Unites Plenary

    Plenary
    McCormick Place

    Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026

    Keynote: Animashree Anandkumar

    Keynote
    McCormick Place

    Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026

    10:30 – 12:00

    Special Regional Tech Hub Invited Talks: Quantum & next-Gen computing

    Invited Talk
    Skyline BallroomMcCormick Place

    Topic tracks

    AlgorithmsApplicationsArchitecture & NetworksData Analytics, Visualization, & StorageHPC for Machine LearningPerformance Measurement, Modeling, & ToolsPost-Moore & Quantum Computing

    Co-located events

    SC26 Workshops

    Separate ticket

    Co-located seminars

    EduHPC-26: Workshop on Education for High-Performance Computing

    Paid

    RESDIS'26: 6th International Workshop on RESource DISaggregation in High Performance Computing

    Paid

    RISC-V for HPC SC26 workshop

    Paid

    PDSW'26: 11th International Parallel Data Systems Workshop

    Paid

    XLOOP 2026: 8th Annual Workshop on Extreme-Scale Experiment-in-the-Loop Computing

    Paid

    EESP Workshop: 3rd International Workshop on Energy Efficiency with Sustainable Performance

    Paid

    Sponsors

    CIQ

    NVIDIA

    Drive Capital

    Lenovo

    VAST Data

    Moonlite

    Government supporters

    Chicago Quantum Exchange

    Flagship Collaborator

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 18,000 visitors · 565 exhibitors

    Official SC26 pages confirm the full Program runs 15-20 November 2026, while Exhibits run 17-19 November, and the Exhibitor Prospectus expects more than 18,000 attendees. The supplied 565-exhibitor figure comes from Orbus and is not an organiser-published total. Trade Show Executive's September 2026 listing projects 525 exhibitors and 215,000 net square feet, approximately 19,974 sqm, so the floor-area figure is an estimate. A Sogang University publication identifies SC26 as the 38th International Conference.

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    16,499

    Exhibitors

    559

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    SC25 ran from 16-21 November 2025 at America's Center Convention Complex in St. Louis and marked the 37th SC conference. Official SC Conference Series reporting recorded 16,499 attendees, making it the second-largest SC by attendance, and 559 exhibitors, the largest exhibition participation in SC history. The official website recap reports 524 exhibitors when Job Fair participants are excluded.

    The 2025 theme was HPC Ignites. The program opened with keynote speaker Thomas Koulopoulos and included an HPC Ignites Plenary examining the convergence of high performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and hybrid systems. The exhibition filled the convention complex, including. The Dome, and showcased the breadth of the HPC and AI ecosystem.

    SCinet reached 13.72 Tbps peak bandwidth during SC25, using 30 WAN circuits and more than 450 access points. Organisers reported approximately $70 million in donated hardware, software and services, supported by 36 sponsors and more than 200 volunteers. Post-conference resources included the SC25 Digital Experience, official photo gallery, recorded highlights and technical proceedings.

    New this edition

    • 1

      Inaugural Regional Tech Hub

      SC26 introduces its first Regional Tech Hub near registration at McCormick Place. The interactive space highlights Illinois research and innovation across artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, high-throughput computing infrastructure and translational biomedical research, with digital displays, invited talks and researcher engagement.

      Source
    • 2

      Technical Papers Research Quality Checklist

      New for SC26, Technical Papers submissions must include a research quality checklist designed to strengthen clarity, methodological rigor, benchmarking transparency and reproducibility.

      Source
    • 3

      Recorded Poster Blitz

      SC26 Research Posters adds an optional one-minute Recorded Poster Blitz so authors can introduce their work to a broader audience before or alongside the physical poster experience.

      Source
    • 4

      Cluster Operational Readiness Evaluation

      The Student Cluster Competition introduces the Cluster Operational Readiness Evaluation for SC26, assessing how competition clusters address real-world operational areas such as accounts, scheduling, networking, security, monitoring and software environments. It replaces the Reproducibility Challenge.

      Source
    • 5

      SC Illuminations

      The former HPC Illuminations Pavilion returns for SC26 under the new name SC Illuminations, giving up to 24 research teams or institutions without traditional exhibit resources a dedicated SC Theater presentation opportunity.

      Source
    • 6

      Navigating SC resource

      SC26 launches a new Navigating SC resource that consolidates practical conference guidance, first-timer information, accessibility resources and community tips for planning the on-site and digital experience.

      Source

    Photos

    SC25 registration and attendee arrival.
    SC25 registration and attendee arrival.
    SC25 exhibit-floor activity during the St. Louis edition.
    SC25 exhibit-floor activity during the St. Louis edition.
    SC25 keynote session.
    SC25 keynote session.
    SC25 HPC Ignites Plenary.
    SC25 HPC Ignites Plenary.
    SC25 SCinet team and conference networking infrastructure.
    SC25 SCinet team and conference networking infrastructure.

    Testimonials

    Having SC25 close to home was a rare and valuable opportunity for a college student like me to connect, learn, and grow.

    Timila Dangol · SC25 Student Program participant; Webster University graduate · Webster University · 2025

    Next edition outlook

    2026-11-15 – 2026-11-20
    moderate

    SC26 will convene November 15–20, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The conference will continue the SC series' tradition of bringing together the global HPC, AI, and quantum computing community. Organiser forecasts estimate 565 exhibitors and 18,000 visitors. The exhibit floor will be open November 17–19, 2026. The conference theme and detailed program are expected to be announced in the coming months.

    Expanded focus on AI-HPC convergence and quantum computing applications New venue: McCormick Place, Chicago (first SC in Chicago since 2021) Larger anticipated exhibitor footprint reflecting industry growth Continued emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable performance

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    SC25 drew over 16,500 attendees and 559 exhibitors to St. Louis, marking the second-largest attendance in conference history and a record exhibitor count. The event solidified SC's role as the premier global forum for HPC, AI, quantum computing, and advanced networking. Key themes included the convergence of AI and HPC, liquid cooling adoption, and the mainstreaming of quantum computing. The technical program featured 623 paper submissions (34% increase over prior year) with 136 accepted papers. The conference also saw the announcement of new exascale-class systems and the 66th TOP500 list.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    SC25 attracted 16,500+ attendees representing a mix of professionals, researchers, developers, and students from around the globe. Attendees included decision-makers with purchasing authority, senior technologists, research computing directors, and academic leaders. The event drew participants from national laboratories, universities, major technology vendors, and government agencies. The conference floor saw high engagement, with attendees navigating exhibits across the entire America's Center Convention Complex, including. The Dome. The technical program's 623 paper submissions (34% increase) and 136 accepted papers (22% acceptance rate) reflect the high caliber of research presented.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    SC25 achieved a record 559 exhibitors, surpassing SC24's 494, demonstrating growing industry investment in the HPC and AI ecosystem. Exhibitors ranged from established manufacturers to startups, research organizations, and universities. The expanded exhibit floor, which filled the America's Center Convention Complex including. The Dome, provided significant visibility. Exhibitor Forum presentations, SCinet demonstrations, and networking receptions offered multiple engagement channels. The convergence of AI and HPC themes attracted a broader audience of technology buyers and decision-makers. Space for SC26 was already filling as of the SC25 recap publication, indicating strong exhibitor demand.

    Intelligence

    Exhibitors

    581

    Exhibitors

    18

    Categories

    28

    Countries

    15

    Pavilions

    Top exhibitor countries

    Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.

    • United States
      420
    • Japan
      29
    • Taiwan
      20
    • China
      19
    • Germany
      17
    • United Kingdom
      11
    • South Korea
      9
    • Canada
      8
    • France
      6
    • Italy
      6

    ~72% of listed exhibitors are from United States.

    Category breakdown

    1~102
    estimate
    2~80
    estimate
    3~64
    estimate
    4~63
    estimate
    5~46
    estimate
    6~44
    estimate
    7~35
    estimate
    8~27
    estimate
    9~25
    estimate
    10~18
    estimate
    11~17
    estimate
    12~16
    estimate
    13~14
    estimate
    14~10
    estimate
    15~8
    estimate

    National pavilions

    United States

    ~420 stands
    estimate

    Japan

    ~29 stands
    estimate

    Taiwan

    ~20 stands
    estimate

    China

    ~19 stands
    estimate

    Germany

    ~17 stands
    estimate

    United Kingdom

    ~11 stands
    estimate

    South Korea

    ~9 stands
    estimate

    Canada

    ~8 stands
    estimate

    France

    ~6 stands
    estimate

    Italy

    ~6 stands
    estimate

    Singapore

    ~5 stands
    estimate

    Netherlands

    ~4 stands
    estimate

    Finland

    ~4 stands
    estimate

    Hong Kong

    ~3 stands
    estimate

    Israel

    ~3 stands
    estimate

    Buyer targets

    High priority

    Buyers sourcing

    High-Performance Computing Suppliers (profile Pending)

    Buyers sourcing

    Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Buyers sourcing

    Other High-Performance Computing Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Data Center Cooling and Thermal Management

    Buyers sourcing

    High-Performance Computing Systems and Servers

    Medium priority

    Buyers sourcing

    HPC Research, Education and Computing Centers

    Buyers sourcing

    Networking, Optical Connectivity and Interconnects

    Buyers sourcing

    Cloud and Managed Computing Services

    Buyers sourcing

    Storage and Data Management

    Buyers sourcing

    Semiconductors, Processors and Memory

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    Global, with primary activity in North America (43.6% market share in 2025), Europe, and Asia-Pacific (fastest-growing region)

    Why it matters

    SC26 sits at the center of a rapidly expanding HPC market valued at USD 59-61 billion in 2026, growing at 8-10% CAGR toward USD 91-111 billion by 2030-2034. The convergence of AI, exascale computing, and quantum technologies is fundamentally reshaping the industry, creating both disruption and opportunity across hardware, software, networking, and storage. Exhibitors and attendees at SC26 will engage with the most significant trends — heterogeneous compute, energy-efficient architectures, and AI-driven scientific discovery — that are defining the next decade of high-performance computing. With NVIDIA commanding 81% of the TOP500 and Ethernet challenging InfiniBand's long-standing dominance, the competitive landscape is more dynamic than ever. SC26 provides the definitive global platform for organizations to position themselves in this evolving ecosystem.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    AI-HPC Convergence Driving Heterogeneous Architectures

    The HPC landscape is shifting from CPU-centric supercomputing toward heterogeneous architectures that combine CPUs, GPUs, high-bandwidth memory, low-latency networking, and parallel file systems. AI inference and training now permeate traditional HPC centers, compelling architects to integrate high-bandwidth memory and heterogeneous compute subsystems. NVIDIA's H100 and AMD's MI300X accelerators have become standard line-items in new procurements.

    Source
    02

    Exascale Computing and Post-Exascale Planning

    The HPC market is entering a new phase defined by exascale capability, AI integration, and sustainability-driven infrastructure design. The three operational exascale machines (El Capitan, Frontier, Aurora) are driving demand for next-generation systems, with organizations planning post-exascale strategies for 2026-2029.

    Source
    03

    Quantum Computing Integration with HPC

    Quantum computing has become a strategic consideration for HPC centers worldwide. National laboratories and supercomputing institutions are increasingly focused on maximizing the utility of delivered qubits and building complete software ecosystems. The convergence of AI, quantum computing, and exascale supercomputing is being positioned as a unified platform for scientific research.

    Source
    04

    Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Supercomputing

    Energy consumption has emerged as a primary design constraint, with Tier-0 systems demanding tens of megawatts. JUPITER, the new exascale supercomputer at Forschungszentrum Jülich, is the most energy-efficient computer in the exascale class. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) and immersion cooling are becoming central to HPC infrastructure planning.

    Source
    05

    Ethernet vs. InfiniBand Competition in AI Networking

    RDMA networking continues to gain ground as the interconnect of choice for large-scale computing. InfiniBand connects 59% of the TOP500 (293 systems as of June 2026), but Ethernet is competing head-to-head for AI and HPC workloads. Dell'Oro Group projects Ethernet to dominate the data center-scale fabric space, driving nearly $80 billion in data center switch sales over the next half-decade.

    Source
    06

    Cloud HPC and Hybrid Deployment Models

    Cloud HPC/AI spending grew 30% in 2025, with cloud becoming a viable option for many HPC workloads. Organizations are increasingly seeking hybrid deployment models that combine on-premises and cloud resources. The cloud high performance computing market was valued at USD 35.21 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow from USD 37.07 billion in 2026 to reach USD 47.93 billion by 2031.

    Source

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    JUPITER Named Most Energy-Efficient Exascale Supercomputer at ISC 2026

    Read

    NVIDIA Technology Powers 81% of TOP500 Supercomputers

    Read

    HPE Launches Cray Supercomputing GX5000 with 40% Denser AI Compute

    Read

    EuroHPC JU Signs Contract for AI Supercomputer HammerHAI

    Read

    Report Warns HPC Centers Must Prepare Now for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing

    Read

    Global HPC Conference Circuit (2026)

    2026-01-26 to 2026-12-19

    The HPC conference circuit spans four major regions, each with a flagship event that anchors the industry calendar. ISC High Performance (Hamburg, June) is Europe's largest and the world's oldest HPC gathering. SC (Chicago, November) is the premier global conference with the largest exhibition. HiPC (Bengaluru, December) serves as the bridge between Asian academia and industry. SCA/HPCAsia (Osaka, January) anchors the Asia-Pacific region. CCF HPC China (Shenzhen, October) is China's national HPC conference and one of the world's three largest supercomputing events. These events collectively define the annual rhythm of HPC technology launches, benchmark releases (TOP500, IO500, Green500), and research dissemination.

    26–29 Jan 2026

    SCA/HPCAsia 2026

    Osaka, Japan

    Established 2018; combines SCA and HPCAsia into a single major annual event for the Asia-Pacific region.

    website
    22–26 Jun 2026

    ISC High Performance 2026

    Hamburg, Germany

    Held at Congress Center Hamburg. Tutorials June 22; conference and exhibition June 23-25; workshops June 26. Early-bird registration ends May 6, 2026.

    website
    17–20 Oct 2026

    CCF HPC China 2026

    Shenzhen, China

    Theme: '超智深融 算力圳浓' (Deep Integration of Supercomputing and AI). Hosted by China Computer Federation at Shenzhen International Convention Center. 40+ thematic forums.

    website
    15–20 Nov 2026

    SC26 — International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis

    Chicago, USA

    Held at McCormick Place. Exhibits November 17-19. Technical program, workshops, tutorials, Students@SC, SCinet, and co-located events. Expected to be the 2nd largest SC by attendance.

    website
    16–19 Dec 2026

    HiPC 2026 — IEEE International Conference on High Performance Computing

    Bengaluru, India

    In-person event. Proceedings published in IEEE Xplore Digital Library. Historically a vital bridge between Indian academia, national laboratories, start-ups, and IT industry.

    website

    Q1 — Asia-Pacific Anchor

    SCA/HPCAsia 2026

    January: Kicks off the annual HPC conference calendar with the Asia-Pacific regional flagship event.

    Q2 — European Flagship

    ISC High Performance 2026

    June: Europe's largest HPC gathering; major venue for TOP500, Green500, and industry announcements.

    Q4 — Global and Regional Clusters

    CCF HPC China 2026SC26HiPC 2026

    October-December: Dense period with China's national conference in October, the global SC conference in November, and India's premier HPC event in December.

    Event dates sourced from official conference websites. ISC 2026 dates confirmed on isc-hpc.com. HiPC 2026 dates confirmed on hipc.org. SCA/HPCAsia 2026 dates confirmed on sca-hpcasia2026.jp. CCF HPC 2026 dates confirmed on ccf.org.cn. SC26 dates confirmed on sc26.supercomputing.org.

    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

    Major international hub; accessible via CTA Blue Line to downtown, then transfer to Green Line or Metra Electric.

    23 miles

    to venue

    30 minutes

    by car

    MDW

    Midway International Airport

    Closer to venue; primarily domestic; accessible via CTA Orange Line to downtown, then transfer to Green Line.

    9 miles

    to venue

    20 minutes

    by car

    Hotel tiers

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

    Budget
    Near McCormick Place / Chinatown / South Loop

    USD 150–220 / night

    Options within walking distance or a short CTA ride. Examples include Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and SpringHill Suites Chicago Chinatown. Prices are estimates; book through onPeak for official SC26 room blocks.

    Mid-Range
    McCormick Square / South Loop / Downtown Loop

    USD 220–350 / night

    Full-service hotels with convenient access to the venue via CTA Green Line or Metra Electric. Examples include Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place and Hyatt Place Chicago South. Prices are estimates.

    Premium
    McCormick Square / Downtown Chicago

    USD 300–500 / night

    Upscale properties connected to or adjacent to McCormick Place. Examples include Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis Chicago. Prices are estimates and increase significantly during large conventions.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    CTA 'L' Train (Green Line)

    Estimated cost$2.75 per ride with Ventra card; $3.00 contactless tap. 1-Day Pass $6; 7-Day Pass $25.
    Best forCermak-McCormick Place station on the Green Line, a short walk from the venue

    The most affordable option for reaching McCormick Place from downtown. Trains run frequently. Use the Ventra app to pay. The station is approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the West Building.

    CTA 'L' Train (Orange Line from Midway)

    Estimated cost$2.50 per ride from Midway with Ventra card; $5.00 from O'Hare (Blue Line)
    Best forOrange Line from Midway Airport to Roosevelt station, then transfer to Green Line toward Cermak-McCormick Place

    Best public transit option from Midway Airport. Total journey approximately 40-55 minutes. For O'Hare, take the Blue Line to Clark/Lake, then transfer to the Green Line.

    Metra Electric Line

    Estimated costVaries by zone; approximately $4.00-$6.00 one way. Check Metra website for current fares.
    Best forStation inside McCormick Place Grand Concourse; connects downtown Millennium Park to University Park

    Direct service into the convention center. Convenient for attendees staying in downtown hotels near Millennium Park. Less frequent than CTA trains.

    Taxi / Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

    Estimated costUber from O'Hare ~$52 (49 min); taxi from downtown ~$17; rideshare downtown ~$21-$24. A $5 surcharge applies to rides connected to O'Hare, Midway, Navy Pier, and McCormick Place.
    Best forDrop-off and pick-up at McCormick Place campus locations; use West Building Gate 40 for quick exit

    Rideshare pickup locations are listed in Uber and Lyft apps. Gate 40 on the west side of the West Building on S. Indiana Ave is recommended for a quick exit. Note: McCormick Place is exempt from Chicago's new congestion zone fees, but the longstanding $5 airport/venue surcharge remains.

    GO Airport Express Shared Shuttle

    Estimated costO'Hare to downtown: ~$28-$32 per person one way; Midway to downtown: ~$22-$25 per person one way.
    Best forO'Hare and Midway airports to downtown Chicago hotels

    Shared-ride van service. Departs every 10-15 minutes from O'Hare. Advance reservations recommended. Travel time 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and drop-off order.

    Driving / Parking

    Estimated costLot A: $27 for 0-16 hours; $40 for 16-24 hours. Lot B: $18 flat rate (no in-and-out privileges). Lot C: similar to Lot A. Prepaid parking available for $40/day.
    Best forMcCormick Place parking lots: Lot A (adjacent to North & South Buildings), Lot B (underground, Lakeside Center), Lot C (west of West Building)

    Lot A is the primary lot for events in the West Building. Handicapped parking is available in Lots A and C and the Hyatt Regency garage. Overnight parking is not allowed in Lot A. Rates include state and local taxes.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Business Visitor VisaCitizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who are traveling to the U.S. for business purposes such as attending a conference, consulting, or negotiating contracts.$185.00Varies by U.S. embassy or consulate; interview wait times can range from a few days to several months. SC26 recommends starting the application 90-120 days before the conference.
    Visa Waiver Program (VWP) / ESTACitizens of designated VWP countries traveling to the U.S. for business or tourism for 90 days or less.$40.00Most applications are approved within minutes to 72 hours. Travelers are advised to apply as soon as they begin planning travel.

    Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may enter the U.S. for business (B-1) purposes without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, provided they obtain an approved ESTA. As of 2026, VWP includes most European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others. Citizens of all other countries generally require a B-1 visa. Nationality-specific rules are subject to change; always verify with the U.S. Department of State or the nearest U.S. embassy before travel.

    ATA Carnets are accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the temporary duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods intended for exhibitions and fairs. The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) is the designated guaranteeing association; carnets are issued by Roanoke Trade and boomerang carnets. A carnet is valid for one year and must be presented to CBP upon importation and re-exportation. Goods intended to be consumed or given away at a trade show are not permitted under an ATA Carnet. Failure to properly re-export goods may result in charges of 110% of the duty and import tax.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    November in Chicago: average high 50°F, low 20°F. Expect moderate rainfall (about 6 rainy days) and possible snow. Pack layers, a warm coat, gloves, and waterproof shoes.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    McCormick Place is served by the CTA Green Line (Cermak-McCormick station, 7-minute walk from West Building), multiple CTA bus routes, and the Metra Electric line with a station inside the Grand Concourse. Taxis and rideshare (use Gate 40 for West Building) are readily available. Bike sharing is also an option.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Chicago-Style Food

    Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs 'dragged through the garden.' These are must-try local specialties.

    The 'L' Train

    Chicago's elevated rapid transit system, known as the 'L,' is a cultural icon and a convenient way to explore the city.

    Architecture and Landmarks

    Chicago is renowned for its architecture, including Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and architecture river cruises.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

    Book flights early. SC26 housing is available through onPeak; shuttle service provided for hotels beyond half a mile. Check the official SC26 housing page for updates.

    Book flights

    Visa

    Most international visitors to SC26 require either a B-1 business visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. SC26 recommends starting the visa application process 90-120 days before the conference.

    Processing: Interview wait times vary significantly by U.S. embassy/consulate. ESTA is typically approved within 72 hours. SC26 recommends applying 90-120 days in advance.

    SC26 provides a visa letter of invitation after full registration and payment. The letter can be printed from the registration portal. A visa does not guarantee entry; CBP makes the final admission decision. Travelers from VWP countries must still obtain an ESTA. Bring a printed copy of the visa letter and registration confirmation to the visa interview and to the U.S. port of entry.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-11-15

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-11-19

    Areas to stay

    McCormick Square / Near South Side — walking distance to venue · South Loop — short CTA Green Line or Metra ride to venue · Downtown Chicago Loop — convenient CTA access and dining options

    Budget

    $150 - $220 per night (estimated)

    Mid-Range

    $220 - $350 per night (estimated)

    Premium

    $300 - $500+ per night (estimated)

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 23 miles from McCormick Place. Options: Uber/Lyft ~$52 (49 min), GO Airport Express shared shuttle ~$28-$32 per person, CTA Blue Line to Green Line (~$5, 1 hr 15 min), taxi ~$40-$60. Midway International Airport (MDW) is 9 miles away. Options: CTA Orange Line to Green Line (~$2.50, 40-55 min), taxi ~$17, rideshare ~$21-$24.

    Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft have multiple pickup/drop-off locations on the McCormick Place campus. Use the West Building's Gate 40 on S. Indiana Ave for a quick exit. A $5 surcharge applies to rides to/from McCormick Place. McCormick Place is exempt from Chicago's new congestion zone fees. Average Uber from O'Hare: $52 (49 min).

    Public transit: CTA 'L' trains: Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place station ($2.75 with Ventra card). Blue Line from O'Hare (24/7, ~45 min, $5 from O'Hare). Orange Line from Midway (~30 min, $2.50). Metra Electric line has a station inside McCormick Place Grand Concourse. Ventra app recommended for payment. 1-Day Pass $6, 7-Day Pass $25.

    Parking: Lot A: $27 for 0-16 hours, $40 for 16-24 hours (primary lot for West Building events). Lot B: $18 flat rate (Lakeside Center, no in-and-out). Lot C: similar to Lot A (west of West Building). Prepaid parking available for $40/day. Handicapped parking in Lots A and C and the Hyatt Regency garage. Overnight parking not allowed in Lot A. Height restrictions apply (Lot A: 8'0").

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November

    Temperature: High 50°F, low 20°F

    Seasonality: Moderate rainfall, about 6 rainy days; possible snow showers.

    Packing: Pack layers, a warm coat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes. An umbrella is also recommended.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Tuesday, 17 November 2026

    Recommendation based on the official schedule: Tuesday is the first full exhibit day (10 am-6 pm) and follows the Monday Grand Opening Gala. Wednesday has the same hours. Thursday closes at 3 pm, so it is the weakest choice for a single day.

    T-45

    Check hotel options; official housing has closed — Guidance. The official SC26 housing page says onPeak is the only authorized hotel contractor and that housing closed on 10 October 2026. If you still need a room, contact the SC Housing Committee or book direct, and avoid third parties claiming to speak for SC.

    T-30

    Register for SC26 and save your badge confirmation — Guidance. Registration fees were not verified for this section, so check the official Registration page for current prices and badge types.

    T-21

    Build a session shortlist from the official schedule — Guidance. The official schedule is at sc26.conference-program.com. Block time for the exhibit floor as well as the technical program.

    T-14

    Shortlist target exhibitors from the Exhibitor List and Floorplan — Guidance. The official exhibits page links an online exhibitor list and floorplan. Rank vendors by category (HPC systems, networking, storage, AI, quantum, software) and note booth numbers.

    T-10

    Book flights and ground transport — Guidance. The official housing page says shuttle service will run for hotels more than 1 mile from McCormick Place. Check the Housing & Shuttles page for the schedule before choosing a hotel.

    T-7

    Send meeting requests to priority vendors and peers — Guidance. Exhibits run Tue-Wed 10 am-6 pm and Thu 10 am-3 pm, so propose Tuesday or Wednesday slots to avoid the shorter Thursday.

    T-3

    Review the Navigating SC page and plan your first-day route — Guidance. The official site added a Navigating SC page for SC26 with first-timer and accessibility information.

    T+3

    Send follow-ups and log vendor notes — Guidance. Send thank-you messages and next-step requests within three days of the show closing on 19 November while contacts are fresh.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Mon 16 Nov, 7-9 pm

    Attend the Grand Opening Gala Reception

    See SC26 schedule for location
    Tue 17 Nov, 10 am

    Recommended: start with your top three exhibitor meetings while the floor is fresh

    McCormick Place exhibit floor
    Tue 17 Nov, afternoon

    Recommended: attend one or two technical sessions from the official schedule

    McCormick Place
    Wed 18 Nov, 10 am-6 pm

    Recommended: second full exhibit day for secondary vendors and follow-up conversations

    McCormick Place exhibit floor
    Wed 18 Nov, evening

    Recommended: team dinner or vendor meetup downtown

    Chicago, off-site
    Thu 19 Nov, 10 am-3 pm

    Final exhibit hours for last meetings and swag pickups; exhibits close at 3 pm

    McCormick Place exhibit floor

    Side trips

    4

    Museum Campus Chicago (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium)

    Museums

    Approx. 2 miles north of McCormick Place; short rideshare

    Recommendation, not event-hosted. Three major attractions in one lakefront area, good for a free evening.

    Chicago Lakefront Trail

    Outdoor

    Close to McCormick Place along Lake Michigan

    Recommendation, not event-hosted. A walk or run along the lake to reset between conference days.

    Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago

    Culture

    Approx. 3 miles north; short rideshare or transit

    Recommendation, not event-hosted. Downtown landmarks and dining within reach for team dinners.

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Outdoor

    Downtown, roughly 3 to 4 miles from McCormick Place

    Recommendation, not event-hosted. Waterfront restaurants and bars suited to small group meetings.

    Networking spots

    4

    Grand Opening Gala Reception

    Official event reception

    Official event on Monday 16 November, 7-9 pm. Check the schedule for location and eligibility.

    Exhibitor Reception

    Official event reception

    Official event on Sunday 15 November, 6:30-9:30 pm. Listed for exhibitors; confirm who may attend.

    Exhibitor Forum

    Official technical sessions

    The official site describes exhibitor technical deep-dives open to both exhibits and technical program attendees. Check the schedule for times.

    Birds of a Feather sessions

    Official community sessions

    Listed in the official program. Useful for finding peers with shared interests; check the schedule for topics and times.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Official SC26 booth/stand pricing is not publicly published on sc26.supercomputing.org as of October 2026. The Exhibits page directs prospective exhibitors to reserve space via online application and to contact SC26 Exhibits directly for questions or more information. The Exhibitor Prospectus page provides audience and spending data but does not list booth fees. Third-party listing sites cite a standard booth rate of USD 6,000 per 100 sq ft, but this is not confirmed by any official SC26/organiser source and is therefore excluded per evidence-first rules.

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 3 nights$345.00
    • Per diem × 3$207.00
    • Insurance$35.00
    Estimated total$587.00

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

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    booth_space

    exhibitor · standard booth (third-party reseller listing)

    USD 6000 / per 100 sq ft

    estimateAs of 2026-10-12

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

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

    QUESTION 1 OF 7

    How closely do your products or research interests match HPC, AI infrastructure, networking, storage or quantum computing?

    Decision matrix

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

    visit

    You need to compare vendors in person or want to meet HPC peers, and you can be in Chicago for at least one of the Tuesday or Wednesday exhibit days.

    Best for

    Researchers, system administrators, architects and buyers who want to evaluate HPC, AI infrastructure, networking, storage and quantum vendors and attend the technical program.

    Timeline

    Plan 4 to 8 weeks ahead for registration, flights and meeting requests. Official hotel housing closed on 10 October 2026.

    Risks

    Registration prices were not verified, so budget is unconfirmed.

    Official hotel housing has closed, which may limit nearby room options.

    Exhibits run only 17-19 November, with Thursday closing at 3 pm.

    exhibit

    HPC buyers are your core market, you have a booth plan and staff ready for 12-15 November move-in, and you can follow up with leads within days.

    Best for

    HPC, AI infrastructure, networking, storage, quantum and software vendors targeting national labs, universities and enterprise HPC buyers.

    Timeline

    Booth setup is due by 5 pm on 15 November. Official booth pricing was not published on the pages reviewed, so confirm availability and cost with SC26 Exhibits before committing.

    Risks

    Booth pricing and availability are not public and may be limited, since the official page mentions a waitlist.

    Freight, build and staff travel add to space costs.

    Lead capture arrangements were not confirmed for this edition.

    skip

    The audience does not match your buyers or interests, or the trip cannot be justified by a clear outcome.

    Best for

    Teams outside the HPC and AI infrastructure ecosystem, or those without budget, travel capacity or a measurable goal for this edition.

    Timeline

    None. Revisit for the next edition, and consider following the exhibitor list and published sessions remotely.

    Risks

    You miss in-person vendor access and HPC community networking.

    Competitors may use the show for meetings you cannot replicate remotely.

    Book with

    Partners

    onPeak

    Housing & Accommodation

    The only authorized contractor for SC26 hotel rooms. Official housing for attendees closed on 10 October 2026.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Stated on the official SC26 Housing & Shuttles page.

    Freeman

    Exhibit Services & Logistics

    Hosts the official SC26 Exhibitor Manual and service ordering store.

    Visit partner Confidence: medium

    Linked as Exhibitor Manual from the official SC26 Exhibits page. The page itself was not readable, so the scope of services is unverified.

    Choose Chicago

    Host City Information

    Official partner for local neighbourhood, attraction, dining and travel information.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Partnership stated on the official SC26 attendee planning page.

    Recommended providers

    Hotels

    onPeak

    onPeak is the only authorized contractor for arranging hotel rooms at SC26. Room blocks are reserved at hotels in the vicinity of McCormick Place. Housing opens 3 June 2026 and closes 10 October 2026. Book through the onPeak Compass reservation system to avoid potential issues. The conference is not responsible for hotels or rates offered by third parties.

    Freight & shipping

    Freeman

    Exhibitor Manual host. Confirm freight and material handling terms in the manual.

    Side trips

    Choose Chicago

    Official host-city information partner named on the SC26 planning page.

    Gallery

    Photos

    SC25 registration and attendee arrival.
    SC25 registration and attendee arrival.
    SC25 exhibit-floor activity during the St. Louis edition.
    SC25 exhibit-floor activity during the St. Louis edition.
    SC25 keynote session.
    SC25 keynote session.
    SC25 HPC Ignites Plenary.
    SC25 HPC Ignites Plenary.
    SC25 SCinet team and conference networking infrastructure.
    SC25 SCinet team and conference networking infrastructure.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    HPC
    High Performance Computing, a field focused on solving complex computational problems using parallel processing and advanced architectures.
    2
    SC
    The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis, held annually.
    3
    SCinet
    The conference's dedicated high-capacity network, designed, built, and administered by volunteers to provide internet connectivity and support network research.
    4
    Exhibitor Forum
    Technical presentations by HPC service providers on cutting-edge hardware, software, and data management.
    5
    Students@SC
    A program offering volunteer experiences, cluster competitions, and networking opportunities for students to develop professional skills in HPC.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    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