McCormick Place

McCormick Place is a large convention and exhibition center at 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr in Chicago, beside Lake Michigan. Its exhibition halls and meeting rooms host major trade shows, conferences and public events, including the Chicago Auto Show. The complex is spacious and well organized, with food vendors, a marketplace and accessible facilities. Some areas have views of the lake and Chicago. Check the event schedule for interactive exhibits or activities such as electric vehicle test drives, and plan for plenty of walking between halls.

A venue for major events

McCormick Place is a convention complex in Chicago’s South Loop, at 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr. Its exhibition halls and meeting rooms are used for large conferences, trade shows and public events. The scale means you may walk a considerable distance between event areas, so allow time to get around.

The Chicago Auto Show is one example of how an event can shape a visit. Its displays have included electric and hybrid vehicles, interactive zones and opportunities for EV test drives. Other events bring their own exhibits and vendors, so check the schedule for details of the show you plan to attend.

Food, access and the rooftop farm

Food vendors and a marketplace are available within the complex. Service areas can get busy during large events, so factor that into breaks between sessions. The venue has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking, along with changing tables.

At McCormick Place West, Windy City Harvest runs a rooftop farm in collaboration with Savor, the venue’s food service operation. The farm grows vegetables, herbs, native fruits and edible flowers, and includes microgreens, honeybee colonies and vermicompost bins.